We have already tried Escape Hunt Bangkok and it being the original, we assumed we already tried…read morethe best. But Escape Hunt Manila was way better! First off, we love the place. It was bigger and more comfortable, and it exuded a more elegant yet still cozy feel. And of course, the best assets of this Manila branch is its people. From the owner (Mark) to the game masters (we had Carlo and Sam), we were treated like royalty. We were a big family celebrating my niece's 15th birthday, and Escape Hunt provided a nice cake for the birthday girl. All 14 of us also played at the same time and the staff volunteered to look after our 3 little ones under age 7 since it was not yet a busy hour. And of course the games were so much fun! It required lots of teamwork, critical thinking, problem solving, fast decisions, and even some math (yes!) but it was all worth it. Good thing we were the only ones scheduled to play during our assigned time because I'm pretty sure we got pretty loud. :) Definitely a place to visit for locals and tourists alike. And since their 3 themed rooms change every 6 months, there is so much more to look forward to. Thanks Escape Hunt Manila for a wonderful family bonding experience! We'll be back!

Visited The Mind Museum and had a great time exploring. The museum is modern, well-organized, and…read morepacked with interactive exhibits that make science fun and easy to understand for all ages. One of the highlights was the human evolution section, with detailed life-size figures and displays that walk you through how humans developed over time. There are also engaging exhibits on biology, space, physics, and technology that keep you curious as you move from gallery to gallery. We especially enjoyed a mirror-style exhibit that visually displays two individuals into one reflection -- a creative and fun way to explore perception and how the mind interprets images. The space is clean, air-conditioned, and easy to navigate, and the staff were friendly and helpful. It's a great stop if you're in the BGC area and looking for something educational, interactive, and family-friendly. Highly recommended for kids, teens, and adults alike.

The Mind Museum was a fun kid-centered oasis in the midst of the hustle and bustle of BGC. There…read morewas so much to do and learn. This would be a wonderful place to conduct a field trip. We went on a weekday and the place was pretty empty. We spent about 2.5 hours there and probably could have spent a couple more. We definitely recommend people to the Mind Museum.

This is probably one of the biggest events for all the art lovers in the Philippines. Art in the…read morePark happens only once a year for only one weekend which is why once it opens or even before it does, people are already in the area scouting for possible paintings and artwork that they can get their hands on. I'll tell you honestly, it can get crazy! What I love most about this event is that it allows people like me (who don't have much money, who don't know much about the art world) to be more exposed to all the young and old artists, the famous ones or the rising stars and have a greater appreciation of art. It also gives artists who are not always featured in the big and fancy museums to showcase their work in the public. You never know, you might find the next Manansala or Luna amidst it all.

Deep sigh. This is just going to be a rant on Philippine Art, move on while you still can!…read more Art in the Park is another exercise in showing who-you-know and is more of a"seen and be seen" kind of thing, more than anything else. Sure, there are cool artworks displayed that's under 20,000 pesos, and that brings down art to a level where the "Average" Filipino can afford it (Cause seriously, some paintings? scary. That's my annual income already.) And some works are really simple, letting people understand and experience art in an open, and less stuffy setting than, say, in a museum or one of those international galleries that are intimidating to set foot in. Apart from that? It's a lot of hipster kids dressing up in their weekend best, go around the park with a bottle of beer and a cigarette in the other hand. It's kind of... well. I don't think it brings the community together at all. Oh, well. Maybe next time would be better? (I am one of those kids trying to fit in with the "cool crowd". Haha, please notice me so I can sell artworks too.)

The Bonifacio Arts Foundation, Inc (BAFI) is the core program that promotes the arts across…read moreBonifacio Global City. Throughout the years, we've seen art evolve along the streets of BGC. Some sculptures are already iconic in itself. It wouldn't be BGC without these sculptures or installations. About a few years ago, they started teaming up with artists both local and international to paint the town red. Okay, well not red. But make it colourful and make the city beam with life! It first started with colourful paintings on garbage bins. Then on empty lots, there were a couple of art installations by Japanese artists. In the past year, there were murals abound the walls already! It was so widespread that you'll realise that there's so much this city has to showcase. One of their remarkable projects is the establishment of The Mind Musem - the first word-class science museum in the country! It's not just visual art that we see in the city. It is also felt and heard especially in common areas such as High Street Central. If you ever happen to chance upon guys and girls in guitars or pianos singing their hearts out, it's one of their programs as well. Another great thing they did is they made the city photo-friendly. Nowadays, you'll see photography hobbyists and aspiring models come to the city and shoot to their heart's delight no matter what time of the day. It's really nice that people are starting to become open to different types of art.

