World-renowned musician and activist Manu Chao performed his ultra acoustic sets in Manila and El Nido, Palawan for the first time. These exclusive performances, presented by The Pangolin Sound Project, took place on March 21 at Samsung Hall, SM Aura in Manila, and on March 28 at Kalye Artisano in El Nido.
Born José-Manuel Tomás Arturo Chao Ortega in Paris to Spanish parents, Manu Chao emerged in the late 1980s with Mano Negra, a pioneering band that blended punk, reggae, ska, and Latin rhythms. His solo career took off with the 1998 album Clandestino, a landmark record that established his signature mix of multilingual lyrics and global sounds. Over the years, he has released critically acclaimed albums such as Próxima Estación: Esperanza and La Radiolina, which continue to resonate with audiences worldwide.
Beyond music, Manu Chao is a dedicated activist, supporting social movements, indigenous communities, and environmental causes. His songs often address themes of immigration, inequality, and resistance, making him a voice for the marginalized. His concerts in the country were not just about music—they carry a powerful message of conservation and community empowerment.
Organized by The Pangolin Sound Project, this tour combined music and environmental advocacy, using live performances as a platform to highlight urgent conservation efforts. Manu Chao’s participation reinforced the project's mission to engage audiences while drawing attention to the plight of endangered species and fragile ecosystems.
In collaboration with SM Supermalls and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), this event will shed light on the Palawan pangolin (Manis culionensis)—a critically endangered species endemic to the Philippines. Often referred to as a natural pest controller, this elusive creature is under severe threat due to poaching and habitat loss. The Zoological Society of London (ZSL), in partnership with local organizations, has been leading conservation initiatives to protect the species, with The Pangolin Sound Project amplifying these efforts through music and storytelling.
By aligning with The Save from Extinction campaign, this event not only brought world-class music to the country but also strengthened the collective efforts to safeguard biodiversity through education, art, and collaboration.
As part of the concert activities, the Embassy of Spain and Instituto Cervantes organized a special visit by Manu Chao to Barangay Tejeros in Manila. This community recently underwent a vibrant artistic transformation with a large-scale mural by Spanish collective Boa Mistura, featuring the word ‘Unyon’ (union).
During his visit, Manu Chao performed an intimate acoustic session for the residents, celebrating the power of music and art to connect people across cultures. This initiative underscored the ongoing collaboration between Spanish institutions and Filipino communities, reinforcing the importance of cultural exchange and social impact.
The El Nido concert also offered a one-of-a-kind, immersive experience, celebrating Filipino culture, sustainability, and craftsmanship in a breathtaking outdoor setting. The event also featured special performances by DJ Cous Cous and Mike the Wolf.
This event was made possible by the generous support of the Embassy of Spain and Embassy of France and Micronesia, together with Zoological Society of London (ZSL), Lio Estate, SM Supermalls, Instituto Cervantes, Alliance Française de Manille, The Pangolin El Nido and Cebu Pacific Air.
Founded in El Nido, Palawan, The Pangolin Sound Project integrates music, art, and conservation to foster awareness and inspire action. Through live events, digital storytelling, and collaborations with global artists, the initiative amplifies the call for protecting the Palawan pangolin and its threatened habitat.