Make time for a spa day
FOR International Self-Care Day on July 24, Newport World Resorts is inviting people to get restorative spa experiences. At Shine Spa, located on the 3rdfloor of the Sheraton Manila Hotel, there’s the Shine Signature Hilot Massage (P5,500 for 90 minutes; P6,500 for 120 minutes) which draws from traditional Filipino healing practices, combining detoxifying oils with eucalyptus and lemongrass to ease muscle tension and promote relaxation. Those seeking a classic massage experience may choose the Voyagers Massage (P3,300 for 60 minutes; P4,300 for 90 minutes), which pairs Swedish massage techniques with aromatherapy to soothe tired muscles and encourage restful sleep. At the Quan Spa of the Manila Marriott Hotel, located on the 2ndfloor of the Main Wing, there’s the Traditional Hilot Massage (P6,000 for 120 minutes) and the Embrace (P9,000 for 120 minutes), which combines a soothing bath, massage, and two glasses of wine for two into a shared wellness experience.
Enter a ‘world of pure imagination’
ENTER a world of pure imagination — in other words,Charlie and the Chocolate Factory— a production filled with spectacle, illusion, and storytelling. The traveling musical production stars Daniel Plimpton as Willy Wonka and Co-hen Toukatly as Charlie Bucket. Modeled on the Broadway version of 2017, the score includes select songs associated with the 2005 film starring Johnny Depp and Freddie Highmore. Charlie and the Chocolate Factory runs at The Theatre at Solaire in Manila until July 26.
Catch a Laguna theater production in UP Diliman
FOLLOWING a successful launch in Biñan last December,Mapanakit! Mga Dulang Bittersweetwill be staged at the KAL-IBG Theater, University of the Philippines (UP) Diliman, in Quezon City, marking a major landmark for Laguna-grown YPC Stage in its maiden touring production outside its home province. The production weaves together three one-act plays exploring themes of love, boundaries, and hidden truths, directed by BJ Borja and penned by acclaimed playwright Eljay Castro Deldoc. Audiences can catch the regular weekend runs at either 2 or 7 p.m. on July 25 and 26, and Aug. 1, 2, 8, and 9, with a special gala performance scheduled for Aug. 7 at 7 p.m. Tickets are available online viaticket2me.net/mapanakit. For inquiries, group bookings, block sales, or sponsorships, interested parties can call 0917-870-0496.
Take a printmaking class at The M
THE Metropolitan Museum of Manila (The M) is holding a series of printmaking workshops every Saturday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., until November. Open to beginners and experienced makers alike (ages 12 and above), these hands-on workshops introduce a range of printmaking techniques while encouraging participants to create original prints and experiment with color and editions. Led by printmakers Ambie Abaño, Henrielle Baltazar Pagkaliwangan, Jone Sibugan, and Anton Villaruel, registration for the series is still open. Meanwhile, “Foundations of Framing: Principles and Practice” will be held on Saturday, July 25, 2-3:30 p.m. This is a talk and live demonstration on the essentials of professional art framing. Learn how proper framing protects, preserves, and enhances artwork while gaining practical insights into framing materials, industry best practices, and what to look for when working with a custom framer. zulueta@metmuseummanila.org. Meanwhile, there are a number of ongoing exhibits at the museum:Threads of Dreamsruns until July 26 at the 2ndfloor South Gallery;Power of Engagementcan be viewed at the 3rdfloor North Gallery; andFemme Hommage: Selected Works from the M Collectionis on view at the 3rdfloor South Gallery. The Metropolitan Museum of Manila is at the MK Tan Center, 30thSt., BGC, Taguig. It is open from Tuesdays to Fridays at 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., and on Saturdays and Sundays from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. except on public holidays.
Try your hand at art
THE final Art in the City: Art Workshop for a Cause session for 2026 features Philippine Pastel Artist Nell Belgado in “Exploring Color and Light: Impressionist Pastel Techniques.” The class will be held on July 25 at the Gateway Gallery, Level 5 of Gateway Tower, in Quezon City’s Araneta City. Ideal for beginner and intermediate pastel artists, the workshop offers participants the opportunity to explore Impressionist pastel techniques and the expressive use of light and color.
Dress in yukatas, try pottery class, play games
MITSUKOSHI MALL in BGC, Taguig is marking its 3rdyear with activities and promotions running throughout the month. For customers looking to immerse themselves in Japanese tradition, the Yukata Dressing Experience is held every Saturday until Aug. 15. Eligible shoppers can enjoy a complete yukata fitting complemented by hairstyling and light makeup, making for a memorable cultural experience while exploring the mall. On Aug. 29, Co. Collectibles hosts the Summer Paper Theater Activity featuring Ensky’s signature Japanese papercraft kits, allowing participants to build layered miniature scenes inspired by the season. The following day, Pottery Sessions presents Ceramic Wishes: A Tanabata Pottery Experience, where guests can paint, decorate, and personalize ceramic pieces inspired by Japanese and Filipino motifs, or try the pottery wheel for a hands-on introduction to the craft. Throughout August, visitors can also discover pop-ups celebrating craftsmanship from both countries. EDYA1929 showcases contemporary fashion made from vintage Japanese kimonos and obis, while Frankie General Store highlights garments crafted from woven Philippine textiles.
Get on your feet with 9 Works’On Your Feet!
