Weekender Guide MNL: Best Things to See, Do, Eat, Drink on Feb. 17-19, 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’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. Japan Fiesta 2023

Dreaming of taking your revenge travel to Japan this year? Visit Japan Fiesta 2023 this weekend to meet exhibitors from local tourism boards, trusted brands, major airlines, travel agencies, and private companies as they showcase Japan’s rich and fascinating culture!

Enjoy stage performances by the Philippines’ pioneer idol group MNL48, Filipino-Japanese pop group R RULES, cosplayers from OtaCutE, and more. Cultural performers from Japan, such as Namahage Satokagura and Leonard Eto, will also grace the event. Visit their website for the complete list of guests and schedule.

When: Feb. 18-19

Where: Glorietta and Palm Drive Activity Centers, Glorietta 3 & 4, Ayala Center, Makati City

How much: Free

2. La Fiesta 2023

The Spanish Chamber of Commerce in the Philippines (La Cámara) presents La Fiesta 2023, an annual event in partnership with the Spanish region of Extremadura. Feast your eyes on cultural experiences and entertainment while enjoying the delicious food of this lesser-known region. The event’s culinary delights will be prepared by chef Carlos Garcia of the Black Pig and chef Francisco Romero from El Parador de Cáceres in Extremadura. There will also be a singing band, awards, raffles, and a DJ so you can dance and keep your high spirits ‘til midnight.

Get your tickets via Ticketbooth.ph. La Cámara members get a 10% discount.

When: 6 PM, Feb. 18

Where: Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar Quezon City, 134 Roosevelt Avenue, San Francisco Del Monte, Quezon City

How much: P5,500

3. Sweet Feats: Chocolate and Milk Tea Workshop

Have your post-Valentine’s date this weekend at the Ayala Malls The 30th and join their “Sweet Feats” workshops to make the mood sweeter this February. Embark on a sugary adventure as you make chocolates with your loved one this Saturday or satisfy your sweet beverage tooth as you try your hand at making milk tea this Sunday. Register here for the chocolate workshop or here for the milk tea workshop.

When: 3 PM, Feb. 18-19

Where: Activity Center 2F, Ayala Malls The 30th, 30 Meralco Avenue, Ortigas Center, Pasig

How much: Free for the first 30 to register online

4. Mind Pub Quiz Night

Ever heard of Achilles and Patroclus’ doomed love, Anthony and Cleopatra’s tragic affair, or Maria Clara and Ibarra’s bitter end? We’re all familiar with happy endings, but just in case you don’t know, love can also be dark and deadly. If you’re looking for a different kind of post-Valentine’s Day event, this Mind Pub Quiz Night will challenge you to the sad, scary, and psychotic stories of love. Show off your trivia skills and down some booze while you’re at it! Register here to join the fun.

When: 7:30 PM, Feb. 17

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

How much: P500 (with P50 off if you’re a BGCitizen) / P800 (for two) if you go with your significant other / P1,900 if you register as a group of five

5. Hiphopan Sa Luneta 2023

Watch the masters bring out their hip-hop moves at the bigger, better, and bolder Hiphopan Sa Luneta this weekend! Organized by Hiphopan Nation in partnership with the National Parks Development Committee and co-presented by Boombap Philippines, this exciting event is one of the biggest hip-hop dance tournaments in the city you shouldn’t miss.

If you want to participate instead, register here before Feb. 17 and wait for a confirmation. Cash prize and merchandise await the winners of the 1V1 Open, 1V1 Rookie, and 7-To-Smoke Boombap categories.

When: 5 PM-10 PM, Feb. 18

Where: Rizal Park Open Air Auditorium, Rizal Park, Manila

How much: Free

6. Conan Gray ‘Superache Tour Asia 2023’

Ready yourself for another international concert this weekend as American singer-songwriter Conan Gray brings his “Superache Tour Asia 2023” to the MOA Arena this Saturday. Following the success of his debut album “Kid Krow,” enjoy great hits from his sophomore album “Superache,” such as “Movies,” “People Watching,” “Disaster,” and more, live for one night only! Get your tickets via SM Tickets.

When: 8 PM, Feb. 18

Where: SM Mall of Asia Arena, Mall of Asia Complex, J.W. Diokno Blvd., Pasay City

How much: Starts at P3,500 (Lower Box B)

7. Manila Sundance Bazaar: Pre-summer Sale 2023

Get ready for a weekend of shopping at Manila Sundance’s Pre-summer Sale 2023. Score fashionable OOTDs for less, such as blouses, denims, dresses, and swimsuits, to prepare your wardrobe for the summer season. Exhibitors selling perfumes and scents, accessories, shoes, and jewelry will also be available. There will be a popcorn and photobooth corner (until supplies last) for guests and free tote bags for early birds, so don’t miss out!

When: Feb. 17-19

Where: Megatrade Hall 3, SM Megamall, Ortigas Center, Mandaluyong City

How much: Free by following the mechanics on their Facebook

8. House of Lasagna Valentine Bundle

Share the love this February with House of Lasagna’s Valentine Bundle and get a free six-inch Red Velvet Valentine Cake (save P820) along with your half tray Beef Lasagna and Chicken Cordon Bleu meal. It’s worth the treat for you and your family or friends! Available for dine-in and delivery only.

When: Until Feb. 19

Where: Multiple branches

How much: P2,280

9. Macao Imperial Tea Drink Two-gether

Craving milk tea? Don’t just order any milk tea, get a drink two-gether with your loved one that comes in a cute container! Head to any Macao Imperial Tea branch until Feb. 18 and order their For You and For Me special drinks bundle to get a 14% off.

When: Until Feb. 18

Where: Multiple branches

How much: P195 (exclusive of discount)

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