Since February was declared as the National Arts Month signed in 1991 by the late President Cory Aquino, we Filipinos have found lots of ways to creatively celebrate it. This year, the celebration is even bigger than ever with art conventions and festivals popping everywhere. Check out these 8 festivals and events happening all over the metro this month!

1. Manila Biennale: Open City 2018

Intramuros has always been a favorite tourist destination for both locals and foreigners. The cobblestone streets and the houses open the door to history and seem to bring you back to a simpler era. Manila Biennale debuts with the theme “Open City,” a tribute to Intramuros as a port for the Galleon Trade and to the time “when Intramuros opened itself up to the world and welcomed new ideas, products, and people.”

From February 2 to March 5, Intramuros’ many gardens, museums, forts, baluartes, and plazas will be transformed into platforms for art, performances, film showing, and exhibits. With exhibits all over, visitors have the chance to see the rich history that Intramuros offers and bring back the soul of the walled city.

Visit Manila Biennale’s website for more information!

2. Fringe 2018

Now on its fourth year, the annual Fringe Manila Festival starts from February 7 to 25. With over a hundred events stretched throughout the month, Fringe celebrates National Arts Month in theater, literature, music, dance, visual art, film, cabaret, performance art, circus and every other artistic genre in between. To know more, check out their Facebook page!

3. UP Fair

UP Fair (University of the Philippines, if you don’t know what UP stands for. Ugh.) is an annual concert where your favorite bands both old and new, indie and rock legends share a stage for five nights of thrilling performances. That’s five nights of rocking out with a community that appreciates the same music as you do. If you’re planning on going, click here to know how you can prepare better.

4. Art Battle Manila

If you’re into competitive live painting, Art Battle Manila might just be your cup of coffee. Art Battle Manila is one of Fringe 2018’s numerous art events scattered throughout February. You could be an artist willing to compete or just a newbie in art ready to watch how it’s done. Whichever you are, you’re welcome to join the event at Century City Mall on February 17.

5. 10 Days of Art

To whet your appetite for Art Fair Philippines happening next month, gallery and museum exhibitions and art events will be held all over the metro 10 days before the first day of the Art Fair. You can also cap the week off with food and drink and a great party at XX:XX!

6. Anthology Architecture and Design Festival 2018

Anthology Festival is a three-day celebration of architecture and design at Fort Santiago, Intramuros on February 9 to 11. This year’s theme is “Social Architecture” with guest speakers, exhibits, and various activities and competition for all attendees. To register, click here.

7. Philippine International Hot Air Balloon Festival

Watch the sky get peppered with colorful shapes and characters at the Philippine International Hot Air Balloon Festival on February 8 to 11. Plan your weekend and haul your friends, family, or even your special someone to Pampanga! There will be fun rides, performances from artists, and a chance to ride a hot air balloon which you definitely shouldn’t miss!

8. 12th Chinese Spring Film Festival

Admission is free at the Shang Cineplex, EDSA Shangri-La Mall from February 13 to 18. Watch a collection of action, adventure, and coming-of-age films in this year’s Chinese Spring Film Festival. Aside from the film screening, there are also other activities such as a Chinese painting exhibit, music concert, and painting workshop. To know more, click here.

Which one will we see you at? Tell us in the comments below!