True blue Manileños, recent transplants, and visitors to our city all know — there is never a lack of things to do in Manila. This is Coconuts Manila’s guide to all things good and great happening over the coming weekend. Peruse it, take note of everything that interests you, and hit us up on our Facebook page or on Twitter @CoconutsManila to sound off on what you think.
Introduce the wonderful world of theater to kids
Date: Nov. 14 (Wednesday) – 29 (Thursday)
Venue: PETA Theater Center 5, Sunnyside Dr., New Manila, Quezon City
Tagu-taguan Nasan ang Buwan? (Literally “Hide and Seek, Where’s the Moon?”) is a play by the Philippine Educational Theater Association (PETA) and is a great way to introduce young kids to the world of musical theater.
It tells the story of Popoy, a descendant of Filipino storytelling icon Lola Basyang. The boy goes on an adventure in a fantasy world where characters from different stories are imprisoned. He helps them with the use of his imagination and heart.
The play is an original by PETA. It was written by J-mee Katanyag and directed by Dudz Teraña.
Tickets are available on Ticket2Me where they are currently being sold at 50 percent off. An orchestra seat now costs PHP400 (US$7.53) while a VIP ticket is priced at PHP500 (US$9.41).
For more information, visit the PETA Facebook page.
Celebrate the LGBTQ+ community through films
Date: Nov. 14 (Wednesday) – 25 (Sunday)
Venue: Gateway Mall, Araneta Center Cubao, 1109 Aurora Blvd., Project 3, Quezon City
Cine Adarna, UPFI Film Center building, Magsaysay Ave., UP Campus Diliman, Quezon City
Cinema Centenario, 95 Maginhawa St., Diliman, Quezon City
The Quezon City International Pink Film Festival will screen movies and documentaries that tell compelling stories of real people and fictional characters who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, or trans.
The line up includes Call Her Ganda, a documentary about Jennifer Laude, the trans woman who was killed in an Olongapo City motel room, and Mr. Gay Syria, a documentary about two gay Syrian refugees.
Films will be screened in three cinemas in the city: Gateway Mall in Cubao (Nov. 14-17), Cine Adarna in the UPFI Film Center (Nov.19-21), and Cinema Centenario in Teacher’s Village (Nov. 22-25). Admission is free in Gateway Mall, while tickets cost PHP150 (US$2.82) at the two other cinemas.
To learn more about the films that will be screened this year, check out our rundown on this year’s festival highlights.
For more information, visit the QC International Pink Film Festival Facebook page.
Learn to write your own script
Date: Nov. 16, Friday
Venue: Central Laboratory Auditorium, 8/F, Central Laboratory Building, University of Santo Tomas, España Blvd., Sampaloc, Manila
Film lovers who would rather make their own movie — here’s a chance to learn from some of the best, at Silip Sa Iskrip (literally “Peek at the Script”).
Organized by the University of Santo Tomas’ (UST) Center for Creative Writing and Literary Studies and the UST Literary Society, the roundtable discussion will include Filipino screenwriters from different genres, namely Dwein Baltazar (Exes Baggage), Jerry Gracio (Ligo na Ü, Lapit na Me), Auraeus Solito (Busong), and Rody Vera (Signal Rock).
Vera, one of the guests, is the writer behind Signal Rock, the Philippines’ official entry for the 91st Academy Awards. He also co-wrote the historical drama Goyo.
The event will be from 4-6pm on Friday.
For seat reservations and other information, visit the UST Center for Creative Writing and Literary Studies Facebook page.
Learn, shop, and party on Manila’s historic street
Date: Nov. 17, Saturday
Venue: Escolta St., Manila
The Escolta Block Party is back this weekend, and like past versions of the event, this one will have various activities like tours, talks, and — of course — a street party.
This includes the PedX Series, visioning exercises on democratizing public spaces in Manila; Recolor Yuchengco, a mural-painting activity; and Colors of Manila, a market and food tasting tour.
The Escolta Block Party is a whole-day event, which will start at 11am and be held in different locations along Manila’s Escolta Street.
For more information, visit the Escolta Block Party Facebook page.
Discover new local comics
Date: Nov. 17 – 18 (Saturday – Sunday)
Venue: Bayanihan Center, 8008 Pioneer St., Mandaluyong City
Filipino comics are having a moment.
Fans of local comic books have been on a high since it was announced last week that award-winning comic book Trese by Budjette Tan and KaJo Baldisimo will be adapted into a Netflix series.
And there’s more where that came from. At Komikon 2018, attendees can discover more works by Filipino comic creators through the publishers, retailers, collectors, and merchandise sellers who will be there to showcase their best selections.
For more information, visit the Komikon Facebook page.
