In Manila, dressing for the day can be a bit of a balancing act. There’s the heat outside, the cold blast of air-conditioning indoors, unpredictable rain, and days that can take you from the office to dinner without a chance to change. UNIQLO’s latest collection takes that reality of city living and turns it into the inspiration for its 2026 Fall/Winter lineup.

Dubbed “Modern City Living,” the new collection brings together versatile LifeWear pieces designed to move with the rhythm of everyday urban life. Unveiled at an exclusive press event in Manila, the collection explores colors, textures, silhouettes, and layering pieces that can work across different moments of the day.

Dressing for the City

For a collection inspired by fall and winter, UNIQLO’s approach makes particular sense in a city like Manila, where seasonal dressing looks very different from the rest of the world. Rather than relying on heavy coats and bulky layers, the collection offers lighter pieces that can be incorporated into an everyday wardrobe—or saved for trips to colder destinations.

The Bottoms collection offers a range of silhouettes, including the Baggy Barrel Leg Jeans, with its relaxed barrel cut, and the EZY Wide Straight Jeans, which combine the look of denim with the comfort of sweats. The Culottes lineup adds another versatile option, with its genderless silhouette offering plenty of room for personal styling.

For outerwear, the Harrington Jacket, Denim Trucker Jacket, and Coverall offer easy layering without adding too much weight—ideal for those cooler mornings, heavily air-conditioned spaces, or simply adding a little more structure to an everyday Manila outfit.

Then there’s the Fleece line, available in different colors and styles for men and women. Lightweight and warm, these pieces are especially practical for anyone heading somewhere colder, whether for a weekend getaway or an overseas holiday.

For city dwellers who are constantly on the move, Sport Utility Wear (SUW) offers versatile pieces designed for everything from light activities and errands to more active pursuits.

Knits also make an appearance, offering a softer way to bring texture and warmth into the wardrobe. The Souffle Yarn Knits are made from 100% extra-fine merino wool, while Smooth Cotton Knits offer a lighter alternative that can easily elevate an everyday look. Loungewear and Innerwear round out the collection, blurring the line between what works at home and what can be worn outside.

It’s a wardrobe built around the idea that city clothes should work hard. A good piece should be comfortable enough for a long day, versatile enough to style in different ways, and practical enough to keep up with wherever the day leads.

Anne Curtis Is UNIQLO Philippines’ Newest Brand Ambassador

The Manila launch also came with a major addition to the UNIQLO Philippines family: award-winning actress and host Anne Curtis was introduced as the brand’s newest local ambassador.

Known for her playful and polished approach to fashion, Anne brings her own interpretation of modern city style to the latest LifeWear collection. At the event, she demonstrated the versatility of the pieces through two distinct looks.

Her first ensemble paired the Zip Up Short Jacket with the JW Anderson Boxy Oxford Long Sleeve Shirt and Ribbed Henley Neck Long Sleeve T-Shirt, worn with Baggy Barrel Leg Jeans for a relaxed, casual look.

For her second look, Anne leaned into the cozy side of the collection, layering the Fluffy Yarn Fleece Full-Zip Jacket over the UNIQLO : C Milano Ribbed Full-Zip Cardigan and pairing both with Baggy Barrel Leg Jeans.

“What I’m wearing is the Fluffy Yarn Fleece Full-Zip Jacket and underneath is the UNIQLO : C Milano Ribbed Full-Zip Cardigan, and then I have my Baggy Barrel Jeans. It’s pretty chill, relaxed, and for someone like me who gets cold easily, even in Manila, it’s perfect for me. As you can see, I’m not even sweating. It’s comfy, it’s perfect, and it’s fluffy,” said Anne Curtis.

Anne was joined at the launch by fellow UNIQLO Philippines ambassadors and celebrity partners Alexa Ilacad, Anthony Constantino, Emilio Daez, Kianna Dy, Matteo Guidicelli, and Solenn Heussaff, who also showcased their individual interpretations of the latest LifeWear pieces.

