What to do this long weekend: Independence Day activities
MANILA, Philippines — After what feels like a lifetime — but really just a little over a week — the Philippines has another long weekend in 2026.
This one is particularly special though as Friday, June 12, marks the country's 128th Independence Day, hence the hundreds of flags waving all around the country.
It should be no surprise then that most activities this long weekend revolve around all things red, white, blue and yellow.
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Araneta City has an array of Independence Day activities this year, starting with the weekend-long "Tara Merienda!" food feast at the Gateway Mall Activity Area featuring local snacks.
Also in the same area is a space for passers-by to learn Baybayin and even a chance to write their names or full sentences in the ancient script.
Lasting until June 17 is "Larong Pinoy" in Ali Mall's MacArthur Activity Area, where an interactive setup allows both children and adults to play popular local games, including a teks and tatsing tournament.
On Independence Day itself are "The Great Pinoy Pork Culinary Wars" at Gateway Mall 2 and the "Tagpi-Tagpi" fashion show at Farmers Plaza, while on the morning of June 14 (Sunday) all are invited to join an organized run wearing the colors of the Philippine flag.
Rizal reads
Fully Booked and Penguin Random House are teaming up for an "El Filibusterismo Readathon" where guests are invited to read Jose Rizal's iconic novel together.
The first El Fili reading session will take place on Saturday afternoon, June 13, in Fully Booked's Book Nook Podium as participants read the first seven chapters.
People will be tasked with reading the next 13 chapters on their own before reconvening on June 27, another Saturday, this time in Fully Booked's The Studio in Bonifacio High Street to complete the book.
The free event will feature guest readers and performers reading assigned chapters onstage. Guests are encouraged to bring their own copies of "El Filibusterismo" and those who come in Filipiniana attire may win a gift card.
Tracks and toys
The much-anticipated Manila Marathon will take place this long weekend, happening across five, 10, 21, and 42-kilometer runs.
All eyes will be on the full marathon, which will see racers run the full length of EDSA back and forth.
Outside of Independence Day-related activities are this year's Toy Con in the SMX Convention Center and a pride edition of Komiket at Centris Elements.
Those who missed out on Macoydubs and Baus Rufo's first live show for their podcast "Dogshow Divas" will have another chance this June 13, Saturday, when the two hosts take over the Teatrino Promenade.
Over at TriNoma, Souk’s Ube Fest brings together food and lifestyle brands like Carmen's Best and Piña Couture for a weekend market honoring Filipino culinary heritage and thriving MSMEs mostly centered around ube.
