Stories
Essays and guides on living well in Manila.
Simple Plan in Manila 2026: 25 November at the Araneta Coliseum, Tickets, VIP Upgrades and What to Know
Simple Plan play the Smart Araneta Coliseum on Wednesday 25 November 2026 at 8:00 PM, with LØLØ. Tickets ₱1,300 to ₱6,500 on Ticketnet, plus the band's VIP upgrades.
Jujutsu Kaisen in Concert in Manila 2026: 28 and 29 November at Newport, Tickets and What They Play
Jujutsu Kaisen in Concert plays the Newport Performing Arts Theater on 28 November (7:30 PM) and 29 November (3:00 PM). Tickets, length, age rules and the music to expect.
NCT 127 in Manila 2026: The Redline on 12 December, Tickets, Seat Plan and the Royalty Package
NCT 127 play one Manila show, Saturday 12 December at 5:00 PM at MOA Arena. Tickets ₱4,500 to ₱16,000, the seat plan, the Royalty package and the five members coming.
Gong Yoo in Manila 2026: The Long Take Fan Meeting on 21 November, Tickets, Seat Plan and Fan Benefits
Gong Yoo's The Long Take fan meeting is Saturday 21 November, 6:00 PM, at Smart Araneta Coliseum. Tickets ₱3,500 to ₱12,500, the seat plan and which tiers get the Hi-Bye.
MMFF 2026: All 8 Films, Opening Day, Parade of Stars and Awards Night
The 52nd Metro Manila Film Festival runs in cinemas from 25 December 2026 to 7 January 2027. Here are the eight films with their stars and directors, the Parade of Stars route, awards night and how to get a seat on opening day.
QCinema 2026: Schedule, Tickets and the Free Screenings, 13 to 22 November
QCinema runs 13 to 22 November in Quezon City, ₱200 a screening, mostly at Gateway Cineplex 18. The films to book, the 11 free screenings, the Q&As and how to get there.
LE SSERAFIM in Manila 2026: One Show on 5 December, Tickets, Seat Plan and the Day 2 Exchange
LE SSERAFIM play one Manila show, Saturday 5 December at 7:00 PM at MOA Arena. Tickets ₱4,000 to ₱15,500, the seat plan, and how 6 December holders exchange.
Things to Do in Manila: A Local's Guide to Metro Manila, Area by Area
Markets in the morning, Intramuros and the National Museum by day, a show or a rooftop at night, and which part of Metro Manila suits which kind of day. With what is on in November and December 2026.
Things to Do in Makati: A Weekend Guide from Salcedo to Poblacion
Market mornings in Salcedo and Legazpi, the Ayala Museum and the Chino Roces galleries, Ayala Triangle Gardens, a show at Circuit or Rockwell, and where to go at night. One Saturday, walked from the villages into Poblacion.
Things to Do in Quezon City: A District by District Guide
Cubao Expo on a weekend afternoon, lanterns at Parolan and a show at the Big Dome, lunch on Maginhawa, Quezon Memorial Circle in the morning and a cocktail off Tomas Morato. Quezon City, one district at a time.
Old Manila in One Day: Intramuros, Binondo, Escolta and the Bay
Intramuros in the morning, the free National Museum at noon, dumplings in Binondo, coffee on Escolta and sunset by the river or the bay. One walkable day in Manila's old town, in an order that works, with what is on this month.
Things to Do in Pasig and Ortigas: A Weekend From Kapitolyo to Maybunga
Breakfast in Kapitolyo, an afternoon at Capitol Commons and Estancia, a ₱50 boat ride at Maybunga Rainforest Park, indoor climbing next door, and dinner in Ortigas Center. Hours and prices checked on 4 November 2026.
Things to Do in BGC: A Day in Bonifacio Global City
A day in Bonifacio Global City you can follow on foot: coffee on High Street, The Mind Museum, a pottery class, the American Cemetery, a show, dinner and a rooftop. Plus what is on in BGC this November.
Mall Hours for Christmas and New Year 2026: SM, Ayala, Robinsons and Megaworld
No Metro Manila mall had posted its 2026 holiday hours when we checked on 4 November. Here is the table we will fill as SM, Ayala, Robinsons, Araneta and Megaworld post, with last year's hours for 24, 25 and 31 December and 1 January.
Christmas at Araneta City 2026: Giant Tree, Belen and the Parolan Lantern Bazaar
The Giant Christmas Tree lights on Thursday 12 November at 5PM at Coliseum Plaza and the Belen on 13 November, with mall trees to 20 November and the Parolan lantern bazaar open daily until 31 December. Dates, what each one is, and how to get to Cubao by MRT-3 and LRT-2.
Christmas in Intramuros 2026: Lights, Simbang Gabi and Night Walks in the Walled City
The Intramuros Administration has not posted its Christmas 2026 programme yet. Here is what runs inside the walls now, last year's lights, lantern parade and Simbang Gabi times, and how to plan an evening in the Walled City.
