BEST THINGS TO DO IN MANILA THIS WEEKEND (JUNE 8-11)
Looking for fun activities or events in Manila this weekend? Coconuts has put together recommendations of the best things to do this weekend in the city. Leading Manila gallery hosts two exciting openings by some of the country’s best artists. You can also catch a Pride-themed comedy show and jazzy nights!
We update this list every Thursday so feel free to bookmark it!
Silverlens Gallery presents Nona Garcia and Jon Pettyjohn
Leading Manila gallery Silverlens hosts two exhibitions — realist Nona Garcia’s Overland and renowned ceramicist Jon Pettyjohn in Steps — that run from June 8 to July 8.
“In Overland, her latest solo exhibition for Silverlens, Baguio City—Garcia’s adopted homeland—receives an incredible tribute. One that goes beyond the general perception of the place, often called the ‘nation’s summer capital,’ as hers demonstrates a deeper bond with the lay of the land: rocks, slopes, trees, and other objects that became one with it. Like a true settler, she is able to generate a highly subjective impression of what makes the place unique. And the distinction, most of the time, feels like an invitation to hold on or bring back a possible remoteness. Unadulterated, unspoiled, and closer to silence.”
“In Steps, Jon Pettyjohn’s third solo exhibition at Silverlens, the artist advances his pursuit of personal expression within the framework of traditions and techniques to which he has dedicated himself for close to 50 years. ‘It is a challenge and an honor for a potter like myself to be offered a space in a prime contemporary exhibition space like Silverlens.’ says Pettyjohn. ‘I have attempted to use my pottery skills to go a little further and say something more.'”
Silverlens Gallery is at 2263 Chino Roces Ave, Makati City.
Comedy Manila presents Beh-naissance
Comedy Manila puts the spotlight on (mostly) queer comedians — enjoy a stand-up comedy set with Issa Villaverde, Baus Rufo, Ansis Sy, Timothy Salomon, and “our diversity str8 hire,” Judd Gregorio. Macoy Dubs also features as a special guest for an interactive talk show.
Beh-naissance takes place on Thursday, June 8 at Vault, Greenhills, San Juan City. Doors open at 8pm. Tickets are at PHP800 with a free drink.
A Jazzy Weekend at Tago Jazz
Another jazzy weekend awaits at Tago Jazz! The Tago Jazz collective featuring Pete Canzon plays on Thursday for contemporary jazz, while the Ryan Villamor Trio treats the crowd to some Friday standards. And watch out for Non Flying Objects for some Jazz Funk on Saturday!
Tago Jazz is at 14 Main Ave (Crame), Cubao, Quezon City. Reserve tables at 09171385299.
CONQuest 2023
Geeks and video game lovers can gather this weekend to share all about their love for their games at CONQUest 203: Your summer gaming and pop culture getaway in the city.
Butterboy Drag Brunch features
Butterboy brings back its popular drag brunches on the weekend, : Drag Race Philippines alum Turing graces the room fresh from DragCon LA.
Butterboy is at 81 Basa, Quezon City. Tickets are at PHP1200; register here.
Sunny Label launches preserved flower earrings
Thinking of a thoughtful gift for mom? Sunny Label, known for its adorable hand-painted candle pots, has launched earrings made of preserved flowers that its founder, Sunny Tolentino, grows herself. These earrings are made in limited quantities, with the flowers taking three months to bloom — but part of its beauty lies in the rhythm of nature.
Order from Sunny Label here or visit their stall at Legazpi Sunday Market, Legazpi Village, Makati City, on Sundays.
All-Vinyl Set at Spirits Library
Thinking of harking back to old times? Then don’t miss out on this all-vinyl set at Spirits Library. “Shake & Scratch at The Spirits Library will be ft. Mac Cunanan, Nicadraus, & Aneru. Prepare for an all-vinyl musical set to make you move and groove all night long!
Shake and Scratch is on Friday (May 19), doors open 9pm. The Spirits Library is at 4963 Guerrero, Poblacion, Makati City.
