What's on Manila: Best Things to See, Do, Eat, & Drink on June 15-21, 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. 'Ibarra' Musical

Papa P in a musical? We've never been ready. Acclaimed actor Piolo Pascual is making his first professional stage musical with "Ibarra," which will be staged by the Tanghalang Una Obra this month. The award-winning adaptation of national hero Jose Rizal's novel "Noli Me Tangere" was written by Jomar Fleras in 1979 and has been staged since 1980. Pascual will star as Crisostomo Ibarra alongside Myramae Meneses as his Maria Clara, Floyd Tena (Padre Damaso), Carlo Mañalac (Padre Salvi), Jeffrey Hidalgo (Elias), and Nicole Laurel Asensio (Sisa), among many others. Get your tickets here via TicketWorld.

When: 3 PM-8 PM, June 15-18

Where: GSIS Theater, GSIS Headquarters Building, Financial Center, Roxas Boulevard, Pasay City

How much: Starts at P2,575

2. Cine Europa 26

Good news. Cine Europa is back with 100% physical screenings for its 26th edition, happening this June 16-July 16. The European festival comprises 28 award-winning films from EU Member States, including guest country Ukraine, which will be screened in cinemas across Metro Manila, Cebu, Iloilo, Bacolod, and Davao. Cine Europa Philippines released its film schedule yesterday, which includes "My Love Affair with Marriage" (Latvia, Luxembourg), "My Thoughts are Silent" (Ukraine), "Marocco" (Romania, Czech Republic), and "The Cleaners" (Germany), among many others.

When: June 16-July 16

Where: Multiple locations

How much: Free

3. Free Anti-Rabies Vaccination and Microchipping

Fur moms and dads, if you've got a pet cat or dog who still hasn't been vaccinated against rabies or microchipped, head to SM Center Pasig this Friday for a free jab and implant. The microchipping will be free for the first 100 registrants, whereas the anti-rabies vaccine is entirely free. Do note that your pet must be three months or older to be allowed to receive the vaccine and microchip. Register for the services via SM Super Pets Club here.

When: 9 AM-12 PM, June 16

Where: Paw Park, SM Center Pasig, C5 Road, Barangay Ugong, Pasig City

How much: Free 

4. Komiket Pride

Comics lovers, don't miss Komiket Pride happening this weekend. This is the first time the Filipino comics and art market will be hosting a themed Komiket in celebration of Pride Month and all the Filipino LGBTQ+ creatives and creators. Don't forget to bring home some stickers, art prints, and more that will be on sale during the event!

When: 10 AM-8 PM, June 16-18

Where: Ayala Malls The 30th, 30 Meralco Avenue, Pasig City

How much: Free entrance

5. Organic Urban Farming and Gardening Seminar

The Golden Treasure Skills and Development Program is committed to providing Filipinos with learning opportunities for new skills and crafts, which they can turn into hobbies or entrepreneurial projects. One of its upcoming seminars is on organic urban farming and gardening, which will teach participants how to compost, analyze soil treatment, sow seeds, water irrigation, pest control, hydroponics, and more. The seminar includes a certificate, plants, a hand-out, and lunch and afternoon snacks. To reserve a slot, you may call 7587-47-46, 0947 288 8719, or 0995 273 8518.

When: 10 AM-3 PM, June 16 

Where: Golden Treasure Skills Training Center, 9 Anonas Road, Project 3, Quezon City

How much: P3,500  

6. Community Flea Market

Score some bargains and preloved treasures at the Community Flea Market happening this weekend, organized by Season Pass and Ugly Duck Poblacion. Scour through racks of clothes and dig through mounds of accessories to give underrated gems a new home, all while bopping to music by Doze. Make sure to bring your own reusable bag!

When: 12 PM-7 PM, June 17-18

Where: Rooftop, White Rabbit Building, 5672 Dona Carmen Street cor. General Luna, Makati City

How much: Free

7. Acting Workshop With Malou De Guzman

Ever wanted to learn about the art of acting? Learn from the best in this workshop that will be delivered by veteran actress Malou De Guzman, who has appeared on stage, television, and films since 1988. Aside from being an actress, De Guzman is a respected teacher and coach to the country's top actors, stars, and singers. This in-depth workshop will run for four days, and attendees get to take home their acting clips, as well as workshop certificate. Register here.

When: June 17, 18, 24, and 25

Where: 9th Studios Creative Hub, 833 Dominion Building, Arnaiz Avenue, Makati City

How much: P15,000 (four-day session)

8. Heny Sison Sans Rival Workshop

Did someone say sans rival? Learn to make one of the most beloved desserts in the Philippines next Tuesday from Chef Heny Sison herself, who will teach a maximum of 10 students how to create this gorgeous dessert, from its nutty merengue layers to its smooth and delectable butter cream. After the class, students can bring home their sans rival and aprons and boxes will be provided by the class, although attendees must bring their own hand towels. You can sign up here!

When: 9 AM-4 PM, June 20

Where: Heny Sison Culinary School, 33 Col. Bonny Serrano Avenue, Quezon City

How much: P4,500

9. GeekFight: Light & Dark

GeekFight will be celebrating Studio Ghibli's 38th anniversary and the launch of "Diablo IV" with this GeekFight: Light & Dark event, which will gather the metro's geekiest and zaniest gamers for a night of gaming fun. You can organize your team with up to six players, although individuals and smaller groups are very much welcome to join. To make reservations, message GeekFight! Trivia Night and Moon Rabbit!

When: 8 PM, June 21

Where: Moon Rabbit Cafe & Restaurant, 2 Ledesma Street, San Juan City

How much: P200 per person per table 

10. Jon Pettyjohn's 'Steps' Exhibition

"Steps" is Jon Pettyjohn's third solo exhibition at the Silverlens Gallery, which showcases nearly 50 years of his work in pottery. The show includes thrown platters mounted on the wall, characterized by various glazes and textures to offer every ceramic piece that's unique and wholly its own from the rest. In this latest exhibit, Pettyjohn's "embraces the symmetry of the pottery's wheel without constraining himself to functional works." "Steps" opened to the public on June 8 and will run for an entire month.

When: 10 AM-6 PM, until July 1 (closed on Mondays and Sundays)

Where: Silverlens Galleries, 2263 Don Chino Roces Avenue Extension, Makati City

How much: Free   

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