Julia Christine Botin

Weekend guide: Uniqlo fest, Italian buffet, Big Bad Wolf and more

Article (news)

ABS-CBN News

<p>Here are some events that are happening this weekend. </p><div><strong>Italian treats at Novotel’s Food Exchange Manila</strong><br/><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:950px"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1747992979512New Project (2).jpg" style="width:950px" class="fr-fic fr-dib"/><span class="fr-inner"><em>Handout</em></span></span></span></div><p><strong></strong><strong></strong>Food Exchange Manila at Novotel Manila Araneta City is set to transform weekends into a global culinary journey with the launch of two distinct dining experiences: Trattoria Pauletto, an Italian-themed dinner buffet; and Sailing Through Flavors of the Coast, a Mediterranean-inspired Sunday lunch.</p><p>Every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday from 6 p.m. to 10:30 p.m., guests can step into the vibrant world of Trattoria Pauletto. This Italian dinner buffet offers authentic Neapolitan pizza, Ciccheti, and Bistecca, alongside classic pasta dishes and wood-fired pizzas. </p><p>The ambiance is enhanced by unlimited Limoncello Spritz cocktails, free-flowing flavored iced teas, sodas, coffee, tea, and local beers.</p><p>Trattoria Pauletto is priced at P2,688 nett per person, making it an ideal choice for family dinners, romantic evenings, or friendly gatherings.</p><p>Families will particularly appreciate that kids 8 years old and below dine for free with one paying adult per child. For those booking through My Novotel Boutique, an exclusive discounted rate of P2,488 nett per person is available.</p><p>As the weekend draws to a close, Food Exchange Manila keeps the culinary adventure alive with Sailing Through Flavors of the Coast, a Mediterranean-themed Sunday lunch buffet. </p><p>Running every Sunday from 12 noon to 3 p.m., the buffet features fresh seafood, grilled meats, olive oil-rich salads, and herb-forward sides. The beverage selection includes unlimited Peach White Sangria cocktails, free-flowing flavored iced teas, sodas, coffee, tea, non-alcoholic drinks, and local beers.</p><p>This Mediterranean journey is priced at P2,988 nett per person. Like its Italian counterpart, children aged 8 and below eat free when accompanied by a paying adult. Savvy diners can also enjoy this buffet at a My Novotel Boutique exclusive rate of P2,688 nett per person.</p><div><strong>Big Bad Wolf book sale</strong></div><div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:950px"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1747987901249Book Displays.jpg" style="width:950px" class="fr-fic fr-dib"/><span class="fr-inner"><em>Handout</em></span></span></span></div><p>Big Bad Wolf is back in Manila and ready to welcome book lovers at V-Mall in Greenhills.</p><p>Over 2 million books are up for grabs at up to 95% off from May 23 to June 2. Opening hours are 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. from Monday to Thursday, and 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. from Friday to Sunday. Admission is free. </p><p>At 1:30 p.m. on May 25, Filipina romance and fantasy author Mica de Leon will share her tips on writing and publishing after landing a 7-book deal in just one year.  </p><div><a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/lifestyle/2025/5/21/big-bad-wolf-book-sale-goes-to-greenhills-here-s-what-to-expect-1934">Big Bad Wolf book sale goes to Greenhills: Here&#x27;s what to expect</a></div><div><strong>Uniqlo Thank You Festival</strong></div><div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:950px"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1747987730247UNIQLO_A Celebration Made for All_photo 1.JPG" style="width:950px" class="fr-fic fr-dib"/><span class="fr-inner"><em>Handout</em></span></span></span></div><p>Uniqlo has kicked off its Thank You Festival, the Japanese fashion brand&#x27;s way of expressing gratitude for the continued loyalty of its shoppers. </p><p>The week-long event features promos, freebies, unique novelty items, and more. From May 23 to 25, shoppers can take home a free customizable bag tag when they buy any item with no minimum spend at Uniqlo&#x27;s branches at SM North Edsa, SM Megamall, SM Mall of Asia, and SM Aura Premier. </p><p>Uniqlo app members can also get a free bag tag by using the Click and Collect service from May 23 to 29 with no minimum spend required. </p><p>More details are available on Uniqlo&#x27;s social media pages.