The Beat Manila’s Weekender Guide: Best Things to See, Do, Eat, & Drink on Sept. 16-18, 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. Manila International Book Fair 2022

MIBF is back after a two-year hiatus! While we were able to satisfy ourselves ordering books online, there’s nothing more magical than being surrounded by physical books — lots of them to be exact. Apart from scoring great deals on published works, MIBF has many activities scheduled such as book signings, meet and greets, and educational panels.

Missed the free tickets via Eventplus? You can still get one from publishing houses! Simply fill out the form found on REX Education’s website or print these tickets from Adarna House.

When: Sept. 15-18

Where: SMX Convention Center Manila, Mall of Asia Complex, Pasay City

How much: Free / P35 via SM Tickets

2. Trendsetter's Bazaar

All the budol you need this weekend are right here at Trendsetter's Bazaar. Shop the trendiest items for up to 80% off and give your wardrobe the major overhaul it deserves! From tops, bottoms, and dresses to bags and accessories, you’re sure to find one that matches your style. You can also join their hidden treasure hunt (subject to mechanics) to score a prize from their team and brand partners.

When: Sept. 16-18

Where: Megatrade Hall 5th Level, Mega B, SM Megamall, EDSA Corner Julia Vargas Ave., Mandaluyong City

How much: P50

3. G Music Fest 2022 #ExtraGDayEveryday

Itching to attend a music event? Visit the Globe Circuit Event Grounds this weekend and listen to the jams of Phum Viphurit, bugAboo, I Belong To The Zoo, The Juans, KAIA, Unique Salonga, and many other amazing international and local artists! There will also be art installations from Leeroy New and TRNZ so you might want to check them out.

When: 1 PM-11 PM, Sept. 17

Where: Globe Circuit Event Grounds, Riverside Drive, Makati City

How much: P1,500 (plus P125 fee) at tickelo / 30 rewards points through the GlobeOne App

4. AFK Book Fair 2022

Organized by Philippine-based cultural organization and publishing lab Kwago, AFK Book Fair is an event that celebrates alternative publishing, print, and creativity. This intimate gathering away from keyboards and keypads — or what we call AFK — gives independent authors, artists, and small-scale publishing houses a platform to showcase their work.

If you’re from the South and can’t be bothered to go all the way to SMX for MIBF (and deal with its huge crowd!), this is a great alternative if you want a good read.

When: Sept. 17-18

Where: Molito Lifestyle Center, Madrigal Ave. cor. Commerce Ave., Alabang, Muntinlupa City

How much: Regular price at P200 / P100 for kids and students (must present an ID at the entrance)

5. Sticky Expo 2022

Organized by artists for fellow artists, Sticky Expo is here to showcase artworks that stick! Whether you’re looking for stickers to fill your journal or iron-on patches of pop culture references, you’re sure to find one that matches your fandom and hobbies. Sskai, Nukkuri, DiceSuki Dice, and many other talented artists and exhibitors await you this Sunday.

When: Sept. 18

Where: Function Room 3, SMX Convention Center Manila, Mall of Asia Complex, Pasay City

How much: P60

6. Philippine International Comics Online Festival (PICOF) 2022

If you want to stay at home instead, here’s an event that lets you meet renowned local and international comic experts. This weekend, watch JH Williams III and Jeff Smith from the United States as they discuss their art style and upcoming projects. An interview with Filipino comic artist Alex Niño, who has worked with DC Comics, Marvel Comics, and Warren Publishing, will also take place this weekend.

Supported by the National Book Development Board (NBDB), National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA), Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT), and other amazing partners, PICOF 2022 is one of the biggest virtual comic events in the country yet!

When: All weekends of September divided in schedules with three timeslots (10 AM, 2 PM, and 5 PM)

Where: Download the kumu app and search for Komiket’s account or go to kumu.live and follow Komiket if you want to watch on desktop

How much: Free

7. Family Fun Fair 2022

Bring everyone to Robinsons Magnolia this weekend and participate in the Fun Fair games at Central Garden to win prizes from participating brands! Hosted by Tonipet Gaba, or more known as Kuya Tonipet from the classic arts and craft show “Art Angel” and news magazine show “Pop Talk,” this fun program (starts at 5 PM) is for the entire family to enjoy. You might also get a chance to become one of the 20 lucky winners of a P25,000 shopping spree!

When: 10 AM-10 PM, Sept. 17

Where: Robinsons Magnolia, Aurora Blvd. corner Dona Hemady St., Quezon City

How much: Free

8. Payday Weekends - Makati Street Meet at Esteban

Time to withdraw our hard-earned moolah and splurge a bit on delicious, mouth-watering food (because we deserve it!) this weekend. Made possible by Payday Weekends and the Philippine Mobile Food Truck Association, Makati Street Meet at Esteban brings awesome food trucks and merchants to anyone who wants a good grub. You can also bring your fur babies along!

When: 8 AM-9 PM, Sept. 18

Where: Esteban St., Legazpi Village, Makati City

How much: Prices vary

9. House of Lasagna Discounts

Looking for discounts? House of Lasagna is offering a 2 for 499 dine-in promo on their best-selling meals! Save up to P195 when you pair their Southern Fried Chicken Meal with one of their participating main dishes: Chicken Cordon Bleu, BBQ Pork Ribs, Garlic Steak, and more.

For those not planning to go out, a 20% off GrabFood exclusive is available for their six-piece chicken wings. Choose from Garlic Parmesan, Lemon Pepper, and Salted Egg to satisfy your cravings!

When: Sept. 5-28 for the dine-in promo / Sept. 5-18 for the GrabFood exclusive

Where: Multiple branches (BF Paranaque, Katipunan, Makati, SM Lipa, and Vista Place Taguig)

How much: P499