L:R: UNIQLO Philippines Local Celebrity Partners Emilio Daez, Kianna Dy, Matteo Guidicelli, Anne Curtis, Alexa Ilacad, Solenn Heussaff, and Anthony Constantino,

For Manila’s ever-moving city crowd, UNIQLO’s latest collection offers a practical take on seasonal dressing: less about dressing for a particular season and more about having the right pieces for wherever the day takes you.

Discover UNIQLO’s 2026 Fall/Winter Collection at www.uniqlo.com/ph/en and follow @UNIQLO.PH on Facebook and @uniqlophofficial on Instagram and TikTok.

#MakatiMaxxing: All the Places I Visited and Things I Did on a Makati Weekend

Makati City has a lot to offer anyone who comes to explore. Whether you're a resident or someone visiting from another city in the Metro, there's always something for you to discover. I especially love Makati on a weekend, especially in the morning. 

  

A photo of Aguirre Street, Makati 

On weekend mornings, most streets in Makati City, particularly around the commercial business district area, are quiet with hardly anyone or any cars around. 

On one particular Saturday, I walked around exploring Legaspi Village and Salcedo Village in Makati. 

Here are three new places I went to that are worth highlighting. 

A Hidden Restaurant Gem: Po & Pilar 

The original plan was to have brunch at Scratch on Aguirre Street. But the newly opened place had a long waiting line. Walking aimlessly in search of where to eat is how we ended up trying out Po & Pilar on Salcedo Street, Makati. 

Po & Pilar is from the team behind The Curator Coffee & Cocktails and offers a Filipino-Chinese menu that will remind diners of home-cooked meals. This is a pretty upscale restaurant, so be prepared to spend about Php500 to Php1000 per person. There is no dress code, so we were able to dine here even though we were only wearing shorts and casual tops. 

Inside Po & Pilar 

The interiors of Po & Pilar evoke warmth reminiscent of a Filipino family home. The walls have photos of the grandparents who inspired the dishes displayed all around. Once you enter the restaurant, you'll spot the bar first. As it is helmed by the Curator team, expect to find a great selection of creative cocktails and wines. 

We got here before lunch, so we initially had the place to ourselves. Although people started trickling in by noon. I imagine this place can get pretty full fast, so it's best to book a table ahead. 

The Food We Ordered  

The food are categorized under smaller, bigger, filler, and desserts. It makes it easy to decide based on how big or small your group is. 

This is chicken broccoli soup, which was served to us while we waited for the food we ordered. I loved this. It had a ma-umami taste with a hint of saltiness. 

We ordered Tuna Panipuri Casserole from the smaller plates. 

According to the menu description, Tuna Panipuri Casserole is made with tuna conserva, garam masala mushroom stew, and pickled vegetables. 

The panipuri is crispy. Once I ate it, the richness and savouriness of the tuna mixed with the saltiness of pickled vegetables immediately greeted my taste buds. It's an interesting mix of flavors. 

For our bigger plate, we ordered the Brick Chicken "Hawaiian Pizza Sauce" plus a side of brown rice. 

 

 

I like that the serving of the fried rice is quite generous for a side order. As for the brick chicken, the menu describes this as half a chicken deboned and cooked until the skin is crisp. It's served with a sauce of pineapple, cheese, and tomatoes. 

While it does say there's cheese, I honestly didn't taste that. It's the sweetness of the pineapple and the savory goodness of tomatoes that won me over. I finished this off.

It's quite a splurge to eat at Po & Pilar. There were only two of us, but our bill totaled around Php2000.00. Still, I think it's worth it. We had a good lunch. 

Business Hours: 

5:30 p.m to 10:30 p,m (Tuesday to Thursday); 5:30 p.m to 11:30 p.m. (Friday & Saturday); 5:30 p.m to 10:30 p.m (Sunday); Lunch: 11:30 a.m to 2:00 p.m (Saturday & Sunday) 

Vintage Luxury Shopping 

I saw an Instagram Reel from Tim Yap about a newly opened vintage luxury shop in Makati. They have designer brands like Dior, Chanel, etc., that retail for much less than what you'd find in the malls. so I was enticed to check it out. 

