What to do in Metro Manila this Holy Week
Looking for activities to do this Holy Week?
In Filipino culture, Holy Week or Semana Santa is one of the most anticipated religious events for Catholics and Christians. It's a time when people reflect and commemorate the crucifixion, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ.
While many have already planned their out-of-town and international trips and retreats, others have decided to just stay in their homes to enjoy the (traffic-free) city. After all, you don’t have to travel far to make your Holy Week productive.
Ahead is a list of activities that you could do within Metro Manila this week. Make sure to check the opening hours and operating hours of public transportation before heading out to avoid any hassle.
Explore museums
Self-reflections could be done in different ways, it could be through appreciating art, being one with nature, or even learning history.
For a bit of history and culture, Intramuros–the walled city in the Heart of Metro Manila—holds many stories. From the cries of Filipinos who fought for independence, the beautiful and sad stories of love, stories of residents who champion life every day, to the passing stories and laughter of students and children inside the vicinity.
Below is its special schedule for its gated sites this Holy Week.
Be one with nature
It is no doubt that being with nature also heals the soul. Exploring nature could help align thoughts and reflect on life and decisions.
Up north is the University of the Philippines campus. Here, you can take a scenic bike ride around the UP Oval, enjoy a jog through Balara Filters Park, admire the historic buildings, and grab some delicious street food.
Perfect for picnics and a variety of sports like badminton and soccer, the Marikina River Park stretches right beside the Marikina River. It has trails, open spaces, and recreation facilities for you to explore.
In Taguig, there's the The Life of Christ Village in Lower Bicutan, which is open just for the Lenten season. You're free to do the Stations of the Cross, write your petitions at the Prayer Corner, write your gratitude messages at the Message Corner, and more.
The Life of Christ is open from March 26 to March 30 from 7:30 a.m. to 10 p.m.
There are also plenty of parks within Bonifacio Global City where you can just walk with your dog or hang out with friends. Track 30th has a jogging path, yoga and exercise lawn, fitness art, and a meditation garden, while Terra 28th has playgrounds and art installations. BGC Greenway Park, the longest linear urban park in the metro, is also worth checking out.
Extend a helping hand
The Lenten season celebrates the value of almsgiving. This could be practiced by extending a helping hand by conducting a donation drive or organizing an outreach program for those who are in need.
You could call your friends and relatives to conduct a simple feeding program and prepare fun and productive activities for street children near you or reach out to foundations and charities.
One of which is Onesimo Bulilit Foundation in Quiapo, Manila, which aims to help street children and their families. Home for the Angels in San Andres Bukid, Manila meanwhile provides a home for neglected babies and abandoned infants, while Home of Joy for the Sick Children, Missionaries of Charity in Tondo Manila provides a home for abandoned and sick children suffering from hydrocephalous, cerebral palsy, Down syndrome, blindness, and/or a combination of these.
Find a new hobby
Take the Lenten season as a chance to discover yourself and do something productive through these Do-It-Yourself activities.
Get yourself to try art by attending workshops at All About Art PH in Ronac Art Center in San Juan City and Forbestown BGC. On regular days, it is open from Wednesdays to Sundays, but this Holy Week only the BGC studio is open on March 31 from 12 p.m. to 7 p.m. Don't worry, you can still order DIY Drip Painting kits here for you to do at home!
You can also get crafty with the kids (or your friends!) wherever you are. Craft Easy Philippines has a bunch of tutorial videos, including how to make a woven bookmark, a punch needle wall decor, a DIY dreamcatcher, and more.
If books are your thing, join Book Clubs on Facebook if you want to discuss, write a review, or are looking for new titles to read. Try Book Buddies PH or Book Finder Philippines.
Celebrate Easter Sunday with a feast
Celebrations aren’t complete without a feast of food to share. Want to try different dishes but opt to stay in one place? These food parks in Metro Manila got you.
Sagul Malingap Foodpark in Teacher’s Village East, Quezon City has multiple food stalls that serve a wide range of cuisines—from classic Filipino dishes to Mexican, Korean, Japanese, and many more. Aside from good food, local and indie artists also serenade dinners.
Transport to France without traveling—that's possible at LE VILLAGE The Lifestyle Food Park in Doña Josefa, Quezon City. From fine wine dining to Asian cuisine to fun and flavorful drinks, you name it they have it!
Or, if you want to celebrate Easter with the family at home, you can just order these Lenten specials and have them delivered!