What’s on MNL: Best Things to See, Do, Eat, Drink on May 25-31, 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. Kusina Sea Kitchens’ Little Chefs
Exposing your children to the kitchen and teaching them how to cook will help them develop a sense of independence and self-sufficiency as adults. Kusina Sea Kitchens is hosting kid-friendly cooking lessons throughout May, with a lunch buffet for one child and one adult participant included in each session.
This Sunday, kids will experience making their own cartoon bun through basic techniques, while experimenting with various flavors. For inquiries, you may call +632 7239 7788 or email [email protected].
When: 2 PM-4 PM, May 28
Where: Kusina Sea Kitchens, Hilton Manila, Newport World Resorts
How much: P3,990+
2. BGC Art Mart Promo
Support local! As part of BGC Art Center’s “Into the Summer: Blossoming Creativity” activity, this weekend’s event will highlight BGC Arts Center merchandise ranging from cloth masks to tote bags. Proceeds from the art mart promotion will be used to fund local artists' programs and champion the arts in the community. The promo started last weekend and will run through Sunday.
When: 3 PM-9 PM, May 27-28
Where: Alveo Central Plaza, BGC Arts Center, 26th Street, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig
How much: P300 for three items
3. National Book Store's Midyear Sale
If there’s one shop that most Filipinos have patronized at some point in their lives, it’s the National Book Store. NBS is arguably unrivaled when it comes to affordable yet quality school supplies, art materials, and great reads. Last May 12, they kicked off their mid-year sale with up to 50% off. You can enjoy huge discounts and flash deals by shopping at any of its branches nationwide.
If you don’t have the time to physically rummage through NBS shelves, you can place your order online via this link.
When: Until June 18
Where: NBS branches nationwide
How much: Price varies
4. 5th PCCI Cares Fun Run for a Cause 2023
Whether you're a seasoned runner or just looking for a fun and engaging activity, you might want to check out this fun run open to everyone, including pets! The Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) will be hosting a fun run for a cause, and as part of the event, participants will engage in a synchronized Zumba workout for one hour before the run.
Lucky participants will be given special prizes and more freebies. Proceeds from the event will go to the PCCI Disaster Relief and Rehabilitation Program. You may register here.
When: May 28
Where: Liwasang Ulialim, CCP Complex, Pasay City
How much: P600-P850
5. 'Intersectionality' Exhibition
The “Intersectionality” exhibition at Provenance Art Gallery is a group show featuring artworks by local artists. It will highlight how overlapping events in people's lives can lead to opportunities lost in a split second as life flashes before their eyes. The artists’ works aim to convey feelings such as happiness, regret, loss, triumph, and hope to visitors, and remind us that no matter what happens, we are the “captain of [our] soul.”
The exhibition kicked off last May 13 and will continue until this coming Monday.
When: 10 AM-6 PM, May 29
Where: Shangri-La The Fort, 30th Street corner 5th Avenue, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig
How much: N/A
6. Book Signing With ‘Celebrating Hope After A Storm’s’ Authors
Hosted by The Indiependent Collective, this weekend event is dedicated to bibliophiles around the city.
This is your chance to meet the authors of “Celebrating Hope After A Storm” while sharing a cup of coffee with them. The book is the latest anthology written by and for Filipinos, highlighting “heartwarming and inspiring stories that celebrate the indomitable human spirit and the power of perseverance.” You may shop for a copy of the book through Shopee.
When: 1 PM-4 PM, May 27
Where: Antigo Café & Bistro, 51 B - Sct. Rallos St. Barangay Laging Handa, Tomas Morato, Quezon City
How much: Free
7. Sining Galing Saturday Art Market
Individuals or groups of artists who want to exhibit and sell their masterpieces shouldn’t miss this fantastic opportunity to connect with the community. Local artists and artisans may showcase their works, from paintings and sculptures to wearable art and more. Artists who specialize in fine art and fine craft are also welcome to join. Sining Galing Saturday Art Market is a weekly event that will run until next month.
When: 6 AM-1 PM, May 27
Where: Ortigas Market, Emerald Avenue, Ortigas Center, Brgy. San Antonio, Pasig City
How much: Free
8. Larry Alcala’s Travelling Exhibition 2023
As part of the National Heritage Month, Museo ng Makati has mounted an exhibit showcasing the works of Larry Alcala, an icon who helped sketch the landscape of Philippine comics. A National Artist for Visual Arts, Alcala was known for his serialized cartoons depicting Pinoy’s everyday life. The exhibit, titled “Slices of Life, Wit, and Humor” after his namesake weekly magazine illustrations, pays tribute to the man who breathed new life into the complexities and mundanities of living in the Philippines: the sari-sari store, gossips, jeepneys and tricycles, and the locals who make all these colorful.
When: Until June 3
Where: Museo ng Makati, J.P. Rizal, cor. A. Mabini Street, Brgy. Poblacion, Makati City
How much: Free
9. Mirèio Brunch Society Buffet
Bid goodbye to the month of May with a mouth-watering spread for the most important meal of the day—brunch! Check out Mirèio Brunch Society at Raffles Makati for a delectable feast that will surely power you through the day. From premium meats and charcuterie to risottos and pastas, this affair is a sure treat to every palate.
Click here to book a table.
When: 12 NN-2:30 PM, Every Sunday
Where: Raffles Makati, 1 Raffles Drive, Makati Avenue, Makati
How much: Starts at P4,300
10. ‘The Little Mermaid’ Opens in Theaters
The live-action adaptation of “The Little Mermaid” is gracing the Philippine shores today, so if you have zero thing to look forward to this weekend, let this be it. See Halle Bailey lend her mesmerizing voice as Ariel, a young mermaid out to explore life above water. Expect this childhood favorite to be all over local cinemas. For tickets, check out Robinson’s Movieworld, Shangri-La Plaza Red Carpet, SM Cinema, and Ayala Malls Cinemas.
When: From May 24
Where: Multiple locations
How much: Price varies
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