Spa Experiences for International Self-Care Day

In observance of International Self-Care Day on July 24, Newport World Resorts is offering restorative spa experiences across its properties. At Shine Spa, located on the 3rd floor of the Sheraton Manila Hotel, the Shine Signature Hilot Massage (P5,500 for 90 minutes; P6,500 for 120 minutes) draws on traditional Filipino healing practices, blending detoxifying oils with eucalyptus and lemongrass to relieve muscle tension and encourage relaxation. For a more conventional option, the Voyagers Massage (P3,300 for 60 minutes; P4,300 for 90 minutes) combines Swedish massage techniques with aromatherapy to soothe tired muscles and promote restful sleep.

At the Quan Spa of the Manila Marriott Hotel, situated on the 2nd floor of the Main Wing, offerings include the Traditional Hilot Massage (P6,000 for 120 minutes) and the Embrace package (P9,000 for 120 minutes), which integrates a soothing bath, a massage, and two glasses of wine for two into a shared wellness experience.

'Charlie and the Chocolate Factory' — The Musical

The traveling musical production Charlie and the Chocolate Factory promises an evening of spectacle, illusion, and storytelling. Daniel Plimpton stars as Willy Wonka, with Co-hen Toukatly as Charlie Bucket. Modeled on the 2017 Broadway version, the score incorporates select songs from the 2005 film starring Johnny Depp and Freddie Highmore. The production runs at The Theatre at Solaire in Manila until July 26.

'Mapanakit! Mga Dulang Bittersweet' at UP Diliman

Following a successful premiere in Biñan last December, Mapanakit! Mga Dulang Bittersweet will be 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 show comprises three one-act plays exploring love, boundaries, and hidden truths, directed by BJ Borja and written by acclaimed playwright Eljay Castro Deldoc, a prolific dramatist whose works have been widely produced across Philippine university and independent theater circuits.

Regular weekend performances are scheduled at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. on July 25–26 and August 1–2, 8–9, with a special gala on August 7 at 7 p.m. Tickets are available via ticket2me.net/mapanakit. For inquiries, group bookings, block sales, or sponsorships, call 0917-870-0496.

Printmaking Workshops and Exhibits at The M

The Metropolitan Museum of Manila (The M) is conducting printmaking workshops every Saturday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. through November. Designed for beginners and experienced makers alike (ages 12 and above), the hands-on sessions cover a variety of printmaking techniques, encouraging participants to create original prints and experiment with color and editions. The workshops are led by printmakers Ambie Abaño, Henrielle Baltazar Pagkaliwangan, Jone Sibugan, and Anton Villaruel — all active figures in the contemporary Philippine printmaking community. Registration remains open.

A separate event, "Foundations of Framing: Principles and Practice," takes place Saturday, July 25, from 2 to 3:30 p.m. — a talk and live demonstration covering professional art framing essentials, including how proper framing protects, preserves, and enhances artwork, along with practical guidance on framing materials, industry best practices, and what to look for when working with a custom framer. For workshop information and inquiries, contact The M's Education Officer, Pat Zulueta, at pat.zulueta@metmuseummanila.org.

Ongoing exhibits at the museum include: Threads of Dreams, on view until July 26 at the 2nd floor South Gallery; Power of Engagement, at the 3rd floor North Gallery; and Femme Hommage: Selected Works from the M Collection, at the 3rd floor South Gallery. The Metropolitan Museum of Manila is located at the MK Tan Center, 30th St., BGC, Taguig, 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).

Pastel Art Workshop at Gateway Gallery

The final Art in the City: Art Workshop for a Cause session for 2026 features Philippine Pastel Artist Nell Belgado presenting "Exploring Color and Light: Impressionist Pastel Techniques." The workshop is scheduled for July 25 at Gateway Gallery, Level 5, Gateway Tower, Araneta City, Quezon City. Designed for beginner and intermediate pastel artists, the session explores Impressionist pastel techniques and the expressive use of light and color.

Mitsukoshi Mall 3rd Anniversary Celebrations

Mitsukoshi Mall in BGC, Taguig is celebrating its 3rd anniversary with month-long activities and promotions. The mall, which opened in 2023 as part of the broader development bringing the Japanese department store brand to the Philippines, has become a cultural hub for Japanese-Filipino exchange in the Bonifacio Global City district. The Yukata Dressing Experience runs every Saturday through August 15, offering eligible shoppers a complete yukata fitting along with hairstyling and light makeup for a cultural experience while exploring the mall.

On August 29, Co. Collectibles hosts the Summer Paper Theater Activity featuring Ensky's signature Japanese papercraft kits, enabling participants to build layered miniature seasonal scenes. The next 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, pop-ups celebrating bilateral craftsmanship will be on display: EDYA1929 presents contemporary fashion crafted from vintage Japanese kimonos and obis, while Frankie General Store highlights garments made from woven Philippine textiles.