Traslacion 2027: Feast of the Black Nazarene in Quiapo, Date, Route and Road Closures
The Feast of the Jesus Nazareno is on Saturday 9 January 2027. The theme is out; the route, start time, road closures and any Manila holiday were not announced when we checked on 4 November 2026. Here is last year's plan, labelled, to plan with.
Christmas in the Philippines, Explained: Parol, Simbang Gabi, Noche Buena and Where to See Them in Manila
What the parol, the belen, Simbang Gabi, Noche Buena, aguinaldo and Media Noche are, why Christmas starts in September, and where to see each one in Metro Manila this season.
Things to Do on Christmas Day in Manila 2026: What's Open on 25 December
Christmas Day 2026 is a Friday and a regular holiday. The film festival opens in cinemas, Disney On Ice plays three shows at MOA Arena and Okada's fountain runs until midnight, plus what is still unannounced for Masses and malls.
Christmas Concerts in Manila 2026: Carols, Orchestras and the Nutcracker
Jose Mari Chan at Newport on 11 and 12 December, Home Alone with a live orchestra and the Madz at Solaire, three Nutcrackers, and The Peninsula's carols on 28 November. Every Christmas show with a confirmed 2026 date, plus the choirs still to announce.
Giant Lantern Festival 2026 in San Fernando, Pampanga: Date, Tickets and Getting There from Manila
The 2026 date for San Fernando's Ligligan Parul was not out when we checked on 4 November. Here is last year's competition night and display schedule, clearly marked, plus how to get there from Manila and where to eat on the way.
Christmas Markets in Manila 2026: Where to Go for Lights, Food and Gifts in One Night
Okada Manila's holiday village opens on 13 November, Araneta City's Parolan lantern market is open now, and BGC Art Mart has weekends in November and December. Makati, Manila Bay and BGC's Spanish market are not announced yet, so we give last year's dates, clearly marked.
Simbang Gabi in Malls 2026: Evening Masses at SM, Ayala, Robinsons and Megaworld
Evening Simbang Gabi Masses at SM Megamall, SM Aura, Greenbelt, Opus, Uptown Mall, Shangri-La Plaza and more. No mall had posted 2026 times on 4 November, so here are last year's, clearly marked.
December 2026 Holidays in the Philippines: Every Day Off, from 8 December to New Year
Five December days are holidays in 2026, and New Year's Day 2027 makes six. Here is each date with its official class from the proclamation, DOLE's pay rules, the long breaks at Christmas and New Year, and what is on in Manila on each day.
Bonifacio Day 2026 Long Weekend: What to Do in Manila, 28 to 30 November
Monday 30 November 2026 is Bonifacio Day, a regular holiday, so Saturday 28 to Monday 30 November is a three-day weekend. Here is what is on each day, from PLUS63 and Jujutsu Kaisen in Concert to the bazaars and the parol stalls, plus holiday pay and a short history.
PLUS63 Festival Manila 2026: Khalid, Wolf Alice and Cash Cash in Parañaque
Khalid headlines PLUS63 Festival at Aseana City Concert Grounds on Saturday 28 November, with Cash Cash, Wolf Alice, DENȲ, Kiana V and SHNTI. Tickets run from ₱3,800 to ₱13,000.
LaLaLa Fest Manila 2027: Olivia Dean, Tickets, Lineup and What to Know
Olivia Dean headlines LaLaLa Fest at the Philippine Arena on Thursday, 14 January 2027, with BINI, UDD, Lola Amour and Sunkissed Lola. Every tier on Ticketmelon now shows sold out; what is still possible, what she has been playing, and getting there.
BTS in Manila 2027: Tickets, Setlist and What to Know
Three nights at the Philippine Sports Stadium, 13, 14 and 16 March 2027. Prices, whether any tickets are left, what they have been playing and how to get there and back.
French Film Festival Manila 2026: Schedule, Films and How to Get In
24 films at six venues from 6 to 30 November, opening with Les Misérables at SM City Manila. What is confirmed free, where each run plays and which talks to catch.
KATSEYE in Manila 2027: Tickets, Setlist and What to Know
Ticket prices and the seat plan for KATSEYE at the SM Mall of Asia Arena on 29 January 2027 were not out as of 5 November. Presales start 10 November and general sale is 13 November on Ticketmaster, plus what is known about Sophia and what they have been playing.
M2M in Manila 2027: Tickets, Setlist and What to Know
M2M bring their TWO tour to the Smart Araneta Coliseum on Friday 2 April 2027. Ticket prices, their history with Manila and what they played at their sold out 2025 shows.
Bruno Mars in Manila 2027: Tickets, Setlist and What to Know
Bruno Mars brings The Romantic Tour to the Philippine Arena on 15, 16 and 18 May 2027. Ticket prices, his Manila history and what he has been playing on this tour.
