Spook-tacular: A guide to Metro Manila’s terror-rific activities this Halloween

October 29, 2024 - 11:11 AM
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Halloween treats (City of Dreams/Released)

(Updated 7:21 p.m.) Halloween is just around the corner and ready to unleash an eerie-sistible lineup of activities packed with horror thrills.

Save the date as here is what various Metro Manila places have in store:

City of Dreams Manila

  • Troll or Treat

DreamWorks fans must not miss this Trolls-inspired Halloween adventure on November 1 at DreamPlay.

Participants can get a Troll or Treat package for P2,999 for an all-day pass to the Pumpkin Hunt and Halloween Balloon Pop activity at the DreamTales Library, 2D Halloween movie showing, meet-and-greet with DreamPlay characters, and the Troll or Treat Runway costume contest, where the winner is awarded an overnight stay at Hyatt Regency Manila’s King or Twin Room with breakfast for two. The Troll or Treat package also includes a free tote bag and mug.

Troll characters Poppy and Branch will also be touring the registered guests around The Shoppes at the Boulevard for a trick-or-treat activity in various participating restaurants and retail outlets.

Early ticket reservations may be purchased until October 31 at the DreamPlay Counter, while walk-ins will have to pay P1,500 and P350 for the participating and non-participating fee, respectively.

  • No Tricks, Just Treats at Café Society

Have a bite of some eerie-sistible sweet treats at Café Society until to November 1.

The Halloween-themed desserts include Witch Pot Cake (P2,200), Pumpkin Coffin Cake (P1,500), Witch’s Trio of Mini Cakes (P600), Haunted Bricks Chocolate Bar (P350) and Scary Halloween Cookies (P400 for five pieces), among other choices.

  • Spooky Halloween Cocktails at CenterPlay

Time to spice things up this Halloween with exclusive beverages from 6 p.m. to 2 a.m. for the whole month of November at CenterPlay.

For P500, guests can luxuriate in delicious snacks and cocktails of their choice: Nightmare, Potion Ivy, Haunted Spirit Sour, Bloody Marga and Amarantha. Every night, live bands and DJs will also light up the bar scene.

Ayala Malls

  • Thriller Fest at Ayala Malls Cinemas

Halloween festivities would not be complete without horror hits to feast one’s eyes on.

For P150, moviegoers will be able to revisit Hollywood classics “The Lost Boys” and “Tim Burton’s Corpse Bride” from October 30 to November 5 at Ayala Malls Cinemas

Horror fans can also get the chance to watch the 2009 cult classic “Trick ’r Treat,” which was not shown theatrically in the Philippines, on the big screen for the first time. 

Jose Cuervo “Calavera” Bottles

  • Especial Reposado, Especial Silver

Tequila brand Jose Cuervo is bringing a long-standing Mexican celebration to the Philippines with limited-edition “Calavera” bottles, mixed up to match the vibrant energy of the Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead).

The Especial Reposado and Especial Silver, which have been on sale since October, are adorned with intricate and striking designs, as well as a “calaverita” or a short poem written about life and death, serving as the perfect centerpieces to elevate colorful festivities.

Quick rundown on Araneta City’s October 27 Halloween special

  • Halloween Costume Contest at Gateway Mall 2

Kids dressed as their favorite anime characters on stage and won delightful prizes at Gateway Mall 2. With a minimum single-receipt purchase of P1,500, the little ones got to experience a real Halloween treat with face painting, cotton candy and a fun-filled photo booth on the side.

  • Pet Costume Contest at Ali Mall

Otakus are not the only ones who took the spotlight this Halloween as their furry friends also galloped on the runway while wearing their anime-inspired costumes during the Animeow Wooftacular Day.

Pampering services at the Paw Nail Salon and capturing adorable shots at the Pawto Booth also served as un-fur-gettable bonding experiences for the guests and their pets.

A Halloween Bazaar was also installed apart from these activities at Ali Mall from October 22 to 25.

  • Anime-Zing Art Corner at Gateway Mall 1

From crafting their own artworks to customizing tote bags, young artists dove into a series of hands-on opportunities like clay molding, painting and sketching—all with an anime twist. A Kiddie Park was also set up for the young participants for a fun-filled art extravaganza.

  • Spooky Camp at Farmers Plaza

Anime fans stepped into the competitive world of Haikyu!! or Slam Dunk in the sports haven of giant inflatables to show off their spiking and dribbling skills. With a single-receipt purchase, they got the chance to resemble their favorite players in the anime world!

Sinister Film Festival

Araneta City also has an upcoming Sinister Horror Film Festival running from October 30 to November 12.