Manila (CNN Philippines Life) — This weekend, celebrate Christmas by watching anticipated films in the Metro Manila Film Festival, enjoy great music at a fan club’s Christmas party, dance to disco tunes, indulge in an elegant dinner, do some gift shopping at a grand bazaar, and take part in the spirit of giving in a charity volunteer activity.
Metro Manila Film Festival 2016
The Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) is an annual holiday tradition — a celebration of Philippine films (whether by mainstream or indie productions) in the spirit of Christmas through collective enjoyment with the whole family. Laugh, cry, and scream in horror to this year’s film entries: “Die Beautiful” starring Paolo Ballesteros; “Kabisera” starring Nora Aunor; “Ang Babae sa Septic Tank Two: Hashtag-Forever is Not Enough” starring Eugene Domingo; “Oro” starring Irma Adlawan; the animated film 12-years-in-the-making “Saving Sally,” the rom-com online series-based “Vince and Kath and James,” Erik Matti’s horror film “Seklusyon,” and the OFW documentary “Sunday Beauty Queen.” The films will be screened in major cinemas nationwide starting Sunday, Dec. 25. For updates and schedules, visit MMFF’s website or Facebook page.
Ang Bandang Shirley’s “Siberia” music video launch and Barkada Club Christmas party
After the release of their acclaimed single, “Umaapaw,” Ang Bandang Shirley comes out with another music video for “Siberia,” in a Christmas party arranged by their Barkada Club of friends and fans. Aside from the band, also playing are folk musician Bullet Dumas and other artists from Barkada Club. There will also be contests, a karaoke session, and a raffle. Join in the fun this Friday, Dec. 23 at 8 p.m. at Mow’s bar, Matalino St., Quezon City. Entrance is free.
At the Disco: Today x Future Christmas party
Dance to ‘70s disco this Christmas at Today x Future’s 2nd disco night anniversary and Christmas party. Hosted by one of the resto bar’s head honchos Kill Your Boyfriend (Austin Castañeda), the party will feature DJ sets by regulars Mafia (Mafia Escasinas), Karlovvv (Karlo Vicente), Dekdestroy (Derek Tvmala), DJ x AW (Cesar Camillo), and Major Chie (Chie Castaneda). Step on the holiday dancefloor this Friday, Dec. 23 at 2 p.m. at Today x Future, 7-T General Malvar St., Cubao, Quezon City.
If you plan to go out for noche buena this Christmas eve, HYATT City of Dreams Manila is offering Christmas meal packages for the whole of Saturday, Dec. 24. Their offerings include a lunch package, which costs ₱2,288, a dinner for the same price, and a midnight package for ₱1,388. All prices are inclusive of all applicable taxes and service charge. HYATT City of Dreams Manila is located on the corner of Asean Avenue and Roxas Boulevard in Entertainment City, Parañaque. For more details, visit their Facebook page.
The Grand Holiday Bazaar series
Do some Christmas shopping at the Grand Holiday Bazaar, one of the most anticipated bazaars during this season. Splurge on clothes, accessories, footwear, bags, gadgets, household items, and more — not to mention gifts for your friends and family. The bazaar is ongoing until next Friday, Dec. 30 at the New Glorietta Activity Center at Palm Drive, Makati.
Project Anonymous Street Christmas 2016
Christmas is a time for giving, and if you’re looking to do good and donate to charity, join volunteer group Project Anonymous in a gift-giving and feeding activity. They are encouraging interested participants to prepare Christmas packages, toys, ready-to-eat meals, water, and other items for the beneficiaries. The route of the gift-giving activity will be from Sta. Rosa to Cabuyao, Laguna on Friday, Dec. 23, from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. Contact Project Anonymous’ Facebook page to volunteer and coordinate meet-ups, and for more information.