What’s on Manila: Best Things to See, Do, Eat, Drink on Aug. 17-23, 2023

Ahh, another week is upon us, and you’re looking for cool things to get up to in Manila! We’ve saved you the hassle with The Beat Manila’s rundown of the best places to hit up and things to do right now—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 week ahead.
1. PopQuiz x Vault: Tagisan ng Talino 2023
Let the quest for knowledge, camaraderie, and victory commence! This Thursday, you and your barkada should not miss this Buwan ng Wika-themed quiz night that will challenge your knowledge and interest in the following topics: Knowledge of Filipino Grammar; Literature: About Filipino works; Social Studies: History and breaking news; Filipino Music: Pinoy songs; Geography: Geography of Filipino films; and Language: Translations of famous lines in books and movies.
The registration fee includes a complimentary drink of your choice (alcoholic or non-alcoholic). What are you waiting for? Gather your team of two to six players and get ready for an engaging and fun-filled event.
When: 8 PM, Aug. 17
Where: Vault, G/F, Greenhills - O Square 2; Greenhills Mall, Ortigas Avenue, San Juan City
How much: P350 participation fee per player
2. Philippine GameDev Expo
Level up your gaming life and show support for local developers at the first GameDev Expo in the Philippines. Visitors can discover a treasure trove of locally developed games, gain new knowledge from workshops and panel discussions, foster valuable connections with like-minded enthusiasts, watch live tournaments, and meet new friends to connect with.
You'll also be able to take part in a thriving universe of cosplay at this event, so don your favorite cosplay outfits. Stay updated on the event schedule by visiting this link. Get your tickets here.
When: 10 AM onwards, Aug. 18-20 (Time varies per day)
Where: SMX Convention Center Manila, Function Rooms 3 & 4, Mall of Asia Complex, Seashell Lane, Pasay City
How much: P850 (Three-day Pass)
3. Hallyu Market
Exciting news for Hallyu fans! Hallyu Market returns to Venice Piazza as part of the Asian Wave Experience that kicked off on Aug. 4. Mark your calendars for two thrilling weekends when you can explore an array of exclusive K-merch, delectable food, trendy apparel, and must-have beauty products.
Don't miss out on this vibrant celebration of Hallyu culture and follow Makeitlive's Facebook page for further announcements.
When: 10 AM-11 PM, Aug. 18-20
Where: Ground floor and 2nd floor, Venice Piazza Indoor, McKinley Hill Drive, Taguig City
How much: Free entry
4. ‘Dancing in a New World’ Production by ROFG
The Ramon Obusan Folkloric Group (ROFG) is set to present "Dancing in a New World," an innovative dance production that will take traditional and indigenous Filipino dances and rituals to new heights.
The pioneering work of the late National Artist for Dance, Ramon Arevalo Obusan, served as inspiration for the production directed by Floy Quintos. It explores themes of inclusivity, empowerment, cultural appropriation, and representation.
When: 8 PM, Aug. 18; 3 PM and 8 PM, Aug. 19
Where: Metropolitan Theater, Padre Burgos Avenue corner Arroceros Street, Ermita, Manila
How much: P300-P500 via CCP Tanghalang Ignacio Gimenez Box Office or TicketWorld
5. Climb Central Manila 7th Anniversary
Climbers are in for a feast of challenges as Climb Central Manila marks its 7th anniversary with a grand celebration sponsored by The North Face PH and Nalgene, featuring the Fête de l'Escalade and Cirque du Climb.
The Fête de l'Escalade is a vibrant bazaar that will serve as a venue for an array of esteemed brands, talented independent artists, and fun games. Meanwhile, the Cirque du Climb is a spirited climbing marathon carnival that will beckon participants to ascend routes and collect points in exchange for prizes.
The Fête de l'Escalade is open to walk-ins, while early registrants for the Cirque du Climb will receive freebies. Secure your spots here.
