What’s on Manila: Best Things to See, Do, Eat, Drink on July 20-26, 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. East Meets West - A Chinese Epicurean Experience

Fill your Thursday evening with delectable flavors of Chinese cuisine concocted by Chef Jereme Leung. He is known as one of the pioneers of modern Chinese cuisine and the brains behind Whampoa Club restaurants.

Every course of the tasting menu, from the appetizer and soup to the main course and desserts, will be complemented by the finest wines. You can view the detailed menu and reserve your seats via this link.

When: 7 PM, July 20 

Where: China Blue, Conrad Manila, Seaside Boulevard, Corner Mall of Asia Complex, Pasay City

How much: P7,800 (all inclusive)

2. 1762: The Cultural Sacking of Manila During the British Occupation & the Restoration Project of its Archives

Calling all history geeks, this one’s for you! Instituto Cervantes de Manila, headed by Princeton University Professor of the Department of Spanish and Portuguese, Dr. Christina Lee, will talk about the British invasion of Manila in 1762.

Through a digitally repatriated collection of books and manuscripts from the Convent of San Pablo, Lee will focus on the "cultural looting" in the country for which Britain was responsible. These archives will be part of the virtual library reconstruction project to bring back “the original systems of knowledge production, modes of access, and use of [libraries].” The lecture will be conducted in English.

When: 2 PM, July 20 

Where: Instituto Cervantes de Manila, Calle Real, Plaza San Luis, Intramuros

How much: Free entrance

3. Free Anti-Rabies Vaccination and Microchipping

Fur parents living in Pasig City, eyes here! Get your fur babies ready for a free anti-rabies vaccination and microchipping (for the first 100 pets only) this Thursday to prevent viral disease and secure their permanent identification. 

Only cats and dogs older than three months will be allowed to participate in this event, which will be on a first-come, first-served basis. Register here.

When: 9 AM-12 PM, July 20

Where: Upper Ground Level, Paw Park, SM Center Pasig, Eulogio Rodriguez Jr. Avenue, cor. Doña Julia Vargas Avenue, Ortigas Center, Pasig

How much: Free

4. ‘Discovery Teens’ Mastery Course

Teens aged 13-17 years old will learn a lot at Discovery Teens, a personal mastery course that sheds light on issues concerning self-discovery, health, relationships, wealth, career, and life purpose.

Upon completion of the course, participants would be able to build a more positive mindset in terms of their personal growth, broaden their wealth consciousness, and enhance their level of self-love. To register, go here.

When: 9 AM onwards, July 20-21 

Where: House of Transformation, 3F Ayala Malls The 30th, Ortigas, Pasig City

How much: P15,000 (investment fee)

5. Trendsetter’s Bazaar

Want to shop from the closets of your favorite influencers and have a chance to meet them in person? Don’t miss the Trendsetter’s Bazaar, which will take place for three days this month.

You can also enjoy discounts of up to 80% on beauty items, home essentials, and food and drinks. Some of the brands you can score at the bazaar are Tala by Kyla, Love123byCamille, Shiro Skin, and more from Bloggers United Philippines.

When: 10 AM, July 21-23 

Where: Megatrade Hall 3, 5th Level, Mega B, , SM Megamall, EDSA corner J. Vargas Avenue, Mandaluyong City

How much: P100

6. ‘Let's Make Stickers!’ Talks and Demos

Relive the heyday of the ‘90s with talks and demos about stickers happening this weekend. Participants can learn about the best paper for stickers, creating vibrant waterproof printouts, and finding the right fit for their budget or projects. Plus, they'll gain insights on making waterproof products and using Cricut, Siser, and Brother cutting machines, and more.

When: 1 PM-4 PM, July 22 

Where: Googly Gooeys Shop, G/F Beijing Tower, The Capital Towers, 222 E. Rodriguez Avenue, Quezon City

How much: Free, no registration needed

7. From Bump to Baby: A Workshop Series for Expectant and New Parents (2nd Session)

Soon-to-be and first-time parents are in for a treat this weekend! Make your family time at the mall more enjoyable as Baby Company invites everyone for a free workshop. Certified Lactation Counselor and Parenting Educator Abbie Yabot will lead the discussion on newborn care and financial preparedness about a growing family.

When: 1 PM-4 PM, July 22 

Where: 3rd Floor, SM Makati, Ayala Center, Makati City

How much: Free (with free lootbag!)

8. NewJeans Comeback Gathering

Heads up, Filo Bunnies! Save your Saturday afternoon for a comeback gathering to celebrate NewJeans’ new album “Get Up.” There will be games, raffles, prizes, and exclusive NJ merchandise to be given away.

Fifty lucky pre-registrants will receive a limited-edition pin and a chance to win an exclusive NewJeans Rare Levi’s photobook. Only premium tickets will be sold to walk-in visitors, and a total of at least P250 worth of food and drinks must be purchased from the café to qualify for entry. Click here to register.

When: 2 PM-5 PM, July 22

Where: Kape Light Recto, Sampaloc, Manila

How much: P180-P280

9. NAC Sustainability Run 2023

Nickel Asia Corporation (NAC) will celebrate its 15 years in business by hosting a fitness-oriented event, the NAC Sustainability Run 2023. All proceeds from the fundraising campaign will go to the Mangrove Restoration Project in Hagonoy, Bulacan. 

There will be races at three-, five-, 10-, and 21-kilometer distances. The running event will also take place simultaneously in Palawan and Surigao. Visit NAC’s official website to register.

When: July 23 

Where: SM Mall of Asia, Jose Diokno Boulevard, Pasay City

How much: P850-P1,750

10. Hiraya: Ang Pagdiriwang sa Yugto ng Pagtatag

“Together We Go Up, To A’TINfinitiy and Beyond!”

After the release of the single “PAGTATAG” and the Manila leg of the band’s world tour, there’s no stopping A’TIN, especially when it comes to supporting SB19. 

Hiraya is expected to be a spectacular event that will be packed with talent shows, wholesome activities, and esteemed guests and performers. It is organized by SB19 Philippines, a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting the “Kings of P-Pop” – Pablo, Josh, Justin, Stell, and Ken. For more information, go here.

When: 10 AM-5 PM, July 23 

Where: Ground Level – Event Hall, Farmers Plaza Cubao, Araneta Center, Quezon City

How much: P450-P600

Promote your upcoming event now! Click here to submit your event and have it considered for inclusion in our upcoming coverage and newsletters.