The best bakeries in Manila
Ten bakeries in Makati, BGC, Pasig and Quezon City, from slow-fermented sourdough and French butter croissants to pandesal from wood-fired ovens that have been baking since 1919 and 1939.
Specialty Coffee in Legazpi and Salcedo
Nine cafes in Makati's two business villages where the coffee is the point, from Yardstick's flagship on Esteban Street to a Japanese coffee cube in Salcedo, with hours, prices and what to order.
The Best Matcha Cafes in Manila, Whisked to Order
Ten cafes and tea bars in Makati, BGC, Quezon City, San Juan and Pasig that whisk real Japanese matcha, from usucha in a bowl in Poblacion to a late latte in BGC.
Vietnamese and Thai food in Manila
Ten places for pho, bun cha, Thai curries and Southern Thai cooking in BGC, Poblacion, Makati and Quezon City, from two Bib Gourmands to a 3am kitchen on P. Burgos, checked October 2026.
Rooftop restaurants in BGC and Makati
Six places for a sit-down dinner up high, from the 60th floor grill at The Peak to a ₱3,000 dinner for two at Encima, sorted by date night, birthday and casual sunset, checked October 2026.
beabadoobee in Manila 2027: Tickets, Setlist and What to Know
beabadoobee brings The Powerlines Tour to the SM Mall of Asia Arena on Tuesday, 13 April 2027. Ticket prices, her Manila history and what she has been playing on this tour.
Restaurants with private dining rooms in Makati and BGC
Twelve restaurants with a closed room for a client dinner, a lauriat or a birthday, with capacity as printed and the minimum spend where the venue publishes one, checked October 2026.
The most expensive restaurants in Manila, and whether they are worth it
What the priciest meal in Manila costs one person, from a ₱15,800 sushi omakase to A5 wagyu and a Cantonese tasting menu, who each one suits, and the cheaper way into the same kitchen.
Where to eat at Circuit Makati, before the Samsung Performing Arts Theater
Eight places to eat and drink around the Samsung Performing Arts Theater, from Cafe Mary Grace 30 metres from the doors to MESA's crispchon for a group and craft beer on Circuit Lane until 1am, each checked open in October 2026.
Pet-friendly restaurants and cafes in Manila
Eight restaurants and cafes in BGC, Makati, Quezon City and the MOA area where the venue itself says pets are welcome, with where your dog can sit and the rules, checked October 2026.
A play cafe for toddlers in BF Homes, with coffee for you
Kinderplay Cafe opened on El Grande Avenue at the end of September, with a climbing wall, a ball pit, a pretend farm and Bean Block coffee for whoever is watching. Playgroups for ages 1 to 4 start on 3 November.
Vegan and vegetarian restaurants in Manila
Eight places for vegan and vegetarian food in Metro Manila, from fully vegan kitchens in Poblacion and Legazpi Village to Teachers Village and the vegetarian menus worth booking in BGC, each labelled fully vegan, vegetarian or vegetarian-friendly, checked October 2026.
Where to eat in Cubao before Araneta
Eight places to eat before or after a show at the Smart Araneta Coliseum or the New Frontier Theater, from chef Tatung's new Filipino restaurant two minutes from the gates to Cubao Expo's Italian room of 1999, each checked open in October 2026.
Japanese restaurants in BGC, from omakase to ₱190 yakitori
Eleven Japanese restaurants in Bonifacio Global City, from MICHELIN-listed sushi counters and chef Jorge Mendez's Makanai to private rooms, Mitsukoshi set meals and late yakitori, with prices as printed, checked October 2026.
Spanish restaurants and tapas in Manila, from a MICHELIN Star to paella since 1952
Eleven places for Spanish food in Metro Manila and a day trip to Cavite, from tasting menus in BGC and tapas on High Street to paella in Makati and Basque grilling in Legazpi, with prices as printed and how to book, checked October 2026.
Dim sum in Manila, from Binondo to the hotels
Ten places for dim sum in Metro Manila, from the Binondo counters to hotel yum cha lunches in Makati, BGC, Ortigas and by the bay, plus the one daily unlimited dim sum lunch, with prices as printed, checked October 2026.
Date night in Poblacion: where to eat, then where to go after
Nine Poblacion restaurants for two, from a MICHELIN starred tasting menu to a dim French bistro and a 32nd floor rooftop, with which rooms stay quiet and which get loud, and the bars to walk to after. Checked October 2026.
Kehlani in Manila 2027: Tickets, Setlist and What to Know
Kehlani brings their world tour to the SM Mall of Asia Arena on Monday, 15 February 2027. Tickets are on sale now through Ticketmaster; their Manila history and what they have been playing on this tour.
