What’s on Manila: Best Things to See, Do, & Eat on June 29-July 5, 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. Travel Madness Expo 2023

Haven’t had your revenge travel yet? Head over to SMX this weekend and reignite your wanderlust at the Travel Madness Expo. Enjoy freebies, exclusive travel deals, and discounts by participating travel agencies, tourism offices, hotels, airlines, cruise lines, tour operators, travel insurance companies, and more. See the complete list here and register here to secure your spot and avoid long lines. Who knows, you might also get a chance to win exciting prizes!

When: June 30-July 2

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

How much: P150/day (Regular), P100/day (Senior Citizens)

2. CCP Out-Of-The-Box: Isang Gabi Ng Sarsuwela

Love theater? The Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) is opening its Out-of-the-Box (OTB) series with “Isang Gabi Ng Sarsuwela” in cooperation with Tanghalang Pilipino Foundation, Inc. Aimed to be a space “for adventurous audiences, artists, and ideas,” the series will feature excerpts and songs from classic and contemporary sarsuwela works, such as Severino Reyes’ “Walang Sugat,” Precioso Palma’s “Paglipas ng Dilim,” and Hermogenes Ilagan’s “Dalagang Bukid.” Score your tickets now via TicketWorld to get good seats.

When: 7:30 PM, June 30 / 3 PM, July 1

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

How much: P1,545

3. Pride! x Happy Hive: Creating Inclusive Spaces and the LGBTQIA+ Experience in the Workplace

Pride Month isn’t over yet! Learn how to be more accepting of the quirks and di-BEErsity of the LGBTQIA+ community with Happy Hive’s Creating Inclusive Spaces and the LGBTQIA+ Experience in the Workplace seminar. Led by speakers Norman Brito and Rey Agapay, this exclusive event will offer insights into the topic and have an open mic session where guests can share their own experiences.

When: June 30

Where: Happy Hive, 105-A Matimtiman, Diliman, Quezon City

How much: Sign up here

4. Kwentoon Festival 2023

Enjoy a two-day celebration of comics, stickers, toys, games, and more at Kwentoon Festival 2023. In cooperation with Komikon Inc., the event will see local artists Elmer Damason, Sskait, Hunghang Flashbacks, Little Things PH, Kong, and Chocnut-san, among others. YouTuber and singer-songwriter Geiko, who made headlines after creating a song out of her love for Shopee, will also be performing on Day 2 for some added entertainment. View the floor map here and get your tickets for only P99 here by using the promo code KWENTOONFEST99.

When: July 1-2

Where: SM Megatrade Hall 3, SM Megamall, EDSA cor. Julia Vargas Avenue, Ortigas Center, Mandaluyong City

How much: P150 (Regular Pass)

5. The 43rd ‘Before I Do’ Wedding and Debut Fair

Take the stress out of your wedding and debut plans by attending the 43rd edition of “Before I Do” this weekend. Organized by VRC Creative Events, the longest-running intimate wedding and debut fair will gather different local suppliers under one roof. Get your tickets via Eventbrite and visit their website for more details.

When: July 1-2

Where: SM Megatrade Hall 1, SM Megamall, EDSA cor. Julia Vargas Avenue, Ortigas Center, Mandaluyong City

How much: Free

6. The Grand Pinoy Lit Fan Con

Get your wallets ready as the National Bookstore, the country’s OG bookstore chain, is hosting The Grand Pinoy Lit Fan Con at their own NBS College this weekend. Get discounts and freebies on your favorite locally published books, plus a chance to meet PSICOM, Wattpad, and other authors from partner publishers! Check the schedule here. What’s more, Anvil Publishing authors are also coming to hold talks on Day 2, so don’t miss them.

When: July 1-2, Registration starts at 9 AM

Where: NBS College, 3rd & 4th Floors, National Book Store Building, Quezon Avenue cor. Scout Borromeo, Diliman, Quezon City

How much: Free

7. Philippine Furniture Furnishing Market 2023

Looking for a new furniture partner for your business? Then mark your calendars as the first Philippine Furniture Furnishing Market (PFFM) is set to happen next week. Bringing together up to 150 exhibitors, the event will showcase the latest trends in home, outdoor, and commercial furniture and décor from companies all over Asia. Register here and visit their website for more information.

When: July 5-7

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

How much: Free upon completion of the registration process

8. Volleyball Nations League (VNL) Men’s Pools Round 3

Feel the excitement as you watch the world’s best nations compete on the court! Don’t miss this chance to cheer for the men’s volleyball teams of Brazil, Canada, China, Italy, Japan, the Netherlands, Poland, and Slovenia as they battle it out to reach the top. Choose the team you want to see live and get your tickets via SM Tickets before they’re sold out!

When: July 4-9

Where: SM Mall of Asia Arena, SM Mall of Asia Complex, Seashell Lane, Pasay

How much: Starts at P300 (Gen Ad)

9. S Maison x Auro World Chocolate Fair 2023

In celebration of World Chocolate Day, S Maison is collaborating again with tree-to-bar chocolate company Auro to hold a World Chocolate Fair this year. Experience a chocolate extravaganza like no other with limited-edition treats, desserts, and award-winning chocolate from brands such as Overdoughs, BUBU Bars, Poison Coffee & Doughnuts, Tiger Sugar Philippines, Le Sucre Lab, Tender Loving Cakes, and more. Truly a great event to satisfy your cravings!

When: July 5-9

Where: S Maison at Conrad Manila, SM Mall of Asia Complex, Marina Way, Pasay

How much: Free

10. ‘Every Brilliant Thing’ & ‘Lungs’ Sandbox Fest 2023

If you’re looking to catch a stage play this week, you can visit the Maybank Performing Arts Theater to watch the 2023 edition of Sandbox Fest. Introducing a twin bill experience by English playwright Duncan Macmillan, the fest will show “Lungs” as part of Act I (starring Reb Atadero, Sab Jose, Justine Pena, and Brian Sy) and “Every Brilliant Thing” as Act 2. Get your tickets via TicketWorld and check the time, show dates, and cast here.

When: Until July 15

Where: Zobel de Ayala Recital Hall, Maybank Performing Arts Theater, Taguig

How much: Starts at P2,389.20

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