Discover Philippine coconut products
THIS year’s 2nd edition of the Department of Trade and Industry’s Bagong Pilipinas National Trade Fair is ongoing this weekend. Its “COCONUTPhilippines” iteration is being held at Megatrade Halls 1 to 3 at SM Megamall until Oct. 25. Admission is free, welcoming mallgoers to shop from a wide selection of Filipino-made coconut products, from food and beverages to wellness, beauty, home, lifestyle, and artisanal creations. Local entrepreneurs and coconut farmers will be showcasing the innovation and craftsmanship of Filipino small businesses.
Visit the LEGO store
THE LEGO Certified Store reopens at Trinoma this weekend, and is marking the occasion with a LEGO version of the Quezon Memorial Shrine on display starting Oct. 23. With three towering pillars representing Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao, it celebrates the legacy of President Manuel L. Quezon. Character meet-and-greets will also be scheduled throughout the day, like the iconic LEGO Red Brick Suit Guy and LEGO Santa Claus. Meanwhile, customers who spend P3,000 on LEGO sets in a single receipt can receive a random LEGO polybag. Those with a single-receipt purchase of P7,000 will get a LEGO tote bag. Those who purchase at least P3,000 worth of LEGO sets in a single transaction at participating LEGO Certified Stores will receive a P300 voucher, redeemable exclusively at the Trinoma branch until Oct. 31. For more details, visit www.bankeebricks.com or follow official LEGO accounts on Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok.
Watch some opera
THE Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) will be presenting the CCP Opera Lab’s culminating workshop production of Giuseppe Verdi’s La Traviata, with a libretto by Francesco Maria Piave and Tagalog translation by National Artist Rolando S. Tinio. The production is directed by CCP Artistic Director Dennis Marasigan and runs until Oct. 24, with shows at 7 p.m., at the Tanghalang Ignacio Gimenez (CCP Blackbox Theater), featuring different casts for each show. The production is the culmination of the intensive training program led by operatic tenor Arthur Espiritu, chorus master Eugene De Los Santos, and choreographer Paul Morales.
Attend Ayala Museum talks
THE Ayala Museum has a jampacked schedule of talks on Oct. 24. First up is the tour of the exhibit Sinulid at Hibla: Threaded Traditions of Philippine Textiles, guided by curator Tenten Mina. The walk-through explores the diverse weaving techniques across different ethnolinguistic groups in the Philippines, scheduled for 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. at the 4F Galleries, available to anyone with a museum admission ticket. At 3 p.m., there will be another free talk, this time with Fulbright specialist Tom Byne who will discuss how Philippine and US cooperation is reflected in the museum experience. Taking place at the museum’s Function Room 1, it is part of the celebration of the 250th anniversary of the United States (Freedom 250) and the 80th anniversary of the global Fulbright Program. Registration is available here: https://us.list-manage.com/Ybhmrqs4V1B?e=499320271c&c2id=b2cad36fbc1e143de5a9eaa9ab133bc0. Finally, there’s a free talk with architect Paulo Alcazaren at 5 p.m., tackling the American influence on post-war urban planning and housing in the Philippines, also in the same venue. The event is presented by the Filipinas Heritage Library in partnership with the US Embassy in the Philippines, in conjunction with the exhibition Through War and Peace: Life After Liberation at the Ayala Museum, commemorating 80 years of US-PHL diplomatic relations. Register for the talk here: https://us.list-manage.com/KeED_Xc6YIC?e=499320271c&c2id=b2cad36fbc1e143de5a9eaa9ab133bc0.
Oktoberfest goes to Megaworld Lifestyle Malls
OKTOBERFEST is back across Megaworld Lifestyle Malls, with a selection of live music, food finds, weekend markets, and scenic escapes. At Alabang West Parade until Oct. 31, Brotzeit brings the spirit of the season to the table with classic German craft beers and inventive drinks. On Oct. 23 and 24, The Treasures Fair, in partnership with Modern Market, gathers local finds, artisanal goods, and food stalls. On Oct. 24 at 3 p.m., the Car Meet shifts the spotlight to automotive culture, as Automotive Collective brings together standout rides from Toyota, Subaru, Nissan, and more. Cozy Eats runs throughout October, featuring curated food and beverage offers from participating mall partners. Over at Eastwood City, there is the Booze Fest. At Fuente Circle, The Urban Sound brings live DJ sets every Saturday at 11 p.m. For a more laid-back vibe, City Light Sessions take place on Friday evenings at 7 p.m., featuring acoustic performances. Eastwood City adds an artistic touch to the season on Nov. 7 with the unveiling of The Trumpet Player, a whimsical sculpture by Seb Chua. The occasion brings together art, music, and fireworks for a memorable evening. Oktoberfest at Twin Lakes features the Tap and Tunes lineup: chilled brews, grilled favorites, and live music. On Oct. 18, starting at 5 p.m., Beers and Cheers serves up cold beer and grilled bites, while Ale and Anthems brings live band performances to the evening under the stars. For updates, visit megaworld-lifestylemalls.com or call 8462-8888.
