What’s on Manila: Best Things to See, Do & Eat on March 15-21, 2023

Ahh, another weekend is upon us and you’re looking for cool things to get up to in the city! We’ve saved you the hassle with The Beat Manila rundown of the best places to hit up and things to do this weekend—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 weekend.

1. BGC Coffee Fest Year 2

A cuppa joe is always a good idea when you want to relax and appreciate live performances. The BGC Coffee Fest returns this year and is brewing something bigger and better for lovers of coffee and the arts. This year’s activity lineup will include a tattoo pop-up, a community ride, live art, and more.

Aside from coffee pop-ups and live music, guests should not miss the cycling and lifestyle brands present at the event. Bikers can snag some of their cycling needs at R.O.X., Adidas, Specialized Philippines, Built Cycles, Blocks, and Passe, to name a few.

When: 8 AM-8 PM, March 18-19

Where: Bonifacio High Street South, Taguig City

How much: Free

2. Rescues Finding Furever Home

Calling all animal lovers in the metro! Biyaya Animal Care has started an adoption program to safeguard the lives of these furry pets. The cats and dogs available for adoption have received complete vaccinations, and an adoption kit from pet supply store Royal Canin will be provided to these responsible pet owners. These pets (except puppies) are all spayed, neutered, and dewormed.

When: 11 AM-5 PM, March 19

Where: 123 Block Mandala Park, 312 Shaw Boulevard, Mandaluyong City

How much: Free

3. Serenitea’s Deals of the Month

Most people love milk tea because it’s a refreshing drink that you can enjoy even when you’re on the run. If you’re a fan of this libation, you’re in for a real treat! Starting this week, Taiwanese milk tea shop Serenitea is offering a special deal.

If you buy two of its Signature Fruit Iced Tea or Grapefruit Green Tea, you will receive a discount of 20%; 30% off if you buy three; and 50% off for five. Its Fried Mantou is also discounted from P110 to P88 for this month.

When: Starts on March 15 

Where: Check the list of participating branches on its Facebook page

How much: P88-P375

4. Dominic Mangila’s Solo Exhibition “Pastures of Plenty”

Filipino artist Dominic Mangila will be having a solo exhibition titled “Pasture of Plenty” this weekend and it will run until April 15. The exhibit’s title was inspired by Woodie Guthrie’s song that “describes the travails and dignity of migrant workers in North America.”

The exhibition will feature a collection of artworks that merges the painting history and meta-narrative of the Manong Generation, which pertain to Filipino immigrant farm workers who were based in the United States in the early 20th century.

When: March 18 

Where: Drawing Room Manila, GF, Building C, Karrivin Plaza, 2316 Chino Roces Avenue Extension, Makati

How much: Free

5. BGC Art Mart ‘Into the Summer: Raw Local Talent’

Are you an artist who wants to showcase your unique works with the community? This weekend’s event will provide a platform for local artists to exhibit their works, artistic services, and talent. 

Aside from discovering and reconnecting with new artists, there will be live performances that everyone can enjoy. 

The outdoor venue event has limited slots for each run. To register, click here. In case you miss this weekend’s run, you can still sign up for the succeeding event dates in April and May.

When: 3 PM-9 PM, March 17-19

Where: Alveo Central Plaza, BGC Arts Center, 26th corner 9th Avenue, BGC, Taguig

6. Momzilla Fair 2023

In an effort to “make parenting feel like a sweet dream,” Momzilla Fair is happening this weekend packed with fun events and exclusive deals.

There will be informative talks, family activities, and meet-and-greets with some baby-friendly brands that sell everything from quality baby gear and breastfeeding supplies to clothing, accessories, and potty-training aids.

The event offers free entrance to children under 12 years old and nannies in uniform. You may also reserve a seat by sending an email to [email protected].

When: 11 AM-8 PM, March 18-19

Where: 3rd and 4th Levels, SMX Aura, 26th Street corner McKinley Parkway, Taguig 

How much: P100 (including 13+ years old) via Momzilla

7. Purple Wednesdays

Everyone is invited to wear anything purple on Wednesdays throughout the entire month of March to show one’s support in promoting gender equality and women’s empowerment.

This is part of the celebration of International Women’s Day on March 8 spearheaded by the Philippine Commission on Women. Participants can take photos and post them on social media using the hashtags #WEcanbeEquALL and #PurpleWednesdays2023!

Other ways to show your support is to light up or decorate your workplaces in purple to further raise awareness about the significance of this occasion. For more information about this initiative, go here.

When: March 15

Where: Online

How much: Free

8. Souk BGC

Let’s take a trip to the farmer’s market this weekend! Souk BGC is another exciting event in the BGC community, where you can buy fresh produce from farmers and help prevent thousands of fresh foods from going to waste. The weekend farmer’s market offers farm-to-table delights that will financially benefit farmers in the Cordillera Administrative Region.

Some fresh produce that BGCitizens can purchase are cauliflowers, broccolis, sayote tops, kale, chives, fennels, strawberries, and more. 

When: 9 AM-4 PM, March 18

Where: De Jesus Oval (near Las Flores), Bonifacio Global City, Taguig

How much: P30-P350

9. M Conversations Series: ‘A Walk Through Sounds of Blackness’

Larry Ossei-Mensah, a Ghanaian-American cultural critic, will give his curatorial perspectives at this international contemporary art show titled "A Stroll Through Sounds of Blackness." 

He has organized exhibitions and programs at various commercial and non-profit spaces, Web3-related projects, and curated museum shows all over the world. 

Participants who wish to join this event must click the “Going” button on Metropolitan Museum Manila’s Facebook event page to register.

When: 11 AM-12 PM, March 15

Where: 2nd Floor South Gallery, Metropolitan Museum Manila, MK Tan Centre, 30th Street corner 9th Avenue, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig

How much: Free

10. Art in the Park 2023

Since its inception in 2006, Art in the Park has been an active participant in the local art scene, bringing together a variety of art collectives, galleries, art schools, and independent art venues. An exhibition of paintings, prints, photographs, sculptures, and works in new media will be on display at this event. Check out the complete list of participants here.

When: 10 AM-10 PM, March 19

Where: Jaime Velasquez Park, Salcedo Village, Makati

How much: Free

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