The Beat Manila’s Weekender Guide: Best Things to See, Do, Eat, & Drink on Oct. 28-30, 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. Halloween Run at Ortigas Malls

Mark the spooky season this weekend by running for your life! You can participate in the Neon Run at Estancia organized by Ortigas Malls, where you'll be required to join in a neon-themed run outfit. Since you'll be sprinting and there is no baggage counter at the venue, it is advised not to bring any gadgets or expensive items. IDs are a must, as well as drinking water, towels, and sanitizer. Runners who win as champion, first place, and second place will receive P5,000, P3,000, and P2,000, respectively, as well as medals. Registration is free via Google Forms. Be at the venue 30 minutes before the start!

When: 5 PM to 8 PM, Oct. 29

Where: Estancia Mall, Capital Commons Park, Meralco Avenue, Pasig,

How much: Free

2. Potato Corner's 30th Anniversary Treat

When people say fries, Potato Corner is usually the first to come to mind. This proudly Filipino business has long been a household name, its bright green and yellow stalls omnipresent throughout the country, and it is celebrating its 30th anniversary this month! As a treat, customers will get one free large fries in any flavor except truffle for every purchase of Giga fries in whatever seasoning of your choice. Make sure not to miss it on its last day this Friday!

When: 1 PM to 4 PM, until Oct. 28

Where: All Potato Corner stores nationwide

How much: Prices may vary across branches

3. The 25th French Film Festival

To mark the 75th anniversary of the Philippines’ and France's diplomatic relations, the Embassy of France to the Philippines and Micronesia launched the 25th French Film Festival last Oct. 22. Cineastes can catch a slew of films, including "November" by director Cédric Jimenez, Fred Cavayé's "Farewell, Mr. Haffman," and "Notre Dame on Fire" by Jean-Jacques Annaud until Sunday. Filipino director Erik Matti's "On the Job: Missing 8" will also be screened at the film festival. View the film guide and screening schedule here.

When: Until Oct. 30

Where: Cinemas, 4F Greenbelt 3, Esperanza, corner Greenbelt Drive, Makati

How much: P200

4. 'Marcel Proust: In Search of Lost Time' Exhibit

In connection to the 75th anniversary of France-Philippine diplomatic relations, an exhibit of illustrations based on French author Marcel Proust's novel "In Search of Lost Time", also known as "Remembrance of Things Past," is on show until this Monday. This exhibit spans 25 years of French artist Stéphane Heuet's still-in-progress creative work, including over 2,500 drawings categorized in eight albums. Heuet's exhibited artworks are also for sale. View the exhibit's catalog.

When: 9 AM to 6 PM, Until Oct. 31

Where: Alliance Française de Manille Gallery, 209 Nicanor Garcia, 2, Makati

How much: Free

5. SILANGAN: The Rizal Art Fair

This art fair in Philippine art capital Angono is a satellite exhibition by ManilART 2022. SILANGAN features over hundreds of artworks from twelve prominent art groups and is led by Angkla Art Gallery, along with LAMBANA: Angono Women Artists Collective, SM Center Angono, the Angono local government unit, and the Loyola Retreat House, Inc.

As Angono is just around 20 kilometers away from Manila, it's a feasible half-or full-day trip to take during the coming long weekend!

When: Until Oct. 30

Where: The Events Center, SM Center Angono, Manila East Road, cor M.L. Quezon Street, Angono, Rizal

How much: Not mentioned

6. The Science of Scary

Have you ever wondered why you get scared of certain things and not others? Or, perhaps, what exactly is going on in your brain when you feel fear? This event will be presided by development psychology expert, Mr. King Filart, to help you answer those very questions and more! Although free, the event only has limited slots, so make sure to register via Google Forms before the day. Attendees must be fully vaccinated!

When: 2 PM, Oct. 29

Where: Better World Cafe, Mini Pod 3, The Mind Museum, JY Campos Park, 3rd Avenue, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig City

How much: Free

7. The Bootleg Beatles Concert

No, these guys aren't the real deal, but they're close enough. Too close, in fact, that it's eerie. Steve White (Paul McCartney), Stephen Hill (George Harrison), Tyson Kelly (John Lennon), and Gordon Elsmore (Ringo Starr) will be staging a concert this Sunday, bringing Beatles hits like "Let It Be" and "Love Me Do" once more to the Filipino audience after holding sold out shows in the Philippines back in 2016 and 2018. If you love The Beatles, this is one show you can’t miss! Get your tickets here.

When: 8 PM, Oct. 30

Where: Plenary Hall, PICC, HX3M+Q6V, Vicente Sotto Street, Pasay

How much: P800 to P6,170

8. Ozine Fest Halloween Special 2022

If you're in the mood for some trick or treating this weekend, this event is open for kids and the kids at heart, so get dressed up and get that candy! Apart from confections and chocolates, the Ozine Fest Halloween Special has a cosplay competition, an anime singing contest, and giveaways and prizes in store for its goers. There will also be an acoustic band, anime merchandise sellers, and an artist alley at the event.

When: 12 PM to 8 PM, Oct. 29-30

Where: Upperbox Events Place, Promenade Mall, Greenhills Shopping Center, Annapolis Street Cor, 1502 Missouri Street, San Juan,

How much: Free

9. China Mommy at The Grid Food Market

Filipino Chinese food? Yes, please! Authentic Fil-Chi restaurant China Mommy finally opened its pop-up stall in the beginning of October and it's taking residence at The Grid Food Market until the last day of the year! This means more leeway for you to plan your trip to the stall and to keep coming back for more.

Just some of the dishes you can sample here are Chinese lumpia, kiampung (seasoned rice), maki mi (pork tenderloin soup), fortune bags (dumplings), and lo ba peng (minced pork rice), among others. The food market is open for dine-in, takeaway, and delivery. Order online here.

When: Until Dec. 31

Where: Stall 16, The Grid Food Market, R2 Level Expansion, Power Plant Mall, Rockwell Drive, cor Estrella, Makati

How much: Check website for updated prices