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9 Things To Do In Metro Manila & Beyond This January 2023 – From A Ne-Yo Concert To An Otaku Expo

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Things to do in Metro Manila for January 2023

People are welcoming a new year, which means every one of us has a chance to make new, fun memories once more. Of course, that includes going to concerts, fan meetings, or even trips outside the metro that’ll be worth your while.

On that note, here are 9 things to do in Metro Manila & beyond for January 2023 to start your year right. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can partake in trips outside the metro and go for a challenging mountain hike or a trip to see the oldest living traditional tattoo artist.

– Metro Manila –

1. MOA Nights of Lights – for those who still have holiday fever

Events January 2023 - MOA Night of Lights
Image credit: SM Mall of Asia Official

If you’re still stuck with holiday fever, head to the Night of Lights at SM Mall of Asia grounds. You’ll experience an immersive 15-minute drive-through of creative lighting setups, tons of photo ops, and quality time with friends or family. What’s more, you won’t have to step out your vehicle to have fun.

Highlights: 

  • There will be seven different Disney-themed installations, from Pixar characters to Disney princesses.
  • You can check out the Hyundai show room after the drive-through for newly released models.
  • Guests can try out the Hyundai cars at the drive-through.

Admission fee: single receipt purchase of P1,500 (~USD27.14) and above, P500 (~USD9.05) worth of Disney merchandise
Date: until 8th January 2023
Time: 5.30pm-10pm
Address: SM Mall of Asia Grounds, Pasay City

Find out more information here.

2. Ne-Yo Live in Concert – reminisce Ne-Yo’s greatest hits

Events January 2023 - NE-YO Live in Concert
Image credit: Wilbros Live

If you’re a millennial, then you’ll be hyped about the Ne-Yo Live In Concert happening at Araneta Coliseum this coming month.

You get to listen to Ne-Yo perform his greatest hits in front of a live audience. Filipino fans will hear him sing So Sick, Sexy Love, and Miss Independent once again.

Admission fee: P1,050 (~USD18.99) general admission | P2,625 (~USD47.49) Upper Box | P3,675 (~USD66.50) Lower Box B | P4,725 (~USD85.50) Lower Box A | P6,825 (~USD123.50) Patron B | P7,875 (~USD142.56) Patron A | P8,925-P12,600 (~USD161.57-USD228.10) VIP
Date: 23rd January 2023
Time: 6pm and 9pm
Address: Araneta Coliseum, General Roxas Ave, Cubao, Quezon City

Book your tickets online or at any TicketNet outlet near you.

Note: Only fully vaccinated individuals from ages five years and above are allowed inside the venue. Ticket prices are inclusive of service charges. 

3. ITZY The 1st World Tour – celebrate ITZY’s first world tour and jam to their songs

Events January 2023 - ITZY The 1st World Tour Checkmate Manila
Image credit: Live Nation Philippines

If you’re a massive fan of the K-Pop girl group ITZY, then you’ll want to go to ITZY The 1st World Tour: Checkmate happening at SM Mall of Asia Arena. You’ll get to see them perform live and be part of their first-ever world tour.

Highlight: 

  • VIP ticket holders get to enjoy these inclusions: soundcheck, early access to merchandise, and an exclusive laminate and lanyard.

Admission fee: P3,500 (~USD63.36) general admission | P4,750 (~USD86.01) UB Regular | P5,350 (~USD96.87) UB Premium | P9,950 (~USD180.17) LBB Regular | P10,550 (~USD191.03) LBB Premium | P11,150 (~USD201.89) LBA Regular | P11,850 (~USD214.57) LBA Premium | P13,500 (~USD244.45) VIP Seated w/ soundcheck
Date: 14th-15th January 2023
Time: 7pm and 6pm
Address: SM Mall of Asia Arena, Mall of Asia Complex, J.W. Diokno Blvd, Pasay

Get your tickets online or at any SM Tickets outlet near you.

4. Otaku Expo – for anime and manga fans and cosplayers

Events January 2023 - Otaku Expo
Image credit: Otaku Expo

The Otaku Expo at SMX Convention Center will be happening once more for anime and manga fans, and cosplayers to enjoy. For two days, you get to learn from visual artists, collect comic books, and even interact with different cosplayers at the event.

Highlights: 

  • Special guest cosplayer Miu will be present at the event.
  • There will be an artwork activity area for aspiring artists.
  • Cosplayers can enter the cosplay competition under the categories of Anime, Superhero, and Open Category.

Date: 28th-29th January 2023
Time: 28th January 11am | 29th January 8pm
Address: Function Room 1 & 2, SMX Convention Center, Mall of Asia Complex, Seashell Ln, Pasay

Check out Otaku Expo’s Facebook page for more information.

5. 2023 Best Choi’s Minho Lucky Choi’s – SHINee’s Minho 1st fan meeting

Events January 2023 - 2023 Best Choi's Minho Lucky Choi's in Manila
Image credit: Ovation Productions

SHINee fans will surely be excited that group member Choi Minho will have his first fan meeting, 2023 Best Choi’s Minho Lucky Choi’s, at the SM Mall of Asia Arena. You’ll get to see him in person and maybe even get a chance to take a picture with him.