Previously Yours, according to one of the staff, has been operating for about 10 years already, but their shop is located in Dasmariñas Village, Makati, and open only to an exclusive clientele. The shop is owned by entrepreneur Ricco Ocampo. 

Here are some of the items that caught my eye: 

Chanel necklace retailing around Php16k 

Chanel blazer 

This Gucci bag retails for Php50,000 

And this is what I ended up buying at the shop: 

This pair of Off White sneakers really caught my eye. I thought the size would not fit me because it was smaller than my usual size, but it did! I got this for only Php6,500 when a pair of Off White sneakers retails around Php18,000 and above, depending on the style. This is already a steal.   

The shop features not only fashion items but also furniture, accessories, and other unique finds from Japan, the US, and personal collections. They accept cash, bank transfer, or GCash as a mode of payment. 

Find them: 

Previously Yours

Legazpi Street corner Castro in Legazpi Village, Makati City 

Gelato Dessert from Down Under 

Kariton is originally from Melbourne and rooted in Filipino nostalgia. It's from Chef Minh Duong, who found comfort in the kitchen and ice cream during the lockdowns. He teamed up with his long-time friend and Filipino chef, John Rivera. Kariton partnered with Erwan Heussaff to open its first store in the Philippines. 

In Salcedo Village, Kariton is more than just a gelato shop. In collaboration with another Melbourne-born concept, Sabi Sounds, the shop is a Filipino-inspired gelato and vinyl listening cafe. There were plenty of people in the shop by the time we got there early afternoon. We managed to find seats by the bar. 

We ordered 1 scoop Thrilla n Vanilla and 2 scoops Turon gelato. Both were good! I'll definitely be back. Gelato in a cup is around Php 200. 

Find them:

Kariton: Open daily from 11:00 AM to 11:00 PM

Tiffany Place, 156 L.P. Leviste Street, Salcedo Village, Makati

Coffee AtCurbside 

Coffee is almost always part of the agenda whenever I'm out. And for this particular #MakatiMaxxing day, we chose to try a newly opened coffee shop in Salcedo Street called AtCurbside. It's a small and cozy coffee shop serving freshly brewed, high-quality coffee from carefully selected beans. It's originally from Davao. 

 

Iced Horchata and hot Spanish Latte 

I usually order a Spanish Latte in coffee shops, so I tried AtCurbside's. I thought it was a good Spanish Latte. It's rich and creamy and not overly sweet. I also like the look of the cafe. It has an inviting, cozy appeal. 

Find them: 

AtCurbside

Fedman Suites

Salcedo Street, Legazpi Village, Makati 

Four stops. Over 20,000 steps achieved. One weekend in Makati. It was definitely a costly but fun day! 

Must-Try Dining Spot in Podium: Lazy Suzy

Last year, The Podium opened a new wing called The Podium Social. In this wing, you can find a row of curated restaurants with different offerings and vibes where you can dine and hang out. And because it is located on the 6th floor of The Podium Mall, it almost feels like a hideaway. 

I went there with a friend to try a restaurant called Lazy Suzy. It's founded by Chef Patrick Go of Your Local, and its cuisine is East Asian—a blend of Japanese, Chinese, Korean, Taiwanese, and Filipino flavors. 

I'm not someone who's particularly adventurous with food, so I was hesitant to try Lazy Suzy, especially after reading about its cuisine. But at my friend's urging, I went in with cautious expectations.

I went there with a friend for brunch. We reserved a table to be sure we'd have a spot once we arrived. When we arrived, there was only one couple dining at a nearby table. The restaurant filled up pretty quickly, though. 

Lazy Suzy: Contemporary East Asian Aesthetic 

Lazy Suzy embraces a contemporary East Asian aesthetic. The interiors combine warm natural materials and moody lighting to create a space that feels both refined and inviting. Instead of traditional Oriental décor, the restaurant takes a more modern approach—letting texture, lighting, and craftsmanship define the atmosphere. 