</p><div><strong>Moonstar88 marks 25 years of ‘Torete’</strong></div><div><iframe class="instagram-media instagram-media-rendered" id="instagram-embed-0" src="https://www.instagram.com/reel/DJ6pLLhh9x_/embed/?cr=1&amp;v=14&amp;wp=485&amp;rd=https%3A%2F%2Fod2-workbench-web.abs-cbn.com&amp;rp=%2F#%7B%22ci%22%3A0%2C%22os%22%3A66422.29999999999%2C%22ls%22%3A66022.9%2C%22le%22%3A66420.79999999999%7D" allowtransparency="true" allowfullscreen="" frameBorder="0" height="880" data-instgrm-payload-id="instagram-media-payload-0" scrolling="no" style="background:white;max-width:540px;width:calc(100% - 2px);border-radius:3px;border:1px solid rgb(219, 219, 219);box-shadow:none;display:block;margin:0px 0px 12px;min-width:326px;padding:0px"></iframe></div><script async="" src="//www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script><p>Veteran OPM band Moonstar88 is celebrating the 25 years of its mellow pop-rock hit &quot;Torete&quot; with a special concert on May 24 at Eton Centris Walk, Quezon City. Gates open for the free concert at 3 p.m.</p><p>Together with the Metro Manila Concert Orchestra, the band is set to breathe new life into their hit songs including &quot;Torete.&quot;</p><p>Presented by Eton Centris, Soupstar Music, Redlines Productions, and Eton Properties Philippines Inc., the one-night musical event will be opened by OPM acts Hey June! and Better Days.</p><div><strong>Spirited Sessions spotlights craft gins</strong></div><div><iframe class="instagram-media instagram-media-rendered" id="instagram-embed-2" src="https://www.instagram.com/p/DJo8VYETSfR/embed/?cr=1&amp;v=14&amp;wp=485&amp;rd=https%3A%2F%2Fod2-workbench-web.abs-cbn.com&amp;rp=%2F#%7B%22ci%22%3A2%2C%22os%22%3A96203.69999999998%2C%22ls%22%3A66022.9%2C%22le%22%3A66420.79999999999%7D" allowtransparency="true" allowfullscreen="" frameBorder="0" height="880" data-instgrm-payload-id="instagram-media-payload-2" scrolling="no" style="background:white;max-width:540px;width:calc(100% - 2px);border-radius:3px;border:1px solid rgb(219, 219, 219);box-shadow:none;display:block;margin:0px 0px 12px;min-width:326px;padding:0px"></iframe></div><script async="" src="//www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script><p>If you’re a gin lover and looking for a fun way to spend a Saturday afternoon, head over to Masukal Bistro in Teacher’s Village for Spirited Sessions: Local Gin Edition.</p><p>Spirited Sessions presents a guided gin tasting spotlighting four of the Philippines’ celebrated craft gins: 1834, Proclamation, ARC, and Agimat.</p><p>Held in an intimate setting, the event invites guests to explore the distinct stories, botanicals, and flavor profiles behind each label. The session offers both casual drinkers and seasoned enthusiasts a deeper appreciation of the country’s growing gin landscape. With limited slots available, the tasting promises an afternoon of conversation, discovery, and celebration of local craft gin.</p><div><strong>Ohana Fun Station at Ayala Malls Cinemas</strong></div><div><span class="fr-video fr-deletable fr-fvc fr-dvb fr-draggable" contenteditable="false" draggable="true"><iframe width="640" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Su7UMqmEQV0?&amp;wmode=opaque&amp;rel=0" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen="" class="fr-draggable"></iframe></span><br/></div><p>Ayala Malls Cinemas as they bring the Ohana spirit in theaters with &quot;Lilo &amp; Stitch.&quot; But there’s more to enjoy when watching in Ayala Malls Cinemas, as parents can take their kids for a fun-filled day of activities with Lilo and Stitch. </p><p>Moviegoers who purchase two tickets to &quot;Lilo &amp; Stitch&quot; at participating branches will be eligible to participate in the Ohana Fun Station activities, which includes arts and crafts and Lilo &amp; Stitch-themed activity sheets. Patrons can also take photo booth pictures as souvenirs.</p><p>The Ohana Fun Station is available to participating Ayala Malls Cinemas from May 24 to 25.</p><p>&quot;Lilo &amp; Stitch&quot; is the live-action reimagining of the beloved animated movie of the same name, about a lonely Hawaiian girl, who crosses paths with an alien on the run.</p>