'On Your Feet! The Story of Emilio and Gloria Estefan'

9 Works Theatrical is staging On Your Feet! The Story of Emilio and Gloria Estefan this July at the Proscenium Theater, Rockwell, Makati. Molly Langley and Kayla Rivera alternate in the role of Gloria Estefan, with Jason Canela as Emilio Estefan. The musical follows the Estefans' journey from their early days in Cuba and Miami to global superstardom, navigating career challenges and a life-threatening tragedy. The Estefans are widely credited with popularizing Latin crossover pop through hits like "Conga" and "Rhythm Is Gonna Get You," which became staples of the Miami Sound Machine repertoire.

The cast also includes Ayen Laurel, Pinky Marquez, and John Joven Uy, among others. Directed by Robbie Guevara, the production features music produced and recorded by Emilio & Gloria Estefan & Miami Sound Machine. Performances run on weekends through August 2 — Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m., Saturdays and Sundays at 3 p.m. — at the Proscenium Theater, Rockwell Center, Makati City. Tickets, priced from P3,605 to P6,695, are available via TicketWorld and at the Power Plant Mall Cinema.

'Ang Babae sa Septic Tank 4: Oh Sh*t! It's Live sa Cheter!'

The Philippine Educational Theater Association (PETA) presents Ang Babae sa Septic Tank 4: Oh Sht! It's Live sa Cheter!*, running through August 16 at the PETA Theater Center in Quezon City. Showtimes are Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays at 7:30 p.m., with additional matinees Saturdays and Sundays at 2 p.m.

The franchise originated as a film starring comedian Eugene Domingo as a heightened version of herself, lampooning the indie film scene. It spawned a sequel film and a hit series, all headlined by Ms. Domingo. She reprises her role for this fourth installment — now a stage play examining the chaotic, humorous, and painful realities of making theater in the contemporary Philippines.

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

'Melodies in Motion' at Ali Mall

The mall concert Melodies in Motion takes place July 26 at the Activity Area, lower ground floor of Ali Mall, Araneta City, Quezon City. The event features performances by students from the Center for Pop Music Philippines' Shaw Blvd. branch, showcasing their vocal talents and musical development in a free live setting.

Lagen Island on 'EIC On The Move'

Lifestyle editor and host Raul Manzano travels to Lagen Island in El Nido, Palawan, in the latest episode of EIC On The Move, premiering July 26 at 8 p.m. on Metro Channel. The episode highlights Lagen Island Resort's water villa, inspired by the traditional bahay kubo and the heritage of Palawan's indigenous Batak community. El Nido is part of the northern tip of Palawan, known for its limestone cliffs and lagoons, and is consistently ranked among the world's top island destinations. The program is also available on Cignal Channel 69, GSAT Channel 20, Sinag Cablelink Channel 27, and the Metro.Style YouTube channel.

'Masters of the Universe' on Prime Video

The live-action adventure film Masters of the Universe, based on the He-Man toy franchise, is now streaming on Prime Video. The cast includes Nicholas Galitzine, Camila Mendes, Alison Brie, James Purefoy, Morena Baccarin, Jóhannes Haukur Jóhannesson, and Charlotte Riley, with Kristen Wiig voicing Roboto, alongside Jared Leto and Idris Elba.

BINI Releases 'A Parallel World' for 'Forgotten Island'

P-pop girl group BINI has released "A Parallel World," their contribution to the animated film Forgotten Island, now available on all digital music streaming platforms. Dreamworks teased the soundtrack release on social media earlier in the week. BINI, who gained widespread recognition with hits like "Salamin" and "Pantropiko," have been credited as a leading act in the surging P-pop movement. BINI is also scheduled to perform at the Summer Sonic 2026 music festival in Osaka and Tokyo from August 14 to 16, joining the lineup of one of Japan's largest annual music festivals. Further details about the BINI Signals World Tour are available at biniwt2026.abs-cbn.com.

'Mortal Kombat II' on HBO Max

The video game-based film Mortal Kombat II has made its global streaming debut on HBO Max. Starring Karl Urban, Adeline Rudolph, Jessica McNamee, Josh Lawson, and Ludi Lin, the film features fan-favorite champions from the video game franchise — including Johnny Cage — pitted against one another in a battle to defeat the dark rule of Shao Kahn. Simon McQuoid directs from a screenplay by Jeremy Slater.

'El Fuego del Alma' — A Filipino Adaptation of Tennessee Williams

Theater group Porvenir is staging El Fuego del Alma, a Filipino adaptation of Tennessee Williams' Summer and Smoke, reimagined within a Philippine context. Williams' works have been frequently adapted for Philippine stages, with local productions drawing parallels between his Southern Gothic sensibilities and Philippine social and religious dynamics. Adapted by playwright Eljay Castro Deldoc and directed by Mark Mirando, the play centers on 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 sharing the role of Juanito. The ensemble also includes Madeleine Nicolas, Rolando Inocencio, Sheryll Ceasico, JP Lopez, Janna Cortes, Ingrid Joyce, Johnny Maglinao, and Tristan Bite. Performances run July 31, August 1–2, and August 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, priced at P1,800, are available through Ticket2Me.