Steakhouses in Manila, from Michelin picks to weeknight steak frites
Nine places for steak in Metro Manila, from MICHELIN listed rooms at Rockwell and Newport to a Brazilian churrascaria and a weeknight steak frites, with prices as printed and how to book, checked October 2026.
The best Italian restaurants in Manila, for pasta, pizza and a big night
Nine Italian restaurants in Metro Manila for a celebration, a pasta dinner or a pizza night, from Makati and BGC to Katipunan, with hours, prices and booking checked in October 2026.
Korean barbecue in Manila worth the trip
From hanwoo grilled at Chung Dam and Woori to Sariwon's bulgogi on High Street and an unlimited grill beside MOA Arena, here is where to eat Korean barbecue when the meat is the point, with prices as printed.
Cafes and food in Kapitolyo, Pasig
Where to work, linger and eat in Kapitolyo, Pasig: wifi cafes with sockets, a cocktail bar open until 3am, 24-hour breakfast, and the old houses that made the neighbourhood's name, each checked in October 2026.
Tomas Morato, Quezon City: restaurants and bars
Two Bib Gourmand kitchens, Persian food until 5am, and the Scout streets' best cocktail bars, from a 12-seat lounge inside the first Max's to a 1990s bar behind a Game Boy door. Each one checked in October 2026.
Date ideas in Manila: things to do together, not just dinner
A pottery class, a first climb, a free museum, a riverside walk or jazz without microphones, each paired with a good place to eat or drink nearby.
5 Seconds of Summer in Manila 2026: Tickets, Setlist and What to Know
Three nights at the MOA Arena on 11, 12 and 29 November, their first headline arena shows here since 2016. Prices, where to buy each night, their Manila history and what they have been playing.
LANY at the Philippine Arena, 7 and 8 November: Times, Tickets and Setlist
Doors 5pm and show 7pm on Saturday 7 and Sunday 8 November at the Philippine Arena. Ticket prices as published, what is sold out, recent setlists and how to get home.
Zara Larsson in Manila: The Full Setlist and What Happened on 30 October
The full setlist from her first solo concert in the Philippines, the fan on stage for "Lush Life", the halo-halo makeup and why she wants a stadium next time.
Where to Eat Before a Show at MOA Arena or Solaire
Ten places to eat within a short walk of the SM Mall of Asia Arena or The Theatre at Solaire, from ₱265 meatballs next door to pre-show set menus with 20% off for ticket holders, each checked open in October 2026.
Where to Eat Before a Show at the Proscenium, Rockwell
Nine places within a short walk of the Proscenium Theater in Rockwell, for a proper dinner, a quick bowl before curtain or a drink after the show, each checked open in October 2026.
New Restaurants in Manila This Month (October 2026)
The restaurants, cafes and bars that opened in Metro Manila this season, from a ₱190-a-plate yakitori house in BGC to Antonio's in Rockwell, each checked open in October 2026.
My Chemical Romance in Manila 2026: Tickets, Setlist and What to Know
Their first Philippine show since 2008 is on 14 November at the Philippine Arena, and it is sold out. Prices, their Manila history, what they have been playing and how to get there.
Jason Mraz in Manila 2026: The Setlist from MOA Arena
He opened his Asia tour at the MOA Arena on 27 October, his first Manila show since 2019. All 25 songs he played, in order, and how the night differed from his US dates.
Christmas with Kids in Manila 2026: Santa, The Nutcracker and Family Shows
Where to see Santa, which of the three Nutcrackers suits young children, and the Christmas villages worth a family evening in Metro Manila in 2026.
Manila Has a 5-Day Break in November. Here's What You Can Actually Do.
Metro Manila has no work on 16 to 18 November for the ASEAN Summit, which makes five days off with the weekend. Here is what is on each day, from the last weekend of Olafur Eliasson to what stays open on the holidays, and which roads are shut.
Maginhawa Street, Quezon City: where to eat and drink
An afternoon into evening on Quezon City's eat street: Rodic's tapsilog, a garden lunch at Talisay, Sagada coffee, Friuli pizza, ramen worth the queue and a bar behind a bookshelf, each checked in October 2026.
The best ramen in Manila, by area
From the MICHELIN listed Ramen Ron to a ten seat crab ramen counter on Maginhawa, here is where to get a serious bowl near you, with prices as printed and what to order.
Where to eat Filipino food in Manila, from carinderia to tasting menu
Twelve places to eat Filipino food in Metro Manila, from a Quezon City turo-turo and a Makati noodle stall to family style regional cooking and two MICHELIN starred tasting menus, with hours, prices and booking checked in October 2026.
Omakase in Manila: counters, prices and how to book
Eight Japanese counters in Metro Manila with the price per head as printed, the seats, the seatings and the booking rules, from ₱4,500 yakitori to a ₱15,800 sushi omakase, each checked in October 2026.
Tasting menus in Manila, ranked by price
Every tasting menu we could verify a price for, from Yamazato's ₱15,800 sushi omakase down to a ₱2,900 Spanish set menu.
