ArteFino Fair Celebrates a Decade of Filipiniana Craftsmanship

This year's ArteFino fair, themed "Isang Dekada" to mark its tenth anniversary, runs from July 30 to Aug. 2 at the North and South Court, R1 Lifestyle Hall, and The Fifth at Power Plant Mall, Rockwell, Makati. Over the past decade, ArteFino has established itself as one of the Philippines' premier platforms for artisanal Filipino craftsmanship and design. To commemorate the milestone, partner brands across multiple categories were invited to create exclusive Dekada Collections.

More than 100 Filipino brands are featured at ArteFino: Isang Dekada, including Isla-Tek — a new textile made from pineapple plant leaves previously considered a waste product, reflecting broader industry efforts to develop sustainable materials from agricultural byproducts — along with Arnel Papa, Caro Wilson, Golden Monstera, Ditta, Zarah Juan, and Anthill Fabric Gallery, among many others. For further details and updates, follow @artefinoph or visit www.artefinoph.com.

Shanghai-Inspired Cocktails at The Peninsula Manila

"One Night in Shanghai," part of The Bar Takeover Series II Vol. II, takes place at The Peninsula Manila on July 31 from 8 p.m. to midnight. Mixologist Liao Jien Ming, the 2024 Diageo World Class China Champion — one of the most recognized titles in the global bartending circuit — will helm The Bar for an exclusive guest shift, presenting his signature cocktails available for one night only.

Ali Mall's Vintage Marketplace "Ali Curated"

This weekend, "Ali Curated," a bazaar of vintage items, takes place at the Activity Area of Ali Mall on the lower ground floor of the Araneta City mall in Quezon City. Running from July 31 to Aug. 1, the event gathers vintage collectors and exhibitors offering fashion pieces, memorabilia, and collectibles for hobbyists and casual shoppers, tapping into the growing interest in vintage and secondhand culture across Metro Manila. Entrance is free.

Laguna Theater Production Tours to UP Diliman

Following a successful launch in Biñan last December, Mapanakit! Mga Dulang Bittersweet is being staged at the KAL-IBG Theater, University of the Philippines (UP) Diliman, Quezon City — a significant milestone for Laguna-based YPC Stage as its first touring production outside its home province. The tour to UP Diliman, one of the country's most prominent academic and cultural venues, reflects increasing opportunities for regional theater companies to reach Metro Manila audiences. Directed by BJ Borja and written by acclaimed playwright Eljay Castro Deldoc, the production interweaves three one-act plays exploring love, boundaries, and hidden truths.

Regular weekend performances are scheduled at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. on Aug. 1, 2, 8, and 9, with a special gala on Aug. 7 at 7 p.m. Tickets are available via ticket2me.net/mapanakit. For inquiries, group bookings, block sales, or sponsorships, contact 0917-870-0496.

Printmaking Workshops at The Metropolitan Museum of Manila

The Metropolitan Museum of Manila (The M) is conducting printmaking workshops every Saturday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. through November. The workshops are part of The M's broader educational programming, which positions it as a key venue for hands-on arts learning in Metro Manila. Designed for beginners and experienced makers aged 12 and above, the hands-on sessions introduce various printmaking techniques and encourage participants to create original prints while experimenting with color and editions.

The workshops are led by printmakers Ambie Abaño, Henrielle Baltazar Pagkaliwangan, Jone Sibugan, and Anton Villaruel. Registration remains open. For more information, contact The M's Education Officer, Pat Zulueta, at [email protected]. The Metropolitan Museum of Manila is located at the MK Tan Center, 30th St., BGC, Taguig, and is open Tuesdays through Fridays from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Saturdays and Sundays from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. (closed on public holidays).

Mitsukoshi Mall Marks Third Anniversary in BGC

Mitsukoshi Mall in BGC, Taguig is celebrating its third year with activities and promotions throughout the month. Since opening in 2023, the Japanese-themed mall has served as a venue for cross-cultural commercial and cultural experiences in Bonifacio Global City. The Yukata Dressing Experience runs every Saturday until Aug. 15, offering eligible shoppers a complete yukata fitting with hairstyling and light makeup.

On Aug. 29, Co. Collectibles hosts the Summer Paper Theater Activity featuring Ensky's signature Japanese papercraft kits, where participants can build layered miniature scenes. The following day, Pottery Sessions presents Ceramic Wishes: A Tanabata Pottery Experience, allowing guests to paint and personalize ceramic pieces inspired by Japanese and Filipino motifs or try the pottery wheel.

Throughout August, pop-ups celebrate bilateral craftsmanship: EDYA1929 showcases contemporary fashion made from vintage Japanese kimonos and obis, while Frankie General Store features garments crafted from woven Philippine textiles.

9 Works Theatrical Stages 'On Your Feet!'

9 Works Theatrical is staging On Your Feet! The Story of Emilio and Gloria Estefan at the Proscenium Theater, Rockwell, Makati. The Estefans are widely credited with bringing Latin pop crossover music to global audiences, with hits such as "Conga" and "Rhythm Is Gonna Get You." Molly Langley and Kayla Rivera alternate as Gloria Estefan, with Jason Canela as Emilio Estefan. The musical traces the Estefans' journey from their roots in Cuba and Miami to global stardom, navigating career challenges and personal tragedy.