Aesop at SM Aura, BGC
Cult-favorite Aesop has opened its newest outlet in the Philippines. This time, it’s bringing its signature minimalist interiors to SM Aura in BGC, Taguig City. Here, the design hearkens back to architectural cues from Manila’s history — including a traditional capiz shell facade and influences from the Manila Metropolitan Theater.
Aesop is at Level 1 of SM Aura Premier, 26th Street Corner McKinley Parkway, Taguig City.
Sari Sari Cocktails: Makati City
An unassuming yet eye-catching display of a sari-sari store or corner store conceals a new speakeasy called Sari Sari, whose interiors seem to take influence from Shanghai’s jazz scene (Bangkok’s Maggie Choo, anyone?). Calling itself “an ultimate drinking destination,” true to its name, Sari Sari promises a diverse selection of cocktails.
Visit Sari Sari at 5661 Washington St. cor. Dela Rosa St. Makati City.
It’s Vintage: Makati City
If you haven’t made your way to It’s Vintage, named by Vogue as one of the best vintage stores in the world, then this is your reminder to do so. Tucked in the neighborhood of Salcedo Village in Makati City, It’s Vintage showcases a curated yet eclectic selection of vibrant vintage finds — from colorful Americana pieces like racing jackets to retro animé graphic tees.
Space Encounters Gallery presents ‘Good Karma’ by Mimaaaaaaaaw & Angelica So
Space Encounters Gallery presents a duo exhibition by Mimaaaaaaaaw and Angelica So, bringing their brand of optimistic, fresh, and surrealist characters in art — Mimaaaaaaaaw and her distorted cats, and So with her bunny with bulging red bubble eyes. As the gallery writes, “Good Karma is the good that art brings us. Exploration. Joy. Kindness. And a smile on our faces.”
Good Karma premieres at Space Encounters Gallery on May 13 (Saturday), 4pm onwards. The gallery is at 7/F Unit 7D, Padilla Bldg. F. Ortigas Jr. Rd. Ortigas Center, Pasig City.
Atmos Pop-Up Opens in Manila
Attention, sneakerheads: the iconic Japanese streetwear and sneaker boutique Atmos just opened its first pop-up at One Bonifacio High Street in BGC. Known for stocking its most coveted limited-edition sneakers, you’ll have to line up from 11am onwards and wait to get your hands on their sought-after drops, as their physical store accommodates 10 at a time.
The Atmos Manila pop-up is at L3, One Bonifacio High Street Mall. Check them out on Instagram.
Friday Night at Spirits Library
Mark the end of the week at the Spirits Library in Poblacion, Makati City with a decadent cocktail in hand, as Herbie Walton and Chris Raeuber take care of the decks. TGIF!
Reservations highly encouraged. The Spirits Library is at 4963 Guerrero, Poblacion, Makati City.
Sunset Dry Goods: BGC, Taguig City
Lovers of denim, utility wear, and purveyors of local craft goods can check out Sunset Dry Goods in its retail space along Fobrestown, Burgos Circle in BGC. Take your pick of Japanese workwear, heritage sneakers, leather accessories, and even vintage records.
Sunset Dry Goods is at F134, Forbestown Road, Taguig City. Visit them on Instagram.
Salaryman: BGC, Taguig City
Inspired by the Japanese “work hard, play hard” ethos, Salaryman is a modern yakitori bar and izakaya in BGC inspired by contemporary cities (its upstairs bar, 4649, is literally inspired by the Tokyo subway). Listen to city pop and other poppin’ tunes, and enjoy their fresh takes on yakitori and kushikatsu as you wash them down with a selection of Japanese beers and spirits. Don’t miss out on their highball menu!
Salaryman is at Unit B, Bellagio 2, Forbestown Road, Taguig City. Check out their Instagram page.
Bar 55 opens in Poblacion, Makati City
New bar alert: Bar 55 is a new haunt in the Poblacion area with references to a bygone era of glamour, serving Indochine-inspired cocktails and Southeast Asian bites. They’re open from Tuesday to Saturday, 4pm to 1am.
Bar 55 is at 5309 Matilde St., Poblacion, Makati City. Check them out on Instagram.
Toka Wine: Katipunan, Quezon City
Say hello to Toka’s new weekend brunch menu, featuring dishes such as brûlée french toast with crème anglaise, smoked salmon tostada, steak and eggs with miso cream and more with flowing grower-cava bohigas vermut spritz all day long.
