Looking for plans this weekend?
The feeling of inching towards the weekend is universal. While some weekend warriors may have their plans ironed out perfectly, and some might purposely choose to leave it empty to catch up on some shuteye, there is still a pool of people who were just so busy during the week that they just wanted it to end – thus forgetting to make weekend plans.
Just because the weekend has arrived before you got to plan it, doesn’t mean you can’t orchestrate a good buzzer-beater weekend. No need for an extravagant weekend getaway when all you need is just in town. Check out what you can do in Metro Manila!
What to Watch
Movies
You can marathon your favorite Netflix shows anytime; the weekend is for going out and watching the newest films out there!
2019 Pista ng Pelikulang Pilipino (PPP) has been creating buzz for quite some time now, and we’ve picked out our favorites. The Panti Sisters, comprised of Paolo Ballesteros and Christian Bables from Die Beautiful, and Best Actor awardee Martin del Rosario, is a dramedy following three gay drag queens and siblings who set out to give their father his dying wish of a grandchild, in exchange for ₱3,000,000. We stan. LSS is another hyped indie coming-of-age which almost all 20-somethings can relate to, but 10x better backed by a soundtrack from Ben & Ben. Just A Stranger made news about its racy subject, and with it a lot of comments from the conservative audiences, but Anne Curtis’ husband Erwan Heussaff made sure to set the record straight in a comment on her Instagram post that no one should dictate what a person should or shouldn’t do after getting married.
Korean film Parasite has been making waves for awhile now, it may be your last chance to catch it. For all the fans of Japanese anime film Your Name (2016), creator Makoto Shinkai is back with Weathering with You, a grittier love story but just as magical as his previous work. A Hollywood blockbuster you might not want to miss is Quentin Tarantino’s Once Upon A Time…In Hollywood, so expect some blood, the darkest of humors, and the Tarantino touch.
Check out what other movies are showing in cinemas now, and catch the movie schedules!
The Best Movie Snacks and Drink Ideas for your Next Date! While popcorn is a classic, find out other snacks and even get a discount!
Cine Europa – Greenbelt 3
Cine Europa is an annual film festival brought to us by the Delegation of the European Union in the Philippines, hosting their 22nd event here. Watch the best of contemporary European cinema, with a curation of films done by the union, all throughout September 20 (Friday) until September 24 (Monday)!
Insider tip: FREE ADMISSION. We repeat, free admission. No registration fee, no ticket fee.
BELGIUM - Behind the Clouds (2016)
THE CZECH REPUBLIC - The Tiger Theory (2016)
DENMARK - Winter Brothers (2017)
FRANCE - Tour de France (2016)
GERMANY - Greetings from Fukushima (2016)
HUNGARY - Happy New Year (2018)
ITALY - Being Leonardo da Vinci, An Impossible Interview (2019)
NORWAY - The King’s Choice (2016)
THE NETHERLANDS - The Marathon (2012)
POLAND - Cold War (2018) - Special Screening
SPAIN - 10,000 km (2014)
SWEDEN - Drifters (2015)
UNITED KINGDOM - Mary Shelley (2017)
Check out more details
View Cine Europa’s Twitter page
Greenbelt 3, Ayala Center, Makati, Metro Manila
Concerts and music gigs
Breakbot Live in Manila – Palacio de Maynila
Fresh off a remix for queen Lizzo, French house producer and DJ Breakbot is set to perform in Manila on September 21 (Saturday) with long-time collaborator Irfane this Saturday, September 21 from 8PM to 2AM. No announcement yet on which local acts will come before his set, but enjoy unlimited San Miguel Supe Dry from 8-9PM, and complimentary beers from your stubs upon entry 9PM onwards.
