Pexels / Letícia Alvares
Vogue Philippines suggests some things to do and places to visit in and around Metro Manila this July 2025, focusing on initiatives that highlight craft, community, and culture.
As the rainy season creeps up on Metro Manila, festivals, concerts, exhibitions, and shows offer an escape amidst the hustle and bustle of the city. From Jao San Pedro’s second exhibition at Tarzeer Pictures to The Sandbox Collective’s run of Side Show, take a look at the activities and events happening in Metro Manila this July.
Tarzeer Pictures Presents Prose Without Body by Jao San Pedro
Running until August 28, Tarzeer Pictures presents “Prose Without Body,” Jao San Pedro’s second solo exhibition at the gallery. Commissioned by Tarzeer Pictures, the exhibition features movement artists Petra Gana, Shayna Laine, Vida Alegre, Corinne Serrano, with sounds from Alyana Cabral and Patrick Casabuena, and prompts written by Jaya Jacabo and Ryan Reyes.
Rise Space Art Gallery Presents Chromatic Silence by Erick Alindongan
At Rise Space Art Gallery, Erick Alindongan will open his first solo exhibition on July 4. Entitled “Chromatic Silence,” the exhibit showcases works entirely composed in ink, presenting intricate linework that explores identity. The exhibition will run from July 4 to 17, from 12:00 NN to 8:00 PM.
I Live Zine Launch at Spruce Gallery
On July 5, I Live returns with its second issue. Launching at Spruce Gallery in Makati, the event will also include a panel discussion with Andi, Kane, Ash, Pette Shabu, and Pura Luka Vega, as well as a DJ set by Jolly V.
Patrons of the Arts x Philippine International Comics Festival
An art weekend will be held at One Ayala and SM Megamall on July 5 and 6. At Space in One Ayala, Makati, the “Patron of the Arts: Originals” event will be held from 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM. Meanwhile, the “Philippine International Comics Festival” will take place in SM Megamall’s Megatrade Hall 2, from 11:00 AM to 8:00 PM.
LAROOOOO: A Queer Pinoy Pop Culture Quiz Night
For a night of films, commercials, TV series, memes, and songs, the Human Rights and People Empowerment Center is hosting a quiz night centered on queer and pop culture media at the Harong community space. The quiz night will also feature performances from Miss Chopsleek, Luxxarry, Gabriela Shelang, Dyvina Gracias, Lexie XOXO, Andro Jenny, and more.
Modern and Contemporary Art Festival (MoCAF) 2025
From July 11 to 13, the Modern and Contemporary Art Festival will take place at the Marquis Events Place in Taguig. For three days, visitors can visit various contemporary and modern exhibitions and learn from the artists themselves through MoCAF dialogues. For more information, visit MoCAF’s official website.
Ely Buendia Method Adaptor 2025 Tour
This July 12, Ely Buendia sets the stage for the last Metro Manila leg of the “Method Adaptor 2025 Tour.” Featuring special guests Pinkmen, Lions and Acrobats, P.O.T., and Orange and Lemons, the event will be held at Turning Tides in Marikina City. For tickets and more information, click the link here.
CineMatcha by Good Vibrations Vinyl Cafe
For an evening of records, films, and matcha, Good Vibrantions Vinyl Cafe is hosting “CineMatcha” on July 12. From 6:00 PM onwards, visitors can enjoy matcha and curated music and films.
Building Foundations: Introduction to Screenwriting
If you’re looking to learn more about screenwriting, free up your time on July 12 and 13 for a screenwriting workshop at SinePop in Quezon City. Known for writing the films Ang duyan ng magiting (2023), Utopia (2019), and Regal Studio Presents (2021), Dustin Celstino will lead the two-day workshop from 2:00 PM to 6:00 PM. To register for the program, click the link here.
Coffee Pls Festival at The Corner House
At The Corner House in San Juan, the first “Coffee Plz” festival will be held on July 12 and 13. Coffee merchants will include Hometown Cafe, Satori Specialty Coffee, Escolta Coffee Company, Yardstick, and many more. For those who prefer matcha, there will also be a matcha lane at the festival, featuring merchants Jacob’s Well-Chai, Matcha Mama, The Matcha Company, and Jacque and Matcha. A bean market, home brew gear, and live music will also be available at the event.
Manila in the Claws of Light‘s 50th Anniversary Screening
On July 16, Lino Brocka’s Manila in the Claws of Light will have its 50th anniversary screening at the UPFI Film Center. The admission is free, with the screening beginning at 4:00 PM.
The Corner Shelf
If you’re a fan of Ricky Lee’s Para Kay B, head to The Corner House on July 18 for a book discussion with the National Artist. From 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM, mingle, exchange books, and converse with fellow readers at The Corner Shelf, where the event will be held. To secure a slot, you may register through this Google Form.
Lots of Local at Alabang Town Center
From July 18 to 20, Lots of Local will visit Alabang Town Center for a three-day pop-up market featuring over 30 curated brands. Workshops, tattoos and piercings, coffee, and a photobooth will also be available at the market.
Through Their Lens at Espacio Creativo Escolta
At the First United Building’s Penthouse Dome, photographers Colin Dancel, Jan Mayo, Karl King Aguña, and Shaira Luna will share their insights on photography and the creative industry. Limited slots are available, with a registration fee of Php 800.
Palm Sundays: Drink & Draw + PowerPoint Party
If you love craft beer, drawing, and PowerPoint presentations, head on to Palm Tree Abbey on July 20. As part of their first anniversary, Palm Tree Abbey is hosting an event that combines all three, with a walk-in entrance fee of Php 600. Drinking begins at 1:00 PM, and the PowerPoint Party begins at 2:00 PM.
Stories From the Diaspora at Sine Pop
A special screening of six short films, “Stories From the Diaspora,” the curated program aims to spark a conversation between Filipinos who live in the Philippines and those who are overseas. The screenings will be held at Sine Pop, Cubao, at 5:00 PM and 7:00 PM. Slots are limited, with tickets available at Php 150.
Side Show by The Sandbox Collective
On July 26, The Sandbox Collective’s Side Show will have its opening night at the Power Mac Center Spotlight Blackbox Theater in Makati. Directed by Toff de Venecia, the musical explores the story of Daisy and Violet Hilton, who are conjoined twins who became stage performers in the 1930s. For ticket updates and exclusive offers, follow The Sandbox Collective on their official social media channels.