What We Ordered

We ordered appetizers for starters: Burnt Nori Caesar Salad and No Fold Xiao Long Bao.  

 Burnt Nori Caesar Salad and No Fold Xiao Long Bao

As Caesar salad is usually my go-to salad whenever I order one from a restaurant, I've tasted quite a few. Lazy Suzy's take on Caesar salad is quite different from the ones I'm used to. The first thing I noticed is that the salad is topped with plenty of parmesan cheese and croutons. The burnt nori Caesar dressing is what made this unique and stand out. It's creamy and savory, and the lettuce was fresh and crisp.  

Burnt nori Caesar salad that's rich in parmesan cheese, croutons, and fresh and crispy lettuce 

Lazy Suzy also gave the usual xiao long bao a different take with its no-fold xiao long bao. It looks like soup to me. When I tasted it, I immediately tasted the spiciness. It's mild but I am not a fan of spicy foods. But probably because this is also tangy and savory, I enjoyed this.  

For our mains, we ordered beef char siu, night market fried chicken, and fly rice 

 

Lazy Suzy beef char siu, night market fried chicken, and fly rice 

The beef char siu is also a must-try. It's made with slow-cooked, grilled Angus brisket that's tender, juicy, and rich in smoky flavor. The caramelized glaze added just the right sweetness, while the fermented vegetables balanced the richness. 

For those who like chicken better, the night market fried chicken is also not to be missed. Crispy, golden-fried chicken was coated in a rich, creamy peanut butter sauce that added a savory-sweet depth without overwhelming the dish. A subtle hint of ginger came through at the end, giving each bite a warm, fragrant finish that kept the flavors balanced. 

Lastly, the Fly Rice is unlike your usual fried rice. Made with caramelized maling, smoked soy, leeks, charred greens, egg, and Japanese rice, it has a slightly sticky texture with a sweet, smoky flavor that makes it stand out. 

Overall Verdict 

My friend and I had a wonderful brunch at Lazy Suzy. Every dish we ordered delivered. The menu offers familiar flavors with creative twists, making the meal feel both comforting and memorable.

It's definitely on the pricier side—we spent around Php3,000 for two people—but the quality of the food made it feel worthwhile. It's the kind of place I'd happily return to when I'm in the mood to treat myself to a really good meal. 

P.S. If you're looking for comfort food that won't break the bank, check out Pizzetta in Poblacion, Makati City. 

Pizzetta: Poblacion's Affordable, Delicious Neapolitan Pizza

At a recent meetup, I found myself back in Poblacion, Makati—an area of town I don't go to as often as I do Legaspi or Salcedo Village. After having coffee at Saglit by Flower Ranch Cafe, a friend suggested we get dinner at a nearby food joint - Pizzetta. 

Pizzetta opened last year, June 2025, to be exact, at 5687 Dona Carmen Street. When it first started operations, it had only a small space. My friend told me it could seat only a few customers, and so we couldn't stay long. When we got there, though, it turned out that Pizzetta now had a larger space right across the way—one that could hold bigger groups of people. 

What is Neapolitan Pizza? 

In case you're wondering what Neapolitan pizza is, it is the most famous type of Italian pizza, renowned for its straightforward ingredients and soft texture. Did you know that it's recognized by UNESCO as the epitome of Italian pizza-making and part of the world's intangible cultural heritage? 

Neapolitan pizza is not crispy or heavily topped, and it's not a pizza you eat on the go. Instead, it is characterized by its soft, elastic dough; puffy, airy crust; thin, tender center; and minimal toppings. In Italy, Neapolitan pizza is usually eaten with a knife and fork because the center is soft and delicate. 

What's so special about Pizzetta? 