Palacio de Memoria gets haunted
THE grand old house is hosting “Palacio sa Dilim,” a Halloween party filled with eerie discoveries, cocktails, good music, and a night of fright and fun. The event features a live DJ set by DJ Ed Croix, Halloween-inspired cocktails, a charcuterie spread by M Catering, and a high-angle photobooth by The Cache Collective. Guests can come dressed in their best Halloween costume for a chance to win prizes. The party will be held on Oct. 24, from 6 p.m. “till dark,” and early bird ticket rates are at P1,500 per ticket, available only for the first 20 sign-ups. Message facebook.com/thepalaciodememoria for inquiries.
Celebrate Halloween at Megaworld Lifestyle Malls
ON Oct. 24, Megaworld Lifestyle Malls kicks off its lineup of festive experiences for Halloween. First is Uptown Bonifacio, offering a Space Bubble Show, a musical and Cosmic Dance Show, and hands-on activities at the Astro Squishy Lab and Neon Slime Bar. At the Venice Grand Canal in McKinley Hill at 3 p.m., the Carnival of Magic brings together mask painting, carnival games, face painting, balloon twisting, and live caricature art. On the same day and time, Toylandia at Arcovia City will hold a Candy Quest plus a magic show and themed photo stations. Over at The Shoppes at McKinley West, a ticketed, one-day experience will offer interactive games such as Autumn Toss, Feed the Pumpkin, and Pumpkin Ring Toss, alongside creative workshops where children can decorate treat bags and cookies. At Southwoods Mall at 2 p.m., Carnival Pop Halloween features performances by clowns, balloon twisters, and bubble artists, alongside Spook and Play Carnival Zones with inflatable football, darts, and tic-tac-toe games.
Diamond Hotel gets spooky
THIS Halloween, Diamond Hotel Philippines invites families and young K-pop fans to join a world of music, games, and festive thrills at “K-pop All Stars” on Oct. 25. The party runs from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Diamond Ballroom. Combining the excitement of K-pop with the playful spirit of Halloween, the party will feature games, prizes, live performances, food, and other surprises for guests of all ages. In the Grand Raffle, one lucky guest will win a Samsung Galaxy Tab A11+ 5G. Tickets are priced at P2,800 net per person, inclusive of the buffet lunch, loot bag, access to games and activities, and live entertainment. Tickets may be purchased at the Diamond Hotel Philippines outlets onsite or through onlineshopping.diamondhotel.com. Families can also opt for the hotel’s Super Sleepover Halloween Package, which combines an overnight stay with tickets to “K-pop All Stars.” Starting at P9,800 net per night in a Deluxe Room, the package includes two tickets to the event, buffet breakfast for two persons, and 15% off additional Halloween event tickets. The package is available for stays until Oct. 31, with bookings accepted until Oct. 24. Meanwhile, the hotel offers its Halloween Sweets for online orders or purchase at the Lobby Lounge until Oct. 31. The selection features sweet creations such as Creepy Eclairs, Crimson Eye Mousse, and the Witch’s Gaze Cake. Guests can also enjoy a Halloween Afternoon Tea at the Lobby Lounge. For ticket purchase, visit onlineshopping.diamondhotel.com or contact the Events Office at 8528-3000. For room reservations book via diamondhotel.com or call 8528-3000 and e-mail reservations@diamondhotel.com.
Reminisce with Bongga Ka, ’Day!
BONGGA KA, ’DAY!: The Annie Batungbakal Musical is based on two films which are both based on the music of Hotdog, the original OPM band: Bongga Ka, ’Day! (1979) and Annie Batungbakal (1980). Staged by PETA Plus in partnership with VIVA Communications and The Philippine Star, it is directed by Chris Millado. It takes a “musical theater approach” to Hotdog’s iconic songs to tell the story of the denizens of that era’s disco nightlife, particularly Annie, a simple employee of the fashion design firm who wants to make a change: both in her place of work and on the dance floor. The musical stars Atasha Muhlach as Annie along with John Lapus, Dindo Divinagracia, Jackie Lou Blanco, Ring Antonio, Sam Concepcion, Jeff Moses, and Anthony Rosaldo. The show has performances on Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m., and on Saturdays and Sundays at 3 p.m. Tickets are available through Ticketworld.