THEATER GROUP 9 Works Theatrical is stagingOn Your Feet! The Story of Emilio and Gloria Estefanthis July at the Proscenium Theater in Rockwell, Makati. Alternating in the role of Gloria Estefan are Molly Langley and Kayla Rivera, while Jason Canela plays the role of Emilio Estefan. The musical chronicles the Estefans’ journey from their humble beginnings in Cuba and Miami to international superstardom, overcoming career hurdles and a life-threatening tragedy along the way. Also in the cast are Ayen Laurel, Pinky Marquez, and John Joven Uy among others. Directed by Robbie Guevara, it features music produced and recorded by Emilio & Gloria Estefan & Miami Sound Machine. OnYour Feet! The Story of Emilio and Gloria Estefanruns on weekends until Aug. 2, 8 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays, and 3 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays, at the Proscenium Theater, Rockwell Center in Makati City. Tickets range in price from P3,605 to P6,695 and are available via TicketWorld and at the Power Plant Mall Cinema.
See the 4thpart in theBabae sa Septic Tankfranchise
THE Philippine Educational Theater Association (PETA) presentsAng Babae sa Septic Tank 4: Oh Sh*t! It’s Live sa Cheter!which is ongoing until Aug. 16 (Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays at 7:30 p.m., and on Saturdays and Sundays at 2 p.m.) at the PETA Theater Center in Quezon City. The franchise started with a film starring comic Eugene Domingo playing a heightened version of herself which skewered the indie movie scene. It was followed by another film and a hit series, all of which starred Ms. Domingo. She returns for the fourth entry in the series, this time a play which looks at the messy, hilarious, and painful process of making theater in the Philippines today. Also in the cast are Meann Espinosa, Stella Cañete-Mendoza, Andoy Ranay, JC Santos, Melvin Lee, Marlon Rivera (who directed the first three installments), and Joshua Lim So. It is directed by Maribel Legarda. Tickets are available via TicketWorld. Ticket prices range from P1,800 to P3,500.
See young vocal talents at the mall
THE mall concertMelodies in Motion, taking place at the Activity Area on the lower ground floor of Ali Mall in Quezon City’s Araneta City on July 26, will feature performances by students of the Center for Pop Music Philippines’ Shaw Blvd. branch. The concert showcases the students’ vocal talents and musical growth in a live mall performance, free for all who visit.
Check out Palawan’s Lagen Island on TV show
LIFESTYLE editor and host Raul Manzano embarked on a journey to Lagen Island in El Nido, Palawan, unveiling an island haven of rich tradition and modern luxury in the latest episode ofEIC On The Move.Airing July 26, 8 p.m., on Metro Channel, it showcases Lagen Island Resort’s water villa, inspired by the classicbahay kuboand the heritage of Palawan’s indigenous Batak community. The show is also available on Cignal Channel 69, GSAT Channel 20, Sinag Cablelink Channel 27, and the Metro.Style YouTube channel.
WatchMasters of the Universeon Prime Video
THE blockbusterMasters of the Universe,a live action-adventure film based on the toy franchise He-Man, is now on the streaming platform Prime Video. It stars Nicholas Galitzine, Camila Mendes, Alison Brie, James Purefoy, Morena Baccarin, Jóhannes Haukur Jóhannesson, and Charlotte Riley. The film also features Kristen Wiig as the voice of Roboto, alongside Jared Leto and Idris Elba.
Listen to BINI’s song forForgotten Island
P-POP girl group BINI has released their song for the animated filmForgotten Island, titled “A Parallel World,” out now on all digital music streaming platforms.Dreamworks teased the soundtrack release on social media early in the week. The group is also set to head to Japan this August to perform at the Summer Sonic 2026 music festival, held simultaneously in Osaka and Tokyo from Aug. 14 to 16.Check outbiniwt2026.abs-cbn.com
WatchMortal Kombat IIon HBO Max
VIDEO GAME-BASED movieMortal Kombat IIhas made its global streaming debut on HBO Max. It stars Karl Urban, Adeline Rudolph, Jessica McNamee, Josh Lawson, and Ludi Lin. They play gamers’ fan favorite champions from the video game, including Johnny Cage, pitted against one another in the ultimate, no-holds barred battle to defeat the dark rule of Shao Kahn. It is directed by Simon McQuoid and written by Jeremy Slater.
Enjoy some Tennessee Williams drama
THEATER GROUP Porvenir is presenting a Filipino adaptation of Tennessee Williams’Summer and SmokecalledEl Fuego del Alma, which has been reimagined within a Philippine context. Adapted by playwright Eljay Castro Deldoc and directed by Mark Mirando, the play follows Alma Ortega, a woman caught between spiritual devotion and earthly desire. It stars Nour Hooshmand, Hariette Mozelle, and Opaline Santos alternating as Alma, and Sandino Martin and Vincent Pajara as Juanito. Also in the cast are Madeleine Nicolas, Rolando Inocencio, Sheryll Ceasico, JP Lopez, Janna Cortes, Ingrid Joyce, Johnny Maglinao, and Tristan Bite.El Fuego del Almaruns July 31, Aug. 1-2, and Aug. 21-23 at Sine Pop, 14 St. Mary St., Cubao, Quezon City, with Friday performances at 7 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday performances at 4 and 7 p.m. Tickets are priced at P1,800 through Ticket2Me.
