What’s on Manila: Best Things to See, Do, Eat, Drink on May 18-24, 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. Third Thursdays Ep. 5 Featuring Jerome Cleofas
Art community Third Thursdays, hosted by Leandro Reyes, is happening this week and will be graced by the presence of Jerome Cleofas. An open mic night, the event will see the performance of multi-hyphenate Cleofas, who is at once an associate professor, researcher, songwriter, and poet. He was among those who took part in the Elements Songwriting Camp by National Artist Ryan Cayabyab in 2014 and was the first runner-up in ABS-CBN's national Christmas songwriting contest when he was only 19 years old. The event is supported by Seltsam, Collaboratory, Linya Linya, Chryalis Films, Pill Productions, and the Cultural Center of the Philippines' Film Society, among others.
When: 8 PM, May 18
Where: Seltsam, Gervacia Building, 152 Amorsolo Street, Legazpi Village, Makati City
How much: N/A
2. 'Better Than Yesterday' Art Exhibition
In remembrance of Sexual Assault Awareness Month, hip hostel Abraham Manila will be holding an art exhibition this Friday. "Better Than Yesterday" will see four local artists bravely share their works and stories, namely Marj Laurena, Jonnafe Adraque, Andreian Espanto, and Eleanor Oberio. Aside from listening to the stories of the artists, the exhibit is also a safe space and an opportunity to meet other like-minded advocates.
When: 4 PM-6 PM, May 19
Where: Abraham Manila, 7840 Makati Avenue, corner P. Guanzon, Poblacion, Makati City
How much: Free
3. Pinoy Otaku Festival 2023: Shizen
Lovers of Japan and all things Japanese culture, you shouldn't miss the Pinoy Otaku Festival happening this weekend. The theme for this year's event relates to the environment and the festival aims to raise awareness and funds for the Bayanihan Para sa Kalikasan Movement and its projects, such as reforestation, environmental camps, and more. The celebration will include an auction, on-stage games, panel discussions, performances, a singing bee, meet and greets, and events like the ConGoer Competition, Your Cosplay Sounds Familiar, the Cosplay Championship League, and the Otaku Choice Awards. Buy your general admission and VIP tickets now.
When: May 19-21
Where: Robinsons Novaliches, Barangay Pasong Putik, Quirino Highway, Novaliches, Quezon City
How much: P150-P1,500
4. 'Patuloy': Creative Street’s 5th Anniversary
Creative Street, an art community that provides free art workshops to the country's disadvantaged youth, is turning five this month. In celebration of this achievement, the collective of artists and volunteers will be holding "Patuloy" this coming Saturday until May 27 for a week filled with art, music, and fun. Creative Street will also present the progress of its advocacy to the attendees, as well as its hardships and triumphs throughout the years.
When: 1 PM, May 20
Where: Backroom, 395 Adela Street, San Miguel, Manila
How much: N/A
5. 'Baybayin Ang KulTOURa 2023'
Non-governmental organization Baybayin Buhayin is holding "Baybayin Ang KulTOURa 2023: Ang Pamana ng Nakaraan, Handog ng Kasalukuyan, at Buhay sa Hinaharap" to mark National Heritage Month (Pambansang Buwan ng Pamana) this May. The event will feature museum tours, as well as discourse on heritage and culture in the Philippines, a discussion and workshop on Baybayain, and more. You may register through the event page here.
When: 12 PM-5 PM, May 20
Where: NHCP Museo El Deposito, Pinaglabanan Street, Corazon de Jesus, San Juan City
How much: Free
6. Mini Ozine Fest
Here's another event for ardent anime fans! Mini Ozine Fest 2023 is happening this weekend and will feature a ton of fun activities, from an anime duet singing contest and a mahon shoujo posing contest to individual and group cosplay competitions. There will also be an acoustic duo singing contest, an artist and cosplay alley, games and prizes, merchant booths, and so much more. Don't miss out on special guests, ethereal cosplayers Ely, Charess, Siutao, and Ming Miho!
When: May 20-21
Where: SMX Convention Center, Seashell Lane Mall of Asia, Pasay City
How much: P220 entrance fee
7. Color Run 2023 for Education
Leadership and development organization JCI Manila is holding Color Run 2023 for Education for the benefit of the students of Monic Elementary School in Napicuan, Nueva Ecija. The institution is set to be demolished soon and the organization plans to build a new school for the students before the demolition happens. You can choose to partake in the three-kilometer, five-kilometer, or 10-kilometer run. The event is friendly to all ages and fitness levels, so get moving for a cause and register for a race kit here!
When: 5 AM (assembly time), May 21
Where: SM MOA Event Grounds, Mall of Asia Complex, Pasay City
How much: P1,199-P1,700
8. Mother's Day Special: Yoga x Art Class
Mother's Day Special may have already passed, but this special offer shouldn't stop you from celebrating your mom! Create & Life Illustrated organized this yoga and art class this Sunday morning so you and your mom or kids can have a sundate together! Create art and flow in nature with yoga teacher Kar in Motion and art teacher Lauren Sakuma. Don't forget to bring your yoga mat and water tumbler!
When: 9 AM-10 AM, May 21
Where: Ayala Triangle Gardens, Ayala Avenue & Paseo De Roxas Street, Makati City
How much: P500-P800
9. Sought-After Desserts Online Class
Learn to make some of the most to-die-for desserts today! World-class Heny Sison Culinary School is offering a hybrid online class via Zoom next Monday to teach eager learners how to make Mango Bravissimo and Chocolate Lava Cake. The sessions will be led by chef Juan Carlo Estagle, who will also share his secrets so you can perfect these delectable desserts. Go here for more details.
When: May 22
Where: Online via Zoom
How much: P3,000
10. 'Parched Earth, Ardent Spring' Exhibit
The "Parched Earth, Ardent Spring" exhibit officially opened to the public on May 11 at the UP Vargas Museum in Diliman. The exhibit is a collaboration between the museum and Tin-aw Projects, featuring the works of artists Ambie Abaño, Virgilio Aviado, Imelda Cajipe-Endaya, Ronyel Compra, Rey Concepción, Brenda V. Fajardo, Ofelia Gelvezon-Tequi, Caroline Ongpin, Henrielle Baltazar Pagkaliwangan, Anton Villaruel, and Pam Yan-Santos. The exhibit showcases large-scale installations and prints from the 1970s to the present as an exploration of printmaking as both a process and medium.
When: 9 AM-5 PM, Until June 7
Where: UP Vargas Museum, University of the Philippines, Diliman, Quezon City
How much: P20 (students), P40 (UP staff, faculty, and alumni), P50 (non-UP visitors).
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