What's On MNL: Haraya - A Storytelling Festival, IFEX Philippines, & More

Still figuring out your week? We've rounded up the must-dos across Manila, from a storytelling fest perfect for the family to food fairs, fan meets, and fitness events. Whether you’ve got just one free day or a packed social schedule, these happenings are worth penciling in. Read on for more details!
Haraya: A Storytelling Festival

Haraya: A Storytelling Festival is happening this May 22-23 at Museo Pambata. For P550, guests will get full festival access and museum entry. Highlights include original Filipino plays, creative workshops, and immersive art spaces. The first 200 registrants will receive a Munting Haraya Kit, a delightful bundle of books, snacks, and more. Bring the whole family to this unique storytelling celebration!
IFEX Philippines 2025

IFEX Philippines is back! Explore four dynamic zones: the FOODPhilippines Hall, which showcases the best of local food products; the International Zone, featuring global exhibitors; the Sustainability Hall, highlighting eco-conscious innovations; and the MarketPlace, a lively retail space for up-and-coming brands. Each area is curated to promote quality, innovation, and export potential.
Kwentuhog Klasiks: MosaiK

Act Avenue restages "Kwentuhog Klasiks: MosaiK" at Mirror Theater Studios. Catch the Staged Reading series on May 18 and full stage play presentations on June 8. Featured works include "Tatlong Tula ni Vitto at Lira," "Hele," and "Asawa Kabit." Tickets are priced at P250 for the staged reading, P500 for the stage plays, and P650 for both. Group and student discounts are also available.
Spartan Workout Tour - Bridgetowne, Pasig

The Spartan Workout Tour hits Bridgetowne, Pasig for its second adrenaline-charged stop of the year. This famed fitness event features a 90-minute bodyweight workout by certified Spartan coaches. It’s a chance to test your limits, meet like-minded individuals, and tap into a community that thrives on strength and resilience. Registered participants will receive a Workout Tour T-shirt and Workout Tour Wedge.
Boni Viva Luci 2025: BG-SEA

Bonifacio Global City presents the "Boni Viva Luci 2025: BG-SEA." This year’s BGC light festival celebrates the beauty of marine life through a mix of visual art, science, and live performance. Installations by acclaimed Filipino artists will transform BGC's urban spaces into aquatic dreamscapes. This event is free and open to the public. Don't miss it!
IAM Song Joong-Ki: Live in Manila

Korean superstar Song Joong-Ki is finally coming to Manila for his much-anticipated first live fan meeting. “IAM Song Joong-Ki: Live in Manila” happens on May 24 at the Mall of Asia Arena. Organized by IAM Worldwide, this one-night-only event offers fans the rare chance to see the beloved actor in person, known globally for standout roles in “Descendants of the Sun,” “Vincenzo,” and “Reborn Rich.”
TOKYO Before/After

Experience Tokyo’s past and present in "TOKYO Before/After," a photography exhibition at Estancia Mall. Admission is free. Presented by The Japan Foundation, Manila, the exhibit brings together around 80 photographs capturing Tokyo in two time periods: the 1930s-40s and post-2010. Among the featured artists are Japanese photographers Shintaro Sato, Motoyuki Daifu, Natsumi Hayashi, and Shinya Arimoto.
Memento: A Journey Through Europe

Discover Europe’s many faces at "Memento: A Journey Through Europe," a captivating photography exhibition hosted by Alliance Française de Manille. In partnership with the embassies of Austria, Denmark, Finland, France, Italy, Poland, Romania, and Sweden, this cultural exhibit showcases carefully curated images reflecting the landscapes, landmarks, and everyday life of Europe’s diverse regions.
D'PURPOSE 2025 - 'Indak ng Tagumpay'

D’Grind Studio's D'PURPOSE 2025 – "Indak ng Tagumpay" is a dynamic celebration of youth, talent, and purpose through dance. The recital marks the finale of D’Grind’s annual Summer Dance Workshop. This special evening brings students and seasoned performers (D’Idols) together in a high-energy showcase of styles such as hip-hop, K-pop, performance class, and more.
Pinoy Fitness 21K Challenge

Lace up for the Pinoy Fitness 21K Challenge 2025, set for May 24 in Vermosa, Cavite. This iconic sunset half marathon, organized by Pinoy Fitness and PepSquad Events, is designed to help runners hit new milestones. Participants will receive a bib, an official race shirt, a finisher shirt, and a custom medal, plus the option to grab the exclusive finisher jacket.
Don’t let your event or deal go unnoticed! Seize the opportunity to be featured in our The List, Top Deals, and Delish Insider newsletters, the go-to source for the city's most captivating events and can’t-miss deals. Click here to get started!






















































