Tickets still available at the door
UNKNWN’s Instagram account
Palacio De Maynila – 1809 Roxas Boulevard, Malate, Manila
What to Do
Hit a market
Salcedo Morning Market – Makati
The Salcedo Market is a community brought together by the love of food. The market meets, come rain or shine, every Saturday at the Jaime C. Velasquez Park of Salcedo village in Makati city. Its concessionaires offer a wide range of cuisines from all over the world. Open from 7AM to 2PM, rain or shine, you’ll be able to see all the best homegrown businesses and shop for something to take home to your kitchen!
Check their info here
View their Instagram account
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Jaime C. Velasquez Park of Salcedo village in Makati
(02) 895-4011
Komura; Black & White Zine Fair – Warehouse Eight, Makati
Komura is the first ever zine fair brought to us by Kwago and Warehouse Eight created to celebrate the nostalgic format of black and white zines that revisits and focuses on great content – a radical format and movement stepping back from the algorithm-based content in front of us today.
Featuring 40+ zine artists and collectives, they’re also holding exhibits, talks, and a film screening of Portraits of Mosquito Press.
ENTRANCE: 200 - regular 150 - students
Check out more details
View their Facebook page
Warehouse 8-A, La Fuerza Plaza, Chino Roces, Makati, 1231 Metro Manila
Hang out with your barkada
Ditch the usual tambay and plan out a whole day with your friends.
Centerstage Family KTV and Resto Bar – Pasay and Makati
It’s time for you and your friends to take the center stage and sing your heart out. Even though there’s always one KJ in the group, drag them all out to and sing your troubles away! This KTV bar is stocked with the latest hits (old school OPM rock songs, ballads, and basically all your go-to karaoke songs), incredible food, and consumable drinks. Read more here.
Insider tip: Enjoy a 3-Hour KTV Session + Food & Drinks for up to 6 People for₱1,897₱999!
Check them out here
Claim at 2 branches
Check out their website
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Asylum Manila – New Manila
Ready for a scare? Manila’s most terrifying haunted attraction, Asylum Manila is a dark and massive walk-through complete with terrifying live actors, horror movie style scares, and Hollywood quality special effects that will have you shrieking with excitement and fear! Find out which of your friends is the scaredy cat of the barkada, and most importantly, which one of them will use you as a human shield.
Insider tip: Get an Entrance Pass For Two for₱1,398₱978!
Check them out here
Check out their website
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View their Instagram account
1148 E Rodriguez Sr Ave., New Manila, Quezon City
(0945) 300-7408; (0945) 300-7404; (0947) 461-2808; (0947) 461-2707
Take the whole family out
While hitting the mall with the family is a perfectly fine way of spending a Saturday (and convenient: the mall family package includes a good meal, walking, window shopping, and most probably a surprise visit to the grocery c/o your mom), there are plenty of ways to change it up. Activities that the whole family would enjoy, like museums, trampolines, archery, and more.
The Mind Museum – BGC
The Mind Museum is a state-of-the-art, educational, and fun museum experience conveniently located in BGC! It isn’t exactly your traditional museum, with interactive exhibits and educational content catered towards a younger audience – making it a great option for a family day out. See more details here.
Check them out here
View their Facebook page
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JY Campos Park, 3rd Ave, Taguig, 1634 Metro Manila
inquiry@themindmuseum.org
(02) 909 6463
The Best Rock Climbing Gyms in Metro Manila Discover some of the best climbing venues in the Metro with a little help from us.
Weekend Getaway Option: Go see the great outdoors
The unpredictable weather may not be great for beach trips, but a hike in cold weather never hurt anyone. The Philippines has many beautiful mountains just waiting for us to climb, and we’re in luck, because a lot of them are located here in Luzon. If you’re a newbie to the hiking scene or if you’re a seasoned explorer tired of planning hiking trips, it’s possible to book a mystery hiking trip!
Where to Eat
Have brunch at some of the best cafes in town
Brunch dates are overrated! Start your day right. If you have a single cafe that you frequent, maybe it’s time to consider exploring other cafes, because Manila coffee culture is alive and well. With all the best brews, and the best breakfast meals, you’ll find exactly what you’re craving for!