Revisit The Land Before Time
A BELOVED childhood classic is making its way back to the big screen as The Land Before Time comes exclusively to select Robinsons Movieworld branches on Oct. 23 to 25. Originally released in 1988 and directed by animator Don Bluth, The Land Before Time tells a story of friendship, courage, loss, and hope. It follows the emotional journey of Littlefoot and his group of young dinosaur friends, the Quintuplets, who navigate a world filled with both wonder and danger in search of their families and a new home. The film will screen exclusively at select Robinsons Movieworld branches, including Opus Premier Cinemas, Robinsons Magnolia, Robinsons Antipolo, Robinsons Galleria Ortigas, Robinsons Tuguegarao, and Robinsons Galleria Cebu.
Learn about secrets and lies in About Us But Not About Us
IdeaFirst Live is restaging About Us But Not About Us, which ran last February. This time it has performances ongoing until Oct. 25 at the Power Mac Center Spotlight Blackbox Theater, Circuit, Makati. Based on Jun Robles Lana’s film of the same name, which revolves around a dinner between a professor and his student which unravels as secrets, lies, and long-buried truths begin to surface. The play features the same cast as the film: Romnick Sarmenta and Elijah Canlas. Joining them and reprising their roles from the original run are Epy Quizon and Andoy Ranay, plus Kobie Brown, and Tuxqs Rutaquio, who also directs. Tickets are priced at P3,920, P3,360, and P2,800, and are available via Ticket2Me.
Laugh along with Tententenen
Teatro Marco — which previously presented Ampalaya Monologues and Dami Pang Gustong Sabihin — is staging Tententenen, a new Filipino comedy inspired by Pinoy meme culture and online trends. It has performances on Saturdays and Sundays until Oct. 25 at Teatro Marco, 3/F, 65 Maginhawa Street, Quezon City. Written and directed by Mark Ghosn, it follows Miss Bu, CEO of Bubu Beauty Company, as she prepares for her upcoming wedding — that is, until gossip about her future husband threatens the event, the company, and the brand. It stars Janine Lloce, Kcedrick Balagat, Lucky Charles, Jin Mikado, Deane Tria, JP Ortiz, Abby Reynes, Sonson O., Rai dela Cruz, Joni Gee, Hannah Salvan, Rem Delos Reyes, and Yan-yan Gervero. Free-seating tickets are priced at P850 and are available through TeatroMarco.com and Ticket2Me.
Watch CCP’s latest season of National Theatre Live
THE third season of the Cultural Center of the Philippines’ (CCP) National Theatre Live continues on Oct. 27 with tales that examine personal convictions and power. David Ireland’s The Fifth Step will be screened at Ayala Greenbelt 3 Cinema in Greenbelt, Makati, while Peter Morgan’s The Audience will be screened at Ayala Vertis North in Quezon City, Nuvali in Laguna, and Ayala Malls Manila Bay in Parañaque City. All shows will be at 6 p.m. For more details, visit CCP’s social media pages.
Learn about South Sea pearls
ON Oct. 27 at 6:30 p.m., a talk titled “The Journey of the National Gem of the Philippines Told Through Two Generations” will be held at the Alliance Française de Manille (AFM) in Bel-Air, Makati City. It will feature Jewelmer’s father-and-son leaders, co-founder Jacques Branellec and current CEO Jacques Christophe Branellec. They will share behind-the-scenes tidbits about South Sea pearl farming and the shared heritage, philosophy, and craft behind these precious gems. For more details, visit AFM’s website and social media pages.
Bring the kids to see Cinderella
REPERTORY PHILIPPINES’ Repertory Theater for Young Audiences presents Cinderella: The Tale of the Glass Slipper every weekend until Dec. 13. Directed by Joy Virata and Cara Barredo, the show is created by Janet Yates Vogt and Mark Friedman (book, music, and lyrics). Sharing the title role are Katie Bradshaw, Ornella Brianna, and Julia Santiago. Alternating in the role of the Prince are Khalil Tambio and Radson Flores. Cinderella: The Tale of the Glass Slipper will have shows on select weekends at the REP Eastwood Theater, 4F Eastwood Citywalk, Quezon City. Tickets are priced at P1,545 (Orchestra Center) and P1,030 (Orchestra Sides) and can be purchased via TicketWorld. For inquiries, contact Repertory Philippines at 0966-9054013 or 0962-6918540, or e-mail promotions@repphil.org or sales@repphil.org.