They offer Php99 pizzas! And I don't mean just a slice. I mean, an 8-inch-sized solo pizza with soft, chewy, and lightly charred Neapolitan-style crust. They have classic pizzas like Five Cheese Garlic and Creamy Spinach for Php99 and premium options like Samurai, handcrafted dough, and premium toppings with rich umami goodness priced a bit higher at Php129. 

Not in the mood for pizza? Pizzetta has also expanded its offerings to include pasta and salads. 

We ordered chicken masala and creamy spinach solo 

This alfredo pasta is only Php99 

For the price, it's already a steal! The pizzas were good and actually already good for 2 people to share. Though I wouldn't share! 😈 Our total bill was less than Php500, which already includes the service charge. 

Pizzetta is open 24/7 and even available for takeout and delivery via Grab. This pizza place was also named Grab Food's "This Year's 5-Star Eats Merchant."

Aside from being an affordable place to satisfy your pizza cravings, you can also linger around Pizzetta for a beer or two while you play billiards. 

Hang out with friends, drink beer and play pool at Pizzetta 

At Pizzetta, you can order local beers, imported beers, or other alcoholic drinks like whiskey and brandy. 

For me, Pizzetta is a great find that I hope will stay in Poblacion for a long time! It's worth going to when you want to satisfy your pizza cravings without breaking the bank. Its laid-back ambiance will invite you to stay and unwind especially after a long day's work alone or with friends.  

A Festival of Gratitude: UNIQLO Says Thank You With Exclusive Offers and More

At the heart of every UNIQLO Thank You Festival is a simple message: gratitude. As a celebration inspired by the customers and communities who continue to support the brand, the biannual festival transforms appreciation into meaningful experiences—from exclusive promotions and innovative essentials to initiatives that create positive impact beyond stores.

UNIQLO deeply values the unwavering support of its customers and communities. Serving as a heartfelt tribute to those who have made LifeWear a part of their daily lives, the UNIQLO Thank You Festival returns nationwide from May 22 to May 28. 

This year’s celebration goes beyond seasonal offers, as it also highlights purposeful partnerships, sustainability, and a deep commitment to social responsibility. Every story is shaped by care, innovation, and the people behind the brand who bring LifeWear to life every day.

A “Thank You” that Pays it Forward

In the spirit of giving back, UNIQLO Philippines is strengthening its support for local education. Recognizing the resource gaps in public schools, the brand recently broke ground on a new classroom at Tanda Elementary School in General Santos to support T’boli students. 

 As part of its Heart of LifeWear initiative, UNIQLO donated AIRism shirts to students and teachers—contributing to over 35,000 items distributed for community and disaster relief nationwide.

As part of its bigger Heart of LifeWear sustainability initiative, UNIQLO also donated AIRism shirts to students and teachers alike to champion comfort in the classroom. It adds to a milestone of over 35,000 LifeWear items distributed to communities in need and disaster relief efforts across the country, including pre-loved pieces donated by customers. The initiative proves that in UNIQLO’s Thank You Festival, the sense of gratitude reaches far and wide.

A “Thank You” Translated into Curated In-Store Experiences

The UNIQLO Thank You Festival transforms every UNIQLO store into a space of celebration, featuring exciting deals that reflect the brand's promise of quality and practicality. Everyone can join the fun and make the most out of these special promotions:

• Best-Value Everyday Essentials: Over 50 LifeWear items at special prices, with favorites like the Crew Neck Short Sleeve T-Shirt and kids' AIRism Cotton pieces starting at just PHP 390. 

• First-Time Offers: Significant savings on premium staples, now on sale for the first time, including Premium Linen Long Sleeve Shirts (now PHP 1,490) and Oxford Boxy Long Sleeve Shirts (now PHP 990). 

• Exciting Collaborations: The highly anticipated UNIQLO and Cecilie Bahnsen womenswear collection officially launches on May 22, showcasing a line-up of romantic, feminine pieces for both women and girls. Customers are also rewarded with a free packable duffle bag for every single-receipt purchase of at least PHP 3,500 during the festival week.

