Things To Do In Metro Manila For May 2023 From Festivals To Dinners & Exhibits For Mother’s Day

Things to do in May 2023

When we think of May, we think of mothers. Being one of the most important months of the year, many of us regard this month as the month we celebrate women, especially mothers.

To that end, here are 8 things to do in Metro Manila for May 2023 from art exhibits to fun color runs to let ourselves loose and celebrate ourselves – as well as all mothers around the world.

1. Go Volunteer 2023

Image credit: iVolunteer Philippines via Facebook

If you and your mom enjoy charity and volunteer work, then going to the Go Volunteer 2023 expo happening in SM Megamall, Mandaluyong would be a great choice.

This is your time to donate some of your belongings that you think can benefit others – from clothing, educational materials such as books, to old toys. After that, you’re welcome to stay longer and enjoy the rest of the festivities at the expo.

Additionally, if you’re residing in Davao, another expo will be held on 27th and 28th May 2023 at the Annex Event Center in SM City Davao.

Highlights: 

• Guests can watch inspiring talks about the different ways of volunteering.
• Everyone can enjoy games and raffles through completing fun tasks.
• There will be a sign-up booth where you can get opportunities for volunteer work.
• Meet and interact with other volunteers and non-governmental organizations (NGOs).

Date: 6th-7th May 2023
Time: 10am
Address: Event Center, Mega A, SM Megamall, EDSA, corner Doña Julia Vargas Ave, Ortigas Center, Mandaluyong

2. Flowers for you, Mom: An Art Exhibit by persons with autism by Vico’s Artism Gallery

Image credit: Vico’s Artism Gallery via Facebook 

Art lovers and enthusiasts will enjoy going to the Flowers for you, Mom: An Art Exhibit by persons with autism happening at Shangri-La Mall in Mandaluyong. It will be showcasing unique art pieces – on flowers – created by autistic artists from ages seven to 31.

Painter Vico Cham’s art piece called “Flower Within A Flower”
Image credit: Vico’s Artism Gallery via Facebook

You’re welcome to admire these artists’ work or support them by getting yourself a painting to add to your collection.

Date: 1st-14th May 2023
Time: 10am-9pm
Address: 1st Level, East Wing, Shangri-La Mall, Mandaluyong City

3. Miss Universe Philippines 2023

Image credit: Miss Universe Philippines via Facebook 

For Miss Universe fans, there’s absolutely still time for you to check out the upcoming Miss Universe Philippines 2023 coronation pageant happening at the SM Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay.

You can take your mom to watch the coronation live and see who’ll be representing the country to compete in the next Miss Universe pageant.

Highlights: 

• Upper Box, Lower Box, and VIP ticket holders are entitled to exclusive souvenir cards as well as posters.
• VIP ticket holders are also entitled to a group photo op and merchandise by Cavaso clothing brand.

Admission fee: P500 (~USD9.02) general admission | P1,490 (~USD26.89) Upper Box | P5,270 (~USD95.10) Lower Box | P12,780 (~USD230.63) VIP
Date: 13th May 2023
Time: 6pm
Address: SM Mall of Asia Arena, Mall of Asia Complex, J.W. Diokno Boulevard, Pasay

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

Note: Ticket prices are inclusive of standard ticketing charges. 

4. Aqua Dining at Manila Ocean Park

Image credit: Frances Umali via Facebook 

If your mom likes fine dining and aquatic animals, then Manila Ocean Park’s Aqua Dining Mother’s Day Dinner will definitely be a win-win. Treat yourself and your mom to a fancy night out with delicious food and a spectacular view of sea animals swimming over your heads.

Image credit: Manila Ocean Park via Facebook 

When you decide to book a reservation, you’re welcome to choose where you’ll be seated – whether it’s beside an aquarium tank or inside the aquarium tunnel.

Highlights: 

• The dinner will comprise a six-course meal: three starter dishes, two main course dishes, and a finale dessert.
• There will be an after-hours visit to the Oceanarium.
• You’ll get a photo gift courtesy of Manila Ocean Park.
• You’ll see a mermaid appearance show.
• Mothers get a special Mother’s Day gift.

Admission fee: P1,699 (~USD30.66) Classic | P1,899 (~USD34.27) Premium | P2,199 (~USD39.68) VIP
Date: 14th May 2023
Time: 6pm-9pm
Address: Manila Ocean Park, Quirino Grandstand, Luneta, Manila

Contact 0956 886 9713 for reservations and inquiries.

