Space lovers, cinephiles, and foodies are going to have an avenue to express their passions this weekend. Philstar.com lists some of the events and festivals happening in the next two days.
Asian celebrations
Outside of celebrating Filipino identity, the entire Asian continent will get a chance to shine this weekend.
IWE Philippines and the Embassy of India, Manila present the Asian Eats Food Bazaar at Shangri-La Plaza’s Grand Atrium for three days of delicious food, culture, and community
Highlights include a live cooking demo by Chef Surat Rana, executive chef and co-owner of Royal Indian Curry House, and a cultural performance by Thumkaa Tribe.
Meanwhile the embassy of regional neighbor the Socialist Republic of Vietnam is commemorating 50 years of diplomatic relations with the Philippines by co-hosting the “Rhythms of the Land, Puppets of the Water: Vietnam Cultural Days in Manila” special cultural showcase in Intramuros
This Friday and Saturday in the walled city’s Plaza Moriones in Fort Santiago, the Philippines’ National Commission for Culture and the Arts and Vietnam’s Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism band under their Cultural Cooperation Program framework to highlight shared artistic ties and enduring friendship between them through captivating puppetry.
Asian celebrations wouldn’t be complete without Hallyu, and taking center stage this weekend is K-pop boy band Seventeen, specifically the group’s leader S.Coups whose birthday is on August 8.
The following day in Ali Mall’s activity area, fans are invited to Carats Haven’s song hangout for S.Coups filled with Seventeen tracks as well as buy and trade K-pop merchandise and items.
In nearby Gateway Mall 2 on the same Saturday, Philippine masters of Gi and Nogi Jiu Jitsu will participate in the Manila Jiu-Jitsu Festival.
Local indies
The Cinemalaya Philippine Independent Film Festival is back for its 22nd edition, this time with an extended run as it goes from August 6 to 18.
Cinemalaya kicked off last Thursday with an opening ceremony and the local premiere of “Enjoy Your Stay” at Shangri-La Plaza, one of several malls hosting the film festival this year across Metro Manila.
Nine feature films and 10 short films are in competition this year vying for coveted Balanghai trophies and premier recognition of the evolving Philippine indie movie scene.
Stargazing
The country is observing Space Week until August 13 and the exciting activities begin this weekend.
On August 9, the Philippine Space Agency will take over Gateway Mall 2 with a “Navigating Tomorrow” interactive exhibit highlighting Philippines advancements in satellite technology, space data applications, and scientific milestones.
Keep an eye out for several free sessions by PAGASA during Space Week at the Science Garden’s PAGASA Planetarium and PAGASA Astronomical Observatory in UP Diliman, both in Quezon City.
There will be free shows at the planetarium from August 10 to 13 while a free telescope viewing can be done on August 13 at the observatory.
Show stoppers
What would a Philippine weekend be without concerts and musical shows?
This weekend sees the three-day run of the “ABBA Forever” tour, a tribute concert to the iconic Swedish pop group, first at the Waterfront Cebu City Hotel and Casino on August 7 then the next two days at the Theatre at Solaire.
Several Korean artists have cancelled Philippine appearances on August 8 but still set to push through is girl group Mamamoo for its “4Ward” world tour stop at the Araneta Coliseum.
Peforming on the same day but down in Cagayan de Oro’s Limketkai Center is celebrity couple KZ Tandingan and TJ Monterde for the penultimate Philippine stop – for now – of their “In Between” world tour.
While past the weekend, Filipino fans of Kodaline have one last chance to catch the band when it hits the Mall of Asia Arena on Monday, August 10, for its farewell tour while another act Honne begins a three-day concert run at the PICC Plenary Hall.