Is it just me, or is November flying by faster than it should be? Whatever sorcery made this happen, I know one thing: Bazaars are sprouting like mushrooms, helping us with our crazed shopping sprees.
This weekend welcomes a string of events that both usher in the holidays and just simply inspire excitement. Find out where you’ll be before the last hectic November week pulls us back in.
Shopping
#1 The Holiday Travel Dining & Deals Expo
Nov. 18 to 20, 10:00 a.m.
SMX Convention Center, 4/F SM Aura Premier, McKinley Parkway, Taguig City
There’s still time to book that dream destination! Head over to this fair, and find good food and places to start your weekend.
#2 El Rastro de la Beneficencia Bazaar
Nov. 21, 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Whitespace Makati, 2311 Pasong Tamo Extension, Makati City
Experience a piece of Madrid in this Spanish-style flea market set in Makati. Rummage through antiques, vintage finds, unique secondhand thrills, and other bohemian pieces that might tickle your old soul’s fancy.
#3 Zonta Christmas Carnivale Bazaar
Nov. 21 to 22, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
The Filinvest Tent Alabang, Spectrum Midway, Muntinlupa City
Southerners need not travel far for their Christmas holiday spree. Get into the holiday mood as entertainment—from acoustic bands to magicians to unicyclists—flows just as freely as the items you will find here.
#4 Clothes Buffet
Nov. 21 to 22
Elements Events Hall, Eton Centris, Pinyahan, Diliman, Quezon City
A Hunger Games type of deal—except, for fashion—this shopping event is perfect for those quick on their feet and sly enough to shop in under 20 minutes. Get to know the mechanics of your next shopping quest by checking their homepage out in the title!
Concerts
#1 Sam Smith “In the Lonely Hour” Tour
Nov. 21, 8:00 p.m.
Mall of Asia Arena, Mall of Asia Complex, Pasay City
We hope you’ve read through our Sam Smith refresher. Ready your feelings (and tickets) as the singer himself belts out the tunes that once—or maybe multiple times—made your heart ache.
#2 Musikapella Competition
Nov. 21, 5:00 p.m.
AFP Theatre, De Jesus Avenue, Quezon City
For those who want to take a break from noisy EDM and go back to the basics, catch a seat and take in blessed voices at their finest. Enjoy a night of acapella singing, courtesy of a handful of competing groups. For tickets, visit their website.
Lifestyle
#1 Click Play: The Social Media Festival
Nov. 22, 4:00 to 10:00 p.m.
SMX Convention Center, Seashell Lane, Pasay City
See your favorite YouTubers in the flesh—and maybe ask them how this whole business works so you can finally start your own channel. Karpos Media brings the likes of Ryan Higa and Ki Hong Lee to talk about how they did it and, possibly, just to goof around there. For tickets, visit their website.
#2 Free UberCHOPPER Ride
Nov. 21, 8:00 to 10:00 a.m.
Wake up early for this, guys. It’s not every day that you’ll get an aerial ride. Uber is gifting lucky early birds a taste of their newest service UberCHOPPER on their launch date. Find out how in our previous scoop here.
#3 World Vision Children’s Day
Nov. 21, 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Open Park, Eastwood City, Libis, Quezon City
Spend some quality parent-child time as you celebrate Children’s Day with the rest of the world.
Hang out with Team Kramer and actresses Jasmine Curtis-Smith and Tippy Dos Santos as you join your kid in a fun afternoon ahead of them.
Parties
#1 KASKADE
Nov. 20, 7 p.m. onwards
The Palace Pool Club, 9th Avenue corner 36th Street, Uptown Bonifacio, Taguig City
Head back to the city after your two-day break—for others, your five-day weekend—to catch American DJ Kaskade spin heartstopping beats. Book your tables here now!
#2 Cosmicground Music Festival
Nov. 21, Gates open at 1:00 p.m.
SM Mall of Asia Concert Grounds, Ocean Drive, Pasay City
If Kaskade is too mainstream for you, save your energy for a Saturday shindig with international DJs Posso, Bynon, Project 46, trance project Dash Berlin, and music duo EC Twins.
Theatre
#1 The Secret Garden
Nov. 20, 8 p.m.
Greenbelt 1, Paseo de Roxas, Makati City
Another childhood tale is coming to our local stages this weekend. Repertory Philippines keeps the material traditional yet relatable, sure to leave both kids and adults with a pleasant LSS after its curtain call. Get your tickets here.
#2 Bridges of Madison County
Nov. 20, 8:00 p.m.
Carlos P. Romulo Auditorium, RCBC Plaza, Ayala Avenue, Makati City
In case you’re too old to watch two kids stumbling upon some person’s private garden, watch a play about two grown-up lovers effed up by chance, but reunited by fate. Your weekend needs this ball of cheese. For tickets, visit their website.
Food
#1 Coffee, Chocolate & Ice Cream Expo
Nov. 18 to 20, 10 a.m.
SMX Convention Center, 4/F SM Aura Premier, McKinley Parkway, Taguig City
Yes guys, while you’re looking for a future destination to fly to in that other fair, why not grab tasty ice cream, chocolates, and drink up some coffee? Here’s an expo that’s sure to please the sweet-loving folk.
Film
#1 The Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part Two
Available in all Ayala cinemas
Catch the last installment of the famed dytopian narrative as Katniss Everdeen’s story is about to be put to a close. Book your tickets here.