What’s on Manila: Best Things to See, Do, & Eat on July 27-Aug. 2, 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 BeatManila’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. The Playbook Club Presents ‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream’
Theater collective The Playbook Club (PBC) is staging an all-female production of William Shakespeare’s “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” this weekend to “explore the fun, the comedic, and the whimsical wildness of the drama.” Directed by Nelsito Gomez, in cooperation with Madison Events Inc., the upcoming stage will be a reimagination of the Shakespearean text to bring the classic work closer to the audience. Tickets are almost sold out (as of writing), so better register through this form fast to not miss out!
When: 7 PM, July 27, 29, and 30
Where: The Mirror Studios, 8463 Kalayaan Ave., Makati
How much: P350
2. The Modern and Contemporary Art Festival 2023
The Modern and Contemporary Art Festival (MoCAF) 2023 is returning this year to showcase the country’s evolving art scene. With more than 20 participating galleries, the dynamic art festival will feature works from cutting-edge contemporary artists and modern masters. Check the list of exhibitors here and the up-and-coming contemporary artists here. Tickets are available on-site, but you can also buy online via Art Plus Collectibles.
When: 6 PM-9 PM, July 28 / 10 AM-9 PM, July 29-30
Where: Fairmont Makati, 1 Raffles Drive, Makati Ave., Makati
How much: P300 per day
3. Ibalon, The Ballet (The Love of Handyong and Oriol)
Opening the Philippine Ballet Theatre (PBT)’s 37th season, the resident ballet company of the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) will be staging an original full-length ballet based on the epic Bicolano story called “Ibalon (The Love of Handyong and Oriol).” The performance will tell the tale of the greatness of the hero Handyong and his love for the cursed Princess Oriol, with original choreography by artistic director Ronilo Jaynario and original music composition by Paulo Zarate. Get your tickets via TicketWorld before they’re sold out!
When: 8 PM, July 28-29
Where: Samsung Performing Arts Theater, Hippodromo St., Circuit Makati, Makati
How much: Starts at P360.50 (Zone 5)
4. Coshabatsu 2023 at Ayala Malls Fairview Terraces
Here’s something for geeks living in the north! Persona Vista and StudioOMO Ltd. are launching CosHabatsu 2023 to give anime fans, cosplayers, and congoers a fun and exciting weekend. There will be merchandise booths and activities, such as Cosplay Parade, Cosplay Karaoke, Impromptu Skit, Pop Quiz Mania, and more. Check the official schedule here. Tickets are available on-site and online through their website.
When: July 28-30
Where: Ayala Malls Fairview Terraces, Quirino Highway, Maligaya St., Novaliches, Quezon City
How much: P150 (Regular), P400 (3-day Ticket), P650 (VIP)
5. Bike & Coffee at Ayala Malls Marikina
If you love biking and coffee, head over to Ayala Malls Marikina for an event that celebrates both. There will be an all-in-one exhibit for bicycles, multiple exhibitors where you can discover a range of bike accessories and gears, a bike clinic where you can have your bikes checked for free, and a raffle where you can win exciting prizes. What’s more, you can get a free cup of coffee if you download the Zing app!
When: July 28-30
Where: Ayala Malls Marikina, Level 2, Garden View Deck, Marikina
How much: Free
6. This is Our Children’s Museum
In partnership with non-profit organization Center for Art, New Ventures, and Sustainable Development (CANVAS), the University of the Philippines (UP) Vargas Museum is opening a concept exhibition to highlight the ongoing construction of Tumba-Tumba Children's Museum of Philippine Art in Ibaan, Batangas. Drop by starting this Saturday at 4 PM to see new works by Mark Jeffrey Santos for “Ang Pusang Kartero (The Cat Mailman),” a children’s book by Genaro Gojo Cruz, and other pieces by contemporary Filipino artists who support the vision of CANVAS.
When: July 29-Sept. 1 (closed on Mondays and holidays)
Where: UP Vargas Museum, Roxas Ave., Diliman, Quezon City
How much: P30 (Non-UP students), P20 (UP students)
7. Museo Pambata Field Trip
Parents, here’s where you can take your kids this weekend. Join The Learning Library as they take you on a special tour at the newly renovated Museo Pambata! There will be family-friendly games, exhibits, storytelling, and an arts and crafts session that both kids and parents can enjoy. Registration through their website is advised to confirm the headcount, while payment will be at the venue.
When: 9:30 AM-11:30 AM, July 29
Where: Museo Pambata, Roxas Boulevard cor. South Drive, Manila
How much: P450 per person (adult or child)
8. Funtastic Felines: WCF Coral Jubilee International Cat Show
Love cats? You’ll love them even more when you catch this international cat show at Ayala Malls Manila Bay! Organized by the Feline Council of the Philippines, Inc., this weekend event will see cats of different pedigrees compete to show the audience and all-breed judges (who are flying all the way from Germany) who’s the most purr-fect of them all. There will also be a novice class for owners who signed up their cats with no pedigrees!
When: July 29-30
Where: Ayala Malls Manila Bay, Diosdado Macapagal Blvd. cor. Aseana Ave., Parañaque
How much: Price varies for entry fees
9. Earth-Mix 1st Fan Meeting in Manila
Boys Love fans are in for a treat as Earth (Pirapat Watthanasetsiri) and Mix (Sahaphap Wongratch) are heading to Manila this Sunday! Known for their roles in “A Tale of Thousand Stars” (2021), “Cupid's Last Wish” (2022), and many other series, the Thai pair is set to bring you to new galaxies of excitement you won’t forget. Get your tickets via SM Tickets.
When: July 30
Where: Skydome, SM City North Edsa, North Avenue cor. EDSA, Quezon City
How much: Starts at P3,500 (Wave 3)
10. World Food Expo (WOFEX) Manila
The biggest and most awaited food trade show in the country is coming back bigger and better on its 23rd year! With the successful return of face-to-face events, guests will now be able to connect more with prospective sellers and buyers and experience learning opportunities through WOFEX University, SensoryEx, and live demos. The event will be held simultaneously at two venues (with free shuttle service), so it’s best to check their website for the complete schedule.
When: Aug. 2-5
Where: SMX Convention Center Manila, Mall of Asia Complex, Seashell Lane, Pasay / World Trade Center Manila, Pasay Extension cor. Sen. Gil J. Puyat Ave., Pasay
How much: Price varies
Promote your upcoming event now! Click here to submit your event and have it considered for inclusion in our upcoming coverage and newsletters.
Get the latest curated content with The Beat Asia's newsletters. Sign up now for a weekly dose of the best stories, events, and deals delivered straight to your inbox. Don't miss out! Click here to subscribe.