Over 50 LifeWear items at special prices—starting at just PHP 390. Includes favorites like the Crew Neck Short Sleeve T‑Shirt and kids’ AIRism Cotton, plus first-time deals on premium staples.

A “Thank You” That Makes Shopping Online Even Easier

For this year’s Thank You Festival, UNIQLO continues to enhance the online shopping journey for UNIQLO App members. The week-long celebrations showcase exclusive sizes, pre-launch access, and improved "Voice of Customer" feedback features. With specialized online-to-offline corners in select stores, the brand also ensures that convenience and gratitude go hand-in-hand. 

More than a retail event, the UNIQLO Thank You Festival is a nationwide moment of connection. By blending customer-focused rewards with community-driven initiatives, UNIQLO reaffirms that the most meaningful way to say "thank you" is by contributing to an inclusive and better everyday life for all.

 

Celebrate the UNIQLO Thank You Festival by checking out UNIQLO in-store and online. For more information and to get all the latest updates on UNIQLO, visit www.uniqlo.com/ph/en/ and follow @uniqlo.ph on Facebook and @uniqlophofficial on Instagram and TikTok. 

Why Metro Manila’s Museums Are the Place to Be This May

If your idea of a museum still involves quiet halls, slow walks, and respectfully observing things behind glass, Metro Manila’s museum scene this May might feel a little more interesting than usual.

International Museum Day 2026 falls on a Monday, but many museums across the metro aren’t limiting the celebration to just one day. Instead, they’re rolling out programs throughout the month—ranging from free and discounted admission to special tours and select interactive experiences designed to make museum visits feel more engaging than usual.

This year’s global theme, “Museums Uniting a Divided World,” shows up locally in different ways: through accessibility, storytelling, and, in some cases, more immersive programming that invites visitors to engage with culture beyond just viewing it.

What ties everything together is simple—this is one of those rare weeks when stepping into a museum feels easier, more inviting, and more worth the detour than usual.

So whether you’re planning a quick weekday culture stop or lining up a visit around free admission days and special programs, May is quietly shaping up to be a good time for museum-hopping in the metro.

Your May weekends? Consider them officially booked

The National Museum Turns Culture Into a Full-On Adventure

The National Museum of the Philippines is not easing into International Museum Day—it’s going all in.

At the National Museum of Fine Arts, Art Bridging Divides: A Special Tour and Interactive Activity reimagines the galleries as spaces for conversation, in which artworks serve as prompts for reflection, exchange, and storytelling. There’s also Art Quest: Decoding the Masterpiece Edition, where iconic Filipino works turn into clues waiting to be solved rather than just observed.

Over at the National Museum of Anthropology, the Mapping Challenge and Discovery Quest invite visitors to explore Philippine heritage through interactive discovery—less passive viewing, more “figure it out as you go.”

And then there’s the one that feels straight out of a movie: the National Museum of Natural History’s special Night at the Museum experience, celebrating both International Museum Day and the museum’s ninth anniversary.

Picture this: dimmed halls, after-hours access, riddles tucked into exhibits, and immersive challenges inspired by the Philippines’ rich biodiversity. It’s part mystery, part exploration, and fully giving escape-room energy—just with actual fossils and taxidermy instead of padlocks. 

Find out more about the museum's activities. Visit their Facebook page. 

Museo de Galleon: A New Museum That Makes History Feel Alive

If you haven’t made your way to Museo de Galleon at SM Mall of Asia yet, this is your sign.

One of the newer cultural spaces in the metro, it brings the Manila–Acapulco Galleon Trade to life through immersive installations, multimedia storytelling, and exhibits that make centuries-old maritime history feel surprisingly cinematic.

Photo credit: Inquirer 

For the month of May, they’re offering free tours—making it one of the easiest (and most budget-friendly) ways to slot a culture stop into your weekend MOA plans. 

The Met Manila Turns “Museum Day” Into Museum Playtime

The Metropolitan Museum of Manila in BGC is waiving entrance fees from May 19 to 31, but what makes it stand out is how un-serious (in the best way) parts of it feel right now.

