What’s On Manila: Best Things to See, Do, Eat, Drink on March 8-14, 2023

Ahh, another week is upon us, and you’re looking for cool things to get up to in Manila! We’ve saved you the hassle with The Beat Manila’s rundown of the best places to hit up and things to do right now—from blink-and-you'll-miss-it pop-up sights and new restaurant openings, to the hottest activities that you shouldn’t miss. 

To keep your finger on the pulse of the city, follow The Beat Manila to see what’s best in store for the week ahead.  

1. 'Suzume' Screening

Fans of Makoto Shinkai have much to look forward to this week, as the Japanese animator's latest anime, "Suzume," is being screened! For those who've loved his past works like "5 Centimeters per Second," "Your Name," and "Weathering With You," this natural disaster adventure film might be that one thing you need to put a spin on your week. And if you've found yourself endeared by "Your Name" and "Weathering With You's" soundtracks, be apprised that Japanese rock band Radwimps is back for "Suzume's" score. You can catch “Suzume” this week until next Tuesday at Cinema '76!

When: March 8-14

Where: Cinema '76, 2/F Terraces Building, Tomas Morato Corner Scout Borromeo, Quezon City

How much: P320

2. 'Isko't Iska 2022: in the Kapokverse of MADness Show'

Theater lovers around the area of Los Baños, Laguna, get ready for "Isko't Iska 2022: in the Kapokverse of MADness," a play presented by the University of the Philippines-Los Baños' (UPLB) Writers' Club, UPLB University Student Council, and Umalohokan, Inc. A play by the masses and for the masses, it seeks to tell the story of the Filipino people's struggles under the dictatorship of the late dictator Ferdinand Marcos and to ignite the calls to hold accountable the later administrations, namely of Marcos Jr. and former Presidents Gloria Arroyo and Rodrigo Duterte. The stirring play will be performed by the freshmen students of UPLB!

When: 7 PM, March 8-9

Where: Dioscoro L. Umali Hall, UPLB, Pedro R. Sandoval Avenue, Los Baños, Laguna

How much: Free

3. 'Halu-Halo' Short Plays

More theater! Don't miss out on the Far Eastern University (FEU) Theater Guild's staging of "Halu-Halo," a collection of 10 short plays in celebration of its 89th year. Under the masterful direction of the theater guild's Artistic Director Dudz Teraña, "Halu-Halo" will have you laughing, crying, and feeling excited as you witness plays like "Nang Mag-Suicide Ang Langgam," "Dating Apps," "Sabay Tayong Mag-Grab," and "Arte Ka?" among many others.

When: March 10-April 28

Where: FEU Center for the Arts, Ground Floor of Engineering Building, Nicanor Reyes Street, Sampaloc

How much: P200 (FEU community), P300 (non-FEU community)

4. Face-to-Face Art Classes

Fancy unleashing your inner artist? Check out Art Smart, which offers art classes to children and adults alike! Art Smart's Saturday face-to-face classes are starting this week and will be divided into two age groups, namely those aged six to 10 years old and those aged 11 to 70 years old. The classes offered are acrylic painting, drawing and coloring, and drawing and shading. As classes are limited, it's recommended you contact Art Smart on 0917 878 4766 to reserve your slots.

When: March 11

Where: Art Smart, 500 Shaw, Synetserve, Shaw Boulevard, Pleasant Hills, Mandaluyong and 45 Aquarius Street, Melrose Townhomes President Quirino Street, Barangay Industrial Valley, Marikina City

How much: P5,500 for eight sessions (drawing and coloring/shading); P8,500 for eight sessions (acrylic painting).

5. 'The Worst Person in the World' Screening

If you've ever felt in limbo in life, perhaps you might relate to the protagonist of Joachim Trier's acclaimed romantic black comedy-drama "The Worst Person in the World." It centers on Julie and her journey in facing her fears and finding the right career and partner, as well as her authentic self. Celebrate Women's Month this March by catching this film this weekend!

When: 5:30 PM, March 11

Where: Cinematheque Centre Manila, 855 TM Kalaw, Ermita

How much: P200

6. ‘The Wild Garden of Childhood’ Exhibit

Contemporary art gallery and art consultancy Modeka Art teamed up with creative group Empty Scholar for the group exhibition "The Wild Garden of Childhood." Inspired by the late poet Pablo Neruda's words, "Everything is ceremony in the wild garden of childhood," the exhibit aims to make palpable those buried in memory. In each piece, "the artists project the memories they reproduce."

"The Wild Garden of Childhood" features artworks from Chalk Zaldivar, Ian Anderson, Miguel Puyat, Celline Mercado, Carzen Arpa Esprela, and Kim Borja.

When: Until March 11

Where: Modeka Art, 20A La Fuerza Plaza 1, 2241 Don Chino Roces Avenue, Makati City

How much: Free

7. UP Diliman Spartan SGX Training

Are you trying to work on your fitness more this year? No buts or excuses, we urge you to get your tush over at the University of the Philippines-Diliman this Sunday morning to join Spartan SGX Kalabaw's training. This sports and fitness instruction group offers community workouts in various locations, from obstacle training with Obstacle Central and running with the Kalabaw Run Club to workout sessions in Quezon City and Alabang suitable for just about any fitness level. The training this Sunday is open to Kalabaw and non-Kalabaw members, from beginners to advanced. Make sure to bring your own water, face mask, and change of clothes. You may register here.

When: 6 AM, March 12

Where: Palma Hall, UP Diliman, 18 Roxas Avenue, Diliman, Quezon City

How much: Free

8. Lechon sa Hurno (Oven) Class

This demonstration with student participation class seemed to have been made for foodies and serious lechon lovers! The Lechon sa Hurno class with Chef Patty Loanzon at the Heny Sison Culinary School will introduce you to wonderful lechon dishes perfect for any special occasion. Learn how to prepare and bake dishes like Pritchon-inspired Belly with Pita Bread, Lechon Manok with Adobo Rice, Fish in Salt Crust, and Bagoong Bagna Cauda. It is imperative that you bring food containers so you can take home these mouthwatering dishes!

When: 10 AM-4 PM, March 13

Where: Heny Sison Culinary School, 3 Col. Bonny Serrano Avenue, Quezon City

How much: P4,500

9. 'Oras de Peligro' Screening

 "Oras de Peligro," a film by director and martial law survivor Joel Lamangan, opened on March 1. It unflinchingly tells the tale of a family living in the slums in the last days of the Marcos dictatorship.

The family must come to terms with the loss of their patriarch, who was murdered by corrupt police officers; the film follows their journey in becoming "active participants" in the overthrow of the late dictator Marcos. Starring award-winning veteran actress Cherry Pie Picache as the lead, the film is a searing "reminder" to the significance of the People Power Revolution. Catch it in over 100 cinemas nationwide!

When: Now showing

Where: Multiple locations

How much: Varies

10. Spiral's Gastronomic Feast

If you've been itching to dine at Spiral and its 21 ateliers but find its prices a bit steep, then you'll love this dining promo from Sofitel! To make your weekdays extraordinary, the five-star luxury hotel is offering a 20% discount on its lunch and dinner rates every Monday to Thursday, granted that you book a reservation until the end of the month. You may then dine at the world-class buffet until the end of next month. Go on and sample Spiral's most sumptuous dishes to your heart's content! Book your reservations here.

When: Book until March 31, dine until April 30

Where: Spiral Manila, Sofitel Philippine Plaza Hotel, CCP Complex 1300, Roxas Boulevard, Pasay City

How much: P3,300 (Monday to Thursday lunch), P4,399 (Monday to Thursday dinner)

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