Now on its sixth iteration, FIFTH WALL returns with its annual flagship event in the form of “Muscle Memory”, where movements are revisited, and time and space are reframed. From October 25 to 26, 2025, the much-anticipated creative gathering takes place in the heart of Makati, on the 28th floor, Tower II, of RCBC Plaza, reframing the city itself as a makeshift stage. 

One purchased ticket allows you to “move through the fifth wall” and explore how memory lives within the body, and how instinctive gestures can become sites of rediscovery.

Launched in 2020 as an “at-home” festival for dance films, FIFTH WALL has since evolved into a year-round cultural force that continues to blur the boundaries between dance and its surrounding disciplines. Six editions on, its ethos remains constant: to reimagine movement, and to invite its audience to do the same.

A choreography of memory and motion

Entitled “Muscle Memory”, to understand the relationship between architecture and dance, is what the festival aims for this year. We investigate how repetition, rhythm, and recall shape our understanding of self and space. Everyday gestures such as walking, reaching, dressing, sitting, and more, are recontextualized into new patterns, revealing how the body archives memory and meaning through motion. 

As FIFTH WALL enters the central business district it finds new ways for the inhabitants to move within the space. City dwellers become the active participants in a performance that unfolds into a living choreography. The audience this time around is invited to participate, wander, pause, notice, and interact with the installations. Each gesture, however small, becomes part of the evolving composition of people.

“I’ve had a deep yearning for the analog form over the past year, ever since I began conceptualising Edition VI. That’s why, for this iteration, blending the principles of architecture and dance with the concept of movement notation, made the most sense. The objective is for audiences to have a more tactile experience when engaging with the artworks and the space. The whole event is choreographed to a tee, and the added layer of transforming the spectator into a performer is especially exciting. And in true FIFTH WALL form, we always leave room for fun and spontaneity. This year’s format speaks to both kids and kids-at-heart—and perhaps even awakens the dormant, playful movement in everyone.” – Madge Reyes, founder of FIFTH WALL 

Collaborations and Highlights

Featuring new works in collaborations with ES SE, Marco Ortiga, Lando Cusi, Novel, and WHYNoT, FIFTH WALL VI continues to dissolve the line between artist and audience. Each collaborator is producing a large-scale installation that will invite festival goers to interact with. Installations will be a prompt for movement in and of itself, with hopes to push new perspectives onto everyday physical acts. Select works are available for purchase.

Also new to the festival this year are participatory guided tours. FIFTH WALL taps friends of the platform to share their personal approaches to understanding and perceiving movement as they lead participants through the floor. Expected then is a unique experience for each tour group. The same installations but a different journey for each!

The Day 1 tours on October 25th, will be led by Anna Buqid (fashion). Tarzeer Pictures (film and visual arts), Jer Dee (visual arts), Studio Jan (architecture), Raco Ruiz (visual art), Ayni Nuyda (visual art), Apa Agbayani (film), Elijah Canlas (film and theater), Jodinand Aguillon (fashion and theater).

While Day 2 tours on October 26th, will be led by Jim Ferrer (theater and dance), Jerms (music), Jon Santos (film and theater), One Zero (architecture), Andre Chan (visual arts), PJ Rebullida (dance), Bea Constantino (fashion), EM Enriquez (fashion) and a special tour in collaboration with Rolling Stone.

At the end of each tour, participants will be invited to partake in a culminating activity in the form of a video installation done in collaboration with Timothy Axibal.

Visitors can also look forward to live art sessions with darlingkink and Giostrina, as well as evening DJ performances to close each day, with Aries and Papa Jawnz performing on Days 1 and 2, respectively. Lighting of the entire floor venue will be done in collaboration with cinematographer Ian Guevara.

Enhancing the experience, exclusive merchandise and a curated selection of food and beverage items will be onsite, offering visitors a chance to pause, refuel, and reflect between activities.

Ticket Information

Tickets are available via https://fifthwall.helixpay.ph.
Early bird phase runs from October 12-18.
Regular phase from October 19-24.
Walk-ins phase during festival dates of October 25-26.

General Admission grants access to the main floor, F&B and merch areas, and evening DJ performances. This ticket provides whole-day entry (on your selected date) to the exhibition floor, where guests can move freely throughout the installations. General Admission does not include participation in guided tours, and ticket holders may be asked to briefly step aside from specific areas as the tours pass through.

Tour Tickets include all General Admission privileges, plus a guided floor tour led by one of FIFTH WALL’s featured guides, culminating in a unique group activity exclusive to tour guests.

Practical Information

FIFTH WALL VI runs from October 25–26, 2025, at RCBC Plaza, 28/F Tower II, Makati City, from 11:00 AM to 10:00 PM daily.

Tickets & Entry: Children ages 6 and below may enter free of charge, with a valid ID for verification. Walk-ins are welcome throughout the event. Visitors may explore the exhibition freely with a General Admission ticket, while guided tours are optional. All tickets are non-transferable and non-refundable; the name on the ticket must match the valid ID presented at entry. Please refrain from sharing your QR code with others. The event is fully cashless, with only digital payments accepted both online and onsite.

Guests joining guided tours are advised to arrive at least 15 minutes before their scheduled slot. They may enter the venue earlier or stay after their tour to continue exploring. Re-entry is permitted on the same date as the purchased ticket, provided guests present their wristband and QR code. PWD and Senior Citizen discounts are available upon verification. For inquiries, guests may contact @fifthwall.ph on Instagram or email info@fifthwall.ph.

Event Details: The festival program features scheduled tours and DJ sets across both days. General Admission guests may enter at any time within event hours. Designed to be family-friendly, the event welcomes guests of all ages. Outside food and beverages are not allowed, though a selection of curated vendors will be available inside. Photography for personal use is permitted, but professional equipment is prohibited unless authorized. Flash photography near sensitive works should be avoided, and guests are reminded to be considerate of others’ viewing experiences. Most installations invite close interaction, though visitors are asked to refrain from touching ES SE’s Out-of-Body Experience, as contact may damage the work. Please observe all signage and safety reminders throughout the venue, maintaining a respectful distance from artworks and avoiding leaning or placing objects on installations. Select works will be available for purchase.

Venue Information: Pay parking is available at the RCBC Plaza basement, with additional parking at Ayala North Exchange Basement, Dela Rosa Road 3 Parking, and nearby street options. Restrooms and elevator access are available within the venue, which is fully equipped with PWD accommodations.

Community & Environment: Pets are not permitted inside the venue. Guests are asked to avoid bringing large bags or bulky items. Smoking and vaping are strictly prohibited inside the building. Please keep food and waste within designated areas and dispose of trash responsibly.

FIFTH WALL VI: Muscle Memory is supported by Search Mindscape Foundation. With special thanks to Art Impresario, Aputure Philippines, Amaran, and RS Concepts, and media partner Rolling Stone Philippines.