Current exhibitions include:

• Seams of Memory by Winna Go
• Omocha: Japanese Toys Today in partnership with The Japan Foundation Manila
• Femme Hommage from The M Collection

But beyond the galleries, things get more interactive than expected. Visitors can try Japanese toys at Omocha, join creative activities at The M Art Studio with Museum Mayhem!, or even test their luck at a Gashapon corner featuring collectible surprises.

It’s part museum, part play zone, part “why is this actually so fun?”

Curious what a visit to The Met is like beyond this lineup? I wrote about my visit to the Banksy exhibit there a while back.

Yuchengco Museum Goes Free for Two Days (Yes, Free-Free)

No overthinking needed here—just go.

On May 17 and 18, Yuchengco Museum opens its doors for free, giving access to a mix of exhibitions that span sculpture, photography, fashion, spirituality, and Filipino cultural identity.

Current exhibits include:

• Pasulong: Recent Sculptures by Anton Quisuimbing
• Nakita sa Makati: A Photobook and Fashion Exhibit by Bernie Bacosa
• The World According to Jaime de Guzman: A Hermit Planter’s Last Years in Mount Banahaw
• Agimat at Anting-Anting: Objects of Protection & Belief from Mount Banahaw
• Art in Progress by Marco Y. Santos

It’s the kind of lineup that makes you realize how wide and layered “Filipino identity” really is—without feeling like a textbook lesson.

Ayala Museum Is Your New “Late Afternoon in Makati” Plan

Ayala Museum is leaning into something we don’t do enough of: slow afternoons that turn into cultural detours.

This May, in celebration of National Heritage Month, they’re offering discounted admission from Tuesday to Thursday, 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Regular entry is Php200, with select rates going as low as Php120—an easy excuse to wander through dioramas, contemporary exhibits, and rotating collections without rushing.

It’s less “museum marathon,” more “post-work reset in Makati that accidentally makes you feel smarter.” 

Check this for the full details.

Museums in the Metro Are Having a Moment

Something interesting is unfolding in Metro Manila’s museum scene—but not in a way that signals a permanent shift.

For International Museum Day 2026, different museums are marking the occasion in different ways. Some are opening their doors for free or at discounted rates, while others are rolling out special programs like guided tours, heritage walks, and limited-time interactive activities that add a different layer to the usual museum visit.

Some of these experiences take place over the weekend, while others—like the National Museum’s programs—are scheduled for the day itself, which falls on a Monday.

That mix is what makes this stretch feel worth paying attention to. It’s a short window where museums feel a bit more accessible, a bit more intentional, and a little more inviting than usual.

So if you’ve been meaning to visit one, this might be a good time to actually do it. 

In Case of Fire: Stories and Lessons from Bomberos de Manila

Sirens are often part of Metro Manila's soundtrack. Sometimes it's the police, an ambulance rushing a patient to the hospital, or a fire truck.

And fire truck sirens? Those are the ones that often feel a little heavier and linger a little longer.

It is a sound so intense that it can often be heard from a mile away. It cuts through traffic and signals motorists and pedestrians alike to give way. It’s a sound that can blast through any given time of day, even cutting through the silence of the night when most people are already asleep.

There’s something about it that feels different—more urgent, more final. As if every second matters in a way we can’t quite see.

Because somewhere, something is burning.

March, being Fire Prevention Month in the Philippines, puts that reality a little more front and center. It’s a reminder that fires aren’t just distant incidents we hear about—they’re real, immediate, and often closer to home than we think.

And yet, like everything else in the city, even that urgency fades. The siren passes, the noise settles, and life moves on. We usually don't think about where that fire truck is headed, who’s inside it, or what they’re about to face.

That changed for me when I joined the Bumberos de Manila walking tour.

What I thought would be a simple city experience became something far more grounding—a glimpse into the world behind those sirens. Not just the trucks or the equipment, but the people who respond when the rest of the city is trying to get away.

