Weekender Guide MNL: Best Things to See, Do, Eat on Feb. 10-12, 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. Animal Con

“Animal hobby revolutionized!”

AnimalCon is dubbed as the biggest animal convention in the country. It aims to honor the significant contribution of pillars as well as to welcome newcomer business owners in the animal industry.

With more than 100 animal exhibitors and a wide array of unique entertainment for pets and their owners, the three-day convention will host the Pet Pawshion Show, Betta Legend (actual pointed betta show), The Hamster Show, Fancy Chicken Exhibition Show, Mr. and Ms. Universe Canine Philippines, and more.

When: 10 AM-7 PM, Feb. 10-12

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

How much: P200 via SM Tickets; P350 for three-day pass via Animal Con

2. Graphika Manila

Calling all art enthusiasts! This weekend, 12 of the world’s top creative minds are coming to Manila. 

Graphika Manila is a conference on creativity that has been running for the past 18 years. It serves as an arena that is dedicated to creative individuals working in the fields of design, animation, illustration, and anything in between.

Each ticket is inclusive of admission to the two-day conference featuring 12 talks about creativity and inspiration, as well as a conference kit, an opportunity to connect with like-minded creatives, and an e-certificate of participation. For more information, visit Graphika Manila 2023.

When: 1 PM-7 PM, Feb. 11-12

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

How much: P2,450-P2,750 via Graphika Store

3. Boyce Avenue Concert

Boyce Avenue, one of the most successful bands of the early 2000s, consists of the Manzano brothers, Daniel, Fabian, and Alejandro. They are well-known for their renditions of both contemporary and classic music. This weekend, the trio will be joined by OPM hitmakers – Adie, Nobita, and The Juans – for a Valentine concert filled with hugot and cover songs.

As part of their concert tour in the Philippines this year, Boyce Avenue will also be performing at the Waterfront Hotel in Cebu and the SMX Convention Center in Davao.

When: 7 PM, Feb. 11

Where: Smart Araneta Coliseum, Quezon City 

How much: P840- P5,250 via TicketNet

4. The Debutante: A Watch Party for the Uncut Last Episode of ’GAP’ The Series

Ayoo, FreenBecky nation! Thai actors from the hit Girls’ Love series “GAP,” Freen Sarocha and Becky Armstrong, are coming to Manila to attend the watch party of the uncut finale episode live!

Local promoter CDM Entertainment described the event as “a fun-filled night of activities—watch party, talk, games—all happening live with Lady Sam and Mon themselves.”

Unfortunately, tickets for the watch party were immediately sold out minutes after they went on sale in January.

When: 6 PM, Feb. 12

Where: SM North EDSA, SM Skydome

How much: P2,950-P5,950 (ticket charges apply)

5. MayniLove

Love is in the air once again as the City Government of Manila launched “MayniLove” on Feb. 6. Whether you are a Manileño or not, everyone is welcome to join the celebration of love in all shapes and forms. This weekend event will feature a fun-filled lineup of activities, exciting prizes, and mouthwatering food options.

The famous Wish Bus will be present at the venue on Feb. 10 to give guests a memorable evening filled with live performances by R&B singer Jay R and Prince of R&B Kris Lawrence.

When: 4 PM-11 PM, until Feb. 17

Where: Mehan Garden, Ermita, Manila

6. ‘Chasing Sunsets’ by Mark Andy Garcia

Don’t miss the last day of the “Chasing Sunsets” exhibition by Mark Andy Garcia this coming Saturday at Silverlens Gallery Manila. Garcia is a Filipino painter who mastered creating “layered, textured landscapes that connect geographies as places of spiritual belonging that make sense of the non-material.”

The event kicked off on Jan. 14, featuring five paintings that are deeply connected to the artist. The gallery opens at 10 AM every Tuesday to Saturday. To know more, click here.

When: 4 PM-7 PM, Feb. 11

Where: Silverlens Gallery Manila, 2263 Chino Roces Avenue Extension, Makati City

7. Wicked Masquerade Party

All the single ladies (and gents), now put your hands up!

Organized by a social club for singles in Manila, the Wicked Masquerade Party is a lovely celebration that singles should not miss this Valentine’s Day. 

Expect a night packed with exciting and mysterious activities, free drinks, rounds of speed dating, games, and prizes galore. Don’t forget to don the perfect Venetian-inspired mask that exudes anonymity and elegance. 

To become a member, you may register via https://bit.ly/3TYGiV1 or message “masquerade” to Single Events Manila’s social media accounts.

When: 3 PM-6 PM, Feb. 11

Where: Wicked Dogs, Uptown Parade, 9th Avenue, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig

How much: P499-P1,499

8. #Artnow: The Poliform Collection of International Contemporary Art

Aside from Valentine’s Day, February is also National Arts Month. This event will showcase the country’s contemporary art for 10 days starting this Friday. It “hopes to inspire a new generation of artists and designers through the work of some of the most provocative and groundbreaking practitioners in the art landscape today.”

In partnership with the Industrial Design Program, "#artnow: The Poliform Collection of International Contemporary Art" will feature a collection of paintings, drawings, sculptures, and figures curated by Architect Gerry Torres. 

To book your visit and join the Instagram contest, you may scan the QR code found on this link.

When: 10 AM-6 PM, Feb. 10

Where: 12F Gallery, Center for Campus Art, De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde, 950 P Ocampo Street, Malate, Manila

9. The Pink City at Aura

Ooh la la l'amour! The Pink City at Aura will kick off this weekend, where you can purchase a special bouquet for your mon amour or for yourself (because self-love is the best love!).

Whether you’re single or in a relationship, you can enjoy the romantic tunes that will be played at the venue and feel the sweet vibes of Valentine’s Day. The Pink City will remain open until Feb.14 and you can get free treats at the Weekend Gourmet Fair.

When: Feb. 10-12

Where: UGF Atrium, SM Aura, 26th Street, Corner McKinley Parkway, Taguig

How much: Free

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