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. Check out Japan’s iconic sneaker store Atmos in its BGC pop-up, catch a sultry burlesque show, or visit the city’s newest haunts.
We update this list every Thursday so feel free to bookmark it!
Femme Fatales: A Burlesque Crime Cabaret
Premier burlesque group Burlesque PH returns to Spirits Library with Femme Fatales: A Burlesque Crime Cabaret. As they lovingly write on their post, “The dames of Burlesque PH are back with another case and a deadly set of Femme Fatales at the heart of it all. Another night of conniving, seduction, and double-dealing awaits!” Show starts at 9pm.
The Spirits Library is at 4963 Guerrero St., Makati City. Visit them on Instagram. Reservations are encouraged at 09171601162.
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 store online accommodates 10 at a time.
The Atmos Manila pop-up is at L3, One Bonifacio High Street Mall. Check them out on Instagram.
Sunki pop-up at Saan Saan
Can’t get enough linen? Slow fashion brand Sunki, with its fresh and tropical themes, is hosting a pop-up at Saan Saan in Kapitolyo, Pasig City on March 25. Enjoy an exclusive 10 percent discount in-store, along with Sunki x Saan Saan bundles and a sample sale. You can also attend the Basic Clothes Repair Workshop at 2pm and 5pm.
Saan Saan is at Brixton cor. United Street, Kapitolyo, Pasig City. Check them out on Instagram.
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
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.
Alvin Leung at Red Lantern in Solaire
Michelin-starred chef Alvin Leung of Masterchef Canada fame brings his “X-treme Chinese” cuisine,” featuring innovative food engineering at the Red Lantern at Solaire Resort. From March 16 to 18, you can sign up for an eight-course dinner at PHP11,888 per head. Meanwhile, he offers a Demonic Eat-All-You-Can Dim Sum Brunch for PHP5,999 on Sunday, March 19.
Red Lantern is at Solaire Resort, Parañaque City. Book your seat here.
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.
SouMak: Malugay St., Makati City
SouMak is the brainchild and vision of renowned craftswoman, artist, and decorator Yola Perez Johnson. Yola’s pieces, created in collaboration with the country’s best artisans, have made their way into the homes of the most discerning. Catch a glimpse of her pieces — which usually evoke the raw and natural — at her concept store, as well as books featuring visionary artists she holds near and dear.
SouMak is at The Lerato Tower, Malugay St., Makati City. Visit their Instagram page.
Unlimited Oysters Aburi at Ugly Duck
Who wants mouthwatering baked oysters? Drop by one of Poblacion’s hottest spots, Ugly Duck, and enjoy unlimited Oysters Aburi from 5pm to 7pm. Best paired with one of their cocktails. It’s definitely worth the stairway climb!
Ugly Duck is on Doña Carmen St., Poblacion, Makati City. Visit their Instagram page.
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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