Manila's Bib Gourmand restaurants, by area
The MICHELIN inspectors' good value picks, from a ₱90 karinderya plate in Quezon City to charcoal grilled Ibérico in BGC.
Every MICHELIN Star and Bib Gourmand in Manila, with prices and how to book
Helm, the nine one star rooms including new star Flow, and the Bib Gourmand picks from the 2027 guide, each with its area, printed price and the way to get a table.
Quiet Cafes to Work From in BGC, With Wifi and Power
Seven BGC cafes where you can actually stay and work, with what we could confirm about wifi, sockets, noise and opening hours, from 6am starts to 2am finishes.
The Best Bars in BGC, Sorted by the Kind of Night You Want
Twelve bars in Bonifacio Global City worth your evening, from live jazz in Forbes Town to hidden cocktail rooms in Uptown, each checked open in October 2026.
The Best Bars in Makati Outside Poblacion: Salcedo, Legazpi and the Ayala Hotels
Twelve bars on the quieter side of Makati, from an Asia's 50 Best cocktail room on Jupiter Street to jazz without microphones in Salcedo and a live band at The Peninsula.
Theatre Seat Plans in Manila: Solaire, Proscenium, Samsung, Music Museum and More
How every major Manila theatre is laid out, from the Orchestra to the Balcony: seat counts, what the section names mean, where tickets are sold and the house rules that catch people out, for Solaire, the Proscenium, Samsung, the Music Museum, Newport and five more.
Rainy Day and Typhoon Day Things to Do in Manila
One good indoor plan in Makati, BGC, Pasay, on the bay and in Quezon City, plus how to tell if it is a stay-home day: what each PAGASA signal suspends and when announcements come out.
Home for Christmas: What Is New in Manila for Balikbayans in 2026
Coming home for Christmas 2026? eTravel, SIM registration, the longer LRT-1, Manila's first Michelin Guide, and the December shows and family outings to book before you fly.
What's On in Manila: December 2026
Concerts from Cup of Joe to NCT 127, the World Bazaar Festival, Disney On Ice, Alex Eala Live, the MMFF Parade of Stars and opening day. The December dates confirmed so far, in one place.
Bookshops, Book Fairs and Book Clubs in Manila
Fully Booked BGC, Solidaridad, Roel's Bookshop and Biblio, the Manila International Book Fair, and the book clubs that meet in Makati cafés each month, with hours and dates from the shops and organisers.
Stand-Up Comedy in Manila: The Weekly Shows, Open Mics and Who's Touring
Where to see stand-up any night of the week, what tickets cost, the open mics that welcome first-timers, and the international comedians playing Manila, with every date and price from the organisers.
Concerts in Manila 2027: Every Show Announced So Far
BTS, Bruno Mars, BIGBANG, KATSEYE, Maroon 5, Kehlani, Westlife, The Script, TOTO, M2M, beabadoobee and LaLaLa Fest with Olivia Dean. Every 2027 date checked on 26 October against the promoter, ticket seller or artist.
Getting Around Metro Manila: Grab, Trains, Buses, Jeepneys and the Ferry
How to get around Metro Manila as a visitor: Grab and taxi rates, MRT-3, LRT-1 and LRT-2 fares and last trains, the BGC Bus, jeepney fares since 28 September 2026, the Pasig River Ferry and what visitors get wrong.
First Time in Manila: A 3-Day Plan for Visitors
A day-by-day plan for a first visit: Intramuros and the free National Museum, a Binondo morning and Escolta, Makati's museum and bars, then BGC, with where to base yourself and verified prices and hours.
Manila on a Layover: What to Do With 6, 12 or 24 Hours From NAIA
How to use a Manila layover well: which NAIA terminal you are in, the easy option across from Terminal 3, a half day in Intramuros and the free National Museum, and a full day that reaches Makati and BGC.
Going to a Concert or Game at Smart Araneta Coliseum: Trains, Gates and Getting Home
How to reach the Big Dome by MRT-3 and LRT-2, which gate matches your seat, the bag and food rules, where to eat in Araneta City, the last train times from Cubao and hotels next door.
Going to a Concert at SM Mall of Asia Arena: Gates, Bags and Getting Home
How to get to SM Mall of Asia Arena, when gates open, the 12 by 12 inch bag rule and what is banned, where to eat, how to get home after the last train, and hotels next door.
Going to a Concert at the Philippine Arena: Getting There and Back
No train reaches the Philippine Arena in Bulacan. How to get there and home by shuttle or car, which NLEX exit to use, what to bring, and where to fly in and stay from Cebu or Davao.
Eating Alone in Manila: Counters, Bar Seats and Tables for One
Where a table for one feels normal in Makati, BGC, Poblacion and Rockwell: ramen bars, a chef's counter, hotel bars and cocktail rooms where a seat at the bar becomes dinner.
