I have mentioned my love for films. Silent films is one of my favorite genres. There's just…read moresomething beautiful, expressive and artistic in the way the actors actions speak louder than their words. Charlie Chaplin is of course THE man. He basically got silent films to touch a wider audience and make it as popular as it deserves. It's an art form that shouldn't die that's why I got so pleasantly surprised and psyched when I learned that there's a Silent Film Festival in Manila. Especially since Manileños prefer comedy, rom-com and action films the most. If you haven't seen a silent film, do try and see one. I find that watching them gives the audience a deeper emotional response than a normal film and they're quite inspiring too. The International Silent Film Festival runs every end of August. They show different genres (horror, romance, comedy and drama) and it's free admission. It's better to reserve tickets so contact these embassies/institutions (German Goethe-Institut, the Japan Foundation, the Embassy of Italy, the Phil-Italian Association, the Embassy of the United States, the Instituto Cervantes, and the Film Development Council of the Philippines) on August and check the Facebook page for more information.

Literally was in a grab car when I saw a sign of this event so I checked it out. ₽250 for…read moreseniors/students and ₽350 general admissions. Love the fact that someone decided to reused the extras wrist bands from last year for this year but turn it inside out. The transformed parking garage into many galleries was neat, thank god for a/c because maynila heat Issa killer. I enjoyed tea with the parents along with dessert to rest our tired feet from all the walking and art overload. My favorite was the archipelago exhibit featuring the vodka and gin lol.

Many art events happen in February. It's the month of art, after all. Now, I go to a lot of…read moreexhibits and conventions but this is one of my favorites. I mean, IMAGINE ALL THE PIECES AND INSTALLATIONS I'M GOING TO SEE. The Link is actually perfect for such events. Just think about the wide, open space that can be filled with booths and art installations. This year's event occupied two floors, so imagine how long it took me to view all of them. Admission isn't free, though. I believe I paid around Php 150 for the entrance, and there was an option to buy an accompanying booklet for the same amount. Looking back, I should've gotten it. I regret being stingy at the time. Oh well, there's always next year. And oh, students of Makati do not need to pay, so if you study there then it should be fine.

How is Eiga Sai different from all the year-round film festivals in Manila? It's free. Yes, folks…read more You read that right! Eiga Sai is a Japanese Film Festival that happens every July as part of the month-long activities of the Philippines-Japan Friendship Celebration. It's not just Pikachu and Doraemon showing their love to the Philippines. Through this cause, the Japanese are immersing us with another dimension of their culture through film and language! The festival is brought to us by The Japan Foundation, Manila, The Embassy of Japan, Shangri-La Plaza Mall, UP Film Institute, and the Film Development Council of the Philippines. They also have partner sponsors as well. Last year, the theme was about family and the tragedies the country faced. And we all know how it tugs our Filipino hearts when family themes are the subject of a film or literature. Japanese films are prone to tearjerkers as well. I don't know how they really pull it off but even watching Japanese romantic comedies can make you teary-eyed. What formula do they even use? Do they deliberately infuse onions in their films to turn us into mush? I will never know the answer to that. The festival runs for a week and is at a first-come first-serve seating. Make sure you don't miss this film festival especially if you love all-things Japan!

Sometimes, it pays to be really well-connected, and one of the biggest perks of having friends in…read morePR is that you get really awesome hook-ups to some of the city's biggest events. One year ago, a friend of mine gave me her press pass for Eiga Sai, which is a free movie festival held in Shang's Cineplex. This event which is sponsored by the Embassy of Japan and JICA, its cultural arm, is always such a treat because they curate such a good selection of Japanese-language films that revolve on different themes. I love how the selections are so diverse, and they show a broad spectrum of the Japanese culture that may otherwise be unfamiliar to most people. I am not particularly enthusiastic about Japanese culture, unlike some people who are really into stuff like anime, manga and Japanese food, but I find that Japanese movies have a haunting simplicity and beauty in them. I love how even the very Japanese philosophy and aesthetic of simplicity extends to most of their storylines and movies, and it's exciting to get a fresh perspective in filmmaking. Come on. We all need a break from highly CGI-fied Hollywood movies. The press pass allowed me to skip the queue, which was pretty awesome, considering that the line went on forever. The event is free so you really need to get early because seating is on a first-come-first-served basis. Aside from the movies, there would usually be a photography exhibit held in the mall. I'm really excited for the next run.

