How "Muscle Memory" Shapes This Year's FIFTH WALL Edition
Now in its sixth edition, FIFTH WALL explores how the body remembers through movement, space, and play.
Published on Oct 20, 2025
What does it mean to move through memory? For FIFTH WALL VI, it’s an invitation to rediscover the body’s instinctive gestures and how the simple act of walking or reaching can turn into choreography.
Now on its sixth edition, the dance-focused platform founded by Madge Reyes is staging Muscle Memory on October 25 and 26, 2025, transforming the 28th floor of RCBC Plaza Tower II in Makati into an open, interactive landscape for art, movement, and play.
Since its beginnings in 2020, when it launched as a small digital festival for dance films, FIFTH WALL has steadily expanded its reach, collapsing the boundaries between dance, design, architecture, and performance. “I’ve had a deep yearning for the analog form over the past year, ever since I began conceptualising Edition VI,” says Madge. “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 title Muscle Memory plays on the idea of how the body remembers what the mind forgets. Here, even ordinary motions—sitting, standing, wandering—become material for art-making. “The whole event is choreographed to a tee, and the added layer of transforming the spectator into a performer is especially exciting,” Madge adds. “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.”
What to Know About FIFTH WALL VI: Muscle Memory
This year’s festival is built on collaboration. Artists and studios including ES SE, Marco Ortiga, Lando Cusi, Novel, and WHYNoT have created installations designed not just to be seen, but to be moved through. Here, the line between viewer and performer blurs, as the audience becomes part of the rhythm.
Another highlight: guided tours led by creatives from across disciplines—film, fashion, architecture, music, and theater—each interpreting the installations in their own way. Among them are Elijah Canlas, Apa Agbayani, PJ Rebullida, Raco Ruiz, Tarzeer Pictures, Studio Jan, and Preview’s Associate Entertainment Editor Em Enriquez. Each tour offers a distinct lens, as no two journeys through the space are the same.
The experience concludes with a video installation by Timothy Axibal, where participants contribute to a collective moving image. Across the floor, live art sessions by darlingkink and Giostrina, and DJ sets by Aries and Papa Jawnz, extend the energy late into the evening.
Before You Go
FIFTH WALL VI runs from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., with two ticket options. General Admission gives guests all-day access to installations, F&B booths, and DJ sets; Tour Tickets include guided sessions with the featured artists. The event is cashless, family-friendly, and fully accessible, with children under six admitted free of charge.
Visitors are encouraged to arrive 15 minutes early for tours, and to take time wandering, as the venue itself is part of the performance.
Tickets are available at fifthwall.helixpay.ph, while walk-ins are also welcome throughout the event.
For updates, follow @fifthwall.ph on Instagram or email info@fifthwall.ph.
Kat is Preview's Lifestyle Editor, explorer, and occasional rhymer. When not globe-trotting, she's over her computer, writing her next big novel.