Where to Take Clients to Dinner in Makati and BGC
Private rooms, quiet tables and dress codes for a client dinner in Makati and BGC, with the private room rates the hotels publish and the chef-led rooms worth booking ahead.
Things to Do in Makati After Work, Close to the Ayala Hotels
In Makati for a few nights? Where to walk or swim, eat alone without fuss, have a proper drink, catch a concert and find a bar still open after midnight, most of it close to the Ayala hotels.
Manila on a Budget: A Practical Guide for Backpackers and Solo Travellers
Where to stay, what trains, jeepneys and buses cost after the September 2026 fare rise, the free museums and weekend walks, cheap eats and safety basics for a week in Manila on little money.
A Binondo Food Crawl: Where to Eat in Manila's Chinatown, and in What Order
Fried siopao, dumplings, fresh lumpia, fried chicken, mami and hopia in the world's oldest Chinatown: the stops in order, addresses, a sample timing and the cheapest way to get there.
Intramuros, a Practical Guide: What to See, Tickets, Hours and Where to Eat
Fort Santiago is open every day, from 8am on weekdays and 6am on weekends, and costs ₱75 (₱50 for students, seniors and PWD). What each site in Intramuros costs, when it opens, the free weekend walks, Bambike tours, a one day route and where to eat.
New Year's Eve in Manila 2026: Countdowns, Fireworks and Getting Home
Solaire is the first big Metro Manila venue to announce a countdown to 2027. The others had not when we checked on 4 November 2026, so here is what BGC, Okada, SM Mall of Asia, Makati, Eastwood and Quezon Memorial Circle did last year, plus the holidays and train times to plan around.
Christmas Lights in Metro Manila 2026: Lighting Dates and Christmas Villages
Okada Manila lights its tree on Friday 13 November and runs its Disney themed village until 7 January. Araneta City's giant tree lights on Thursday 12 November at 5PM. Here are the 2026 lighting dates in order, with last year's dates for Makati, Rockwell and Manila Bay, clearly marked.
Simbang Gabi 2026: Start Date and Mass Times at Manila Churches and Chapels
Simbang Gabi 2026 is expected to start with the first dawn Mass on Wednesday 16 December, with anticipated evening Masses from Tuesday 15 December. Parishes post their times in December, so here are last year's at Quiapo, Baclaran, Manila Cathedral, EDSA Shrine, Antipolo and more.
Where to buy plants in Manila
Nine places, from the market stalls at Quezon Memorial Circle to plant studios with a café, on one map with directions to each.
Manila After Dark: 12 Evenings Worth Staying Out For
Rooftops, live jazz, stand-up, an evening walk through Intramuros and Thai food at 2am. Twelve good nights in Metro Manila, grouped by who you are with and how late you want to go.
Free Things to Do in Manila: Museums, Galleries, Parks and Turn-Up-and-Join Mornings
Every pick on this list has a current source showing it costs nothing to get in: the national museums, Makati's galleries, the Pasig riverside, Sunday car-free Ayala Avenue and the film festivals that screen for free each October.
Things to Do With Kids in Manila: A Family Guide by Age and Area
Science museums, shaded playgrounds, indoor play for rainy afternoons and a few places worth the drive across the city, sorted by area and by age.
Indoor Things to Do in Manila: A Rainy Day Guide for Adults
Museums, bouldering, pottery, onsen soaks, bookshops, a listening bar and a new cinema: the indoor plans worth leaving the house for, mostly in Makati and BGC.
The Museums in Manila Worth Your Afternoon: Free Ones, Monday Ones and the Rest
From the free National Museum in Rizal Park to the Ayala Museum's gold and Olafur Eliasson at MCAD, here is where to go, what it costs, which day each one closes and how long it takes from Makati or BGC.
Brunch in BGC and Makati: Where to Go, Area by Area
Weekend brunch tables, quick croissants and all-day breakfast in BGC, Legazpi, Salcedo and Rockwell, with checked hours, booking advice and how to beat the queues.
Rooftop Bars in Manila: Where to Drink Above the City
Eleven rooftop and high-floor bars across BGC, Makati, Poblacion, Manila Bay and Ortigas that are open now, with the floor, the view, the dress code and the best time to arrive.
The Best Bars in Poblacion, Makati, Sorted by the Kind of Night You Want
Poblacion packs more good bars into a few walkable blocks than anywhere else in Metro Manila. Here is where to go for serious cocktails, natural wine, records on a proper sound system, cheap beer and food after midnight, plus how to get there and home.
Speakeasy Bars in Manila: 15 Hidden Doors Worth Finding
From a red door in Little Tokyo to a shelf in Uptown BGC and a bookshelf in a Quezon City chicken shop, here are the hidden bars in Metro Manila open now, how to find each door, and when to book.
