The Beat Manila’s Weekender Guide: Best Things to See, Do, Eat, & Drink on Sept. 30-Oct. 2, 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. Italian Film Festival Manila

Cineastes interested in Italian cinema are in luck, as this film festival will be presenting seven movies over the course of four days. Organized by Cineforum Bresson and locally by the Philippine Italian Association, the film fest will be screening flicks like drama-thriller "America Latina," comedy "Il Silenzio Grande," and rom-com "Lasciarsi Un Giorno A Roma," among others. This event is free, with seating on a first-come, first-served basis.  

When: Sept. 29-Oct. 2, 2022

Where: Cineplex of Venice Grand Canal Mall, McKinley Hill, Taguig City 

How much: Free

2. The Kiki House of Anansi’s ‘EnCUNTo Ball’

If you love the kiki ballroom scene or just dance in general, then this one-of-a-kind ball organized by The Kiki House of Anansi and the University of the Philippines-Diliman's University Student Council is not to be missed. Sponsored by HIV awareness and testing community center Love Yourself, EnCUNTo Ball invites participants and audiences alike to serve their best modern interpretations of Philippine mythological creatures. The ball's judges include Michelle "Sattva" Ninja, Prince Nunoy Revlon, and Onika 007. Go here to register for the ball!  

When: Oct. 2, 5 PM

Where: National Science Complex Amphitheater, Diliman, Quezon City

How much: P300 to P500 for standing or seat reservations

3. The 33rd Philippine Travel Mart

The Philippines' biggest travel trade exhibition is back for its 33rd year this weekend with exciting exclusive deals on offer for all travelers. The Philippine Travel Mart is organized by the Philippine Tour Operations Association (PHILTOA) to promote domestic and inbound tourism. For the event, make sure to bring your vaccination card, which will be presented upon registration at the venue. Attendees can register and purchase tickets directly at SMX!  

When: 9 AM to 6 PM, Sept. 30-Oct. 2

Where: SMX Convention Hall, Mall of Asia Complex, Pasay City

How much: P40 for students and senior citizens, P50 for regular price

4. East Meets West

Filipino-American musical director Troy Laureta brings together the best vocal artists from the East and West in this live concert this weekend, featuring singers like Loren Allred of "Greatest Showman's" "Never Enough," Matt Bloyd ("I'll Never Love Again"), and Filipino artists Ogie Alcasid, Jed Madela, and Asia's Songbird Regine Velasquez, among others. The theater only allows fully vaccinated guests aged seven and up to enter. Get your tickets now from TicketWorld!

When: 8 PM, Sept. 31-Oct. 1

Where: Newport Performing Arts Theater, Newport Mall, Newport Boulevard, Pasay City

How much: P2,800 to P11,000

5. ‘Anak Datu’ Play

This is Rody Vera's take on National Artist Abdulmari Imao's original story "Anak Datu." This PG-13 play is at once a family drama, folk tale, and social realism, as it takes place in a multi-universe and post-pandemic setting. The story follows the son of a village chieftain in precolonial Philippines who is born under captivity, chronicling the history of Mindanao and Imao's own personal history. Only fully vaccinated guests can enter the theater, so don't forget to bring your proof of vaccination! Get tickets from TicketWorld.  

When: 3 PM and 8 PM, until Oct. 9

Where: CCP Blackbox Theatre, Pasay City

How much: P1,030-P1,236

6. Cine Europa 25 at Rizal Park

The Cine Europa 25 is regarded as the longest and biggest festival of the European Union in the Philippines. This film festival will be held in hybrid format, with screenings not just in Manila, but also Cebu, Iloilo, and Palawan. The event will offer 23 screenings onsite at the open-air auditorium of Rizal Park. Some films include "La Vita Facile," "Oskar & Lilli - Where No One Knows Us," and "The Most Beautiful Boy in the World." Admission is on a first-come, first-served basis; attendees are required to strictly follow health protocols throughout the film screening.   

When: 3:30 PM, 6 PM, and 8:30 PM, until Oct. 4

Where: Rizal Park, Ermita, Manila City

How much: Free

7. J.CO Donuts & Coffee’s Best of the Best Bundle

Crazy for donuts? This Thursday and Friday, you have the chance to snag J.CO Donuts' special two dozen Best of the Best bundle as part of its celebration of the BER months! Save P90 with this bundle, which comes with pre-assorted flavors like favorites Alcapone, Oreology, Duology, Katy Berry, Avocado Di Caprio, and more. This bundle is only available for walk-in transactions.  

When: 10 AM-6 PM, Sept. 29-30

Where: All J.CO stores nationwide except SM Sta. Mesa, pop-up booths, kiosks

How much: P590

8. Pancake House’s Kids Eat Free Promo

Kids aged 12 years and below are entitled to a free menu item at any Pancake House branch for a minimum purchase! Children can choose among free six-piece Pan Chicken Nuggets, Original Pan Chicken Burger Jr., the Children's Classic Spaghetti, or Mini Classic Pancakes with Candy-coated Choco Bites. This promo is only until this Friday, so make sure you and your tot don't miss this!  

When: Until Sept. 30

Where: Any Pancake House restaurant nationwide

How much: Minimum purchase of P700

9. ‘The PCGG Artworks Collection: Objects of Study’

This exhibit by UP Vargas Museum and the Presidential Commission on Good Government (PCGG) displays the artworks sequestered by the commission from the Marcoses in a bid to recover the family's ill-gotten wealth after the fall of the dictatorship. Having opened to the public last July 12, the collection is free for all for an indefinite amount of time. Showcasing art works from Italy, the former Soviet Union, and former Yugoslavia, the exhibit attempts to situate the pieces "within a social context, to productively appreciate and come to terms with the layers of difficulty presented by the PCGG Artworks Collection in its implication of a complex political history."

While walk-ins are allowed at UP Vargas Museum, booking an appointment is preferred through its Facebook page.

When: On view for an indefinite duration

Where: 3/F Galleries, UP Vargas Museum, University of the Philippines, Diliman, Quezon City

How much: Free