Weekday activities in Manila
Whether you work a full-time job or are still studying, things tend to get busy on a workday in Manila. Everyone needs some kind of relaxation at the end of the day to get some work-life balance. Manila offers a wide array of leisure activities, depending on your mood.
Cinema in Manila
Watch Filipino Indie movies at Cinema Centenario, Quezon City, Metro Manila Cinema Centenario is a new microcinema, opened in 2017, celebrating 100 years of Philippine Cinema. It is situated in the dynamic neighbourhood of Maginhawa, together with varied dining and shopping options. It caters to moviegoers who want an alternative space to appreciate Filipino films. Their movie screenings include documentaries, low-budget local films, and Filipino classics. Ticket prices are still 200 pesos or 150 pesos for students. You can check their movie screening schedule on their website or Facebook page.
Find a bargain at Greenhills, San Juan, Metro Manila
If you feel like doing a shopping spree without breaking the bank, you can consider bargain hunting at Greenhills Shopping Center. You can find almost anything here, like gadgets, clothing, bags, cosmetics, food, jewellery, and fashion accessories. It is a place to get quality knock-offs from Louis Vuitton bags, Chanel perfumes, or Adidas shoes. You can stroll through the bazaar, enjoy the bargain deals and even try out restaurants surrounding the area.
Boardgame night with friends in Manila
Whether you are within the vicinity of your school or simply out with family or friends on a weekday, Manila has board game cafes that will let you have fun and let loose from the work-stresses of the day. You can bond with your loved ones over fun competitions in boardgame cafes all over the city, like Ludo's Boardgame Bar and Bistro ( with branches in Quezon City and Makati), and Laruan Atbp. (Maginhawa St), Exile on Main St. (Malate, Manila) etc.
Quiet hump day drinks in Poblacion, Manila
Poblacion is one of the hottest neighbourhoods in Manila, just a stone's throw away from Makati's central business district. It is a hip place known for its hole-in-the-wall bars and restaurants. This place is usually packed with locals, expats and tourists looking for some drinks and a fun night on Fridays and Saturdays. It is a great place to go on a weekend, but it is also a good place to be on a weekday if you are looking for a quiet night. You will find that most bars which are usually packed on the weekends have a more laidback vibe on weekdays. You can enjoy curated cocktails from bartenders who are happy to chat and talk about their craft.
Highly recommended bars that are a personal favourite and with exceptional reviews in Poblacion are Run Rabbit Run, The Social and Boogie.
Clubbing in Bonifacio Global City, Manila
If you would rather spend your “hump day” Wednesday partying, you can go to the upscale bars and clubs in Bonifacio Global City, Taguig. The Palace in Uptown Bonifacio is home to several bars like B.A.D, Yes Please, and The Brewery. You can also find clubs like Xylo, Revel, or The Island in the same vicinity. Some places host Girl's Night on Wednesdays, so if you check out these deals, you might score free drinks while partying the whole night away.
Stroll or get a massage in Greenbelt Mall, Manila
Aside from numerous SM Malls in Manila, you can also visit Greenbelt Mall in Ayala Center in Makati CBD, which is a commercial complex operated by Ayala Land Incorporated. It is a mall of 5 contemporary buildings (Greenbelt 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5), all connected, occupying a 3-hectare land. Gone are the days when malls in Manila were all air-conditioned confined buildings, as Greenbelt's novel architecture includes open spaces and greenery. An interesting attraction in Greenbelt 3 is an open-air chapel set amidst trees and ponds -- known as Sto. Nino de Paz (Holy Child of Peace) — where several masses are offered daily and on Sundays. The mall's restaurant selections range from fast-food restaurants to sit-down restaurants where you can choose cuisines according to your tastes. You can also visit their extensive parlour options for a massage or spa treatment at the end of a weary day.