Live Music and Jazz Bars in Manila: Where the Band Plays, Night by Night
From an unamplified jazz room in Salcedo to the band bars where Filipino groups play to their fans, these are the Metro Manila venues with real musicians on a regular schedule, and the nights to go.
Romantic Restaurants in Manila for an Anniversary, Birthday or Proposal
Tasting menus, quiet counters, grand old rooms and a view over Manila Bay: where to book the dinner that has to go right, with prices and how far ahead to reserve.
Late-Night Food in Manila: Where to Eat After 11pm, and What Never Closes
Eleven kitchens in Poblacion, BGC and Makati that keep cooking after 11pm, with checked closing times and the ones that are open 24 hours.
Dog-Friendly BGC and Makati: Where Your Dog Is Actually Welcome
Off-leash parks, leash-friendly walks, cafes that welcome dogs, and the mall rules you need to know before you go, in BGC, Makati and Rockwell.
Pottery, Art and Cooking Classes in Manila: Where Adults Can Learn Something New
Wheel classes in BGC and Makati, painting in Rockwell, screen printing on Arnaiz Avenue and a one-day kitchen course, with real prices and how to book each one.
Where to Play Pickleball and Padel in Manila
Courts and clubs open now across BGC, Makati, Pasig and beyond, with published rates, the app each one books through, and where to join a game on your own.
How to Volunteer in Manila: Shelters, Food, Reading, Cleanups and Relief
Where to volunteer in Metro Manila, how to sign up, how much time each one asks for, and who each one suits. Animal shelters, relief packing, reading programmes, coastal cleanups and the Red Cross.
Coworking in BGC and Makati: Day Passes, Monthly Desks and Where to Work Late
Coworking spaces in BGC, Makati and Rockwell with their published day-pass and monthly prices, the options for 24-hour access, and what to do when a café will do.
BGC vs Makati (and the Rest): Where to Live in Metro Manila
A fair, practical comparison of BGC, Makati, Rockwell, Ortigas, Kapitolyo and Alabang on walking, commute, flooding, noise and what is nearby, with no developer behind it.
Beaches Near Manila: Where to Go for a Day, a Night or a Long Weekend
From the Batangas coast two and a half hours away to the grey-sand coves of Zambales and the surf towns up north, here is how to choose a beach by drive time, sand and season.
Weekend Markets in Manila: Where to Shop and Eat on Saturday and Sunday
Salcedo on Saturday, Legazpi on Sunday, and the other weekend markets in Metro Manila that are running now, with days and hours checked against each market's own pages and practical tips on when to arrive.
Halloween in Manila 2026: Where the Grown-Ups Are Going
Halloween is Saturday 31 October. A haunted-manor rave in Poblacion, a four-club costume takeover and a hotel party in BGC, a rooftop open bar in Cubao and the Intramuros street party, night by night, with prices and how to get in, checked 26 October.
Halloween With Kids in Manila 2026: Trick-or-Treats and Family Events
Where kids can trick-or-treat in Metro Manila for Halloween 2026, checked 28 October: Greenbelt, Circuit, Market! Market! and UP Town Center, SM on 31 October at 1pm, 3pm and 5pm, and Alabang West Parade, with how to join where the mall has said.
Christmas Bazaars in Manila 2026: Every Confirmed Date, in Order
Noel Bazaar's two runs, Paskomiket at SM Megamall, the World Bazaar Festival's Christmas Carou-SALE and more, with every 2026 date organisers have confirmed, in order. Hours, entry and how to get there for each.
What's On in Manila: October 2026
Three free film festivals, a textile fair in Makati, whisky in BGC and a Halloween weekend in Intramuros and Poblacion. Here is the month, sorted by what you are into.
Undas 2026: How to Plan the Long Weekend in Manila
Undas 2026 runs from Saturday 31 October to Monday 2 November. Manila North Cemetery hours, what is banned inside, the no-vehicle rules, train opening times and the MMDA road help, checked 28 October, plus calm ways to spend the long weekend.
Concerts in Manila to the End of 2026: Every Big Show Still On
Zara Larsson, LANY, My Chemical Romance, Kings of Convenience, Cup of Joe, LE SSERAFIM, NCT 127 and Jose Mari Chan's two Christmas nights. Every date rechecked on 24 October against the promoter, venue or ticket seller, with the sold-out shows marked.
Musicals and Theatre in Manila, November to December 2026
The Play That Goes Wrong at Solaire, two musicals about women of the revolution opening the same November night at the Proscenium and Areté, Carmen in postwar Manila, and three Nutcrackers in December. Dates, prices and how to book.
Art in Manila This Season: The Shows to See Before They Close
October is Museums and Galleries Month. From Olafur Eliasson at MCAD to Turning Tides at the Ayala Museum, here are the exhibitions worth your time, closing soonest first.
