From Japanese cinema and Korean fan events to coffee festivals and psychological thrillers on stage, Manila’s event calendar offers a diverse mix of entertainment and culture. Meet fellow fans at Cosplay Mania 2026, discover specialty brews at KapeCon 2026, or unravel the mysteries of "ABOUT US But Not ABOUT US." Whether you're into film, theater, fandom, or food, this month is packed with reasons to get out and explore.
Japanese Film Festival 2026
Stories that travel far beyond the screen arrive at Japanese Film Festival 2026 (JFF 2026) from Oct. 1, 2026, at multiple venues across Metro Manila, Baguio, Cebu, Iloilo, Davao, and Cagayan de Oro.
Presented by The Japan Foundation Manila, this nationwide celebration of Japanese cinema brings together beloved classics, acclaimed new releases, anime favorites, literary adaptations, and live-performance films, including "Ghost in the Shell 2: Innocence 4K Restoration," "Under Ninja," "Renoir," "KOKUHO," "Blue Boy Trial," "The Girl Who Sees," "Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind," and "Throne of Blood."
Admission to all screenings is free. Visit JFF's website now to check the screening venues near you!
Pokémon 30th Anniversary Celebrations at SM Mall of Asia
Catch ’em all and celebrate 30 Years of Pokémon at SM Mall of Asia from Oct. 1, 2026, where a months-long celebration transforms the biggest mall in the country into a hub for Pokémon fans of all ages.
From Oct. 1-15, 2026, the Main Atrium will host Pokémon displays, TCG tutorials, video game trials, merchandise, and character appearances, while the Pokémon RUN 30: Philippines Edition takes over the MOA Complex on Oct. 3-4, 2026, with a 5K course, Pokémon-themed obstacles, hydration stations, a Festival Zone, and Pikachu appearances.
The festivities also include the Philippines’ first-ever Pokémon Center POP-UP STORE, which will be open from Oct. 1, 2026, to Jan. 31, 2027, plus the “PokéXciting!” in Manila on Jan. 23-24, 2027, featuring live entertainment, a parade, exclusive merchandise, and more. Don't miss out!
ABOUT US But Not ABOUT US
A lunch table becomes the scene of a gripping psychological unraveling in “ABOUT US But Not ABOUT US” from Oct. 2-25, 2026, at the Power Mac Center Spotlight Blackbox Theater. This acclaimed stage adaptation pulls audiences into an intense game of secrets, manipulation, and buried truths as a seemingly ordinary conversation between a literature professor and his student exposes the mysterious circumstances surrounding a death.
Directed by Tuxqs Rutaquio and featuring a rotating cast that includes Romnick Sarmenta, Elijah Canlas, Epy Quizon, Andoy Ranay, Kobie Brown, and others, the 105-minute production delivers a suspense-filled theatrical experience where every revelation shifts the story in unexpected directions.
Intended for mature audiences, the play explores guilt, ambition, desire, identity, and betrayal through a tightly wound narrative that keeps viewers questioning what is real until the very end. Tickets start from P2,800.
Cosplay Mania 2026
Cosplay, anime anthems, and VTuber performances take over Cosplay Mania from Oct. 2-4, 2026, at the SMX Convention Center Manila. One of the Philippines’ biggest celebrations of anime, cosplay, gaming, and Japanese pop culture, the three-day event brings together international guests, creators, performers, and fans for a packed weekend of activities.
A major highlight is the Japanese Anime Music (JAM) Concert Series, featuring Nami Tamaki on Oct. 2, Hololive VTubers Ayunda Risu and Momosuzu Nene on Oct. 3, and anime music artists MindaRyn and ZAQ on Oct. 4. Beyond the concerts, attendees can meet renowned cosplayers YingTze, Prestonles, and Thames Malerose, as well as singer and voice actor Diana Garnet. Tickets start from P649.
2026 Byeon Woo-seok Asia Fan Meeting Tour 'The Secret Library' in Manila
A storybook world opens its doors at 2026 Byeon Woo-seok Asia Fan Meeting Tour "The Secret Library" in Manila on Oct. 10, 2026, at the SM Mall of Asia Arena, from 6 PM.
Returning to the Philippines after the overwhelming response to his previous visit, Byeon Woo-seok invites fans into a new chapter filled with special segments, heartfelt interactions, and memorable moments inspired by the fan meeting’s “The Secret Library” concept.
Best known for his breakout role in "Lovely Runner," as well as performances in "Record of Youth," "Moonshine," and "Strong Girl Nam-soon," the Korean star is set to share an evening celebrating the connection he has built with Filipino supporters. Tickets start at P4,000 and range up to P13,780.
KapeCon 2026
Freshly brewed ideas and the aroma of specialty coffee fill the city at KapeCon 2026 from Oct. 10-11, 2026, at Paseo de Roxas Avenue, Makati City. Building on a debut that drew more than 15,000 coffee enthusiasts, this two-day gathering brings together coffee farmers, brewers, café owners, equipment suppliers, roasters, and lifestyle brands for a celebration of Philippine coffee culture.
Beyond discovering new products and connecting with the local coffee community, visitors can catch lively competitions including the Latte Art Twosome Throwdown on Oct. 10, 2026, at 2 PM and the returning Kape't Kamay Breakdown on Oct. 11, 2026, where teamwork is put to the test one hand at a time. Admission is free!
