The Beat Manila’s Weekender Guide: Best Things to See, Do, Eat, & Drink on July 29-Aug. 1, 2022

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’s 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. Alliance Française de Manille’s French Hyflex Trial Class

Have you been oui-ting (yes, we tried) to travel to France for so long? Alliance Française de Manille is bringing you the closest thing possible to a Parisian experience with 1.5 hours of learning the French language. Designed for beginners, their Hyflex Trial Class uses video conferences, online exercises, chat-box, interactive board, and a wide range of innovative learning apps to make language learning extra engaging. This hybrid class is limited — eight seats onsite and 10 students online — to ensure a focused learning environment.

When: 2 PM-3:30 PM, July 30

Where: AFM, 209 Nicanor Garcia, 2, Makati, 1209 Metro Manila / online

How much: P250

2. Cap off the French Month at Sofitel

If language ushers you into a country’s culture, then food must be the doorway to one’s soul. What better way to round up your Parisian experience during this French month than by delighting your taste buds with a dégustation dinner courtesy of Sofitel Philippine Plaza Manila. Spiral’s culinary artisans whipped up a five-course Foie Gras dégustation menu paired with the finest imported wines for a Parisian weekend like no other.

When: 6 PM, July 30

Where: Sofitel Philippine Plaza Hotel, CCP Complex 1300, Roxas Blvd, Pasay, Metro Manila

How much: P12,000 per person

3. Buy 1, Get 1 Beer or Cocktail at Novotel

Cruise the weekend with a clinking of glasses when you avail of Novotel’s buy-one-get-one cocktail and beer promo. Drinks go for only P99, inclusive of taxes. You can redeem your vouchers at The 6^th Manila, Novotel’s pool bar and lounge, or Food Exchange Manila until September (Mondays thru Wednesdays only).

When: Redemption until September

Where: Novotel Manila Araneta City, General Aguinaldo Avenue Araneta City, Quezon City, Metro Manila

How much: P99

4. Otasuke! July Cosplay Festival

The country’s cosplayers are set to flock to Sampaloc, Manila for this month’s cultural appreciation of Japanese anime, games, and other forms of media. From auctions and karaoke to mini games and live performances, this two-day event is nothing short of fun. Celebrity cosplayer Myrtle Sarrosa is also expected to appear for a meet-and greet on day two. Tickets are selling fast so secure yours now through this link.

When: July 29-30

Where: Laperal YOU.Suites, Recto Ave. Sampaloc, Manila

How much: One-day pass online P249 / Walk-in P299 / Two-day pass online P399 / VIPs start at P499

5. Silverlens Galleries

Two contemporary Filipino artists dive deep into the realms of fortune telling, folk healing, and nature through introspection that pierces through the consciousness of the audience. Yvonne Quisumbing’s “Cartomancer” breathes new life into the artists’ experiences through drawn paintings using oil bars on canvas. Meanwhile, in Elaine Navas’ “What Did The Tree Learn From The Earth To Be Able to Talk With The Sky,” the painter draws the attention to nature in an effort to chronicle the trivialities of life. You can experience both exhibits in person at Silverlens Manila until this weekend.

When: 10 AM-5 PM, until July 30

Where: Silverlens Galleries, 2263 Chino Roces Ext. 1231, Makati

How much: Free

6. ‘Bayan Bayanan, Letters From Home’ at Tanghalang Nicanor Abelardo

Directed by renowned playwright Anton Juan, this musical is based on the award-winning play “Bayan-Bayanan” by Bienvenido Noriega, Jr. The story follows a group of Filipino expatriates in Switzerland in the ‘70s amid a diaspora of fellow Pinoys due to economic instability back home. Juan, whose work is known for challenging the conventions, lends his artistic eye to the play in depicting the fears and aspirations of the characters.

“Bayan-Bayanan” was originally scheduled in mid-July. Tickets for those dates will be honored under the new schedule. To score your tickets, go here.

When: 7 PM, July 29-30 / 3 PM, July 31

Where: Tanghalang Nicanor Abelardo, CCP Complex, Roxas Boulevard, Pasay City, 1003 Metro Manila

How much: Starts at P515

7. ‘Beyond Limitless’: Tay & New Manila Fan Meet

Filo Polcas should have their calendars booked for the weekend as the stars of Thai Boys’ Love series “Dark Blue Kiss” are set to hold a fan meeting in Manila! Be ready to pose a picture with Tay Tawan and New Thitipoom and have them sign your posters in their first grand fan festival. You can also enjoy special perks such as access to the press conference and merch kits, depending on your pass. Get your tickets here.

When: 7 PM, July 30

Where: The Theater at Solaire, Parañaque City, Metro Manila

How much: Starts at P3,090

8. GB Labrador Live at the Music Museum

In the mood for a whip of self-deprecating humor for dinner? Stand-up comedian and TV writer GB Labrador will delight fans with a night of laughter and culturally appropriate skits at the Music Museum this weekend. The Comedy Manila founder will bring his own brand of fun that sent him to dozens of shows here and abroad. In 2016, GB became the first Filipino comedian to join the Melbourne International Comedy Festival. Click here to buy your ticket.

When: 8:30 PM, July 30

Where: Music Museum, Service Rd, San Juan, Metro Manila

How much: P750 (early bird) / P1,000 (regular price)

9. Store Specialists’ Inc.’s End of Season Sale

It’s the payday weekend! Once you’ve cleared up all your bills (ugh, we know), don’t forget to pay yourself too. As they say, all work and no play, makes jack a dull boy. And what better way to “play” than by prancing around in a pretty dress with a brand-new bag! But before falling into the rabbit hole of guilt, know that the Store Specialists is having an end-of-season sale, with up to 70% off! Get discounts on your favorite brands such as Anne Klein, Kate Spade, Nine West, Pottery Barn, and more!

When: Until Aug. 31

Where: In-stores or online via Trunc and participating brands’ websites