What’s on Manila: Best Things to Do on June 1-7, 2023
WHAT'S ON

What’s on MNL: Best Things to See, Do, Eat, & Drink on June 1-7, 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. CONQuest 2023

Time to geek out this weekend as CONQuest 2023 will bring together your favorite games and personalities in five different venues. Featuring local and international artists, cosplayers, content creators, musicians, streamers, voice actors, and VTubers, it’s going to be one of the biggest game and pop culture events in the country! Visit their website for the complete list of guests, activities, schedule, and tickets.

When: June 2-4

Where: Multiple venues (SMX Convention Center, Conrad Manila, SM Mall of Asia Atrium, and National University MOA)

How much: P800 (Pre-selling), P1,000 (Door)


2. The Philippine Book Festival

Bookworms, it’s time to fill your shelves with good reads from our amazing local talents. Organized by the National Book Development Board (NBDB), the first-ever Philippine Book Festival is “not just a book fair, it's a book experience!” This is your chance to meet established publishers, exhibitors, and authors through readings and book signings. There will also be live performances by actors and storytellers, writing workshops, and literary discussions and debates to feed your brain with knowledge. Visit their website for more information.

When: June 2-4

Where: World Trade Center Metro Manila, Mezzanine Level WTCMM Building, Sen. Gil J. Puyat Ave. cor. Diosdado Macapagal Blvd., Pasay City

How much: Free


3. Philippine Coffee Expo 2023

Take a break from the books and visit Halls A and D next door for the second edition of the Philippine Coffee Expo, the country’s grandest national coffee event. With the theme “Celebrating Philippine Coffee: Brewing the Future,” the event will be filled with over 100 exhibitors from coffee-related businesses, companies, and key players in the market. There will also be breakout sessions, barista competitions, and business matching activities that will link local farmers to potential buyers. Get your tickets here.

When: June 2-4

Where: World Trade Center Metro Manila, Mezzanine Level WTCMM Building, Sen. Gil J. Puyat Ave. cor. Diosdado Macapagal Blvd., Pasay City

How much: Limited Expo Pass (1-Day Pass: P300 or 3-Day Pass: P800) / Full Access Pass (1-Day Pass: P1,200 or 3-Day Pass: P3,200)


4. Plant Convergence at QC Circle

Where are our plantitos and plantitas at? Head over to the Quezon City Memorial Circle this weekend because Plant Convergence is back to celebrate all things green and beautiful. Have a plant-tastic experience as you learn from expert gardeners, make plant-loving friends, discover new species, and take home a plant or two from participating merchants. There will also be food and live music to serenade you while being surrounded by the beauty of nature.

When: June 2-4

Where: Flower Garden, Quezon City Memorial Circle, Diliman, Quezon City

How much: Free


5. ‘These common, intimate objects’ Exhibit

If you’re at EDSA Shangri-La Plaza this Friday or the succeeding days, you might want to visit Galerie Stephanie on the fourth level to check out their new exhibition. “These common, intimate objects” is bringing together the works of ceramicists Pablo K. Capati III, Marco Rosario, and Jezzel Wee who are inspired by the principles and discipline of the mingei movement, which is spearheaded by Japanese philosopher Soetsu Yanagi. Call 7940-5726 or e-mail [email protected] to request for a catalogue.

When: June 2-18

Where: Galerie Stephanie, 4F East Wing, Shangri-La Plaza Mall, EDSA cor. Shaw Blvd., Mandaluyong City

How much: Free


6. Open House at Alliance Française de Manille

Want to learn more French words other than bonjour, oui, and merci beaucoup? Step into Alliance Française de Manille’s open house this Saturday and sign up for their hyflex (hybrid flexible) French classes. There will also be a culinary workshop where you can learn how to make pain au chocolat and croissant, a wine pairing session, and free screenings of “Rise (En corps)” by Cédric Klapisch and “The Young Girls of Rochefort (Les Demoiselles de Rochefort)” by Jacques Demy. Book your slots here.

When: 10 AM onwards, June 3

Where: Alliance Française de Manille, 209 Nicanor Garcia Street, Bel-Air II, Makati City

How much: Free, with some paid activities


7. UNVEIL 2023: A Wedding Fair by EDSA Shangri-La Manila

Say “I do” to this weekend wedding fair happening at EDSA Shangri-La Manila. Now in its seventh year, Unveil 2023 will feature curated displays and fashion shows and bring together seasoned events specialists, culinary masters, and renowned stylists for beauty, couture, and venue staging to make your big day magical. Register now and get a chance to win a three-day-and-two-night stay at Shangri-La Boracay. Click here for more details.

When: June 3-4

Where: Isla Grand Ballroom, EDSA Shangri-La Hotel Manila, 1 Garden Way, Ortigas Center, Mandaluyong City

How much: Free


8. Modern Calligraphy Workshop

If you’ve always wanted to learn modern calligraphy using traditional pointed nibs dipped in ink, this is your chance. Happy Hands Project is organizing a calligraphy workshop where you’ll receive a specially curated kit, including the “Make Your Own Happy Hour” Calligraphy Workbook, to get started on creating your own craft. Sign up here now because seats are limited.

When: 1 PM-4 PM, June 4

Where: Art Caravan, The Forum South Global, 7th Avenue, Federacion Dr., Bonifacio Global City, Taguig

How much: P2,500


9. Instituto Cervantes Summer Camp for Children and Young Learners

This one’s for the kids! Enroll your little ones to a summer camp, where they can immerse themselves in the exciting world of the Spanish language, while enjoying educational classroom activities that will help improve their communication skills and competence. The camp will be arranged according to age groups (children six to 12 years old and young learners 12-15 years old) and proficiency to meet your kids’ specific needs. Register here or contact [email protected] for inquiries and more information.

When: 9 AM-12 NN, June 5-15 and June 19-28

Where: Instituto Cervantes, G/F, Ayala Tower One & Exchange Plaza, Ayala Ave., Makati City

How much: P7,000


10. The Virgin Labfest (VLF) 2023 ‘VLF18: Hitik’

The annual festival of untried, untested, and unstaged works is back this year with brave new plays by local veteran and virgin directors, designers, and actors. There will be 12 one-act plays programmed into four sets of three plays, staged readings of selected scripts from the VLF18 submissions, panel discussions, theater talks, and a VLF Writing Fellowship Program mentored by Glenn Sevilla Mas. Visit the Cultural Center of the Philippines’ website for more information.

When: June 7-25

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

How much: P2,000 (Regular), P3,000 (Premium)


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