What’s on Manila: Best Things to See, Do, Eat, Drink on June 22-28, 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. Oakley’s Father’s Day Stylish Steals

You still have time to surprise your dad with some cool gear and stylish apparel from Oakley’s sale. You can get up to 30% off on select eyewear, apparel, footwear, and accessories. Visit the Oakley Philippines store at Uptown Bonifacio for more Father’s Day gift ideas. Hurry before stocks run out!

When: 10 AM-10 PM (mall opening hours), June 22 

Where: Oakley, 3/F Uptown Mall, Bonifacio Global City, 36th Corner, 9th Avenue, Taguig

How much: Price varies

2. Big Bad Wolf Manila 2023

Are you ready #KaBOOKbayans? The baddest book sale in Manila is happening this Friday. Bookworms, get your shelves ready, as there are more than two million new books available with discounts ranging up to 95% and more good deals.

There is no admission fee to the book sale, but everyone must scan and register through BBW Manila’s QR code using this link. Use the code #BBWManila2023 to unlock more promotions.

When: 10 AM-1 AM, June 23

Where: Philippine International Convention Center Forum Tent, Juan Arellano, Pasay City

How much: Free admission

3. The 2023 Metro Manila Pride March and Festival

Raise your rainbow flags higher and wave them with more pride this coming Saturday, as the annual Metro Manila Pride March and Festival will take place in the city.

There will be a Proud Street Fair and Eduk Hangouts in the morning, an afternoon program, and the #TAYOangKULAYAAN Pride March at 4 PM, followed by an evening program featuring a roster of music artists and DJs. To register, go here.

Metro Manila Pride will be followed by similar celebrations in other locations around the country. You may check out its Pride calendar here.

When: 10 AM-6:30 PM, June 24

Where: Circuit Event Grounds, Riverfront Drive, Makati, Makati City

How much: Free

4. Let's Food Crawl with Ateneo GSB Pare! (A Food Trip and Kamustahan Session for Students)

This coming Saturday is going to be a gastronomic extravaganza for all Ateneans. MBA-Regis Hero Graduate and alumni Mark Tanseco Del Rosario and Founder and Community Director of Let's Eat Pare and AGSB Dean Jet Magsaysay will be leading the food crawl and kamustahan session. 

There will also be a discussion on new and upcoming trends in digital and social media marketing with guest social media influencers.

This weekend’s event, however, has limited slots only. Those interested in joining may email [email protected] to reserve a spot.

When: 1 PM-6 PM, June 24

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

How much: Free

5. Dia de Manila

Have an informative and interesting weekend at Dia de Manila. This event is a commemoration of Manila's 452nd foundation day and will feature the city's history and heritage in collaboration with Bahay Tsinoy, Escuela Taller de Filipinas, and Nilad Community. 

Part of the program includes a selection of workshops, heritage talks, a Filipino-themed bazaar, guided tours, and more. To keep up with the latest updates, follow Nilad Community on Facebook.

When: 10 AM-7 PM, June 24-25

Where: Intramuros, Rizal Park, Ermita, Manila

How much: Free (except on guided tours)

6. SM Store Blowout Sale

Calling all fashionistas and skincare aficionados! SM Store Aura’s beauty section will be offering 50% off or a buy 1, take 1 deal on its bestselling products. The promo started last June 9 and will run until June 25. 

If you’re an SMAC member, you’ll receive an extra 10% off with a minimum P2,000 purchase, while non-members can also enjoy the discount for a minimum P2,500 purchase.

When: June 24-25 

Where: SM Aura, 26th Street, corner McKinley Parkway, Fort Bonifacio Global City, Taguig City

How much: Price varies

7. Pride Plays: ‘Unica Hijas’ & ‘Laro’

A play for queers and their peers. Don’t miss the last show of the three-weekend Pride Celebration of “Unica Hijas” and “Laro” by Barefoot Theatre Collaborative (producers of “Mula sa Buwan”).

The story of "Unica Hijas" follows two young women who are forced to confront both their history and their present selves after being discovered by a nun in an almost-kissing situation. “Laro,” on the other hand, features gay relationships and explores the world of desire, lust, and love through the lens of ten different people.

When: 3 PM and 8 PM, June 25

Where: Power Mac Center Spotlight Blackbox Theater, 2/F Circuit Lane, Circuit Makati, Makati City 

How much: P1,700-P1,900 via Ticket2Me

8. Dog Behavior Seminar

Hoomans and their fur babies are in for some paw-some adventure this weekend. The pet behavioral seminar will be led by world-class dog coach Francis Cleofas, who will share his expertise on dogs. The first 10 dog owners who book a ticket will each get premium pet supplies from Dunsk Kuhner.

The registration fee includes practical training and demos in the venue, confectionary delights, delectable pâtisserie, coffee and tea, water, pet snacks, discounts on food and beverage outlets, as well as spa services. 

To make a reservation, you may call +63 917 822 4635 or contact [email protected].

When: 9:30 AM-5:30 PM, June 25 (two sessions) 

Where: Admiral Hotel Manila – MGallery, 2138 Roxas Boulevard, Manila

How much: P3,800-P4,800

9. ‘Transformers’ Block Screening

Filled with action and spectacle, “Transformers: Rise of the Beasts” was released in the Philippines last June 7. The American sci-fi movie follows Optimus Prime and the Autobots who are up against a threat in the future (again!). With the help of Maximals, they will be able to save the entire planet from the destructive attack of Unicrons.

If you’re a fan of the Autobots, then you should not miss the block screening of “Transformers’” latest installment, hosted by Cine Versesity. 

For more information, you may contact Bread of Life Quirino Facebook page.

When: 4 PM, June 25

Where: Cinema 6, SM City North Edsa, North Avenue, Quezon City

How much: N/A

10. Summer 2023 Musical Theater Workshop Class

Former Musical Director of Hong Kong Disneyland Resort Rony Fortich will lead an on-site musical theater workshop next Wednesday. Workshops on musical theater, song interpretation, and auditioning are categorized for kids, teens, and adults. 

To register, you may confirm your slot here, as classes can only accommodate a limited number of participants. For inquiries, email us at [email protected]

When: June 28

Where: Maybank Performing Arts Theater, BGC Arts Center, Taguig City

How much: P15,000

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