February in Manila is more than just a month of hearts and roses — it’s a month full of fresh events, lively festivals, and other happenings that bring the city to life. Whether you’re into indie films, local art, or checking out the latest pop-up markets, there’s something for every kind of explorer this month. With a mix of exciting performances and hidden gems around town, Manila’s February lineup promises to keep you on your toes and make every weekend feel like an adventure.
Tarzeer Pictures’ ‘SHORTS’
Tarzeer Pictures, 2288 Chino Roces Ave. Ext., Makati
February 13-March 27
Mondays to Saturdays, screenings at 2:00 p.m., 4:00 p.m., and 6:00 p.m.
Art gallery Tarzeer Pictures invites you to SHORTS, a captivating film screening series showcasing short films by writer-directors Ryan Capili, Maria Estela Paiso, and Kukay Bautista Zinampan. Across their powerful pieces — Capili’s FORMS OF FORGETTING, Paiso’s OBJECTS DO NOT FALL RANDOMLY FROM THE SKY, and Zinampan’s RAMPAGE! (O ANG PARADA) — the three filmmakers delve into the personal and panoramic, exploring themes of stillness, transformation, and rage. Each hour-long screening will be followed by insightful commentary with the filmmakers. The event’s grand opening will be held on Thursday, February 13, from 4:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. Admission to SHORTS is free, no reservations needed.
Under Maintenance x Scratch
Under Maintenance, 6F Karrivin Studios, 2316 Pasong Tamo Extension, Makati
February 14-15
Goods from Scratch, a beloved Makati bakery-cafe, is partnering with event space Under Maintenance for a Valentine weekend culinary experience. Indulge in a feast featuring towering breads, a playful DIY spread, creamy choco mouse, and a glass of wine — because, as the bakery points out, “love (and carbs) should always be this fun!”
Guests can make reservations here for either brunch or merienda timeslots.
Japanese Film Festival 2025
Screenings at Shangri-la Plaza Red Carpet Cinema (Manila), SM City Baguio, SM City Iloilo, SM Seaside City Cebu, SM City Davao, and SM City North EDSA (Manila)
January 31-March 2
The Japanese Film Festival (JFF), widely known across the Philippines as EIGASAI, returns for its highly anticipated 2025 edition. Now screening in select malls nationwide, JFF is set to feature screenings of several of Japan’s most iconic films, including cyberpunk animated film Akira, thriller mystery Monster, and animated action film Sand Land, based on the original story by Dragon Ball manga artist Akira Toriyama. The screening schedule for Shangri-la Plaza Red Carpet Cinema in Mandaluyong City can be found here, while the schedule for all other cinemas can be found here.
Tickets are available here. While admission is free, a convenience fee may apply to tickets purchased online.
The Sandbox Collective’s ‘Next to Normal’ Theater Production
Power Mac Center, Blackbox Theater, 2/F Ayala Malls Circuit, Circuit Lane, Circuit Makati
February 1-23, multiple showings
For its 2025 season and tenth anniversary, Manila-based theater company The Sandbox Collective is bringing the Tony Award and Pulitzer Prize-winning musical Next to Normal to Manila audiences. The rock musical centers around a family as they struggle to accommodate their matriarch who struggles with worsening bipolar disorder. The production’s cast includes renowned Filipino actors such as The Wedding Singer’s Nikki Valdez, Rama Hari’s OJ Mariano, and Ang Huling El Bimbo’s Jam Binay, among others. Tickets are available here.
Battle of Manila Tours
February 1-2, 10:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m., Rizal Park Luneta
February 8, 9:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.,Sampaloc (UST)
February 9, 5:00 – 9:00 p.m., Binondo
February 15, 2:00 – 5:00 p.m., Milate
February 22, 4:00 – 7:00 p.m., Intramuros
March 1, 9:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m., Ermita
The Battle of Manila Tours marks the 80th anniversary of the devastating battle that reshaped the city during the Second World War, when Filipino and American troops fought against Japanese forces in Manila. These guided tours will take participants through historical sites in Sampaloc, Binondo, Malate, Intramuros, and Ermita. The formal opening of the month-long event will take place at the Luneta Art Fair 2025 at Rizal Park Luneta on February 1 and 2. The tours are a collaborative effort by several local organizations, including Nilad Community, AKIM / Manila Girls, Don’t Skip Manila, The Heritage Collective, Renacimiento Manila, and WanderManila. Tickets are priced at P800 each and are available here.
Pelikula sa MiraNila’s ‘a Valentine’s Outdoor Screening’
26 Mariposa St., Bgy Bagong Lipunan, Crame, Quezon City
Screenings on February 4 at 6:00 p.m. and February 12 at 6 p.m.
For the romantic at heart, get ready for not one, but two nights of double feature screenings at the MiraNila Heritage House and Library. On February 4, Filipino rom-com and Cinemalaya winner Gitling will be screened, followed by romance-drama and Oscar nominee Past Lives. On February 12, Filipino short films Living Things and Tokwifi will be screened, followed by Filipino rom-com Isa Pa with Feelings. Regular tickets are priced at P700 while student tickets are priced at P560. Tickets include access to multiple films, a Heritage House tour, a bag of popcorn, and a garden mat for two. To inquire about tickets, reach out to Robeen at 09272776335.
