We’re approaching another long weekend in celebration of Independence Day, and if you’re one of those looking for a budget-friendly activity to do with your friends and family (or alone since it’s independence day), we give you a rundown of some of the things to do that are – or are nearly – free.
1. Appreciate some of the country’s finest artworks at the National Museum
Location: Padre Burgos Avenue, Ermita, Manila
Cost: Free
National Museum houses some of the best pieces that Filipino artists have made in the past decades. Aside from the paintings and sculptures that you could see here, the Museum also features a collection dedicated solely on ethnography, natural history, and archaeology. Don’t forget to stop by Juan Luna’s famous Spoliarium when you visit as it’s not only the largest painting in the country, it also made names in the international art scene during its time.
2. Watch a show at the Planetarium
Location: Rizal Park, Padre Burgos Avenue, Ermita, Manila
Cost: P50 for adults; P30 for students; P40 for senior citizens and PWD
Just a short walk from the National Museum is Rizal Park where you would find the National Planetarium. It has just reopened last March, and it continues to attract the attention of both the students and the non-students who want to get the experience of watching a film on the universe from the dome-shaped ceiling. Depending on the schedule, visitors get to choose among the three full dome shows that they screen. See the schedule here.
3. Revisit history in Intramuros
Location: Intramuros, Manila
Cost: Free
If you don’t have the time to take the long drive to Vigan to see the Spanish-style houses, Manila’s walled city is the place to go! Once the city’s capital in the Spanish era, Manila’s walled city is home to two old churches and structures that would take you back to that era. While you could always visit the churches for free, you could also check out Casa Manila Museum (P75) and the San Agustin Museum (P200) to see items which survived through history.
4. See the oldest fortress in the country at Fort Santiago
Location: Intramuros, Manila
Cost: P75
Also within the walls of Intramuros is Fort Santiago. This used to be the main fortress of the Spaniards, and was also the place where our national hero Jose Rizal was detained before he was executed. Fort Santiago also houses a Rizal where you could find memorabilia used by Rizal himself. This place is a great reminder of what the country was like before we claimed the independence we are celebrating today.
5. Catch a film at these cinemas in the metro
Location: Cinematheque Manila is at 855 Kalaw Ave., Ermita, Manila; Cine Adarna is at UPFI Film Center, Magsaysay Avenue, UP Campus, Diliman, Quezon City; Cinema 76 is at 160 Luna Mencias, San Juan.
Cost: P150, although they do hold free screenings from time to time
These theaters screen both local and international films you wouldn’t normally be able to watch in mall cinemas. Since it’s the Independence Day weekend, try visiting one of these cinemas and see an independent film you haven’t seen before! While some films are screened at a minimal price, there would also be some who’d be screening films on history and nationalism for free on June 12. Check out the schedules here, here, and here.
6. Go on a photo walk along the streets of Manila
Cost: Free
Grab you trusty camera and go on a photo walk along some of Manila’s famous streets. While some would always include Escolta and Binondo on the list of good places to do photo walks, you could always try out other places you haven’t been to and just take a snap of the people and they lives they have. Manila – and the Philippines, at that – has always been full of stories and moments waiting to be captured, so there’s really no such thing as a spot that’s not photogenic enough.
7. Be in your best OOTD and have a photo taken at BGC’s famous murals
Location: Bonifacio Global City
Cost: Free
BGC’s street art are not only Instagram-worthy on its own. It’s also the perfect background for your next OOTD photo. You don’t even have to pay for anything to be able to enjoy these pieces – just walk along the streets and you’re sure to find these colorful murals that are larger than life.
8. Check out the country’s traditional arts in CCP’s museum
Location: CCP Complex, Roxas Boulevard, Pasay
Cost: P40
Aside from being the home to some of the country’s most famous art events, the Cultural Center of the Philippines also houses a collection of art pieces and traditional art instruments at the Museo ng Kalinangang Pilipino. From time to time, people could also check out the free exhibitions at the CCP, featuring the works of Filipino artists.
