‘Tis the season to schedule your deserved outing with your friends.
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So, you’re on holiday break. Now what? While the initial reaction might be to do nothing and commence your holiday hibernation, the coming weeks serve as the perfect opportunity to hang out with your friends. After all, spending all those months postponing that meet-up or not seeing it leave the group chat has to stop sooner or later, so why not do it during Christmas? School and work are done, which means free time to do what you want and get some much-needed social interaction with your besties. We rounded up a few things you can do this holiday for that next barkada outing.
SHOP LOCAL AND INTERNATIONAL MAGAZINES AT SPRUCE GALLERY
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Who says print is dead? While the industry is far from the behemoth it used to be, collecting print magazines still has a place in the hearts of many. And Spruce Gallery is here to cater to those looking for a print magazine or zine. This Pasig-based independent magazines and art gallery houses hundreds of local and international magazines for your perusal, some of which aren’t easy to come by. So, if you and your besties are on the literary hunt for print, this treasure trove should be on your map.
Spruce Gallery is located on the Upper Ground Floor, City & Land Mega Plaza, ADB Ave., Pasig City
GROW YOUR KNICKKNACKS COLLECTION AT FLYING TIGER COPENHAGEN
Whether you’re Christmas shopping for your friends and family or just looking for cool stationery to add to your room, Flying Tiger Copenhagen is the place to be. This Danish store is home to hundreds of paraphernalia and knickknacks that run the gamut of lifestyle. From Christmas ornaments to everyday items, the store has it all, and you just might get overwhelmed with the loot you can cop on its stacked shelves. They currently have an outpost in Glorietta 4 in Makati but are also expanding to Alabang, SM North EDSA, and Eastwood.
TEST YOUR LUCK AT GASHAPON BANDAI OFFICIAL
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If you’ve been to Japan, then you’re probably familiar with those vending machines that sell all kinds of toys and collectibles inside circular plastic spheres. But you don’t need to fly to Japan to experience that anymore as a Gashapon Bandai Official store has finally opened in the Philippines. Located on the second floor of the Mitsukoshi Mall in BGC, the location features dozens of vending machines, each one catering to a different pop culture property. You need tokens to use the machines, with one token = 65 pesos and bigger items needing more tokens.
EXPLORE PARQAL
While a mall in Metro Manila is nothing to sneeze at, Parqal stands out for some pretty good reasons. A mix of the words park and kayle, Parqal is the newest mall in Aseana City, Paranaque, that boasts spacious open and green spaces (an admitted rarity in the city), as well as massive spaces designed to house shops, restaurants, offices, and more. It’s like a mini walkable city if you think about it. While not everything in Parqal is up and running, it does have some fun attractions, such as No.9 Animation City, a 24-hour arcade featuring shooting, basketball, racing, billiards, VR, and more.
WATCH THE SPIDER-MAN: INTO THE SPIDER-VERSE CONCERT
You know what’s better than watching Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse (which you can stream now on Netflix)? Watching it with a live orchestra. ICYDK, Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse Live in Concert has been touring cities around the world for a while now, and this December 30, it makes its stop in Manila for the first time.
Concertgoers get to watch the highly acclaimed animated film while a live orchestra plays the music of the score and soundtrack. And to add that hip-hop flavor, the concert will also fuse elements of turntables, a live DJ, and electronics. End your 2023 right with the concert at Samsung Hall at SM Aura on December 30 with showings at 3 and 7 PM. You can get your tickets now via SM Tickets.
THINK PINK AT THE DESSERT MUSEUM’S COTTON CANDY ROOM
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Does a room dedicated to cotton candy sound like a dream? Then a trip to The Dessert Museum is what you need. The museum recently opened its newest attraction, Cotton Candy Dreamland, which, as the name suggests, is all about cotton candy. But aside from the IG-worthy bright pink aesthetic of the room and the interactive games and activities, you can also make your own cotton candy. What’s not to love about that?
The Dessert Museum is located at Level 1, Coral Way, S Maison Mall, Mall of Asia Complex, Pasay City
CATCH A MOVIE (AND MAYBE SOME ZZZs) AT UPTOWN CINEMA
There are those moments when we are willing to pay extra to get the best experience at the cinema. Uptown Mall decided to take that concept to the next level with their Uptown Tempur Cinema. Located at Uptown Cinemas in Uptown Mall, the theater serves as a collaboration between Tempur and the mall’s cinemas.
So, what exactly can you expect? For starters, the chairs have been replaced with 26 queen-size Tempur mattresses and pillows, which means you’ll be watching a movie in the comfort of an actual bed. Each ticket, which will set you back 2000 pesos as each bed can hold two people, also gets you a complimentary sandwich and sparkling water. And to top it all off, it’s a Dolby Atmos cinema, so expect excellent sound. If you’re willing to splurge, do note that guests need to wear socks, with pairs sold separately at the venue if you aren’t wearing any.
UNLEASH ALL YOUR ADRENALINE AT SUPERPARK
@jammy.cruz fun date idea !! 💗🎮 #superpark ♬ Funny Song – Funny Song Studio & Sounds Reel
Sure, you could spend your holidays at home and away from the hustle and bustle of the season. Or, you could explore the adult playground that is Superpark. This attraction at Eastwood City is a haven for those looking to have a fun and energetic time with trampolines, slides, games, and so much more. With three major zones (The Adventure Zone, Freestyle Hall, Game Arena) and 21 different play modes, there’s no shortage of your selection of a good time. Do note though that grip socks are required, which you can purchase at the front desk.
ICE BUMPER CARS…THAT’S IT
If you’re looking for a bit more action in your ice skating, then check out SM Skating Megamall’s Ice Bumper Cars. As the name suggests, it’s bumper cars, but on ice. For 150 pesos per round, you have five minutes to bump into other cars (safely, of course). And don’t worry about running into other skaters, ice skating and bumper cars have been cordoned off into their sections on the rink. You can try it out for yourself from Monday-Thursday at SM Megamall.
JUMP WITH YOUR BESTIES AT LEAP GRID PLAY CENTER
@jaowxyz_ig The Leap Grid at Ayala Malls Manila Bay. So much fun. Hahaha. #AyalaMalls #Rush #FYP ♬ original sound – jaowxyz
Among the wonders that can be found at Ayala Malls Manila Bay is this simple yet satisfying attraction on the fourth floor. Leap Grid Play Center has players step on LED pads that light up in different colors. The goal of each level is for players to step on the blue tiles while avoiding the row of red tiles that scroll through the game floor. When all blue tiles are stepped on, it moves to the next round. A total of eight players can join one session, meaning it can get quite chaotic in the best way possible.
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