You deserve the chance to hit reset this weekend. If you’re looking for something to do in Manila with a bit more edge — whether it’s a new art exhibit, the latest restaurant serving an intriguing enough dish to get you off the couch, or an event that’ll completely flip your weekend on its head — we’ve got you covered. Rolling Stone Philippines puts together a weekend itinerary that’s worth going out for, complete with the best spots and hidden gems around the city.
Party at the re-launch of Eddie Boy Escudero’s Book ‘When We Danced’ (Jan 18)
Join the celebration of Filipino photographer legend Eddie Boy Escudero this weekend as he re-launches his photobook, When We Danced, an archival collection that captures the start of Manila’s rave scene in the 90s. The re-launch, happening on January 18, will take place at Archivo 1984 from 5 to 8 p.m. The party will also act as a birthday celebration for both Eddie Boy and Manila nightlife legend Tim Yap. Entrance to the re-launch is free to the public.
Archivo 1984, 2241 Pasillo 18 La Fuerza Compound, Chino Roces Avenue, Legazpi Village, Makati, 1231 Metro Manila.
Kick back into the smooth and soulful vibes at The Spirits Library (Jan 17-18)
The Spirits Library is offering a weekend of spirited performances to keep your glass — and vibe — flowing. On January 17, the bar heats things up with sets from Cao Ocampo and Ricky Bernardo, with Daryl Virgil accompanying on the saxophone. On January 18, guests can expect an all-night performance from Thirstkid.
The Spirits Library, 4963 Guerrero, Makati, 1210 Metro Manila
A night of disco and techno with Jasphonica and Heavy Mental Audio (Jan 18)
Get ready for a night of dancing as transit records takes over Apotheka in Poblacion, Makati, this January 18.
For Jasphonica on Apotheka’s main dancefloor, transit records resident Papa Jawnz will perform the club’s first-ever marathon DJ set, pulling a 7-hour all-nighter with his vast selection of rare groove, disco, hip-hop, and jazz. Taking over Apotheka’s Elbow Room is Heavy Mental Audio, a club night and imprint focused on “mental-tech” — a trippy strand of electronic music derived from bass and techno. In the line-up is Toronto DJ, MIASALAV, as well as transit records residents Duality, and Soft as Silk.
Doors open at 9 p.m. Discounted pre-sale tickets are available at P350. Door charge tickets are set at P500.
Apotheka Manila, G/F, White Rabbit Blg, 5672 Dona Carmen St, Cor General Luna, Makati, 1210 Metro Manila
Appreciate the art at Isola Tong’s solo exhibit, ‘Bruha ng Disyerto’ (Jan 17)
Isola Tong’s upcoming solo exhibition, Bruha ng Disyerto: Landscapes of Fire, is expected to be a thought-provoking exhibition. Launching on January 17 at Gravity Art Space in Quezon City and running until February 14, Bruha ng Disyerto explores the intersection of fire, nature, and cultural othering — particularly in the context of the Philippines’ colonial relationships with Spain and the United States. Through fiber art, painting, and woven sculpture, Tong aims to answer the question, “Is fire a memory, or is it that which sparks between bodies that makes us remember?”
The exhibition runs from January 17 to February 14. On opening day, entrance is free. Price increases on following days by P50 (P30 for students, free for PWD, seniors, and artists).
Gravity Art Space, Mother Ignacia Ave, Diliman, Quezon City, Metro Manila
Catch a Theatrical Reading at WHYNoT Manila’s ‘Theoria Omnium’ (Jan 19)
WHYNoT Manila has built a name for itself as a transdisciplinary culture hub that spotlights a plethora of creative expressions. On January 19, as part of their staged readings series Theoria Omnium, WHYNoT Manila presents an intimate production directed by Sarah Facuri, featuring Sue Ramirez, Brian Sy, Dean Daniel Rosen, and Cathy Azanza-Dy. The collective does not share any specific details until the day of production — except that the reading will follow the theme, A Season of Scientific Drama. The performance will be held in WHYNoT Culture Hub at Karrivin Studios, with performance times at 3 p.m. and 8 p.m.
WHYNoT Culture Hub, 4th Floor Karrivin Studios, 2316 Chino Roces Ave Ext. Makati, Manila, Philippines
Enjoy Italian-Filipino Comfort Food at La Carinderia Manila
La Carinderia Manila, an offshoot of the widely successful Siargao-based resto La Carinderia, brings handmade pasta to Makati — a home-style menu of Filipino and Italian dishes — including lasagna, antipasti, and Surigaonon tiramisu. Recently opening its doors in December 2024, La Carinderia Manila has slowly charmed its way into the hearts of the city’s restaurant-goers. To book a table, contact their Instagram page for more information.
Get your shopping game on at The Solana Market (Jan 16-18)
From January 16 to 18, The Solana Market is bringing the city’s best fits, treats, and anik-aniks to 47 East, Esteban Abada, Katipunan from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. It’s the perfect opportunity to treat yourself to a full day of shopping. Discover local brands, eat delicious snacks, and grab the latest tchotchkes you never knew you needed.
47 East, Esteban Abada, Katipunan
Scream Your Feminine Rage Out at Sunny Club’s ‘Rebel Night’ (Jan 17)
Opening doors at 10:30 p.m. on January 17 at Poblacion bar Kondwi, Rebel Night is for the loud and proud misfits. DJs Zar Donato and arigoggles are manning the decks, accompanied by fiery performances from Inah Demons, Drag Lord, Aurora Blvd, Blaze, and Drew. Tickets are available (early birds are priced at P350, walk-ins at P450) complete with 1 free drink (non-alcoholic option available). Walk-ins are subject to venue capacity.
Kondwi, 6109 Albert, Poblacion, Makati, 1209 Metro Manila
Delight in Korean flavors at Toka Wine (Jan 16-19, Jan 23-26)
Toka Wine, a cozy and intimate wine bar and shop located on 141 Katipunan Avenue in Quezon City, is kicking off the year with a chef residency series titled will host. For their first of the year, Toka Wine invites Dennis Ryan Dela Cruz, a chef with twelve years of training in both modern and traditional Korean food, showcasing his culinary talents from January 16 to 19, and January 23 to 26. With a decade of experience working in New York City hot spots, such as Moono, Meju, Hanjan, and Danji, Dela Cruz is anticipated to serve fresh and exciting, Korean-inspired flavors to the table. Service starts at 5 p.m. Book a table this weekend via Toka Wine’s Instagram.
Toka Wine, 141 Katipunan Ave, Quezon City, 1110 Metro Manila
