Weekender Guide MNL: Best Things to See, Do, Eat, Drink on Feb. 24-26, 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 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. Dreamify Records: Road to Takeover Tour

With a full lineup of Filipino artists, Dreamify Records’ Road to Takeover wants to look and love local talent. The medley of artists in the bill, Paul Lagac, Ssunn, Alice’s Wolves, Sylth and others, dabble in contemporary genres with contemporary approach. Sylth, in particular, will be on the spotlight as the event will be the formal launch of the band’s new single “Pamato, Panabla.”

When: 6 PM, Feb. 24

Where: Eton Centris, Epifanio de los Santos Ave cor. Quezon Ave, Quezon City

How much: Free

2. The Itchyworms' Double Vinyl Album Launch

The staying power of The Itchyworms is really a testament to the timelessness of their songs, and not just Jugs Jugueta’s visibility through a certain noontime variety show. And if you’ve loved their songs, such as the hopeless romantic’s anthem of “Akin Ka Na Lang” and the number-one heartbreak song of thirty-something’s in “Beer,” this is your chance to hold and own a rare piece of the band’s musical history. More than that, though, either of “After All This Time” or “Waiting for the End to Start” will be an excellent addition to your record collection. It’s a worthy company to your Rush or Yes vinyls.

With Ang Bandang Shirley, Monolog, Ciudad, and One Click Straight supporting the launch, this is a small-scale concert for one of the most beloved bands in the country. Get your tickets here.

When: 7 PM, Feb. 24

Where: Mandala Park, 312 Shaw Blvd., Mandaluyong

How much: Starts at P800

3. PCCI: Photojournalism Hands-On Workshop

There’s nothing like professional guidance in helping you become better, and truer than most in photography. That is why the Philippines Center for Creative Imaging is doing God’s work with their photojournalism hands-on workshop. Open to professionals and amateurs and facilitated by Alecs Ongcal, the workshop aims to improve your skills in capturing life’s moments, whether in a professional or personal manner.

Go here to reserve your spot.

When: 9 AM-5 PM, Feb. 24-25

Where: PCCI Office, 2247 Chino Roces Ave., Makati City

How much: P5,950

4. Cosplay Re:Connect ‘MASQUERADE’

Put on your best Makima cosplay and stunt on the Cosplay Re:Connect in Parañaque!

Okay, really, it doesn’t have to be Makima. With anime becoming more common among streaming platforms, you have a plethora of options for your next costume. Izuku from “My Hero Academia” is not a bad idea or if you want to go all out, why not come as the legendary JoJo Joestar or the adult version of SPY x Family’s super adorable Anya.

When: 5 PM-2 AM, Feb. 26

Where: Glitch Rooftop Bar & Bistro, 51 Presidents Ave., B.F. Homes, Parañaque

How much: Starts at P500

5. Book Launch: ‘Nineteenth-Century Masters of Angono Art’

Published by Vibal Foundation, “Nineteenth-Century Masters of Angono Art” focuses on the golden era of artistic production in the municipality. This is the perfect opportunity for you to get to know the art capital of the Philippines, its long history with artistic endeavors, and the names of Botong, Francisco, Pedro Piñon, Juan Senson, and Moises Villaluz Sr.

When: 4 PM, Feb. 25

Where: SM Angono Event Center, Manila East Road Cor. M.L. Quezon St., Angono, Rizal

How much: Free

6. Rawdemption

Krumping is dead, long live krumping.

Rawdemption is a space where you can witness the underrated art of krumping. The moves will keep flowing all night, and there’s even going to be a dance-off of the best krumpers in the city. In addition, Rawdemption is a fundraising event for the Titan and Nemesis crew who will be heading off to Spain to represent the Philippines in the “Be Your Beast 4” event.

When: 3 PM, Feb. 26

Where: Intramadness Session Spot, Manila

How much: P200

7. Festival of Luv

“End the stigma, break barriers and live the best versions of yourselves.” 

It’s all about love at the Festival of Luv, where love of all forms is celebrated. Local drag legends will be gracing the people with their presence. Viñas DeLuxe, NAIA, Minty Fresh, Myx Chanel, PRINCE, and Shewarma will all be there, so you know it’s going to be hopping. 

More importantly, this event is about raising awareness for a marked out condition. There will be free HIV testing and counseling, as well as PrEP initiation available at the event area.  The festival is a collaboration with U.S. President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR), U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), and Meeting Targets and Maintaining Epidemic Control (EpiC), and is in line with the “Free to be U” campaign supported by the Department of Health. 

When: 11 AM-8 PM, Feb. 25 

Where: The Pop Up Katipunan, Quezon City 

How much: Free 

8. An Interlude Between Journeys: A Genshin Impact Fan Event 

A cosplay event that’s more than just itself, An Interlude Between Journeys is about the love for the game “Genshin Impact” and giving to those in need. Proceeds of the event will go to the Josefheim Foundation that houses the poor, sick, and elderly. The cosplays are going to be noble, as befitting of Genshin Impact, as is the mission of those who will go to the event.

Register here for your tickets.

When: 12 PM-6:30 PM, Feb. 25

Where: Benitez Event Center, Ermita, Manila

How much: Starts at P650

9. Single Launch: Nocturnes, ‘Sleepless Nights’

Nocturnes is one of the many bands that is keeping the metal scene in the Philippines alive. This coming Saturday, they will be launching their newest single, “Sleepless Nights,” with several other local metal bands filling the lineup. The genre has a place in the local music industry, something that Nocturnes proves in their musical and instrumental talent.

When: Feb. 25

Where: Ruins Café & Bar, Shoe Ave., Marikina

How much: P200

10. Nihongo Fiesta 2023

The Nihongo Fiesta is all about the love of the Japanese language, a tongue particularly beloved by Filipinos. Those who pre-register can get a few freebies, but really, the highlight is the Japanese speech contest. Awarding ceremonies and a special Taiko Performance by Leonard Eto will be open to the public at 4 PM. Should you not be able to get a spot before, you’ll still have a chance to get in on the fun of learning Nihongo.

When: 1 PM, Feb. 25

Where: Shangri-La Plaza Red Carpet Cinema 2, EDSA Corner Shaw Blvd., Mandaluyong

How much: Free