What’s on Manila: Best Things to See, Do, Eat, Drink on Sept. 12-18, 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. UPFI Film Center Reruns  

Cinema buffs, catch the last days of the University of the Philippines Film Institute's reruns this week. On Tuesday and Thursday, check out the screenings of "The Queen's Corgi," "Shaun the Sheep Movie," "April and the Extraordinary World," and "Three Thousand Years of Longing." The screenings are open to the public on a first-come, first-served basis. Make sure to arrive at the cinema entrance early because tickets will be available an hour before screen time. See you in UP!

When: Sept. 12-14

Where: UPFI Film Center, Magsaysay Avenue, UP Diliman, Diliman, Quezon City

How much: Starts at P150

2. Book Blowout Fair

Bookworms will agree that one can never have too many books! Readerly folks, make a beeline for SM Mall of Asia for the Book Blowout Fair, which promises discounts up to 80% off, with books going for as low as P50. There will be new stocks every day, as well as meet-and-greets and book signings with various authors at the event.

When: 10 AM-10 PM, Sept. 13-17

Where: Activity Area, G/F, Entertainment Mall, SM Mall of Asia, Seaside Boulevard, Pasay City

How much: Free admission

3. Manila International Book Fair

Another book event! We're spoiled for choice. Get lit at the Manila International Book Fair at SMX Convention Center this week. More than just an event to buy and sell books, the fair is that special, big event that readers and writers in the metro look forward to every year! Known as the largest and longest running book fair in the country, the MIBF brings over 200 local and international exhibitors to celebrate the love of reading and all things literature. Register here!

When: 10 AM-8 PM, Sept. 14-17

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

How much: Free, but registration is required

4. Family Fun Fair 2023 Kick Off

For an event that's perfect for the whole fambam, don't miss Robinsons Antipolo's Family Fun Fair! The exclusive mall selling activity will be held on all three days, while a live program will take place on Sept. 16, which will include performances by a magician and the UP Street Dance Club. Take home Family Fun Fair tickets and a loot bag with lots of freebies, and get the chance to win a Klean Kanteen tumbler, a HiSense Smart TV, and an iPhone 14 Pro Max (256 gigabytes).

When: 10 AM-10 PM on Sept. 15-17

Where: Robinsons Antipolo, Sumulong Highway, L. Sumulong Memorial Circle, Antipolo City

How much: P500 minimum spend

5. The Best of Anime 2023

Anime fans, here's one for you. The Best of Anime is back to give you a whole day of pure anime fun, from panels and cosplay competitions to guest appearances, gaming tournaments, stage activities, and fan meets! Look forward to workshops on cosplay and sword making, as well as performances by local J-Pop cover idol group Pastel Mix, Japanese idol group Starmarie, rock idol group Chicken Blow the Idol, and so much more at the event. Get your tickets here.

When: 10 AM-8 PM, Sept. 16

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

How much: P410

6. Kim Soo-hyun Book Signing

If you can't make it to all the days of Book Blowout Fair, we recommend you head to SM Mall of Asia on Saturday to catch the talk and book signing of renowned Korean author Kim Soo-hyun! Her book, "I Decided to Live As Me," includes essays and illustrations by the author and has been read by more than a million readers the world over. Registration starts at 10 AM on a first-come, first served basis. Copies of the book may be signed by Kim, granted that they were purchased from National Book Store.

When: 10 AM onwards, Sept. 16

Where: Activity Area, G/F, Entertainment Mall, SM Mall of Asia, Seaside Boulevard, Pasay City

How much: Free admission

7. TulasalitaanPH: GUNI-GUNITA 

Poetry, film, and stage plays will come together at Guni-Gunita this Saturday! The event is in celebration of TulasalitaanPH's fifth anniversary and is supported by Creative Kartel, Outlines Network & Entertainment, and the Human Rights People and Empowerment Center. Look forward to films like "Buhay, Babae, Bawkit" and "Basta's Mahal Kita" by Anjella Gienena Cruz, "As the Moth Flies" by Gayle Oblea, and "Silweta" by Gelofiiish, as well as monologues based on Jethro Ledesma's "Mukha ng Pag-uwi," among others.

When: 4 PM onwards, Sept. 16

Where: Fil Garcia Tower, Kalayaan Ave, Diliman, Quezon City

How much: Free admission

8. Crystal Fest

Are you interested in crystal healing and manifestation? Come with an open mind and check out the Crystal Fest organized by Shop Soulfully and Divine Soul Connector! The two-day event will offer three workshops, namely Crystal Basics, Healing with Crystals, and Manifesting with Crystals, so you can have your pick on what interests you the most. The festival will be held in-person as well as online via Zoom. For more information, go here.

When: Sept. 16-17

Where: Rosewood Pointe, Acacia Estates, Taguig City

How much: Starts at P1,500

9. MeowCon 2023 - Fun Match

Cat lovers, rejoice! MeowCon is back for its flagship fun match! This event is open to all domestic cats whether with pedigree or not. Kittens aged three to 10 months are very much welcome, granted that they have undergone all their vaccinations. Upon arriving at the venue, make sure to go through registration before benching and setting up for the ring judging. Best of luck to you and your catto!

When: 12 PM onwards, Sept. 17

Where: Ayala Malls Manila Bay, Diosdado Macapagal Boulevard corner Aseana Avenue, Parañaque City

How much: P1,000 per cat

10. Reiki Level 1 Workshop

Want to learn about Reiki? The Apotheosis Healing Services is offering a Reiki Level 1 Workshop at The Yoga Shala Manila for those who wish to explore this holistic, healing practice for relaxation and stress reduction. The workshop will be led by Reiki Master Teacher Giomelyn Butler, who is likewise a sound healer, Seraphim Blueprint Level 6 practitioner, and Access Bars practitioner.

When: 1 PM-7 PM, Sept. 17

Where: The Yoga Shala Manila, 2F Matana Place, 28 Matino corner Malumanay Street, Diliman

How much: P7,000

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