The annual Metro Manila Film Festival has got to be the most popular film festivals in the…read morePhilippines. It did after all start in the 1970's. I feel like this film festival is already like a holiday to us Filipinos because it's nationalistic to the core. It promotes and supports solely Filipino films running from December to January the next year in all theaters nationwide. But for others who still want to watch foreign films, 3D and IMAX theaters are excluded (if you didn't know). During the start of the festival, there's a parade of floats that represents each film included in the festival. It's quite an event for the masses since the actors and actresses greets people from their respective floats. The traffic gets pretty heavy so don't pass by Parañaque and Roxas Boulevard where the parade takes place this year. Important to know first hand! It's usually chaotic and super crowded since Filipinos love their celebrities. XD During this festival season, I usually watch comedy, documentaries or historical movies as I seem to be drawn towards them and I always highly enjoy them. Most of their films are also highly commercialized so if you're into those kinds of films, this festival is for you. There's also an awards night which is great to give due credit to the filmmakers that deserve the recognition.

If you want to know what event in the Philippines can gather 5 million Filipinos in one day? It is…read moreneither a concert nor a bazaar. It is actually the Feast of the Black Nazarene, the largest procession of the country. During these days, the whole city of Manila shuts down to give way to the bi-annual feast. Since the procession would also cover major roads, it is just good that classes and office works are suspended. Just some tips: 1. If you would join the vigil, do bring water and food 2. Know that you would not get enough sleep so be ready 3. Bring a jacket, just in case it rains and also to keep you warm during the vigil 4. Do not bring a lot of valuables

When it's Chinese New Year, the sleeping dragon comes to life in a rather majestic way as Chinatown…read moreis filled with everything red, and everything round. I have been celebrating Chinese New Year in Chinatown for 3 years now and I would daresay that this is definitely something you shouldn't miss when you are in the metro! Chinatown in Manila is the oldest one in the world, I mean, that should count for something right? Anyway, just a few tips: 1. Know the schedule of events, these would usually be posted via newspapers or online news sources 2. Eat something before you leave the house. Chinatown will be packed with people so it will be hard to find a place to eat 3. Bring water 4. Know that you'll be standing almost all the time, so bring a lot of leg strength! See you there!

Every Chinese New Year, Ongpin Street comes more alive (it is already alive during ordinary days,…read morewith vendors peddling their colorful wares), bursting with color and festivities. Ongpin Street is quite literally painted in red, as red Chinese decorations and people in red celebrate. Lion and dragon dances are held at almost every corner along the entire street, and more vendors are peddling lucky charms, and of course, the ubiquitous tikoy, for Chinese New Year. Having been to Chinese New Year celebrations here for two years, I can say that it is definitely worth experiencing. Expect a lot of people, though - yes, there are human traffic jams in Ongpin, but don't let this deter you from going, as it's really worth it. For lunch or dinner, reserve a spot at a restaurant ahead of time as the restaurants are usually crowded. This is what we did on my first Chinese New Year here. Or, get well away from Ongpin Street to eat to avoid the crowds, which is what we did on my second time.

Viva Manila is a yearly event that just started off last year although I did miss this year because…read moreof school duties. Ugh, studies can sometimes be in the way, right? Anyway, I love attending events like this because it makes me feel better about being a Filipino because I get exposed to history and our culture that I only get to experience in books. What I also love about Viva Manila is that it is held in Intramuros--my favourite place in Manila. They also invite artists to sell their crafts and there's also a slam poetry that encourages poets to channel their works not only on paper but to tell out their thoughts through spoken words. How wonderful would that be to speak out in front of everyone and express your thoughts with the emotions that you have while writing them. In Viva Manila, not only does the old Filipino culture get celebrated but also the new.

Viva Manila is an organisation that promotes arts and culture in the old city of Manila and…read moreespecially bringing back Intramuros to live. Pasyal Sundays is a monthly, free event that is organized by Viva Manila. It is generally held in General Luna street or Maestranza and it is always car free. They have around 50 booths with local foods and drinks and crafts. And while the market is going on they have various local artist performing things such a parkour, martial arts and as the night becomes darker they have poets and musicians coming up on stage. For anybody who loves manila or wants to understand the city better, this event is an awesome place to go that will inspire you to know and care more about Manila.

Spending an afternoon at the National Museum of the Philippines turned out to be one of the most…read morefascinating ways I could have learned more about my husband's country of birth. And honestly, I was not fully prepared for just how vast and layered Philippine history actually is. The National Museum complex is enormous and covers multiple museums and collections ranging from natural history, anthropology, archaeology, fine arts, indigenous cultures, colonial history, biodiversity, and the many different regions and peoples that make up the Philippines. Walking through the exhibits, you quickly realize the Philippines is not just "one culture," but a massive tapestry of languages, traditions, histories, and influences shaped by centuries of trade, migration, colonization, resistance, and survival. One of the most famous highlights inside the museum system is Juan Luna's *Spoliarium*, an enormous and emotionally powerful painting considered one of the greatest treasures of Filipino art and nationalism. Even tourists unfamiliar with Philippine history usually stop in awe when they see the sheer scale of it in person. Outside the museum, I was especially fascinated by the massive "Tree of Life" structure inside the National Museum of Natural History. It stretches dramatically upward through the center of the building and symbolizes the incredible biodiversity and interconnected ecosystems found throughout the Philippine islands. It is honestly one of the most visually striking museum interiors I've seen anywhere. Now, fair warning: If you visit during school hours, prepare yourself for children. Children everywhere. Apparently Filipino schools absolutely love bringing students here for field trips, and during our visit there were enormous groups of excited students moving through nearly every section of the museum. Honestly though, it was actually kind of heartwarming seeing so many kids actively engaged and learning about their own country's history. The museum itself is very large, and once you start walking, you are going to be walking quite awhile. One small complaint I did have was the lack of seating areas throughout some sections. At a certain point my husband and I found ourselves quietly scanning corners for open benches like exhausted archaeological explorers searching for buried treasure. Still, the experience was absolutely worth it. I loved wandering through the exhibits with my husband, listening to him explain little pieces of Filipino culture and history to me while I absorbed it all through fresh eyes. It felt less like simply visiting a museum and more like gaining a deeper understanding of a country and people I have grown to love deeply myself. The Philippines truly is a beautiful country -- not just in scenery, but in history, resilience, culture, and spirit. And this museum does a wonderful job reminding visitors of that.