ICYMI, Katipunan, Quezon City has a new neighborhood wine shop in Toka, a cozy 20-seater joint featuring a great selection of wines and a tapas menu. It also hosts guest chefs from time to time: for this week’s Will Host, don’t miss out on progressive dishes by Idalia, a private dining concept led by a chef who has crafted dishes in New York, Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Austin.
Toka Wine Bar is at 141 Katipunan Ave, Quezon City. Visit their Instagram page.
Kodawari opens its doors in Makati City
Kodawari, the delivery-only modern Japanese brand that’s beloved on social media, is finally opening its doors to popular demand for a physical space where people can dine in. They just had their soft opening on March 12.
Kodawari is at Ground Floor, Adamson Centre, 121 L.P. Leviste Street, Salcedo Village, Makati City. Check out their Instagram page.
Fat Cat: Chino Roces Ave., Makati City
If you’re looking for a hidden spot that serves coffee and cocktails while listening to standards on vinyl, head to Fat Cat, just tucked by one of the entrances of Makati Cinema Square (it’s near the KFC side, if you need a hint). With classic Klipsch speakers crooning out jazz classics from the records of John Coltrane, Miles Davis, and more, this could be the chill-out spot you didn’t know you needed.
Fat Cat is at Makati Cinema Square, Chino Roces Ave, Legazpi Village, Makati City. Look for them by the entrance near KFC. Visit their Instagram page here.
Silong Lounge: Salcedo Village, Makati City
Looking to discover another hidden bar? Head to Silong Lounge in Salcedo Village, where you will be greeted by plush digs, including vintage touches here and there, and where you can unwind with a cocktail in hand. They also host jazz nights on Thursdays — not to be missed!
Silong Lounge is at 17 Tordesillas, Finman Centre Building, Makati City. Visit their Instagram page.
Café Aurora: Sen. Gil Puyat Ave. cor. Makati Ave., Makati City
Missing Hey Handsome? Fans of chefs Nicco Santos and Quenee Vilar shouldn’t miss out on Cafe Aurora, the duo’s newest venture as they return to the in-person dining scene. Working with seasoned lawyer Atty. Nilo Divina, Cafe Aurora takes on a relaxed concept of fine dining, working with the Asian flavors the culinary duo are well known for.
Cafe Aurora is at G/F Pacific Star Building, Makati Avenue corner Gil Puyat Avenue, Makati City. Visit them on Instagram.
The Curator: Salcedo Village, Makati City
The Curator, a mainstay of Asia’s 50 Best Bars list, has released a new menu worth checking out. Their list of libations offers something for every palate and is inspired by people and personalities that the Curator team would like to have a drink with.
The Curator is at 134 Legazpi St., Legazpi Village, Makati City. Check out their Instagram page.
The Den: Escolta, Manila City
Coffee and culture combine at The Den, a space at the ground floor of the prominent Art Deco structure First United Building on the historic Escolta street in the city of Manila. Aside from their menu, they hold regular exhibitions by some of the city’s up-and-coming artists and quirky merchandise.
The Den is at First United Building, 413 Escolta St., Manila.
Escolta Coffee Company: Escolta, Manila City
Just beside The Den is roasting team Escolta Coffee Company, where you can get your fix of premium-quality local coffee. Their latest haul features beans from Kalsada Coffee and their community in San Roque, Bukidnon.
Escolta Coffee Company is at First United Building, 413 Escolta St., Manila.
Monotone: Scout Rallos, Quezon City
And if you’re in the mood to dig records, upstairs of the hidden bar Phono is Monotone, another concealed record store featuring a treasure trove of used and sealed records. While they have a variety of genres and artists for the picking, the true gems here are their jazz and musical soundtrack selections, as well as rare pressings of local artists.
Phono and Monotone are at #2 Scout Rallos corner Mother Ignacia Street, Quezon City. Visit their Instagram page.
Studio Yakal opens its showroom
Mid-century modern lovers following Studio Yakal online may be pleased to know that they’ve opened their showroom — by appointment, that is. The brand even held a pre-opening earlier this month, featuring a coffee pop-up from Kapitolyo neighborhood café, 1C Coffee.
