What’s on Manila: Best Things to See, Do, Eat, & Drink on Oct. 10-16, 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. ‘Taylor Swift: The Eras Tour‘ Concert Film

It's “been a long time coming but...” the moment we've all been waiting for is finally here. The highly anticipated Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour film will be showing in the Philippines. Swift has delighted her fans by announcing that this incredible tour experience will be shared with fans worldwide through a captivating concert film spanning over 100 countries.

Directed by the Grammy-nominated and Emmy award-winning director, Sam Wrench, this cinematic masterpiece will take you on a musical journey for an impressive two hours and 45 minutes.

You can catch the film version of the concert at Ayala Malls Cinemas from Oct. 13-15 and 19-21, and it will be available in various formats, including 2D, A-Giant, A-Luxe, and Atmos. On the other hand, SM Cinemas will be screening from Oct. 13-15, 19-22, 26-29, and Nov. 2-5, available in 2D regular, Director’s Club, and IMAX.

Don't miss your chance to see Taylor Swift on the big screen and experience the unforgettable moments from her Eras Tour!

When: Starting Oct. 13

Where: Multiple cinemas nationwide

How much: Starts at P550 via TS The Eras Tours Film

2. Naruto Day and Cosplay Weekend

Unleash your inner ninja and join the celebration of Uzumaki Naruto’s birthday with this two-day event filled with cosplay and live performances. The event’s highlight is the return of cosplay and talent contests, where participants can win amazing prizes.

Additionally, fans can look forward to engaging panel discussions, providing a platform to delve deep into all things related to Naruto. But the excitement doesn't stop there! Other captivating activities await fans and cosplayers alike, including a merchandise alley brimming with Naruto-themed goodies, immersive photo booths for memorable snapshots, the Anioke Challenge for those with a passion for singing, and an exhilarating Naruto karaoke contest that's sure to keep the energy high.

When: 10 AM-9 PM, Oct. 13-15

Where: Main Atrium Level 1, Digiworld Robinsons Galleria, Ortigas, Quezon City

How much: Free entry

3. Rody Vera’s ‘Walang Aray’ at PETA Theater Center

The brainchild of some of the best artists in the industry, with Vera's libretto, Vince Lim's original music scoring, and Ian Segarra's instinctive directing and storytelling, "Walang Aray" is a musical treat with an entertaining and brilliantly crafted story by the PETA ensemble, including some of the most seasoned actors in the industry.

4. Park Seo Jun Fun Meet in Manila

Park Seo Jun's magnetic charisma and versatile acting have probably captivated you if you're a die-hard fan of Korean dramas like "Itaewon Class" and "She Was Pretty." And guess what? This coming Saturday, you'll finally see him in person at The Big Dome for his much-anticipated fan meet event, making it feel like a dream come true.

5. Dew Jirawat Solo Fan Meet in Manila

Renowned Thai actor and model Jirawat Sutivanichsak, popularly known as Dew Jirawat, is making his return to the Philippines for his maiden solo fan meeting. The event promises an opportunity to witness the F4 Thai actor's exceptional talent and engage in more intimate interactions with him. Dew also starred in several shows like “Magic of Zero – Zero In The Moonlight,” “Home School,” “Faceless Love,” and “A Love So Beautiful,” among others.

When: 6 PM, Oct. 14

Where: Samsung Hall, 6th Floor, SM Aura Premier, 26th Street corner McKinley Parkway, Taguig City

How much: P3,500-P11,000 via MKLtickets

6. ‘Dim Sum Till You Drop’ Promo

In case you missed it, TuanTuan Chinese Brasserie’s SM Aura Premier branch will treat diners to an exclusive unlimited dim sum feast from Monday to Saturday. This mouthwatering promotion includes delectable chow such as crispy barbecue pork snow buns, steamed shrimp and pork siu mai, fried pork dumplings, and more.

As part of its mechanics, diners must follow the "no leftovers or takeout" policy, and any leftover food will be charged at regular à la carte menu prices. All kids measuring 110 centimeters below can dine free of charge. For further details and reservations, click here.

When: 11 AM, Until Oct. 14

Where: Sky Park Dining, SM Aura Premier, 26th Street corner McKinley Parkway, Taguig City

How much: P698 (additional 10% service charge)

7. Net and James Fan Meeting

Fans of boys’ love drama series should not pass up the opportunity to meet and greet “Bed Friend” actors Siraphop "Net" Manithikhun and Supamongkon "James" Wongwisut as they grace the stage with their upcoming fan meeting in the country. This fan meeting guarantees a night brimming with entertainment, joy, and swoon-worthy moments. Mark your calendars and prepare for a fantastic rendezvous with Net and James!

When: 4 PM, Oct. 14

Where: SM Skydome, SM City North EDSA, North Avenue, Bago Bantay, Quezon City

How much: P3,500-P15,000

8. Modern Weaving for Beginners

Discover the art of weaving at Wabi Sabi Studio in Kapitolyo, Pasig on Oct. 15. Join this in-person session to learn modern weaving techniques and create your own handwoven piece. Led by expert instructor Judith Basco, this workshop offers a complete weaving kit and a therapeutic weaving experience. Register now for an enriching cultural and artistic adventure.

9. ‘Trinity Breathe of Desire’ Fan Meeting in Manila

Filo Twilights! Prepare to extend a warm Manila welcome to Porsche, Third, and Jackie, as they make their way to the city for their much-anticipated "Trinity Breathe of Desire" fan meeting. This dynamic trio, formed in 2019, has been making waves since their inception, boasting an impressive discography that includes one mini-album, five singles, and a featured single. Their music has resonated with fans far and wide, and some of their most beloved tracks include "Hidden Track," "100 Days," and "Thank You All," among other hits.

When: 7 PM, Oct. 15

Where: SM Skydome, SM City North EDSA, North Avenue, Bago Bantay, Quezon City

How much: P2,560-P6,810 via SM Tickets

10. SMDC Celebrates SM 65 With Lee Min-ho

Korean superstar Lee Min-ho is coming to Manila to celebrate SM’s 65th anniversary. The acclaimed Korean actor is the newest brand ambassador of real estate developer SM Development Corporation (SMDC) and is the face of SMDC’s “Step into Luxury” campaign.

Lee Min-ho gained fame for his leading roles in beloved K-dramas like “Boys Over Flowers,” “The Heirs,” “The Legend of the Blue Sea,” and “The King: Eternal Monarch,” to name a few.

When: 6 PM, Oct. 15

Where: SMX Convention Center, Mall of Asia Complex, Seashell Lane, Pasay City

How much: More information via SMDC

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