% Arabica – BGC
% Arabica is one of Kyoto’s most popular cafes, with a mission to make people “see the world through coffee.” Since opening in Manila, all specialty coffee lovers and caffeine addicts have sworn their loyalty to Arabica’s finest beans, brews, and food! They serve pastries, baguettes, cookies, and more.
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G/F W City Center, 7th Ave cor 30th St, Fort Bonifacio, Taguig
Habitual Coffee – Makati, BGC, Vertis North
Habitual Coffee is a third wave coffee shop operated and owned by World Aeropress champ, Kaye Ong. Their simple menu offers a variety of brunch plates like Baked Eggs, their bestselling Berry Nut Ricotta Waffles, and more.
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Caravan Black – BGC
Caravan Black is a specialty cafe that offers standard coffee, as well as hand brews, iced coffee and signature drinks which they make with the sleek FB80 La Marzocco coffee machine that’s truly a standout even for non-coffee enthusiasts. Other things they serve are sandwiches and other light meals. Read more about the brand here!
Insider tip: Get two cappuccinos for only ₱145 with Booky!
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4th Ave. cor. 27th St., Net Park Bldg, Fort Bonifacio, Taguig
(02) 946-3610
Grab an authentic bite at Little Tokyo
This is an arguable statement, but Japanese food is unparalleled. Sushi, tempura, ramen, and other dishes is something we almost always crave, and Little Tokyo in Makati has all the best authentic options in one street.
Click here: 12 Best Restaurants in Little Tokyo, Makati!
Click here: 12 Best Restaurants in Little Tokyo, Makati!
Where to Drink
In case you haven’t immersed yourself yet in Metro Manila’s nightlife, you’ll be happy to know that there’s something for anyone, in any mood.
Hit up a local brewery with your fellow beer lovers
Elias Wicked Ales & Spirits – BF Homes and Banawe
Elias Wicked Ales & Spirits is a microbrewery born out of passion and love of beers. Serving wicked hand-crafted brews, Elias’ staff is more than willing to help you find the perfect pint, just tell them what you like! You’re also free to wander through the backdoor to see their brewery right before your eyes. With a growing community of regulars and newcomers, they host live shows and open mics on Saturdays!
Fun fact: They also host a "How to Make Your Own Beer" Brewing Workshop every so often, so keep your eyes out for another thing to do on the weekend!
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Bring the titas out to a wine night
Barcino – multiple branches
A little day drinking never hurt anyone, especially when it’s something as harmless (and/or treacherous) like wine. Barcino is famous for its delicious Spanish cuisine and wide selection of wine. It also has several conveniently located branches across the metro, allowing you to plan accordingly and meet up with your friends, no matter where you’re coming from.
Insider tip: The idea titas trip doesn't have to come with a tita's budget. You can get ₱500 off your bill!
The South is known to be home to hidden gems for both food and drinks!
Check out the must-try spots to hit up in BF Homes and Alabang.
Go bar-hopping
RM-16 – Kapitolyo
A night out with friends doesn’t always have to be wild! Enjoy a night of casual drinking and clean fun at RM 16, Kapitolyo’s not-so-hidden bar that serves amazing drinks, cocktails, and delicious bar chow! It’s a nice break from the typical crowded bars you’d usually find in Makati or BGC. And if you’re into a good throwback vibe, they play nostalgic ’90s and ’00s music.
Insider tip: You can get 2 Mojitos of your choice forP520P260!
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Inside Tittos Latin BBQ & Brew, 16 East Capitol Drive, Kapitolyo, Pasig
(02) 535 9212
Ms. Gee – Poblacion
Despite being a new kid on the block, Ms. Gee has already made a name for itself as one of the hottest and most popular bars in Poblacion. Featuring an immersive and well thought-out theme, incredible music, and great food and drinks at affordable prices, Ms. Gee is definitely one spot that any Poblacion regular needs to visit!
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5666 Don Pedro St., Poblacion, Makati
(0995) 914 0046
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