Catch a Joaquin Phoenix-Scarlett Johansson Flick + More Free Things to Do in February

(SPOT.ph) It’s February and that means love is in the air! Whether or not you’re saving up to splurge for a romantic celebration with that special person in your life, it’s great to know you can manage your budget and still pack your calendar with interesting—and free!—events in the city from film festivals to fitness classes.

Here are 10 things you can do for free this February:

Bundle up with your S.O. for an outdoor film screening

Go on a different kind of date night at 10 Days of Art’s special outdoor screening of One More Chance and That Thing Called Tadhana. Unlike your usual film nights, the movies are to be projected on the massive ceiling of the Makati Stock Exchange along Ayala Avenue. Just bring a blanket and get ready to snuggle!

10 Days of Art opens with an outdoor screening of One More Chance at 6 p.m. and That Thing Called Tadhana at 8 p.m. on February 14 at the Makati Stock Exchange, Ayala Avenue, Makati City. 

Calm your senses by catching an exhibit

For artist Eric Zamuco, spirituality and meditation comes into play in his artistic process; and hopefully, his solo show Cosmic Grounds at Silverlens can share the same state of calmness to the audience. See how his assemblage pieces and sculptures, which make use of discarded objects found in his neighborhood, explore themes of the inevitable and contentment.

Cosmic Grounds run until February 15 at Silverlens at 2263 Don Chino Roces Avenue Extension, Makati City.

Learn more about the Battle of Manila

Are you a history buff? If so, this event is perfect for you. To commemorate the 75th anniversary of the Battle of Manila (in which American forces captured the country’s capital from the Japanese during World War II) the University of Santo Tomas is holding a symposium to look back on that fateful time. The event is free (and even comes with lunch) for the first 120 registrants.

The Battle of Manila Symposium is on February 11, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the University of Santo Tomas Museum, España Boulevard, Manila. Limited slots available. Visit the event’s Facebook page to register.

Catch an Oscar-nominated film

Whether you’ve got a date-date, or your most significant other is your phone, a night watching Spike Jonze’s Her might be a great way to spend a Tuesday night. Manila Movie Nights is back again with a screening of the hit sci-fi film starring two of this year’s biggest stars: Joaquin Phoenix and Scarlett Johansson.

The free screening of Her is on February 11, from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. at Borough U/G C2, Bonifacio High Street Central, 7th Avenue, Bonifacio Global City. E-mail manilamovienights@gmail.com for reservations.

Add to your health and wellness know-how

If there’s anything we know about the current nCoV outbreak, it’s that it’s always better to be informed—especially with matters of health. This month, there will be a health and wellness forum with guest speaker Dr. Rommel Lojo, where people can ask their questions about the disease and be better informed.

The Health and Wellness Forum is on February 15, from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. at Dusit Thani Manila, Ayala Center, Ayala Avenue corner Pasay Road, EDSA, Makati City. Visit the event’s page on Facebook to reserve a limited slot.

See a finalist from The Voice perform live

Not sure how to end your Valentine’s weekend? Why not head to the 26th St. Bistro in BGC for good food and good music? The restaurant will have live music featuring Jej Vinson, a The Voice U.S. contestant who made it to Top 13 of the popular competition. Joining him are local singers Morissette and Polly Cabrera. 

Stages Sessions: Clean Slate is on February 16 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. at 26th St. Bistro, 26th Street, Bonifacio Global City.

Get some insider info on the workings of the Internet 

All the single (or not) ladies are invited to attend a free seminar on data, run by She Loves Data, a Singaporean group with a mission to bring women to data science and analytics. They’re holding a ful- day seminar on data analytics, a crash course on SQL, data integration, and data visualization. If you’re planning on learning something new this year, now’s your chance! 

She Loves Data Manila will be on February 18, from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.. This event is open to women. You can register at their official website for more information. 

Immerse yourself in Philippine theater 

With the lineup of all-original Filipino musicals and straight plays slated every month, it’s enough to say that Philippine theater is more vibrant than ever. Know more about the state of performance arts in the Philippines by attending a roundtable with theater industry insiders, including Malou Jacob, Rody Vera, Nikki Garde-Torres, and more. 

Ang Teatro Ngayon is on February 22, from 1:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. at The Learning Commons, 6/F Henry Sy Sr. Hall, De La Salle University, Taft Avenue, Malate, Manila. E-mail bnscwc@dlsu.edu.ph to reserve your slot. 

Check out a Japanese film festival 

Are you excited about Studio Ghibli movies finally coming to Netflix? Get another Japanese film fix by attending one of seven screenings at Cinematheque during the Japanese Film Festival. Titles like Weathering with You, The Tears of Malumpati, Dad’s Lunchbox, and four other titles are going to be shown during the festival. 

Japan Film Week runs from February 26 to 29 at Cinematheque Centre Manila, 855 T.M. Kalaw Street, Ermita, Manila. Tickets are available on a first come, first served basis. Visit the FDCP website for complete screening schedules. 

Get artsy for free 

Are you interested in making  festival-worthy artwork yourself, instead of just being a spectator? The Ortigas Art Festival is hosting a series of free workshops and demos that everyone can attend. Take your pick among workshops ranging from decorative painting and watercolor, to stencilling and sketching, and starting your own art collection. 

The Ortigas Art Festival has workshops all weekends of February at Estancia, Capitol Commons, 1605 Meralco Avenue, Ortigas Center, Pasig City. To register and for a complete list of the schedule, visit the festival’s EventBrite page.