Note: Walk-ins are not allowed, reservations only. 

5. Color Run 2023

Image credit: colorfestasia via Facebook

If you enjoy doing marathons for a cause, then the Color Run 2023 happening at the SM Mall of Asia Grounds will be a great choice. Not only will you get your cardio done and get colorful (literally) in the process, but you’ll also support the building of a school for kids in Nueva Ecija.

You’ll basically be running in the name of education.

Highlight: 

• All runners get a race bib, finisher’s medal, tote bag, t-shirt, sunglasses, and a color packet.

Admission fee: P1,070 (~USD19.31) Basic | P1,600 (~USD28.87) Premium
Date: 21st May 2023
Time: 5.30am
Address: SM Mall of Asia Grounds, Seaside Blvd, Pasay

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

Note: Ticket prices are inclusive of standard ticketing charges. 

6. Matt Maltese Live In Manila

Image credit: Midas Promotions via Facebook 

Indie pop-rock music fans will be excited to know that British-Canadian singer-songwriter Matt Maltese is making his first Asian tour – not to mention, his first appearance in the country. Matt Maltese Live in Manila will be held at the Samsung Hall in SM Aura Premier, Taguig.

You’ll get to meet a rising artist as well as watch him perform some of his new songs live.

Admission fee: P1,900 (~USD34.29) Section D | P2,400 (~USD43.31) Section C | P2,700 (~USD48.73) Section B | P3,400 (~USD61.36) Section A
Date: 22nd May 2023
Time: 8pm
Address: SM Mall of Asia Arena, Mall of Asia Complex, J.W. Diokno Boulevard, Pasay

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

Note: Ticket prices are inclusive of standard ticketing charges. 

7. Fusion: The Philippine Music Festival

Image credit: Fusion: The Philippine Music Festival via Facebook

For major OPM fans, you’ll want to check out Fusion: The Philippine Music Festival happening at the CCP Open Grounds in Pasay. You’ll get to watch various well-known artists such as Bamboo, KZ Tandingan, and Ben & Ben perform live and jam to their songs.

What’s more, you’ll get a warm up beforehand at the Fusion FreeJam Battle of the Bands, making the most of your experience.

Highlight: 

• Gold ticket holders are entitled to drinks, a festival kit, and a meet-and-greet with the artists at the festival.

Admission fee: P1,000 (~USD18.05) Bronze | P3,500 (~USD63.16) Silver | P7,000 (~USD126.33) Gold
Date: 27th May 2023
Time: 4pm
Address: CCP Open Grounds, Pasay

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

Note: Ticket prices are inclusive of standard ticketing charges. 

8. Wave Wet n’ Foam Music Festival

Image credit: Ticketnation Philippines via Facebook

Going to the Wave Wet n’ Foam Music Festival, happening at the Filinvest City Events Grounds in Alabang, will require a lot of energy given all the dancing that you’ll do with all the EDM (electronic dance music) around you.

Aside from EDM, you’ll get to mess around with foam, enjoy delicious food and drinks, and end the night with awesome fireworks.

Highlights: 

• All guests have access to the Foam Party as well as the car show.
• VIPs have access to the VIP section and exclusive portalets.
• VIP Mosh Pit ticket holders get one free drink and have access to an elevated mosh pit section.

Admission fee: P500 (~USD9.02) general admission | P1,000 (~USD18.05) VIP Regular | P2,000 (~USD36.09) VIP Mosh Pit
Date: 27th May 2023
Time: 3pm
Address: Filinvest City Events Grounds, Bridgeway Ave, Alabang, Muntinlupa

Book your tickets online at ticketnation.ph.

Note: Ticket prices are exclusive of extra ticketing fees. For VIP Mosh Pit ticket holders, remember to practice safety at all times. While alcoholic beverages are available, remember to drink responsibly. 

Things to do in Metro Manila for May 2023

Basically, these things to do for the month of May lists down a bit of everything. From fun runs to art shows, you can check out any of these activities to treat ourselves as well as our mothers.

For gift ideas for your mom, check out these budget-friendly to luxury Mother’s Day Gifts or check out our ultimate guide of Things to do in Metro Manila for more things to do around the metro. For other things to do in the Philippines, visit The Smart Local Philippines.

Cover image adapted from: Manila Ocean Park, colorfestasia, Miss Universe Philippines, Vico’s Artism Gallery via Facebook