MAKATI CITY — Fans of the iconic song “Sway” will have a special reason to visit Makati this September as New Zealand singer-songwriter Bic Runga makes her first performance in the Philippines. Runga will take the stage at The Concourse at One Ayala on September 26, performing alongside the Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra. For Filipino listeners who have long associated her voice with the timeless melody of “Sway,” the concert offers a chance to experience the celebrated artist live while discovering more about New Zealand. Her performance forms part of Experience New Zealand 2026, a two-day celebration designed to highlight the cultural, educational, culinary, and people-to-people connections between New Zealand and the Philippines.
A Weekend Filled With New Zealand Experiences
Running from September 26 to 27, Experience New Zealand 2026 goes beyond the concert stage. The event will feature a cultural presentation by Ngā Hau E Whā, a Māori performing arts group based in Tokyo, with the program hosted by Kiwi-Filipino entertainer Eric “Eruption” Tai. Students and parents can also connect directly with representatives from 12 New Zealand tertiary institutions, providing an opportunity to learn more about educational options in the country. Food lovers, meanwhile, can explore New Zealand flavors through samples of Kiwi dairy, wines, grass-fed meats, and Manuka honey. Families can enjoy activities such as rugby challenges and face painting, while a giant kiwi bird offers a fun photo opportunity. The entire event is free and open to the public, making it accessible to visitors looking for a cultural experience in the heart of Makati.
Celebrating Six Decades of Friendship
The celebration also comes at an important moment in Philippine-New Zealand relations. In July 2026, the two countries elevated their relationship to a Comprehensive Partnership, strengthening cooperation in areas such as trade, education, and people-to-people connections. Both countries have also set a goal of increasing two-way trade by 50 percent by 2030. Against this backdrop, Experience New Zealand provides a more personal way for Filipinos to discover the country and its culture. Instead of encountering the relationship between the two nations only through official agreements, visitors can experience it through music, food, education, cultural performances, and shared experiences.
Plan Your Makati Visit
Experience New Zealand 2026 will be held on September 26 and 27, 2026, at The Concourse, One Ayala, Makati City. The event is free and open to the public, beginning at 10:00 AM on Saturday and running through 10:00 PM on Sunday. Visitors interested in performance schedules and event updates can follow the New Zealand Embassy in Manila on social media. With Bic Runga's highly anticipated Philippine debut serving as one of its highlights, the weekend offers tourists, families, music fans, and curious visitors an opportunity to experience a different side of New Zealand without leaving Makati.
