Photographed by Renzo Navarro
Vogue Philippines suggests some things to do and places to visit in and around Metro Manila this October, ranging from a murder mystery party to a Chappell Roan-themed pottery class.
There’s a question being asked this October: What are you doing for Halloween? In the busy cities of Metro Manila, there’s plenty of options. Would you like to dance the night away in Makati or perhaps compete in a Halloween-themed trivia night? Or maybe you’d like to shop at a vintage market, or perhaps listen to music while sipping on cocktails?
Alternatively, if you’re not a fan of the Halloween season, maybe you’d opt to drop by MONO8 gallery or Gravity Art Space to see their latest exhibitions, or perhaps peruse a closet sale of Filipino creatives. Whichever you’d prefer, here are some of the ongoing and upcoming events happening in Metro Manila.
A History of Hollows (September 19 to November 7)
Last month, Tarzeer Pictures opened “A History of Hollows,” a solo exhibition by architect, musician, and visual artist Michaela Benedicto. The exhibit explores Benedicto’s attempt to inhabit her mother’s mind through a series of photograms of objects, with reflective silver prints mounted on sculptural metal forms and a rotating installation.
CCxLL at MONO8 Gallery (October 16 to November 24)
This month, MONO8 presents “CCxLL,” a two-person exhibition featuring the works of artists Clarence Chun and Luis Lorenzana. Alongside the exhibition, a zine was also published, which includes an essay by the London-based art critic Marv Recinto.
Cubao Hex (October 24)
Cubao Hex returns this year with another night full of live music, costume contests, and partying in Cubao Expo. This year, Chinese restaurant Best of Luck is hosting the event, featuring performers Bird, Tarsius, Lei Amiel, and Cheeky Things. A whole-day trick-or-treating activity will also be underway, along with other Halloween activities of other restaurants, bars, and cafés within the compound.
Trivia Down Trivia Nights (October 24 to 26)
If parties are not your scene, perhaps a trivia night would be better? Trivia Down, a social club that hosts weekly trivia nights, has an array of events across Metro Manila for you to choose from. Take your pick: from KDrama, 2000s cartoons, Ancient Greece, to even Bollywood cinema, there’s a trivia night for you and your friends to attend in costume and compete in.
The Next Door To Nirvana and Back (October 25)
This weekend, Gravity Art Space will open “The Next Door to Nirvana and Back,” a solo exhibition by artist Alain Cuchas Llaguno, featuring Weng Weng, a martial artist, stuntman, and actor. The exhibit opens this Friday (October 25) at 6 PM.
Woofy + Friends Hours: Halloween Edition (October 26)
At the Podium, pet owners can look forward to Woofy + Friends hours: Halloween Edition. Show off your beloved pets in their best Halloween costumes and participate in a fashion show and photo contest. A pet bazaar will also feature a variety of products from merchants Dr. Shiba, Chewy Factory, Petnizer, Fil Dog Scarf, and more.
Hustle Society Halloween Pop-Up (October 26)
Hustle Society introduces an additional thrill for shopping with ts Halloween Pop-Up at Baked Studios. Sponsored by Careline, the event will feature a paint-and-sip workshop, cocktail mixes, tarot and oracle readings, a photo booth, a trick or treat activity, and raffle prizes.
Hey Socials! Murder Mystery Night (October 26)
Set in an ‘80s high school reunion, attendees can live their mystery thriller dreams with character assignments, puzzles, and scavenger hunts at Hey Socials’ Murder Mystery Night. To RSVP, you may message Hey Socials through their social media accounts.
Lots of Local Market (October 26 to 27)
In Makati, Lots of Local Market brings a curated lineup of over 20 local, Filipino-owned brands for the weekend. The lineup includes Riotaso, Freshwind, Johnny’s Wear Alls, Tous, Miel Maker Of Things, Antler Accessories, Pablo’s Handcrafted Leather Goods, and more. Additionally, attendees can also enjoy various activities such as live portraits, tattoos and body piercings, a photo booth, as well as dining and drinking.
Bumi and Ashe Pink Pony Pottery Club (October 26 to 27)
If you don’t like partying until after midnight, Bumi and Ashe is hosting Pink Pottery Club, a Chappell Roan-themed pottery workshop. Attendees can participate in a mug-making or ceramic painting class, and enjoy food, shopping, and if you have the energy, an after-party with surprise performances.
Creatives’ Closet Cleaning Sale (October 26 to 27)
Creatives’ Closet Cleaning Sale returns this weekend, back with clothes, costumes, accessories, shoes, and props from the personal and professional closets of stylists, photographers, set designers, art directors, and other creative professionals. This time around, the weekend market will include the likes of Eldzs Mejia, Danae Vernisse Dipon, Justine Arcega-Bumanlag, Gee Jocson, Ryuji Shiomitsu, John Lozano, and others.
Corner Carnival (October 27)
In San Juan, The Corner House will celebrate Halloween with the Corner Carnival. From 1:00 to 5:00 PM, attendees can participate in an array of carnival games such as ring toss, buzzwire, plinko, and even a shooting gallery. Family-friendly activities such as face painting, wizards brew kit, bracelet making, and coloring books will also be available at the event.
KIKI Live in Manila (October 27)
Need a break from all the noise? At Sari Sari in Makati, Thai band KIKI will have a Halloween show alongside performers crwn, Munimuni, PLAYERTWO, M1ss Jade So, and a DJ set by Chain Messages. The Halloween show will also have a costume contest, with prizes for the top three costumes and Halloween treats for the first 100 people to attend in costume. To avail tickets, message Sari Sari’s official social media page or visit the show’s official link.
Bombvinos Bodega Trivia Night (October 29)
For Halloween, Bombvinos Bodega will be hosting “Halloween: Trick or Treat; Answer or be Beat,” a quiz night full of trivia, challenges, and special prizes for the best dressed teams and costumes. For the quiz, topics will include Halloween history, cinema & literature, pop culture, true crime, and more.
Church x Proudrace (October 31)
On the last day of October, Church returns to Apotheka for their second annual Halloween party entitled “Church Suspiria.” Aside from celebrating Halloween, Church will also be exclusively launching a collaboration with Proudrace, featuring a limited edition jockstrap and a Proudrace “Good Morning” towel.
Digital Editor and Stylist: Andrea Ang. Photographer: Renzo Navarro. Makeup Artists: Karmela Jabla and Patricia Remoquillo of MAC Cosmetics PH. Hairstylist: Noel Muncada of Toni&Guy PH. Producer: Bianca Zaragoza. Editorial Associate: Patricia Co. Nails: Extraordinail. Digital Multimedia Artist: Bea Lu. Digital Fashion Writer: Chelsea Sarabia. Models: Christina Montelibano and Maita Hagad
