Weekender Guide MNL: See, Do, Eat & Drink on Jan. 20-22
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Weekender Guide MNL: Best Things to See, Do, Eat on Jan. 20-22, 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. Howlers Manila

Despite the name, Howlers Manila is not some scream-at-the-moon event. This is a celebration of contemporary Filipino music. Local rappers, crooners, rockers, and DJs will have a showcase of good music—period. With Shanti Dope, Patty Tiu, Manila Bomb Squad, and Mayonnaise on the bill, this is a certified banger.

Meanwhile, if you’re less about the music, know that there is a second stage by Paradise Lost where there will be other hands-on activities and competitions, notably a costume contest with up to P90,000 in winnings on the table. Score your table in the event here.

When: Jan. 21

Where: Circuit Makati, A. P. Reyes Avenue 1207 Makati

How much: Starts at P855

2. Kim Seon-ho Tour in Manila

Hong Du-sik from the “Hometown Cha-Cha-Cha" series once said that life isn’t fair to all of us. He got that right, as fans of Kim Seon-ho are in for an unfairly sweet treat to start the new year as the actor is bound for the country for a fan meeting at the SM MOA Arena. He is the personification of the word “delightful,” despite playing “Start-Up's” ruthless-but-soft-hearted Nam Da-reum to perfection.

Don’t wait too long to get your tickets, as his most ardent fans are snatching them up quick.

When: Jan. 22

Where: SM Mall of Asia Arena, Pasay

How much: Starts at P2,120

3. 17th Spring Film Festival

A cooperation from the Ateneo’s Center for Chinese Studies, Chinese Embassy and the Film Development Council of the Philippines, the 17th Spring Film Festival is a cultural celebration of the Chinese community in the country. With kid-friendly activities, movie showings, and a gala night, this is a Lunar New Year event that the entire family can attend.

When: Jan. 16-24

Where: Shangri-La Plaza Atrium, Mandaluyong

How much: Free

4. CNY Festivities at Bonifacio Global City

Bonifacio High Street will be hosting Chinese lanterns and may be literally painted red for the upcoming Chinese New Year festivities. There will be cultural installations, fireworks display, a live Feng Shui consultation, and a lion and dragon dance, which is a staple in Filipino-style Lunar New Year events.

When: Jan. 20-22

Where: Bonifacio High Street, Taguig

How much: Price varies

5. EigaSai: Japanese Film Festival

A mixture of animation and feature films will be in this year’s lineup for the Japanese Film Festival. Happening all over the Philippines throughout January, a curated list of 10 Japanese productions will be available to the public for a surprisingly low price.

There is also going to be nerikiri and daifuku workshops, where participants can learn the art of creating these Japanese sweets. Momoko Takai, a wagashi (Japanese confectionary) master, will be facilitating this one-of-a-kind side event.

Learn more about the film fest here.

When: Jan. 20-Feb. 22

Where: Shangri-La Red Carpet, Cinema 4 (screenings) / Grand Atrium (workshops)

How much: Price varies

6. QC Chinese New Year at Banawe Street

There are no qualms about the kind of party the QC Chinese New Year is going to be: an all-out street party. Banawe will be packed with revelers, as the entire street will be decked with food stalls and bazaar shops. Then, there’s going to be a float parade, fireworks display, Chinese-themed sing-and-dance performances, a wushu display, and many more.

When: Jan. 22

Where: P. Florentino Street Cor., Banawe Avenue, Quezon City

How much: Free

7. A Room to Think

“A snapshot of the times we spent in isolation.”

This is how the Visual Arts HelpingHands Foundation is framing their third fundraising event titled “CHAPTER 3: A Room to Think.” Despite the unprecedented amount of time people spent indoors, this event will show that the inspiration for art will never cease. All pieces will be up for sale, and to level the field, there will be no reservations and those interested will have to submit their names for a raffle. If you’re picked, then you have a chance to buy the artwork of your choice.

When: Jan. 22

Where: Pintô Art Museum, Antipolo

How much: Price varies

8. Enchanted Kingdom’s Dragon and Lion Dance

You know what to expect from Enchanted Kingdom. This iconic theme park in the Philippines is the Disneyland equivalent here, and it’s going to be extra festive for the Spring Festival with a dragon and lion dance around the park.

Even if you’re not in the mood for a party, once you step on this magical land, you’ll come out happy like a kid with no job and all play.

You know where to go for tickets.

When: Jan. 21 & 22

Where: Enchanted Kingdom, Laguna

How much: Price varies

9. BTS Cosplay at Estancia Mall

If you have ever felt that a part of Jimin’s spirit lives within you, this is your time to shine (no pun intended). Registration is free for the BTS Cosplay LOOK-A-LIKE at Estancia Mall, with cash prizes awaiting the best BTS doppelganger.

When: Jan. 21

Where: Estancia Mall, Pasig

How much: Free

10. AOK! Pilipinas Live Panel

Autism awareness has a lot of ground to make in the Philippines, and the live panel by AOK! Pilipinas during the 27th National Autism Consciousness Week is going to conduct a conversation that we all need to have. Aubrey Miles and Troy Montero, who recently revealed that their daughter has autism, and Candy Pangilinan, who is an open advocate of autism awareness, will be among the speakers.

Admission is free, so if you have time, consider going to this important keynote.

When: Jan. 20

Where: SM Megamall Cinema 4, Mandaluyong

How much: Free

11. New Year, New Scene

What better way to jumpstart creative juices than being around art? SYQL’s New Year, New Scene event, with its multimedia showcase of indie and electronic music, photography, and art. Taking after the Meiday festival of yesteryear, this event promises to be a kaleidoscope feast for the senses and there’s plenty of merch to boot.

Go to this Google Form link to get your tickets.

When: Jan. 21

Where: 123 Block, Mandaluyong

How much: P600

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