What’s on Manila: Best Things to See, Do, & Eat on Sept. 26-Oct. 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 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. Negros Trade Fair 2023

It’s time to support local as the Negros Trade Fair (NTF) is officially coming back for its 37th edition this week with the theme “Anuma,” which means “to take care of” in Hiligaynon. As the country’s longest-running trade fair under the Association of Negros Producers (ANP), visitors can expect a wide showcase of Negrense food and delicacies, arts and crafts, fashion, and other products from over 20 local small-to-medium businesses. Prepare your wallets and get ready to discover more about this beautiful part of the country!

When: Sept. 26-Oct. 1

Where: Glorietta Activity Center, Palm Drive, Ayala Center, Makati

How much: N/A

2. Trendsetter’s Bazaar

The start of the “ber” months signals the upcoming Christmas season, and we all know what that means: shopping! If you want to avoid the holiday crowd, you might want to do your shopping as early as now at Trendsetter’s Bazaar this weekend. Not only can you score trendy accessories, bags, and clothes for the lowest prices, but you can also take home freebies from different brands!

3. Tanghalang Pilipino’s ‘Anak Datu’ Opening Week

Tanghalang Pilipino’s “Anak Datu” is back on stage this Friday! Directed by Chris Millado and based on the original story by National Artist Abdulmari Imao, the award-winning play is “a multiverse, post-pandemic production that banners peace through the intertwining of conflicts in a folk tale, a stark social realism, and an all-too-familiar family drama.” Carlos Dala and Lhorvie Nuevo-Tadioan will be reprising their roles as Toym Imao/Binatang Karim and Putli Loling, respectively.

Tickets are limited for the opening week, so score your tickets via Ticket2Me and TicketWorld before they’re sold out!

When: Sept. 29-Oct. 15

Where: CCP Tanghalang Ignacio Gimenez (Black Box Theater), CCP Complex, Malate, Manila

How much: P1,500 (Regular)

4. BGC Art Mart – Malikhaing Gawa. Sariling Atin

Discover how amazingly talented Filipino artists are with Bonifacio Global City’s (BGC) community art bazaar this weekend. From handmade jewelry and accessories to paintings and sculptures, there are a lot of artworks for you to appreciate and buy in support of small ventures. What’s more, this month’s BGC Art Mart is part of the Pinoy Playlist Music Festival 2023, so you’ll also be able to watch amazing local acts curated by National Artist for Music Maestro Ryan Cayabyab!

When: 3 PM-9 PM, Sept. 29-Oct. 1

Where: Alveo Central Plaza, BGC Arts Center, 26th Street, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig

How much: Free

5. Cosplay Mania 2023

Step into the chronosphere and celebrate the 15th anniversary of Cosplay Mania, one of the biggest and longest-running anime and geek conventions in the country. Gear up in your favorite cosplay and get ready to meet international cosplayers Knite, Phil Mizuno, and Clarissa Punipun; VTubers Ami Amami, Rita Kamishiro, Kaela Kovalskia, and Vestia Zeta; and special guests Hiroto Kuramasu and Shuta Morishima in person. Popular Japanese artists BPM15Q, JUNNA, Nano, and Daoko will also perform at night to end your day with a bang! Tickets are already sold out for Day 2, but you can still purchase Day 1 tickets via Ticketmax.

When: Sept. 30-Oct. 1

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

How much: P599 (Silver), P1,499 (Gold), P3,499 (VIP)

6. REV Major 2023

The biggest and most anticipated fighting game event in the country and Southeast Asia is happening this weekend, and it’s packed with FG action you wouldn’t want to miss! Catch the best gamers from all over the world battle it out in the Arc World Tour (Guilty Gear -Strive- and DNF Duel), Tekken World Tour, Dragon Ball FighterZ World Tour, and SNK World Championship (Samurai Shodown and The King of Fighters) to determine who’s on top! Get your tickets here.

When: Sept. 30-Oct. 1

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

How much: P600 (1-Day Pass), P1,100 (2-Day Pass), P1,999 (Premium 2-Day Pass), P7,500 (VIP Pass)

7. Run Fur Life 2023 – Disco Edition

Pawrents, it’s your time to shine! Get your doggos ready to join the Animal Kingdom Foundation’s (AKF) annual fundraising event this Sunday to give their rescued animals in Capas, Tarlac a better life. Now in its eighth year, the fun run will follow a disco theme with glow sticks and wacky shades you can wear for a festive and meaningful run with your fur babies. Register here for your run kit, which is equivalent to a month of sponsorship for one rescued cat and dog.

When: 5 AM-10 AM, Oct. 1

Where: Bridgetowne Pasig, Bridgetowne Destination Estate, Eulogio Rodriguez Jr. Ave., Quezon City

How much: P950

8. DAEBAK! A Hallyu Art and Merch Market Year 2

It’s StickerCon time but make it Korean. If you’re looking for an art and merch market that focuses on Korean pop culture, then prepare your wallet (or e-wallet) and head over to Whitespace Manila this Sunday. From K-Drama to K-Pop, this is your chance to meet fellow fans and artists from different fandoms and take home goodies that you can use or display at home. You might even find the official merch you’re looking for! Follow StickerCon on Facebook and Instagram to see the complete list of exhibitors.

When: Oct. 1

Where: Whitespace Manila, 2314 Chino Roces Avenue Extension, Makati

How much: P100

9. ForceBook 1st Fan Meeting in Manila

Boys love (BL) fans; this one’s for you! Catch the fierce fox and his adorable mochi live as Jiratchapong “Force” Srisang and Kasidet “Book” Plookphol hold their first-ever fan meeting in Manila. The Thai on-screen partners, affectionately known together as ForceBook, are known for their portrayals in the series “Enchanté,” which became a hit with fans worldwide. Get your tickets here and be part of the magic this Sunday.

When: 5 PM, Oct. 1

Where: SM North EDSA Sky Dome, North Ave., Bago Bantay, Quezon City

How much: Starts at P4,724 (Gen Zone)

10. Repertory Philippines’ ‘Snow White and the Prince’

Grab your kids and step into a fairytale world as the REP’s Theater for Young Audiences (RTYA) is returning on stage with Janes Yates Vogt and Mark Friedman’s “Snow White and the Prince.” Directed by RTYA founder Joy Virata, the children’s musical follows the story of a beautiful maiden named Snow White as she prepares for her birthday ball and meets her prince charming, whom she falls in love with at first sight.

Check the cast schedule here and get your tickets at TicketWorld and Ticket2Me. This will be their last production in the Onstage Theater before Greenbelt 1 closes down to undergo a grand renovation.

When: Until Dec. 17

Where: Onstage Theater, Second Floor, Greenbelt 1, Paseo de Roxas, Makati

How much: P824 (Balcony), P1,030 (Orchside), P1,545 (Upper and Lower Center)

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