With fuel prices rising and many Filipinos reconsidering long out-of-town trips this Holy Week, Manila is offering a festive alternative right in the heart of the city.
Instead of long drives and crowded highways, visitors can take a short trip to Old Manila and experience the vibrant energy of two of the city’s most historic districts through street bazaars, cultural performances, heritage tours, and creative markets.
Binondo Day: Celebrating heritage in the world’s oldest Chinatown
Binondo Day will run across two days, March 28 and 29, honoring the heritage and vibrant street life of the world’s oldest Chinatown.
At Plaza San Lorenzo Ruiz, visitors can explore a lively mixed bazaar featuring “Only-in-Binondo” eats and unique finds, showcasing the district’s beloved flavors and street discoveries that continue to draw food lovers and cultural explorers.
Throughout the weekend, the area will come alive with cultural performances, street discoveries, and community activities, highlighting Binondo’s enduring legacy as a center of trade, culture, and community in Manila.
Visitors who want to dive deeper into the district’s history can also join the Free Binondo Heritage Tour, a guided walk through the area’s iconic streets and landmarks that tell the story of Manila’s centuries-old cultural crossroads.
Kalye Escolta: A Women’s Month arts market in Manila’s historic commercial district
The celebration continues on March 29 with Kalye Escolta: Women’s Month Arts Market, where Escolta Street transforms into a vibrant pedestrian marketplace from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM.
Organized by the creative communities of Escolta in partnership with First United Building, HUB: Make Lab, and the Department of Tourism, Culture and the Arts of Manila (DTCAM), Kalye Escolta continues its mission of reclaiming the historic district as a space for culture, creativity, and community.
For this special Women’s Month edition, the market highlights women-led creativity and entrepreneurship, with around 40 independent brands, artists, makers, and entrepreneurs filling the historic corridor with art, craft, and local discoveries.
Visitors can browse a lively mix of handmade goods, vintage finds, independent fashion, food concepts, zines, workshops, and creative experiences, all set against the Art Deco architecture that once made Escolta the country’s premier commercial district.
Several women-led businesses will take center stage during the event:
Magpatina, known for its expressive hair art and creative hairstyling that blends fashion with artistic experimentation
Lemon Lab, a creative studio hosting hands-on ceramics and craft workshops
Project Happiness, a charming floral pop-up inspired by the vibrant traditions of the Dangwa flower markets
Ligaya Studios, offering a playful photo booth experience for creative portraits
Escolta Coffee Company, serving specialty brews to fuel visitors exploring the market
Guests are also encouraged to explore the surrounding creative spaces inside First United Building, home to studios, galleries, cafés, and design spaces that anchor Escolta’s growing creative community.
For many Filipinos staying in Metro Manila this Holy Week, Binondo Day and Kalye Escolta offer a refreshing city escape without the long travel—inviting visitors to rediscover Manila through food, heritage, art, and community.
Event Details Binondo Day
Plaza San Lorenzo Ruiz, Binondo March 28–29, 2026
Kalye Escolta: Women’s Month Arts Market
Escolta Street, Manila March 29, 2026
10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Free Binondo Heritage Tour
March 28 – 10:00 AM (1 batch)
March 29 – 10:00 AM and 4:00 PM
Admission is free and open to the public. For more information and updates, visit the Department of Tourism, Culture and the Arts of Manila (DTCAM) Facebook page: https://web.facebook.com/dtcam.manila