Highlights: 

  • All fans get to take home a poster as well as a photo card.
  • Other perks include raffles for a signed poster and a signed photo card.

Admission fee: P5,400 (~USD96.51) Lower Box B | P7,400 (~USD132.25) Lower Box A | P8,400 (~USD150.12) Patron | P9,400 (~USD167.99) VIP
Date: 28th January 2023
Time: 8pm
Address: SM Mall of Asia Arena, Mall of Asia Complex, J.W. Diokno Blvd, Pasay

Get your tickets online at ovationtickets.com or at smtickets.com. Watch out for further ticketing details at SM Mall of Asia Arena and Ovation Productions‘ official Facebook pages.

Note: Pre-sale of tickets begin on 6th January 2023. Register on 4th January 2023 to get a pre-sale code. Ticket prices are exclusive of extra charges. 

6. Follow The Movement: AOMG World Tour 2023 – various Korean artists performing on stage

Events January 2023 - Follow The Movement World Tour 2023
Image credit: PULP Live World

If you’re always on the hunt for other Korean music genres besides K-Pop, then the Follow The Movement: AOMG World Tour 2023 happening at the New Frontier Theater will be for you.

You’ll get to listen to some hip hop by Korean artists Simon Dominic and Loco as well as some R&B by Lee Hi and Yugyeom. You can listen to a mix of both by GRAY, too.

Highlights: 

  • Korean rapper Woo will be joining the artists on tour.
  • Fans get to take home a souvenir show card and an official poster.
  • Other perks include a signed poster, a goodbye session with the artists, and a group photo.

Admission fee: P5,550 (~USD100.49) Balcony and Floor B | P7,500 (~USD135.80) Loge | P8,500 (~USD153.90) Floor A | P11,000 (~USD199.17) Royalty
Date: 15th January 2023
Time: 6pm
Address: New Frontier Theater, 7 General Malvar Ave, Cubao, Quezon City

Get your tickets online or at any TicketNet outlet near you.

Note: Ticket prices are exclusive of service charges. 

7. 2023 Kim Seon Ho Asia Tour – Korean actor Kim Seon Ho fan meeting

Events January 2023 - 2023 Kim Seon Ho Asia Tour in Manila
Image credit: PULP Live World

If you’ve watched the Korean dramas Start-Up and Hometown Cha-Cha-Cha, then you’d want to go to the 2023 Kim Seon Ho Asia Tour <One, Two, Three. Smile> at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.

Meet Kim Seon Ho in person and get the chance to interact with him and fellow fans.

Highlights: 

  • Fans get to take home posters and souvenir show cards.
  • Other perks include a goodbye session, a raffle for signed posters, and a raffle for a group photo.

Admission fee: P2,120 (~USD38.39) general admission | P4,240 (~USD76.77) Upper Box | P7,420 (~USD134.35) Lower Box Center | P8,480 (~USD153.54) Lower Box Sides | P9,540 (~USD172.74) Lower Box Premium | P10,600 (~USD191.93) VIP B | P13,250 (~USD240) VIP A
Date: 22nd January 2023
Time: 5pm
Address: SM Mall of Asia Arena, Mall of Asia Complex, J.W. Diokno Blvd, Pasay

Book your tickets online or at any SM Tickets outlet near you.

– Beyond Metro Manila –

8. Buscalan Tour: Apo Whang-Od – get tattooed by the oldest Filipino traditional tattoo artist

Buscalan Tour Apo Whang Od
Image adapted from: eazytraveler/Flickr, Apo Whang Od

Tattoos have always been known as a way to express one’s self through body art. If you agree with that, then check out the Buscalan Tour happening this month. Experience getting tattooed in the traditional way by well-known traditional tattoo artist Apo Whang-Od.

While the decades-long mambabatok (traditional tattoo artist) will be present, do note that due to her old age, her family members or apprentices take on most of the tattoo work.

You’ll get to meet a legend, acquire a new and unique-looking tattoo, and test your pain tolerance in one go.

Fee: P3,499 (~USD63.36) 
Date: 6th-8th, 13th-15th, 20th-22nd, and 27th-29th January 2023
Address: Buscalan Village, Tinglayan, Kalinga

Check out this Facebook group for more information.

Note: The tour fee is exclusive of the traditional tattoo and personal travel fees. 

9. Happy Trekkers’ Mount Polis – join fellow trekkers climb Mount Polis

Happy Trekkers climb Mount Polis
Image credit: Nomer Llano

If you’re a hiking or trekking hobbyist, you can test your skills by joining the Happy Trekkers’ climb to Mount Polis via the Spanish trail in the Mountain Province this January.

You can meet fellow trekkers, climb to the top, and be rewarded with a 360-degree view of the neighboring towns.

Take note that the hike will start quite early, so you can catch the sunrise once you reach the top.

Fee: P2,800 (~USD50.70)
Date: 7th January 2023
Time: 7pm
Address: Bauko, Mountain Province

Find out more information here.

Things to do in Metro Manila and beyond for January 2023

If you’re unsure how to start the year, then let these things to do in Metro Manila and beyond for January 2023 be your guide to making the most of the month.

You’ll have had fun, met a famous artist, and made some new memories by the end of January.

Also check out:

Cover image adapted from: Ovation Productions, SM Mall of Asia Official, Otaku Expo