The influx of foreign nationals in our country may not be new, neither is the trend of having…read moreforeign models doing work for local brands. So it's not surprising that there is a good number of Brazilian nationals that have called the Philippines home. In efforts to foster camaraderie and create a community of Brazilians and Filipino-Brazilians. This is the thrust of Brasilipinas - to bring the feel of Brazil and the Carnaval to Manila. I got the chance to witness Brasilipinas when I was invited by a friend whose family is involved with one of the performers. It was such a festive event, with full bands, drumbeaters and even a Brazilian DJ playing, plus professionals and event goers dancing the samba or participating in the capoeira exhibition. Several vendors were also around the venue, selling Brazilian and Latin American fare, plus drinks commonly enjoyed in Brazil and Manila. I particularly enjoyed drinking Bayani Brew spiked with cachaça, which helped make that night even more fun.

I love samba. It is my jam. When I need to get something done that requires my full concentration,…read moreI would drown out the rest of the world with the steady and rhythmic beats of Brazilian musical instruments and the poetic lilt of Brazilian Portuguese singing. I am part of a samba school that plays batucada music, or the drum circle that can usually be found parading around during Carnaval in Brazil, and I am glad that there are venues for us sambistas to showcase the music that we enjoy to the rest of the city. Manila is teeming with Brazilian expats - most of them businessmen and drop dead gorgeous models who live and work in Manila. They have established quite a large community in the city, and one of the main events during the year to celebrate Filipino-Brazilian friendship is Brasilipinas, which brings Carnaval to Manila. Brasilipinas gives Manilenyos a taste of the fun, hypnotic beats and movements of authentic Brazilian samba. For those who have always dreamt of seeing Carnaval in the flesh, this is as close as one can get to actually traveling to Brazil. Many different groups showcase their talents in playing the music and exhibiting the lightning fast dance steps that give samba such a fun and exciting vibe. It is always a fun experience, especially for the uninitiated - you get a sense of the Brazilian spirit and love for gathering together with lots of drinks and dancing.

Pretty nice theater. I guess this is a higher class theater than SM malls. The theaters are not as…read morebig as I thought. When paying for your tickets you have to choose your seats as they are numbered. Also, prices differ of how long the movie has played in the theater. We were told to pick from a bowl for a prize. We received a free small popcorn. They have a snack bar with some choices. The free popcorn we received was wrapped in saran wrap but it was stale and no butter taste at all. Blah. Going into the theater, it was more like an orchestra set up, eye level and seat sections in three sections. The seats were pretty comfy but ok quality. We sat in the far right upper side and it was still not bad. Good thing the people here are shorter than in the US!! Haha No one seemed to really laugh out loud like us Americans when there were jokes or something funny said or done (watched Spider-Man: Homecoming!)! Hahaha...so embarrassing! Prices are decent and I would watch here again. [71/100]

As a moviegoer, where I watch the movies I waited so long for is a big deal. The cinema has to have…read moreextensive snack options, crisp picture and sound, comfortable seating, good AC and above all, a sophisticated crowd. Shang Cineplex has all the mentioned factors which makes it my favorite place for a movie date (with myself or my friends). Their snack bar does not just involve popcorn and hotdogs but you can also grab a bite from the concessionaires. You can't bring in food from elsewhere though. You don't have to be in the special cinemas just to experience comfortable seating with ample leg room that you don't have to raise your legs each time someone passes by. AC can be quite chilly so I never go here without proper outerwear. But what makes my movie experience even more enjoyable is that I can just bask in its goodness (or lack thereof) without the crowd spoiling or giving annoying remarks and reactions. So if you're in the mood for a peaceful and satisfying place to enjoy a movie, this is definitely it.

I LOVE CHRISTMAS. It's my absolute favourite season! I love how it brings joy in the simplest of…read morethings, how it makes me feel so fuzzy and warm, how it makes just about everyone feel special and loved. What adds more color to my Christmas season is the annual Ayala Triangle Lights and Sounds Show which I have been going to for 2 years now. If you have not seen the show, here's my comment: WHAAATTT??? ARE YOU FOR REAL? Kidding. But if you haven't, you definitely need to check it out. It usually starts on the 3rd week of November (or December, I am not so sure) and would end on the 2nd week of January. The show happens every night and would repeat every 10 minutes or so. It's a wonderful way to end your hectic Makati workday.