During our travels in the Philippines, we made the most of our time visiting the cultural gems…read moreManila has to offer with the National Museum being one of them. My non-Filipino husband was interested in learning about my heritage which inspired my cousin to put together a day trip to the museum. The National Museum is comprised of multiple buildings which are: *The National Museum of Fine Arts *The National Museum of Anthropology *The National Museum of Natural History All are within the same compound but if you plan to visit all 3 buildings be prepared to wear comfortable shoes fit for a day's worth of walking. I also recommend bringing a bottle of water if you can. The museums are free to the public and we managed to visit two out of the three buildings (Fine Arts and Anthropology). We briefly visited the Fine Arts building and were impressed by the massive murals steps within entering. The most moving and impressive works come from one of the country's renowned painters, Juan Luna. His masterpiece, Spoilarium, is one not to miss. It was also interesting to read up on his life which oddly had a dark and ill-fated twist. The Anthropology building has fascinating curated material with discovered relics spanning the country. Some of the oldest material on exhibit dates from 5 BC. Currently artifacts continue to be uncovered/donated and the collection perpetually grows. Overall, the Anthropology museum was our favorite. We left very impressed with the exhibits. Aside from the common touristy things to do, don't discount the National Museum. The information and history behind each piece will leave you culturally enriched.

Long time UST establishment which serves sizzling meals, American food, and beer. Known to all UST…read morestudents, it is located on Asturias. Prices are reasonably fair. Hangout place for all Tomasians, regardless of college or course.

Every April 23, the Instituto Cervantes Manila celebrates La Noche De Los Libros as part of the…read morecelebration of the International Day of Books (yep, there is such a holiday). The celebration also coincides with the release of the 2nd part of Miguel de Cervantes' epic Don Quijote dela Mancha. As part of the celebrations, several of the largest bookstores in the country hold book sales. I even saw some individuals selling their pre-loved books to sort of share the joy they had of having read the said books. The Instituto Cervantes also initiated a quijotic endeavor. They gathered 500 individuals to help hand write Miguel Cervantes' epic novel Don Quijote. There is also poetry reading and a jazz concert to entertain guests. If guests get hungry, there is a booth selling authentic Spanish dishes like paella and churros con chocolate. This is an annual event sponsored by the Instituto Cervantes so next April 23 drop by join others for a night of books, food and entertainment.

My cousins brought me here when I visited, and this place contains so much of the Philippine's…read morehistory with the Spanish invasion. So much sadness for those who were tortured and killed to even the death of the country's hero. It makes you appreciate your own life and the freedom you have. If you'd like to learn more of its history, it's definitely a place to visit when you're in Manila.

Must visit for first timers to Manila. There's so much history here & landmarks. It's considered…read morethe Old Manila. It was a walled city. Definitely go early as it gets hot. I took a Grab from my hotel & walked the area. I didn't need a guide. I just took my time to walk around. There's some shops to grab souvenirs and a cold drink. Highlights are Fort Santiago where the national hero Jose Rizal was imprisoned & San Agustin Church the oldest stone church in the Philippines. Definitely try to enjoy lunch or dinner here at a restaurant called Barbara's. I did not use any tour guide or purchase any tour package to visit Intramuros or dine at Barbara's. I had a great experience.

I like the concept of Pasyal, and I laud Carlos Celdran and the other organizers for making this…read morehappen in Manila. I love street fairs in Korea and in Japan and it's good that Manila is catching on fast. Admittedly, the selection of participants is limited, I think it's even less this year than last year, but, I love that I can discover local crafts makers, city tour organizers, and several other startup businesses worthy of our support because they use local materials and employ more people. Looking forward to next year's. I hope it gets bigger and better!

On one of my Sunday-get-me-out-of-the-house moods, my sister told me that there was an event in…read moreIntramuros, Pasyal Intramuros. We immediately got into the car when we figured it was the best day to make a trip there since there wasn't too much traffic. When we got there we were glad that we made the trip, it turned out to be such a fun day! Every summer time on some weekends, Intramuros closes down the main street to cars and allows vendors, food and things, artists and musicians to come together for a pasyal. It was really fun to see all the different people and eat everything from dirty ice cream to taho! I felt like I was in the province when people come around and hang in the plazas on Sundays. It was a great way to celebrate our culture especially the coming together of people for a pasyal. I loved seeing people getting excited over something that didn't involve a mall or a gadget for a change! I really enjoyed the experience and I always tell my friends to check it out, it's a great excuse to visit Intramuros and a fun way to spend any weekend with family or friends!