Chill Nights at Minsan Gig sa Skydome
Reclaiming the unadulterated joy of the local scene, “Minsan Gig sa Skydome” returns this May 8-9 to reconnect fans with the essence of Filipino live music.
Words Mariel Ann Breanna Puli
Photos courtesy of Angela Dela, Ann Tanginan, and Shannen Rowan
May 07, 2026
The local music scene has always thrived on the raw connection between the artists and the crowd, wrapped in a nostalgic energy that makes everyone in the room feel like they’re coming home.
This May 2026, Minsan Studio brings that cherished, unpretentious vibe to the North with “Minsan Gig sa Skydome.” The two-part show promises contrasting but complementary live sonic experiences, centered in three main points: accessibility, nostalgia, and community.
Photo by Angela Dela
By pairing the high-octane energy of “Minsan Maingay” (Sometimes Loud) on May 8 with the melodic reprieve of “Minsan Malumanay” (Sometimes Calm) on May 9, the production team strives to build a comfortable, free-flowing space where listeners can leave their stress and just enjoy the music on their own terms.
This series draws its inspiration from the golden era of Route 196, a venue that served as a sanctuary for artists and fans alike. In those days, attending a gig gave a familiar feeling of just being at home.
Photo by Angela Dela
Minsan Studio is effectively bottling that cozy, second-home energy, inviting patrons to step back into a space where they simply need to show up and be present with the people they love.
Experiencing the “Unadulterated Joy” of Live Music
This initiative wouldn’t be possible without the people who helped define the scene. Industry stalwarts like Monty Macalino of Mayonnaise and Jugs Jugueta of The Itchyworms have lent their vision to the project, driven by a desire to bring the “unadulterated joy” of live music back to the forefront. Their motivation is to remind the audiences why they fell in love with local bands in the first place.
Photo by Ann Tanginan
Guided by the founder Jason Conanan, the series acts as a grand reunion for those who came of age in the bar circuit. However, it isn’t just looking backward. Minsan Studio is also inviting a new wave of listeners into the fold. It is a conscious effort to keep the spirit of the underground alive while ensuring everyone is welcome, regardless of which era of music they claim as their own.
Sometimes Loud, Sometimes Calm
Photo by Ann Tanginan
The upcoming May weekend offers two different styles for attendees to choose from.
On May 8, the “Minsan Maingay” (Sometimes Loud) set caters to the seekers of raw power, featuring a distortion-heavy lineup that includes Sandwich, Mayonnaise, NOBITA, Setsuna, One Click Straight, Chicosci, and Fragments. It is a night for those who need to let off some steam and find an unfiltered release of stress.
Photo by Shannen Rowan
On May 9, the mood shifts in the “Minsan Malumanay” (Sometimes Calm) experience—a softer, more contemplative atmosphere featuring indie favorites like The Ridleys, Minaw, The Bloomfields, Jensen & The Flips, Soapdish, El Manu, and Amiel Sol. In contrast to the high energy of the first night, this evening is designed for deep connection and yearning, inviting you to slow down, share a laugh, and unwind. This lineup also includes a stand-up comedy set by James Caraan.
So, whether a listener’s musical style leans toward screaming or whispering, the goal is simply to feel the music and know you belong. As Conanan puts it, “Gig lang. Enjoy lang.”
Photo by Shannen Rowan
Zero Worries, Just Music
Moving away from the formality of big productions, “Minsan Gig sa Skydome” prioritizes the listener’s lifestyle. The event encourages a free-flowing experience where attendees aren't tethered to a seat or a strict schedule. Whether they want to catch every lyric from the rail, take a break to grab a snack, or simply lounge with friends while the music drifts by, the space is theirs to navigate.
Photo by Shannen Rowan
It is a celebration of that effortless, laid-back energy that encourages attendees to move at their own speed, where comfort comes first and the music is enjoyed entirely on their own terms.
By choosing the SM Skydome, Minsan Studio has strategically placed this experience at the heart of Northern Metro Manila’s most accessible hub. This venue choice solves the logistical hurdles of traditional bar-hopping, offering air-conditioned comfort and flexible viewing without sacrificing the intimacy of a local gig.
Photo by Shannen Rowan
It’s an open invitation for fans to sink back into that feeling everyone has been missing: the raw, nostalgic soul of a late-night bar residency, but with the breathing room and ease of a modern space.
It’s the perfect excuse to finally round up the old crew, leave the week’s stress at the door, and just be in the moment. It’s a chance to catch up over the songs they love and just settle into the night with zero worries, exactly the way music is meant to be enjoyed.
For ticket inquiries and further details, follow Minsan Studio online to stay in the loop.