Aside from the banyo, this is where all my pop star dreams come true. From Mariah to Taylor to…read moreBackstreet Boys to OF COURSE, SPICE GIRLS, I become who I want to be here; every song I sing becomes an instant hit - whether i know how to sing or not (it's the former *ahem* hahaha) or whether or not people like it (it's just proper KTV etiquette to "wooooo!!!" even the suckiest singers hahahah) The rooms in Centerstage are so conducive to this "I'm a star" vibe that you can't help but really feeeeeel the song when it's your turn - with matching standing up, interpretative arms (or exact music video dance moves) and dramatic facial expressions. The song choices are excellent too. Expect to find the greatest and the latest with just a click of the button. All the Spice Girls I want - and you want - are heeeeere!! All together now - Stop right now, thank you very much...

Videoke singing ranks high in my list of past-times. My family and friends also love to sing, which…read moreis why we're frequent visitors to Centerstage, particularly this branch. My friends have celebrated many a birthdays here, with a group of five, fifteen, twenty, and even a hundred! Indeed, that they have many different-sized rooms to cater to your needs is one of Centerstage's biggest draws. Another is its affordable packages. For around Php 2,500 to Php 3,500, you can already get drinks, food, and three hours of videoke in your own KTV room for five to 15 pax. Not bad! You may also avail of hourly rates for the KTV rooms if you prefer to choose your own drinks and food from their extensive menu. Hosting a party? Their Sala can fit up to 100 pax. Package starts at Php 35,000, inclusive of food, drinks, and videoke time. For the serious/aspiring videoke stars, Centerstage's playlist is extensive and updated! Their microphones are regularly cleaned and have sanitary covers that are changed per visitors. Rooms are also clean, though some may have lingering smells of food ordered by previous visitors. Some rooms are cold, some not too much. Their waiters are accommodating, though, so I'm sure you can work with them re: temperature adjustment. An important word of advice: Centerstage can get packed, especially during Friday and weekend nights, so best to reserve via telephone before you come. We made the mistake of forgetting to do this the last time we visited, and we ended up fifth on the waiting list. We had to wait for over an hour--went out to dinner first--before we finally got a room. By then, we were already a bit sleepy. But we still ended up staying over three hours! Our voices were hoarse and our throats itchy when we got home, but we had a blast!

Overhyped place. Would rather watch movies at Mall of Asia. People just go to BGC for clout, too…read moremany obnoxious crowds here. There's better alternatives around Manila for family outings.

It's all about the panache.... Awesome spot to go to and visit and just chill and hang out. Shop…read morewith family and watch a movie.

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.

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.

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.

I like being surprised by a place that I thought I was familiar with. All these years and I thought…read morethe area of MoDesign and BoConcept was just floors upon floors of really well-crafted modern furniture. I recently found out that on the third floor of their building, a small space called Mo_Space was there specifically for the art enthusiast. The place is just really small, I bet it's just around 10 x 20 feet. I'm not good at estimating so bear with me. When I decided to drop by today, I chanced upon seeing the many sketches of Kawayan de Guia which was entitled as Bezoar (Non-Linear Drawings). Today was the last day so I was glad that I was able to see how some of the details of her art process. It is, after all, a fundamental skill that most artists have to at least have an idea on. I look forward to seeing more artists from their roster exhibit here. They're open until 8:00 in the evening, so when you feel like you need a dose of inspiration or insight after work, this would be a great place for that especially if you just work around BGC.

Fort Bonifacio is known primarily for its dining, retail, nightlife and residential locations, but…read moreone thing that people hardly ever notice about it is that it actually houses a beautiful art gallery in the form of Mo_Space Gallery. Located just above BoConcept, Mo_Space is an artist-owned, non-profit gallery. Most of the artists that exhibit at Mo_Space are known for their edgy, contemporary take on modern art. Big names such as Kawayan de Guia, Catalina Africa, Jeona Zoleta, Kiri Dalena and Fernando Modesto have exhibited their works at Mo_Space, whose advocacy encourages artists to freely create art, instead of doing it for the money. I love Mo_Space's location because it affords one a fairly comprehensive view of Bonifacio High Street, giving you the feeling of being 'above it all,' while still being fully immersed in the dynamic energy of Fort Bonifacio. The well-curated exhibits at Mo_Space make it a must-visit location when you are in the area, regardless of whether or not you are there at an exhibit launch.