June 26 is Eid’l Fitr, which means another long weekend may be coming up. While we wait for the official announcement, everyone’s now scrambling to snag those promo fares or bus tickets to take advantage of this free Monday. We’re not all that lucky though, so if you won’t be able to whip up a quick vacation, here are a few things that will keep you entertained without leaving the city. Some of them are even free!
The best thing about a long weekend in the city is there are way less people crowding the streets and restaurants. Here’s your chance to head to some of those sought-after restaurants you can’t seem to get a free table in. Grab a seat at the 20-seater Mendokoro Ramenba at Salcedo Village in Makati, the tiny but super popular La Chinesca at BF Homes in Paranaque, or the full-to-the-brim Locavore in BGC or Kapitolyo. Looking for something new? Get your Filipino fix at the Poblacion Dining Room or a taste of Korea at Kko Kko in Makati without having to fight over parking as much as usual. You can also just head to Quezon City and sample everything at the newly-opened Kontorini Food Park.
Looking for someone who knows how to have fun? Turn to the little ones, whether you have your own kids, your young relatives, or your mommy-friend’s tots. There are so many things to do around Manila during the long weekend, but bringing the kids along will give it that extra energy and humor. Take a kalesa tour around the beautiful Intramuros, visit the many museums around the city and the newly-opened Planetarium in Manila, or let their (and your) energy loose at the many activities at SM by the Bay, Kidzania, or Dreamplay.
Let’s face it – not everyone is at peace with sitting around the whole day doing nothing. For those who always need to be busy, this is your chance to learn something outside of work. The hottest skill right now is anything digital, and you can get free (or cheap) courses online to get a head start. Learn the basics of Adobe Photoshop, find out how to make a powerful blog with WordPress, finally figure out how to market on Facebook and Twitter, or start building a digital platform with HTML or CSS. If it’s too nerdy for your liking, get crafty with the many workshops available at CraftMNL, Ink Scribbler, or Memory Crafters.
If you’ve been trying to live a healthier lifestyle, perhaps a visit to BPI-Philam’s Win the Moment Wellness Festival will help you jumpstart this change. Head to Trinoma Activity Center on June 24 and participate in interactive booths that let you experience total wellness – not just physical but also social, emotional, mental and financial. From dance classes by G-Force, life-sized board games, and inspirational talks that help you pursue passion without losing all your live savings, the Win the Moment Wellness Festival brings a unique experience to all Filipinos. Top it off with a mini concert by KZ Tandingan and Quest, and you’ve crossed out one full day! Just download the Philam Vitality Active App from the Apple Store or Google Play and use the promocode bplacwtm to gain free entrance. You can register here.