Where Halloween can be best experienced in Manila
Halloween, which traces its roots back to the ancient Celtic festival known as Samhain, held every Nov. 1, is known as the day when souls return to their homes. Hence, the dressing up in costumes and lighting of bonfires to ward off unwanted spirits. The practice of trick or treating stems from the 15th-century custom of “souling” by Christians in parts of Western Europe. Groups would go door to door and collect soul cake. Today, everyone dresses up for Halloween and enjoys sharing the scare from home to home, transforming it into a fun festivity for the family.
Every fiesta or holiday celebrated in the Philippines becomes extra. In Metro Manila, there are various parties commemorating Halloween. Here’s a list of some of them.
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Halyuween
On Oct. 29, party ’til you drop with K-pop idols at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City. Halyuween, the Philippines’ first-ever K-pop-focused Halloween party, will have a variety of Korean music stars, including CL, the headline of the show. Filipino talents are also performing, the likes of hip-hop groups Epik High, Pentagon, KARD, and Gaho, as well as P-pop boy group BGYO. smtickets.com/events/view/11502
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Spookfest
The world’s first DreamWorks-inspired interactive play space at the City of Dreams, DreamPlay, brings back Spookfest for kids and families to enjoy Halloween-themed spooky adventures and surprises, thrilling games, and superb prizes. On Oct. 29 and 30, avail of the Spookfest VIP Package for ₱2,999 net and enjoy an all-day pass at DreamPlay’s attractions, which allows access to a host of thrilling activities including the “Shrek or Treat” Scavenger Hunt, pumpkin cookie-making at Cooking with Gingy, Poke-a-pumpkin game, Halloween paper mask-making session, and a trick-or-treat activity with Shrek & Fiona at The Shoppes at the Boulevard. The promotional package, which is offered on a first come first served basis includes freebies like a Spookfest sling bag, a Shrek Screaming bobblehead toy, and an Ogre Scream milkshake. 8800-8080 | www.cityofdreamsmanila.com.
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One Night in Intramuros
With the Walled City’s rich history and architectural marvels like Fort Santiago, Manila Cathedral, and San Agustin Church, among others, the Spanish-built district is now one of the best tourist attractions in Manila. Touring and experiential group specializing in custom private tours, WanderManila, is organizing a night walking tour in Ermita and Intramuros. The walking tour, however, is now fully booked. For those interested, the event will be streaming live on Facebook on Oct. 30.
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Paradigm
All-nighters and revelers can have a scary-good time at XYLO at the Palace in its three-day party Paradigm from Oct. 28 to 31. Some of the local DJs to beat match throughout the parties are Ace Ramos, Franco Zarate, Kat DJ, and Marc Marasigan, to name a few. +63 917 680 8888
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Nightmares Manila
Described as “a massive five-in-one walk-through dark attraction filled with terrifying live actors, horror movie style scares, and Hollywood quality special effects,” Nightmares Manila in Paranaque features two haunted attractions, zombie paintball, escape rooms, and a cafe all in one location. A place where nightmares come true but a fun time for friends and families. nightmaresmanila.com
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Oh how the candles will be lit and the wood of worm burn in a fiery dust. For on All Hallow's Eve will the spirits come to play, and only the fruit of thy womb will satisfy their endless roaming.—Solange Nicole
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Ozine Fest
A treat for those who like anime and cosplay, Ozine’s Halloween special from Oct. 29 to 30 at the events space of Promenade Greenhills will feature band performances, cosplay competitions, an artist alley, anime merch, and other fun activities. facebook.com/ozinefest
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Halloween Howlers
Original Pinoy Music (OPM) legends Bamboo, Mayonnaise, Magnus Haven, and rappers ShantiDope, Nik Makino and even icon Gloc-9 will grace the stage of the music festival Halloween Howlers at Circuit Makati. Patty Tiu, Alvaro Martinez, and Katsy Lee are also some of the DJs who will mix. A Haunted House will be set up for participants to explore. Guests may also watch professional skateboarding, BMX, rollerblades, and hip-hop dance competitions in the venue. The person best dressed in Halloween outfit could take home ₱90,000. booking.vamosph.com/tour/halloween-howler-2022
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DRAGula: The HalloQUEEN Party
Fans of Drag Race Philippines rejoice as superstars from the show, local queens, and other artists have come together for DRAGula: The HalloQUEEN Party, which will take place on Oct. 29 and 30 at 500 Shaw Zentrum in Mandaluyong City.
Marina Summers, Viñas Deluxe, and Lady Gagagita, among others, are some of the performers. The attendee in the most sickening costume also gets a cash prize of ₱5,000. Only those aged 18 and above may participate.
Another party with the queens of Drag Race Philippines will be held on Oct. 28 at the Shooting Gallery Studios Makati. The ULTRAVERSE Halloween Event by Jungle Circuit Party will feature season one winner Precious Paula Nicole and Prince Turing. eventbrite.ie/e/dragula-halloween-party-tickets-419694937857