Weekend Hangs: Matcha festival, musicals, and and fun runs to attend this Sept. 26 to 28
As September winds down, Metro Manila’s cultural calendar is anything but sleepy.
From matcha madness to musical nostalgia, this week’s lineup is a full-bodied blend of caffeine, cinema, and community.
Whether you're chasing aesthetic exhibitions or just looking for a good excuse to leave the house, we’ve brewed up your weekend hangs guide from Sept. 26 to 28.
Sept. 25-28: Coffee and Matcha Festival
If your love language is latte art and your blood type is cold brew, this one’s for you.
In partnership with the Embassy of Japan in the Philippines, the Coffee and Matcha Festival is filled with curated brews and matcha-infused treats.
Expect indie roasters, yukata try-ons, and pottery workshops to make your feed pop.
The event is happening on Sept. 25 to 28 at the Venice Grand Canal, Oct. 9 to 12 at the Southwoods Mall, and Oct. 18 to 19 at the Alabang West Parade.
From Sept. 26: The Bodyguard The Musical
Yes, that Bodyguard.
The iconic 1992 film gets a bold stage revival from 9 Works Theatrical, starring Grammy-nominated Christine Allado as Rachel Marron. Directed by Robbie Guevara with musical direction by Daniel Bartolome, the production hits the Proscenium Theater at Rockwell Center in Makati City.
Set to Whitney Houston’s unforgettable hits—I Have Nothing, Run to You, and I Will Always Love You—this musical reimagines the 1992 cinematic story of a global superstar and the former Secret Service agent tasked with protecting her.
Get your tickets through this link or TicketWorld outlets near you.
Sept. 26-28: SOUTHVERSARY 2
Southies, assemble!
Southversary 2 takes over Alabang Town Center from Sept. 26 to 28 with a full-on celebration of southern creativity, community, and cool finds. Expect a vibrant mix of:
- STP Flea Market at Town Plaza
- The Local Loop at the Activity Center
- STP Live at Corte de las Palmas
- An exclusive listening party for Olivia Dean’s latest album.
It’s giving peak “community core,” with curated stalls with vintage gems, indie brands, and one-of-a-kind pieces, laid-back concert vibes under the open sky, and plenty of chances to discover your next favorite homegrown biz. Hours vary, so plan your haul and your hangouts!
Grab your tickets through this link and you might just score big in the Grand Raffle!
Sept. 26-28: Japanese Film Festival 2025
From quiet dramas to animated gems, the Japanese Film Festival is about to wrap up its screenings at the Shangri-La Plaza Red Carpet Cinema 1 with a lineup that’s equal parts heartwarming and haunting.
Whether you’re into slice-of-life storytelling or cinematic introspection, this is your chance to catch award-winning films:
- Friday, September 26
- Teasing Master Takagi-san - 1:40 PM
- EVIL DOES NOT EXIST - 4:20 PM
- THE BOY AND THE DOG - 7:00 PM
- Saturday, September 27
- Cells at Work! - 11:00 AM
- EVIL DOES NOT EXIST - 1:40 PM
- A Samurai in Time - 4:20 PM
- Love Letter - 7:00 PM
- Sunday September 28
- SPIRITED AWAY - 11:00 AM
- 18x2 Beyond Youthful Days - 1:40 PM
- GHOST IN THE SHELL - 4:20 PM
- SHOWTIME 7 - 7:00 PM
Tickets for all showings are free and are now available right at the Shangri-La Plaza ticket booth.
If you’re heading to the venue without a ticket, you can secure a spot in advance—just keep in mind it’s first-come, first-served based on availability. And don’t fret if a screening is fully booked, because there’s a chance for walk-in patrons to snag a seat about 10 minutes after the movie is set to start.
Sept. 28: Run Fur Life 10
Animal lovers, save the date to unleash your inner hero!
Animal Kingdom Foundation’s Run Fur Life 10 returns for a day of fitness, fun, and furry companionship.
Happening at Central Park in Bridgetowne Destination Estate, Pasig City, this year’s Superhero Edition marks the third time the event is hosted by Robinsons Land, a proud advocate of pet-friendly spaces and inclusive community events.
Yes, you can run with your dog, and yes, there are race categories for everyone.
Since its launch, thousands of volunteers and animal welfare advocates have joined the cause, raising significant funds for AKF’s Rescue and Rehabilitation Center in Capas, Tarlac. Proceeds go directly to rescuing, sheltering, and rehoming abandoned and vulnerable animals.
Registration is open through this link, and supporters can also donate, sponsor, or volunteer to help make a difference.
Sept. 13-Nov. 16: Of Grit and Steel Exhibition
Need a breather from the buzz? Ayala Museum’s “Of Grit and Steel: BPI’s Commitment to Nation-Building” free exhibition offers a contemplative pause. Ideal for solo hangs or quiet dates with fellow museum rats.
Featuring select industrial-inspired art and narratives of resilience from BPI’s collection, it’s a spotlight on strength that echoes the bank’s solid history as the first bank in Southeast Asia and its role in shaping communities through time.
At its heart, the exhibition captures themes like the empowerment of women, the significance of family, the value of our history, and the deep-rooted richness of Filipino culture that continue to shape our identity.
The exhibition is located at the museum’s 2F Changing Gallery, which is open from Tuesday to Sunday at 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Sept. 20-28: Smiski’s 10th Anniversary
Tiny, glowy, and weirdly relatable—Smiski celebrates a decade of hiding in corners and stealing hearts.
Fully Booked’s anniversary event in its Bonifacio High Street branch on Sept. 28 includes event-exclusive merch and maybe a few surprise mascot appearances tucked behind the bookshelves.
If you're looking to add a personal touch to your style, head over to the third-floor Hub where you can unleash your creativity! You'll have the chance to design custom bag tags using fun SMISKI embroidery stickers and patches.