Just like their East Asian bros, Koreans also showcase what their films have to offer to us…read moreFilipinos. The Korean Film Festival may be the youngest out of all the international film festivals that happens year-round, but the festival draws audience to participate starting from the last week of September to October at SM Cinemas. It's not just in Megamall that they show their films. They branch out to SM Cinemas in other cities like Baguio, Clark, Cebu and Davao. And I don't know why I didn't even mention this yet but you can watch all movies for FREE! Yes, it's really freeeeeeeeee! It's a culture trip that comes with no fuss at all. The only thing you'd have to spend on are probably food and drinks (plus parking and transportation fees to SM Cinemas). During last year's festival, they showed 7 films most of which are R-13. We know how Korean films are, and just like the Japanese, they do know how to bust us out in tears! The iconic My Sassy Girl comes into mind along with 100 Days With Mr Arrogant and Windstruck. I bawled my eyes out when I had a marathon of those in one day! The range of the films come in animation, drama, romance and thrillers. This year's line up of films have yet to be announced but I know, you, Korean film fanatics, are anticipating this festival already!

Filipinos have a very open and adventurous palate for international cuisines and I've come to…read morerealize that our taste for films is adventurous as well. South Korea has earned a special place in our hearts. It's not just because a lot of Korean tourists go here and study English here but also because they introduced us to awesome, funny and kilig-to-the-bones Koreanovelas and the ever prevalent K-pop music. Lyrics we don't even understand but memorize by heart anyway. XD By the way, "Annyeonghaseyo!" to BoA and Rain who paved the way for Korean music in the Philippines before there was Big Bang, Super Junior and 2EN1. And not to forget the popularity of Korean fashion and hairstyles! Oh and those video dance moves thoughhh. Watching Korean music videos are like watching quality films with great cinematography, costumes and production. With that kind of music videos, imagine how their films are like. Now you'll know (or know more) by attending the Korean Film Festival (free admission) that happens during September/October every year. Don't forget! :)

This is one of my favorite event venues both as a participant and as a merchant. I love that it is…read moreso accessible because it's just right beside Powerplant Mall. Whether you're driving, taking a cab or even using other modes of public transport, it's so easy to get to. The tent is pretty big, it has comfortable air-conditioning, the bathrooms are right beside it. I've joined as a merchant for Mommy Mundo bazaars when they were still holding them here and that was one of my most productive selling days. Mommy Mundo transferred to a different venue last year because they were told that Rockwell Tent will be undergoing some remodeling. While we had high hopes for the new venue, it really didn't perform as good as when we were in Rockwell Tent. Foot traffic was cut by about half just with that move. I do hope they give Rockwell Tent a makeover. But even if they don't, I love it just as it is. I will continue to visit the bazaars there and maybe even join a few that will be held there.

The Rockwell Tent has been one of the most enduring event centers and venues in the metro. NBC, a…read moresimilar tent-like venue has bitten the dust last year, and Rockwell remains as a place that can be transformed to suit every function or event, such as parties, product launches, fashion shows, musical events, bazaars and flea markets, programs and wedding receptions. A lot of really memorable events have happened in Rockwell. It is a favorite performance venue for my samba school and community, and we would hold concerts, performances, football viewing parties and similar events in the tent. You don't have to worry about the place being too warm because their air-conditioning game is always on point. Several independently-organized bazaars also often pop up in the tent from time to time, especially during the holiday season. It is where I usually shop for presents, since they are very selective with their tenants. All the bazaar sellers actually hawk interesting and moderately priced gift items that make my Christmas shopping hassle free and worry free! I also like that I'm almost always able to hail a cab in mere minutes, a feat that is almost impossible elswhere.

We were looking to find a craft brewery during our trip in the Philippines and we stumbled upon…read moreJoe's Brew (I first found them on IG - joesbrew). It's a smaller brewery and they brew the beer on-site (upstairs). All of the beer was really good - we did two flights so we could try them all. They have a great variety and all of them are slightly on the lighter side (even the porter) which is so fitting considering the hot and always humid weather. We had the pleasure of meeting the brewmaster too! They gave us a map of the area, Poblacion, because it's up and coming and the locals have been working on boosting small businesses. The map lists a bunch of other awesome bars and restaurants within walking distance. We will definitely be back next time we come to the Philippines!

Nice to find a microbrewery in Manila but very disappointed in the quality and pricing. 300php for…read morea 4 beer flight is roughly $1.50 per sample, roughly San Diego prices! A few beers like the Soothsayer and sweet stout but others tasted skunky. I was looking forward to this visit but left disappointed.