When: 10 AM-10 PM, Aug. 19; 10 AM-3 PM, Aug. 20
Where: Climb Central Manila, The Portal, Mayflower St., Greenfield District, Mandaluyong City
How much: P1,500 (fees are transferrable but non-refundable)
6. Baybayin Writing Workshop
Philippine national hero Jose P. Rizal once said, “Ang hindi magmahal sa sariling wika ay higit sa hayop at malansang isda.” In honor of Buwan ng Wika this August, BigMAC will hold a baybayin writing workshop.
This class is a perfect opportunity to immerse ourselves in the illustrious history of the Filipino language. It fuses the art of Baybayin with fun and educational activities spearheaded by the chairman and founder of Baybayin Buhayin Jose Jaime "Jay" Enage. Participants will receive a certificate and a free customized portrait for the first 15 registrants. To register, go here.
When: 2 PM-4 PM, Aug. 19
Where: G/F East Wing, Estancia at Capitol Commons, 1605 Meralco Ave., Ortigas Center, Pasig City
How much: Free
7. Otaku Expo Tanabata Festival 2023
Channel your inner hero at the Otaku Expo Tanabata Festival this coming weekend. Immerse yourself in a world where cosplay enthusiasts shine, with enticing photoshoot zones for serious photographers to capture cosplayers of all stripes. Tomia, Sansin, Tsubasa, Charess, and Hakao are just a few of the incredible headliners at this year's festival.
Jump into the Tanabata area for a fun mix of play and games, including goldfish scooping and balloon target practice. Delectable treats like complimentary popcorn and cotton candy await kimono-clad participants, too. Unfortunately, tickets to the two-day festival had already been sold out.
When: Aug. 19-20
Where: SM Megatrade Halls 1-3, 5th Level, Mega B, SM Megamall EDSA corner Doña Julia Vargas Ave., Mandaluyong
How much: P250 (Entrance Fee)
8. ‘Ibong Adarna’ Ballet
The imaginative retelling of the classic Filipino myth by Gerardo Francisco Jr. will whisk the audience away to the enchanting realms of Berbania's mystical kingdom and the captivating heights of Mt. Tabor. Witness the thrilling escapades of the brave princes and their encounters with the legendary Adarna Bird.
After its debut in 2017, "Ibong Adarna" seized an impressive six Gawad Buhay Awards that same year, including the Outstanding Modern Dance Production and Exceptional Choreography in the Modern Dance genre awards.
When: 8 PM, Aug. 19; 5 PM, Aug. 20
Where: Aliw Theater, Pasay City, CCP Complex, Vicente Sotto Street, Pasay City
How much: P1,030-P2,060 via TicketWorld
9. Katutubong Kasuotan Dog Fashion Show
This special fashion show aims to celebrate Buwan ng Wika and International Dog Day at the same time. All dogs and their fur parents can participate by donning their most festive "Katutubong Kasuotan" attire. Participants must bring updated vaccine records and poop bags.
The competition is open to healthy dogs aged six months and older, not pregnant, and without contagious diseases. Dogs in heat are not allowed to compete.
Winners will receive cash prizes worth P7,000 + trophy for the champion, P5,000 + trophy for first place, and P3,000 + trophy for second place. Special awards include the Best Pair Award, Best in Costume Handler, and Early Bird. The criteria for judging include creativity (30%), showmanship (30%), costume design (30%), and audience impact (10%).
When: 2 PM-4 PM, Aug. 20
Where: Level 1 Building B, Tiendesitas Food Village, Ortigas Avenue corner E. Rodriguez Avenue, Pasig City
How much: Free registration
10. Vegan Cheese Fermentation Workshop
Prepare for a unique culinary adventure this weekend. Have you ever thought about making cheese out of vegetables? Here’s your chance to get into it.
Participants will learn how to make a variety of vegan cheeses and explore the art of cheesemaking by sampling these cheeses alongside seasonal teas and fermented delights. RG Enriquez-Diez, author of the best-selling book "Filipino Vegan," will be leading this session, which promises an interesting experience for vegans and interested individuals alike.
The Good Food Community, whose mission is to partner with local farms to bring organic food directly to consumers, is hosting the event.
When: 2 PM-5 PM, Aug. 20
Where: Mandala Park, Shaw Boulevard, Pleasant Hills, Mandaluyong
How much: P800 via GoodFood Community
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