Written by Abigail Prieto
The hustle and bustle of Metro Manila can be exhausting—draining, even. It can make you set aside the things that once brought you comfort and relaxation. In this densely populated city, the grind becomes our sole priority. We forget the very things that replenish us as individuals, and we’re forced to turn away from the absurd, to not follow the paths only a few dare to choose.
Photo: HUB: Make Lab, Pintô Art Museum, and Craft MNL
The arts may not be a way for everyone to make a living, as they’re often reserved for those brave enough to listen to what their hearts are saying. However, it is through the arts that many of us manage to get through another day; it’s what makes life more bearable.
So, if you’re looking for a breather and want to step away from your unassuming 9-to-5 corporate job for a brief moment, here’s a guide on where you can immerse yourself back into the rich and colorful art scene of the Metro.
Put on your best clothes, get ready to satisfy your creativity cravings, ditch the mainstream, and explore these unique spots:
1. Pintô Art Museum
Nestled in the hills of Antipolo, Rizal, this contemporary art museum offers a moment of tranquility away from the hustle and bustle of Manila. With a total of seven galleries, the museum offers a wide range of artworks made by Filipino artists that will surely be a feast for your eyes.
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The two-hectare property is also a place for visually attractive architecture that has an impression of Santorini, Greece. With its whitewashed walls, cubic structures, flat roofs, and a spacious botanical garden, every spot is good for taking Instagramable pictures.
And if you’re feeling spontaneous, you can also get hand-tapped Kalinga tattoos at Pinto Art Museum with Den Wigan, a traditional mambabatok who comes from a long lineage of tattoo artists.
2. HUB: Make Lab
Want to feel like you’re on a trip back in time? Immerse yourself in Escolta’s revitalized art scene adorned with eye-catching murals and art installations. HUB: Make Lab is a creative space for the arts that also serves as an alternative shopping center located at the lively street of Escolta in Binondo.
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Led by independent local artists, it offers a community of people who sell their crafts, artworks, upcycled clothes and accessories, DIY wares, vintage goods, and many more that promote creative sustainability.
So if you are on the lookout for unique finds and cool artworks, then this place is for you. Every booth is filled with hidden gems and cute little trinkets that will surely pique your interest. Browse through a
selection of contemporary art or pick up unique handcrafted pieces from housing galleries, independent bookstores, and artisan shops there.
3. Jess & Pat’s Cafe
This cafe on Maginhawa Street, Quezon City, is more than just your average coffee shop. Jess & Pat’s not only serves your favorite coffee blends and comfort food but also lets you experience an intimate gig of your favorite local musicians.
It is a safe haven for artists: musicians, poets, writers, filmmakers, photographers, and other creatives. They also offer local products such as stickers, pins, tote bags, and shirts as a way of supporting and promoting artist-entrepreneurs.
If you’re an OPM fan, make sure to drop by to see artists such as Munimuni, Clara Benin, SUD, Syd Hartha, HEY JUNE!, The Ridleys and many other local musicians perform live.
4. Cubao Expo
If you’re from Quezon City, chances are you’re already familiar with this one. Cubao Expo, formerly known as Marikina Shoe Expo, houses restaurants, cafes, vintage and hobby stores, tattoo studio, and bars that are popular with Gen-Zs and Millennials who gravitate toward alternative culture.
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Beyond its diverse stores, Cubao Expo offers a one-of-a-kind unfiltered atmosphere. The U-shaped complex creates a vibrant space perfect for strolling and soaking up the creative energy.
Whether you’re into collecting vinyl records, sipping on craft beer, browsing through indie zines, or just people-watching, this eclectic spot is an experience waiting to be explored.
5. Craft MNL
And if you want a more comfortable, relaxing, and quiet environment that would certainly not trigger any form of overstimulation, Craft MNL is there for you.
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This craft studio in Makati is perfect for hobbyists of all ages. Aiming to provide space in local communities to create and appreciate crafts and handmade products, Craft MNL offers an inclusive space for creatives, hosting various workshops from calligraphy, rubber carving, to beer making.
Whether you’re a complete beginner or a seasoned hobbyist, you can unleash your inner artist and discover the joy of crafting at Craft MNL. Explore their diverse workshop offerings, and you might just discover your next creative passion.
The Metro Manila art scene offers a wide range of artistic experiences, always waiting for you to return. So whenever you feel bored and find your corporate job monotonous, find a way to clear some days on your schedule so you can relax in a museum or indulge yourself in the vibrant stores of different crafts.
Take a pause and reconnect to the roots of the arts that fuel your artistic soul.
