Father's Day weekend: Viking adventure, racing experiences
MANILA, Philippines — Fathers take the spotlight this weekend with a list of activities they can enjoy to mark their special day.
From bonding with his family to attending events specially curated with him in mind, these are the events happening all over the metro this Father's Day weekend.
Grand Prix celebration
This Father's Day, Araneta City puts dads in the winner's circle with The Dad Grand Prix, a racing-themed celebration packed with family activities, exciting competitions, rewarding treats, and memorable experiences designed to honor the everyday heroes of the household.
At Gateway Mall 1, dads and their families can showcase their driving skills on a racing simulator powered by Apex Racing Philippines. The driver with the fastest time will be heralded champion at a special podium ceremony!
Other activities include a 360 photobooth where families can pose as racers with racing helmets, steering wheels, and checkered flags! And to complete the racing vibe, there will also be a car display courtesy of Art Circle Gallery.
Over at Ali Mall, Araneta City has teamed up with Apex Glory Hobby Shop for a scintillating Tamiya Mini 4WD free play sessions. Timber Toys will be selling diecast cars from June 20 to 21, so enthusiasts and collectors can shop to their heart's delight.
A rewarding twist to this year's celebration is the Dad's Pit Stop promo, designed to make the day even more memorable. Fathers who make a minimum purchase of P3,000 at participating stores and restaurants within Araneta City can redeem an exclusive gift card.
From a complimentary movie pass at Gateway Cineplex 18 to free food and beverage perks from popular dining partners, there's a treat for every dad.
The City of Firsts' Father's Day celebration will kick off with a fun run organized by the aRUNeta Run Club, bringing together dads and their families in a morning of fitness. Families are invited to participate energetically and memorably.
Moments for dad
This Father's Day, Shangri-La Plaza skips the gift guide and builds a weekend around something harder to wrap — time, presence, and a good photograph.
The Man Behind the Moments is a two-day celebration at the Grand Atrium on June 20 and 21, 2026, and the latest expression of Sincerely, Shang — the mall's ongoing series of curated events and experiences that reflects its distinctive approach to community and creativity.
The June 20 program opens with Story Frame: A Shang Photowalk with Nelwin Uy from 10:00 a.m. to noon. A Post Production Workshop follows from 1:00 to 2:00 p.m. for those who want to develop the craft further. The afternoon closes with a live podcast from 4:00 to 5:00 p.m., a candid conversation about what fatherhood looks like today.
June 21 is given over to family. Snapshots: Capturing Family Moments by Little Heartbeat Photography runs from 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. — an open portrait session where families can come as they are and leave with photographs worth holding onto.
Viking adventure
DreamPlay by DreamWorks at City of Dreams Manila marks its 11th anniversary this June with a month-long “How to Train Your Dragon”-inspired Viking adventure.
Inspired by the friendship between Hiccup and Toothless, the celebration highlights the discovery, courage, and imagination that have made DreamPlay a family favorite for more than a decade.
Families can join the celebration with the Viking Adventure Pass, available until June 28 for P3,099. It includes all-day access to DreamPlay’s 12 attractions, skip-the-queue privileges, and a choice of Viking or dragon-themed face or hand painting.
Passholders also receive a DreamPlay anniversary wristband, a Hiccup or Astrid bobblehead, a Gloria and Mort pin, Gingy’s Viking Treat, 40% off one printed 6R photo memorabilia and a 360-degree video booth experience, plus 10% off a cotton candy stick and tumbler.
Shows galore
Outside of events dedicated to fathers and families are a number of weekend shows to enjoy.
This June 19, the Philippine Educational Theater Association opens "Ang Babae sa Septic Tank 4: Oh Sh*t! It's Live Sa Cheter!" starring Eugene Domingo. The production will run until August 16 in Quezon City's PETA Theater Center.
Also premiering on the same day is the full-length "Paquita" courtesy of Ballet Manila as envisioned by the company's artistic director Lisa Macuja-Elizalde. There will be two other afternoon shows the next couple of days in the company's home of the Aliw Theater.
For those seeking leisure in a contemporary environment, Okada Manila is once again hosting the &Friends Festival on June 19 and 20, while on the 21st the Manila leg of Pride Run will be held around the Mall of Asia area.
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