Jazz Without Borders: PIJazzfest Returns June 14

The globally renowned a cappella group Straight No Chaser, best known for their viral hit "The 12 Days of Christmas" mashup, brings their signature harmonies and charismatic stage presence to Manila as part of the PIJazzfest 2025 

The Philippine International Jazz Festival (PIJazzfest) is back this June with a powerful celebration of global jazz, cultural fusion, and musical excellence. Now in its 19th year, PIJazzfest 2025 carries the theme “Beyond Borders: Music for the World,” a fitting tribute to the genre’s timeless ability to connect people across cultures and generations. 

Kicking off this year’s festivities is a free pre-festival performance on Wednesday, June 12, 2025, featuring the world-renowned a cappella group Straight No Chaser. Catch them live at 5:30 PM at the MOA Amphitheater, located at Level 4 of MOA Sky, Mall of Asia. Known for their signature harmonies and energetic live shows, the nine-man ensemble brings their Asian tour to Manila for one unforgettable night, open to the public and completely free of charge.

Straight No Chaser will also treat fans to a pre-event exclusive performance at the MOA Amphitheater, located in MOA Sky, ahead of their main concert at PIJazzfest 2025

The celebration continues on Saturday, June 14, 2025, from 4:00 PM onwards, at the APC Auditorium in Asia Pacific College, Magallanes, where the main festival comes alive with a carefully curated lineup of world-class performers. Hosted by Harvard scholar and jazz historian Jazzyphar, the evening will feature Jerome Rico, an Awit Award-winning fingerstyle guitarist; Anibal Ansin, an Argentinian tango singer performing alongside dancers Jang & Jenn; genre-blending world music group Anima Tierra; the smooth and stylish Velvet Jazz; and Black Cows, a crowd-favorite tribute band to Steely Dan.

Official lineup for the PIJazzfest 2025: Beyond Borders – Music for the World, happening on June 14 at APC Magallanes, in celebration of 127 years of Philippine Independence. 

Guests can relax between sets at the PIJazz Lounge with food and drinks from Aristocrat and Casa Trinidad, plus music pop-ups, a tattoo booth by artist Janeea Miss Treat, a jazz history talk by Richie Quirino, and an Open Jam for spontaneous performances and maybe even some dancing. 

Since its founding in 2006 by Jun and Sandra Viray, Edgar “Koyang” Avenir, and Zenaida Celdran, PIJazzfest has stayed true to its mission of bringing jazz closer to Filipino audiences. From its grassroots beginnings, it has grown into one of the country’s most respected music festivals—a yearly celebration of jazz lovers, artists, and curious newcomers, all drawn by the joy of music. 

For June 14 PIJazzfest 2025 tickets, visit https://smtickets.com/