After that day, the sound of a fire truck didn’t feel like just another part of the noise. It felt like a story in motion—one that starts long before the siren, and doesn’t end when it fades.

What is the Bomberos de Manila Fire Station Historic Tour?

The Bumberos de Manila Fire Station Tour is a special tour organized by Renaciemento Manila that takes us to four historic fire stations around Manila to learn about the evolution of firefighting and hear stories about the stations themselves. It's a tour that aims to put a spotlight on our firefighters, to honor the "Bomberos" who have dedicated their lives to guarding Manila for generations as we observe Fire Prevention Month this March. 

The tour consisted of visiting the following fire stations:

• San Nicolas Fire Station
• Intramuros Fire Station
• Santa Cruz Fire Station 
• Paco Fire Station 

Whether you're a content creator, someone who enjoys learning about history, a curious Manileño, or even a student, there's something here for you to learn! 

A Walk Through History: The Firefighters of Manila

Our tour was led by subject expert Dr. Peter Rallos. While we walked to the first fire station, the Intramuros Fire Station, to get to the rest of the stations, we took a rental jeep. I learned so many interesting things during the Bomberos de Manila Historic Tour 

First Stop: Intramuros Fire Station 

Did you know that during the Spanish time in the Philippines, there were no regular firefighters? Back then, it was the street sweepers' job to drag Manila's antiquated and only fire wagon to the scene.

And before the modern-day fire trucks that we know of, the old fire truck was horse-drawn? The horses were also imported because the Philippine horses were small. 

 It was only in 1913 that it was replaced by a Christie front-drive motor-tractor from New York City, which improved the firefighters' response time and was more cost-efficient. 

Second Stop: San Niccolas Fire Station

Inside San Nicolas fire station, you'll find a small museum where you can learn about the history of Manila City's firefighters. This is through the effort of one of the previous fire chiefs of the station, who was also a history buff, Jacinto Lorenzo, who served from 1935-1944. 

Old uniforms, as well as old firefighting gear and photos of firefighters from way back when, are displayed in this museum. And yes, you can actually visit this museum in the station, and it's completely free! 

Back in the old days, in the Spanish period, to be exact, there were no fire alarms. When a fire broke out anywhere in Manila, it was announced by a special tolling of church bells. Five strokes meant the fire was in Binondo, seven strokes meant a fire in Quiapo, ten strokes meant a fire in Quiapo, etc.  The telephones were also used to report fires back then. 

It was in July 1902 that an 80-box Gamewell Fire Alarm System replaced the church bells in Manila and telephones as the means of reporting fire emergencies. Back then, firefighters would listen to the alarm to determine where the fire was located. They had to memorize number codes and depending on the location, the station nearest to it would be the one to respond. 

A look inside the old Gamewell Fire Alarm System 

Today, these fire alarm systems are no longer around. Only a handful remain that were recovered around the City of Manila. One is still located inside the Tanduay Fire Station. 

Third Stop: Tanduay Fire Station 

At Tanduay Fire Station, we saw the old American Le France City Ladder Truck.  It was a truck that was made specifically to carry long ladders since back in the old days, fire trucks did not have everything with them. 

Did you know that there are only two of this specific model that remain intact? The other can be found in Toronto, Canada. 

And here's a look at the modern fire truck. It's come a long way from being pulled by horses! It now has compartments for storing firefighting gear. 

Last Stop: Paco Fire Station 

At Paco Fire Station, we were taught how to put out a fire. They showed us how to use a fire extinguisher and put out a fire if an LPG tank caught fire. 

I found this historic tour very refreshing. It was a different kind of history - one I didn't learn from school! I'm so glad I went on this tour. It gave me a deeper appreciation of the firefighters. This historical walking tour was done during Fire Prevention month. 

Renaciemento Manila is a cultural organization that's working towards the Cultural Rebirth of Manila. They hold various tours and even talks every month.

Bomberos de Manila Historical Tour is the second tour I've attended that they organized. I previously attended their Sunset Walking Tour, which you can also read about.