Studio Yakal is at 3F YL Holdings Building, Legazpi Street, Makati City. Make your appointments here.
1C Coffee: Kapitolyo, Pasig City
What do people love most about 1C Coffee? It’s the sense of community. People ride their bikes and engage in coffee and conversations in this neighborhood spot in Kapitolyo. 1C Coffee only opened in 2021, yet they’ve managed to embed themselves in the village. Drop by for a cup and make unexpected friends.
1C Coffee is at 6 San Francisco St., Brgy. Kapitolyo, Pasig City. Visit their Instagram page.
12/10: Rockwell, Makati City
In case you remember a little modern izakaya along Guijo St. that captivated foodies all over the metro, good news: 12/10 has reopened in a more upscale outlet in Rockwell, Makati City. While you can still order a la carte, 12/10 has unveiled an exciting omakase menu, featuring 11 courses of raw seafood, cooked meats, and fresh produce.
12/10 is at 8 Rockwell, G/F Lopez Drive, Rockwell Center, Makati City. Make reservations here.
UP Fine Arts Gallery opens to the public
Looking to visit a new gallery? Good news: UP Fine Arts now accepts walk-ins! Come in anytime between Tuesdays to Fridays, 9am to 4pm. However, visitors will be asked to prebook their visit for Mondays and Saturdays, 9am to 12pm.
UP Fine Arts Gallery is at the UP Fine Arts Building, Bartlett Hall , Jacinto St., Quezon City. Book your visits here.
Secret Supper Club: Manila City
If you’re wondering what else is there to explore in the historic city of Manila, then keep tabs on the Secret Supper Club, which serves elegant plant-based fare amid a character-filled setting. They accept reservations only, with the venue kept under wraps until the day before — a great excuse to revisit some of the city’s overlooked spots.
Visit the Secret Supper Club Manila’s Instagram page.
Type A Coffee: Sheridan, Mandaluyong City
If you’re looking for a neighborhood café around Mandaluyong City, friendly reminder that Type A exists — a stylish shared space nestled in the corner of Sheridan and Pioneer Streets. Aside from their smooth cold brews, they host pop-ups and collaborations from time to time (they did one with beignet brand Chabelita recently, and a previous collab with burger joint Sweet X), so stay tuned.
Type A Coffee Shared Space is at 7 Sheridan, Mandaluyong City. Visit their Instagram page.
Saan Saan: Kapitolyo, Pasig City
Fans of the artisanal candle brand Saan Saan will be thrilled to know that they’ve opened up shop in the thriving neighborhood of Kapitolyo in Pasig City. Awash in concrete and wood, Saan Saan’s physical outlet is a therapeutic spot that has gone beyond soy candles to other mindful wares such as incense sticks, diffusers, handmade soaps, and more.
Saan Saan is open Tuesdays to Sundays, 11am to 6pm, at Ace Hotel and Suites, United St. cor. Brixton St., Kapitolyo, Pasig City. Visit their Instagram page.
Caferista: Kapitolyo, Pasig City
Walk a few steps beyond Saan Saan and venture inside Caferista, a neighborhood fixture along Brixton St. in Kapitolyo. Home to bike and motorcycle enthusiasts, Caferista leans heavily on related aesthetics such as concrete walls, wooden floors and tables, and leather chairs. Come and check out its bikes being detailed out front, or enjoy its single-origin coffee. Aside from a great playlist, they’re pet-friendly, too!
Caferista is at 11 Brixton St., Kapitolyo, Pasig City.
Cultivate: Antipolo City
If you’re willing to drive a little past the metro and into the outskirts of Antipolo, you may be surprised to find a new rooftop café-slash-bar. A weekend space for community and creativity, Cultivate serves specialty coffee and cocktails, as well as craft beer, all sourced within Antipolo. Chance upon DJs playing beats or indie pop-ups — from tacos to art — from time to time.
Cultivate is at 3/F Suburbia Building, Sumulong Highway, Antipolo City. Open from Fridays to Sundays from 4pm to 12am. Visit their Instagram page.
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