What's On in Manila: November 2026
Two long weekends, two new musicals about revolutionary women, QCinema, and the first Christmas bazaars. Everything confirmed for November so far, with dates and prices from the organisers.
Muli: The OPM Musical Our Readers Keep Asking For
An original musical from the team behind Sa Wakas, about a woman who gets to try the lives she did not choose. It is on at BGC Arts Center until 27 September, and there are two weekends left.
A Perfect Weekend in Manila
A two-day route through Makati for residents who want the good version of their own city: weekend markets, a gallery hour, a proper listening bar, and a dinner worth booking ahead.
This Season in Manila: What's Worth Your Time
A short, useful guide to the strongest cultural nights across Metro Manila from June to August 2026, for the reader who wants to pick a few and pick well.
The Best Cafes to Work From in Manila, With Wifi and Outlets
Twelve Metro Manila cafes where you can work a full day, checked in October 2026 for wifi time limits, sockets and opening hours, from Legazpi and Salcedo to BGC, Kapitolyo, Maginhawa and Escolta.
The Rise of Manila's Listening Bars
Manila has built a small but serious circuit of hi-fi and vinyl bars, where the sound system is the point and the records set the pace. A guide to the rooms worth the trip.
Where to Train in Manila
The heat, the humidity and the traffic shape where and when this city moves, so start from the constraints and let them point you to the right discipline and the right place.
How to Escape Manila for a Weekend
The honest truth is that the hard part is leaving and re-entering the metro, not the highway. Here is how to pick the right escape for the weekend you actually have.
What's On in Manila: June 2026
The concerts, shows, expos and festivals worth your June, grouped so you can scan straight to what you care about.
What's On in Manila: July 2026
A loaded month of concerts and stage shows, grouped by what you actually want to do, with every ticket link in one place.
What's On in Manila: August 2026
A full month of arena shows, a theatre comedy in its final weeks, and a city that spends August in love with its own language.
Races Worth Training For: The Philippine Endurance Calendar
Pick a target, count back from race day, and start training. Here is the year in road, trail, triathlon, and obstacle racing that a Manila resident can actually reach.
A Weekend in Subic
The mixed group weekend where a beach, a marine park, a zoo and a wreck dive all sit inside one clean walkable zone.
Bouldering and Climbing in Manila
Where to start as a complete beginner, where to chase real height and lead routes, and what a session actually costs across the metro.
The Concerts Lighting Up Manila This Summer
From K-pop arenas to OPM legends and Mitski's first Manila show, here is the summer concert calendar worth planning your weekends around.
Eating Your Way Through Pampanga
The shortest food escape from Manila, built entirely around one full day of eating in the country's culinary capital.
The Manila Running Guide: Clubs, Routes and Crews
Where to run and who to run with in Metro Manila, with honest notes on the cool windows and the routes that are actually pleasant.
Diving Anilao: A Weekend in Mabini, Batangas
A focused water weekend on the Mabini peninsula, where the macro life sits in shallow water and the diving is the whole point.
Hyrox and Functional Fitness in Manila
There is no confirmed Philippine race yet, so the smart move is to start training now at an official club near you.
Festivals Worth Your Weekend This Summer
The summer festivals worth planning a weekend around, sorted by what you actually love, from electronic dance and OPM to coffee, food, Pride, and pop culture.
Staying Fit Around Manila's Heat and Air
Why fitness in Metro Manila clusters around dawn runs and air conditioned studios, and how to train well in the heat without burning out.
Tagaytay on a Weekend
The classic short reset above Taal Lake, built around long cool meals and clean air rather than a packed itinerary.
Boxing and Muay Thai in Manila
Where to box and train Muay Thai across the metro, from polished studios near the office to heritage stables and budget rooms that teach five disciplines under one roof.
Antipolo and Rizal: Art and Views Close to the City
The closest cultural reset to Metro Manila, an easy day of contemporary art, open air galleries and a hilltop city view with no overnight needed.
Indoor Cycling, Yoga and Pilates in Manila
The air conditioned studio scene is where a lot of this city's cardio and strength actually happens, so here is the spin, reformer pilates and yoga map by neighborhood and by what each one is good for.
Baler for Surf Beginners
The long drive to Aurora pays off with gentle waves, warm water, and a coast that rewards a full weekend.
Where to Swim Laps in Manila
An honest look at lap swimming in a city where serious public pools are scarce, and how to get into the few that exist.
Tanay and Rizal: Hiking and Waterfalls Near the City
The closest real nature escape from Metro Manila, where limestone trails, rope courses and cool waterfalls are an easy morning drive away.
La Union: Surf and Cafes Up North
The surf town weekend that pairs gentle beginner waves with a walkable cluster of cafes, bars and hostels, made for a trip with friends.
Zambales and Liwliwa: A Quiet Beach Reset
The mellow, sleepy alternative to La Union, where you surf a little, sleep a lot, and sit around a beach fire when the light goes.