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The Escolta Block Party has become a month-long festival! Here's a list of activities to enjoy
The Escolta Block Party has become one of the hottest street parties, celebrating Manila's rich culture, history, and design.
It's become quite the big affair that this year, organizers decided to make it into a month-long affair.
According to the Manila Creative Exchange (TMCX), organizers of the event, the "Escolta Block Festival" will take up two blocks on Escolta and surrounding streets from November 9 to 30.
The main event space is called the "Escolta Exchange" and will be located on the ground floor of the old mid-century Panpisco building (246 Escolta St.).
"The space was conceived as a way to show how some of the spaces in the street could be activated and used to enliven the street once more," says festival director Reymart Cerin.
"We wanted to explore how we can build an alternative workspace, hangout, or an exhibit space, especially now that Escolta is drawing in more students and creatives.
Here's a simple guide to the weekend activities that will kickstart the festival.
Below meanwhile are some events you might wanna check out:
The Escolta Crawl
Prominent tour guide Ivan Man Dy will be taking guests on a curated walk around the centuries-old neighborhood of Binondo. Guests will definitely "learn about Chinatown's heritage, visit historic buildings, taste her culinary treats and meet the eclectic communities." November 16 (9am - 1pm). Escolta-Binondo, First United Building. Free admission
A Night in the "Gayborhood"
For one night only, arts hub Pineapple Lab will be showcasing its "famed queer talent." Festival organizers say guests can expect performances by queer artists, DJs, special guests and a little something called "Palarong Pambakla" in between sets. November 16 (6pm-12am). Escolta Stree. Free admission
Baybayin Workshop
Participants are invited to learn about "evidence-backed historical information" on the script and writing the baybayin syllabry." The baybayin program is based on the frst, and earliest, Spanish documents with baybayin translations. November 19 (1pm - 2:30pm) and November 23 (10am - 12:30pm). Escolta Exchange. Ticketed event
Typography exhibit
The exhibit stems from the question: How do we ensure that what makes a city look Filipino doesn't get lost?
Here, festival organizers say the best local design studios and designers will be challenged to interpret the festival’s theme of “Future Forward” while taking inspiration from local folk typography. November 16 launch (1:30pm-5pm) and November 23 talk (10am to 12:30pm) - Escolta Exhange. Free admission
Hydroponics workshop
Here's something plantitas and titos will enjoy: a workshop emphasizing the advantages of urban farming through hydroponics, as well as the challenges faced by the Philippine farm scene and how hydroponics can help.
Organizers say there will be a hands-on demo on how to grow hydroponic plants with a mini hydroponic kit, which includes a jar, net pot, growing medium, hydroponic nutrients, and seeds. November 23 (1pm - 5pm). First United Building. Ticketed event
Pop-up libraries, book stops and children's storytelling
The Museo Pambata Mobile Library will bring storytelling, book lending, and other childrens’ activities to the Escolta Block Festival on November 9.
Organizers say visitors will also be encouraged to explore urban topics by reading books in the studio library and purchasing books in a special reading list for urbanists in partnership with Fully Booked on November 30. Free admission
"Colors of Manila" Quiapo tour
A winding tour through Quiapo, organizers say this journey will feature folk medicine, halal food, side street markets, a "unique sampling of flavors" from the provinces of Mindanao, and discussions on "what it's like to be a Muslim in a predominantly Catholic country." November 23 (3:45pm - 6pm). Escolta-Quiapo. Ticketed event
A "Block Bakery"
Festival organizers promise a pop-up "Block Bakery" offering a full pastry case by Baker on East, a bread program by 28 Derby, and a full drinks program by Jacob’s Well. November 19 (1pm - 2:30pm). Escolta Exchange. Free admission
Film screenings with Nick Deocampo
Film historian and scholar Nick Deocampo is expected to screen films "showing the evolution of Philippine cinema, featuring the very cradle of its birth which is Escolta." November 17. Venue, TBD. Ticketed event
Instagram. Facebook. Full festival calendar and lineup here.
— LA, GMA News