The cast also includes Ayen Laurel, Pinky Marquez, and John Joven Uy. Directed by Robbie Guevara, the production features music produced and recorded by Emilio & Gloria Estefan & Miami Sound Machine. Performances run until Aug. 2, with shows at 8 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, and 3 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday. Tickets range from P3,605 to P6,695 and are available via TicketWorld and at the Power Plant Mall Cinema.

Porvenir Presents Tennessee Williams Adaptation

Theater group Porvenir is staging El Fuego del Alma, a Filipino adaptation of Tennessee Williams' Summer and Smoke reimagined within a Philippine context. The production continues a long-standing tradition in Philippine theater of localizing Western classics to reflect Filipino social dynamics and cultural tensions. Adapted by Eljay Castro Deldoc and directed by Mark Mirando, the play follows Alma Ortega, a woman torn between spiritual devotion and earthly desire.

Nour Hooshmand, Hariette Mozelle, and Opaline Santos alternate as Alma, with Sandino Martin and Vincent Pajara as Juanito. The ensemble includes Madeleine Nicolas, Rolando Inocencio, Sheryll Ceasico, JP Lopez, Janna Cortes, Ingrid Joyce, Johnny Maglinao, and Tristan Bite.

Performances run July 31, Aug. 1–2, and Aug. 21–23 at Sine Pop, 14 St. Mary St., Cubao, Quezon City. Friday shows are at 7 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday shows are at 4 p.m. and 7 p.m. Tickets are P1,800 through Ticket2Me.

PETA's 'Ang Babae sa Septic Tank 4' Continues Run

The Philippine Educational Theater Association (PETA) presents Ang Babae sa Septic Tank 4: Oh Sh*t! It's Live sa Cheter!, running until Aug. 16 at the PETA Theater Center in Quezon City. Showtimes are Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays at 7:30 p.m., with additional Saturday and Sunday matinees at 2 p.m.

The franchise originated as a film starring comedian Eugene Domingo in a satirical portrayal of herself skewering the indie film scene, followed by a sequel film and a hit series. The franchise has become a cultural touchstone for its meta-commentary on the Filipino entertainment industry and the creative process itself. Domingo returns for this fourth installment — now a stage play examining the chaotic and comedic realities of creating theater in the Philippines.

The cast includes Meann Espinosa, Stella Cañete-Mendoza, Andoy Ranay, JC Santos, Melvin Lee, Marlon Rivera (director of the first three installments), and Joshua Lim So. The production is directed by Maribel Legarda. Tickets, available via TicketWorld, range from P1,800 to P3,500.

'Spider-Man: Brand New Day' Now in Philippine Cinemas

Now showing in Philippine cinemas is Spider-Man: Brand New Day, the latest entry in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Peter Parker navigates a world that no longer remembers his existence, following his decision to erase himself from everyone's memory in the preceding film, Spider-Man: No Way Home. He must now find a way to protect MJ (Zendaya) and best friend Ned (Jacob Batalon) in the aftermath of that sacrifice.

Directed by Destin Daniel Cretton, whose previous credits include Marvel's Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings, the film also stars Sadie Sink, Jon Bernthal, Michael Mando, Tramell Tillman, and Mark Ruffalo.

Anko Launches New Home Collection in the Philippines

Australian home and lifestyle brand Anko has introduced its new Home collection across its Philippine stores at Trinoma, Glorietta 2, Alabang Town Center, Ayala Malls Feliz, Ayala Malls Manila Bay, and Gateway Mall 1. The brand has been steadily expanding its presence in the Philippines as international lifestyle retailers increasingly target the Southeast Asian market.

Available items include Blue Stripe Dinner Plates or Bowls (P90), Bow Cushions in Blue, Mocha, and Pesto (P400), Rustica Dinner Plates and Bowls (P200), and Chevron Bath Towels (P495). Décor offerings include the Green Twist Edge Decor Tray (P450), Textured Wavy Ceramic Vase (P650), Amber Woods Ribbed Glass Candle (P350), and Chrome Amiri Lamp (P790). New kitchen items such as Mini Frypans (P390), Pink Mesh Basket (P350), and novelty candles — Potato Chip, Heart Cake, French Fries, and Pancake (P580) — are also available.

GMA Revives 'Maria Clara at Ibarra' for Afternoon Prime

Starting Aug. 3, GMA Afternoon Prime will rebroadcast the historical fantasy drama Maria Clara at Ibarra, airing Mondays through Fridays at 4:30 p.m. This schedule change moves Fast Talk with Boy Abunda to an earlier 4:05 p.m. slot.

Originally premiered on GMA Prime in 2022, the acclaimed series was inspired by Dr. Jose Rizal's novels Noli Me Tangere and El Filibusterismo — required reading in Philippine schools and foundational works of Philippine literature — and stars Barbie Forteza, Julie Anne San Jose, David Licauco, and Dennis Trillo.

WAIIAN and Rjay Ty Release Collaboration Single '2RARE'

Following the breakout success of his album BACKSHOTS, Filipino rapper WAIIAN has released a new single, "2RARE," featuring fellow hip-hop artist Rjay Ty. Both artists are part of the Filipino hip-hop community, which has gained increasing visibility on streaming platforms in recent years. The track is described as being about "stepping into the spotlight, ready to push further, move faster, and reach ever greater heights." "2RARE" is now available on all digital music platforms worldwide via Sony Music Entertainment.