Type Sheet
3F YL Holdings Bldg, Legazpi, Makati
February 8-9, 11 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Event organizer Wet Market: Art Market presents its latest market, Type Sheet, a weekend pop-up celebrating typography, fonts, calligraphy, and all things hand lettering. The market features a variety of text-inspired merchandise such as stickers, prints, and pins, along with all-day activities and a typography walking tour around Makati led by typography initiative Type63 and creative publication Novice Magazine. The event is free to attend, no registration required.
Past Events
Komiket
SM Megamall Megatrade Hall 2
February 8-9, 11 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Komiket, a non-profit organization that organizes comic art markets and advocates for Filipino komiks, is hosting its first big fair of the year. The komiks art market will feature an exciting lineup of komiks, illustrations, arts, and crafts from local artists and writers. This is your chance to discover new connections, support the arts, and immerse yourself in the vibrant world of Filipino komiks. Tickets are priced at P100 and are available for purchase at the venue. Senior citizens and persons with disabilities can purchase tickets with a 50 percent discount.
Manila Comics Fair and The Flying Lugaw’s ‘Make A Scene Loud’
Mows Bar and Imperial Mow’s Kowloon House, Matalino St, Quezon City
February 8
Art market starts at 1:00 p.m., live gigs start at 5:00 p.m.
From “independent comics support group” Manila Comics Fair and music blog The Flying Lugaw comes Make A Scene Loud, an exciting event featuring your favorite local artists and musicians. The event will feature a vibrant art market showcasing works from illustrators such as Rob Cham, Taming Service, Ivy Berces, among many more. Alongside the art market, there will be live music performances by amazing local bands like Dilaw, Nanay Mo, and Eggboy, creating the perfect atmosphere for a celebration of both art and music. Tickets for this all-ages event are available here.
Construction Layers’ Pop-Up with Guava Sketches
Guava Sketches, Level 2, Bldg., A, Karrivin Plaza, 2316 Chino Roces Extension, Makati
February 8, 4:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.
February 9, 11:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m.
Fashion brand Construction Layers is launching its highly anticipated pop-up with retail store Guava Sketches this weekend! Get ready to explore the stunning ENVISAGE VOL. 2 collection, where refinement seamlessly blends with natural elements. The collection showcases garments crafted from luxurious natural fibers, along with unique hand-waxing techniques applied to accessories and pants, giving each piece an innovative and tactile quality. Guests will have the opportunity to purchase and pre-order remaining items from VOL. 1 as well.
Barbae
WHYNoT Manila, 4th floor of Karrivin Studios, 2316 Chino Roces Ave Ext. Makati
February 7, 6:30 – 9:30 p.m.
New York-based Filipina artist Goldie Poblador and mixologist-musician Kyle Quismundo of Makati cocktail bar Big Fuzz present an interactive multisensory installation that blends scent, taste, and vision. The exhibit centers around nine shot glasses inspired by the female form, as well as an intimate 20 minute drinking experience. Visitors will be asked to explore two scent rooms, where fog disperses different fragrances to alter the taste of each drink.
Tickets are priced at P900 and available here. Admission includes access to Afters, a DJ set by Midnight Intruder with Big Fuzz offering a cocktail selection.
The Archives Vintage’s ‘Happy Tav!’ 3rd Anniversary Flea Market
Beach House at Fidel A. Reyes St., Manila (in front of The Barn)
February 1-2, 11 a.m. – 9 p.m.
It’s pay day weekend, which means it’s time to splurge! Treat yourself at flea market The Archive Vintage’s “Happy Tav” event celebrating their third anniversary. Spend the afternoon exploring vintage finds, streetwear, accessories, stickers, and more. Plus, get in on some charm-making and capture the moment at the photo booth. It’s a laid-back day of good vibes and cool finds!
Cultural Center of the Philippines’ ‘Pasinaya 2025’
Cultural Center of the Philippines Complex, Roxas Blvd, Pasay
February 1-2
The Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) is kicking off National Arts month with Pasinaya 2025, the biggest multi-arts festival in the Philippines. With the theme Para sa Lahat, the festival will offer more than 200 performances, events, and creative workshops across the country. Festival events to look out for include the CCP’s Palihan, Palabas, Paseo Mueseo, and Pamilihan, among others. Palihan offers a schedule of workshops led by artists from different disciplines. In Palabas, attendees can enjoy staged performances and film screenings led by community-based artists, National Performing Arts companies, and more. Under Paseo Museo, attendees can visit 18 partner museums of Paseo Museo, such as Museo Pambata, Casa Manila, and the Galleria Duemila, to enjoy showcases of Filipino art. Pamilihan is the CCP’s art market, which will be held at the Tanghalang Ignacio Gimenez Parking Area and Liwasang Kalikasan. Entrance to any event under Pasinaya 2025 is free to the public. Registration and full festival details can be found here.
