Weekend Hangs: Pre-holiday sales, matcha socials, musicals and other events to check out this Sept. 18 to 20
Call the group chat and clear your schedules!
If you've been holed up in your home the past few days amid the erratic weather, it's time to head out and make your way to these events happening all over the metro. There will be pre-holiday sample sales, free short film premieres, musicals, and expos for you and your friends to check out.
Here is your guide to what’s happening around Metro Manila from Sept. 18 to 20.
Sept. 17-19: ASEAN Creative Industries Expo
What does the future of Southeast Asian creativity look like? Find out at SMX Convention Center Aura, Taguig City this weekend.
From Sept. 17 to 19, between 10 a.m. and 8 p.m., the Department of Trade and Industry will host a three-day celebration of local talent and regional innovation.
Tied to the Philippines’ 2026 ASEAN Chairship and the flagship Malikhaing Pinoy Program, the expo brings together creators under the theme “Navigating Our Future Through Creativity, Together.”
There will be interactive pavilions across design, digital media, fashion, and gastronomy, alongside cross-border networking and a sneak peek at the country’s Expo 2025 Osaka showcase.
To participate, register online via this link. For more details, visit this website.
Sept. 18-26: 9th Sine Kabataan Short Film Festival 2026
Nine fresh stories from young Filipino filmmakers are hitting the big screen for free this month!
Organized by the Film Development Council of the Philippines for Philippine Film Industry Month, the festival spotlights brand-new shorts exploring youth identity, culture, and social issues.
These include A Dead Man's Genesis, directed by Cyra Dematawaran [Metro Manila]; Asa Mutugpa Ang Pag Lupad-Lupad (Where The Drifting Flight Comes To Rest), directed by Emmanuel Pamaylaon [Nabunturan]; Bato'ng Bunga (Stone Fruit), directed by Elj Seth Tababa [Cebu]; Hindi Pa Nag-Aagahan Si Tau, directed by Janno Pelias [Antipolo]; Ikalulunod Ko Ba Ang Paglangoy, directed by Lawrence Balingasa [Laguna]; Inday's Ark, directed by Alex Loygos [Negros Oriental]; Kurita (Octopus), directed by Zechri Jacob Alvarez [Ilocos Norte]; Piyesa (Piece), directed by Ryand Angelo Ugalde [Ilocos Norte]; Titser, Titser!, directed by Franchesca Grace Pagatpat [Metro Manila]; and Yada Na Ta Busag Nga Vannn! (Here Comes The White Vannn!), directed by Giomer Gulferic [Leyte].
Catch the Red Carpet Premiere at Shangri-La Plaza from Sept. 18 to 20. Reserve free tickets via Ticket Tailor or drop by regional screenings at FDCP Cinematheques in Manila, Iloilo, Davao, and Negros through Sept. 30.
Sept. 18-20: Katutubo x Bench Pop-Up Market
Katutubo Pop-Up Market is back this weekend. Born out of a shared mission to champion homegrown talent, this long-running collaboration with clothing brand Bench gives small-scale weavers, independent artisans, and local designers a prominent stage alongside one of the country's biggest fashion brands.
If you wanna get a headstart on your Christmas shopping, browse racks of structured linen tailoring, handwoven textiles, and modern Filipiniana, or grab regional snacks and specialty coffee at local food stalls here at Katutubo.
The fair is open from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. at the Bench Tower in BGC. Admission is free.
Sept. 18-20: Cabana Club x Salu Salo Market’s Matcha Social
If your ideal weekend involves good drinks and open-air lounging, head to Forbes Town in BGC for Cabana Club and Salu Salo Market's green-themed pop-up “The Matcha Social”.
Local tea spots are pouring ceremonial lattes, dirty matchas, and fruity tea infusions next to food stalls serving sweet pastries and savory bites. It's free to enter and completely pet-friendly!
The pop-up is happening from 12 p.m. to 10 p.m. on Sept. 18 to 20.
You can preview matcha menus on the Cabana Club’s Instagram page.
Sept. 19 - 20: BrickCon.PH 2026
Calling all LEGO fans and pop culture builders! The country’s biggest LEGO fan convention, BrickCon.PH 2026, is taking over Ayala Malls Circuit in Makati from Sept. 19 to 20.
At the event you'll get to check out rows of specialty toy vendors selling rare sets and minifigures.
A kids' cosplay showcase will also happen, wherein fans can dress as their favorite Marvel or DC character and win cash prizes. Guests can also participate at the build competition, in which two winners will be chosen by fellow attendees.
Interested on learning about LEGOs? There will be a talk on Day 2 on collecting and investing on bricks.
Plus, there will be fun games such as LEGO Trivia Game, Brick BINGO, Speed Builds, and Brick Hunts.
Admission details and daily activity schedules can be found on the official Brick Trader's Club Facebook Page.
Sept. 18-Oct. 25: Bongga Ka 'Day: The Annie Batungbakal Musical
Hotdog’s iconic '70s OPM catalog gets the full theatrical treatment in this new jukebox musical co-produced by Viva, The Philippine STAR, and Newport World Resorts.
Opening on Sept. 18 at the Newport Performing Arts Theater in Pasay, the show reimagines the hilarious misadventures of saleslady-turned-disco-enthusiast Annie Batungbakal through big, glittering dance numbers.
Showtimes run Friday and Saturday at 8 p.m. and Sunday at 3 p.m. with tickets starting at P1,300 via TicketWorld.
Sept. 18-20: The Notebook: The Musical
It’s the final weekend to catch Allie and Noah’s love story!
Showing at the Samsung Performing Arts Theater in Circuit Makati on Sept. 20, The Notebook: The Musical is a moving musical adaptation, featuring a live orchestra and original music by indie-pop singer Ingrid Michaelson. It follows Noah and Allie through three stages of their lives, celebrating “the quiet bravery found in loving someone faithfully through every season of life.”
The final show dates are on Friday, Sept. 18 at 7:30 p.m., and Saturday & Sunday at 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Secure your seats before the run ends via TicketWorld.
Sept. 19-20: Super Soirée Sale 2026
Ready for some pre-holiday retail therapy? Retail Lab is gathering over 170 local fashion, beauty, and lifestyle brands at The Fifth at Rockwell on Sept. 19-20 for the Super Soiree Sale.
Expect up to 80% off on resort wear, footwear, and designer samples. The fair is open from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.
To get in for free, pre-register online via this link and get two passes!
