It's a long weekend -- and a payday one, too! Why not make the most of it and plan an activity-packed few days with the kids? Go out to do something fun, eat good food, shop and de-stress. Here are a few ideas:
What to do
Ride bikes (or learn how to!)
Did you know there are carless lanes in Bonifacio High Street dedicated for families who want to enjoy biking together? Yup! It's called the Family Zone and it's located along 9th Avenue, Taguig City. Drop by on Sunday, September 3, and prepare to have fun! If the kids (or you) have yet to learn how to cycle, NBO Bike Lessons will be there as well to teach anyone who's willing to learn! Bikes are provided and teachers are present to guide newbie riders.
Head to the Asian Festival
Hang out in Lucky Chinatown in Manila and visit the activity area for the Asian Festival happening until September 3. Depending on the day you visit, there will be food, live shows, exhibits and toy fairs. There will be activities for little fans of Tomica, Robocar Poli and Super Wings! Made possible by Toy Kingdom, find the full schedule of events here. 
Where to eat
Hello Kitty Cafe in Uptown Mall
Finally, there's now a Hello Kitty Cafe in the Philippines! Present in many countries all over the world, ours is located in Uptown Mall, Taguig. With a Western Royalty theme, everything from the furniture to the food is topped with Hello Kitty's iconic bow, making it Instagram-worthy. The kids will love their baked sweet treats while you enjoy a hot cup of coffee. They have plates of filling meals too for big appetites. Tara? Read more about the cafe here.
Mad Mark’s in Glorietta
You can't beat the taste of homemade ice cream. Craving for one while out? Head over to Mad Mark's and get some! They've just opened a new branch at Glorietta 3 in Makati and you'd want to bring the kids there for lunch. Aside from their made-from-scratch ice cream, their steaks, ribs and wings are also must-haves. 
Where to shop
Baby, Kids & Family Expo Philippines
The Baby, Kids & Family Expo Philippines is happening this weekend, September 2 to 3, at the Megatrade Hall, SM Megamall, Mandaluyong City. There will be a big variety of brands to shop from, fun activities, expert workshops, playground areas for the kids, and more. Register here.
Noteworthy in Greenbelt 5
Posted by Noteworthy on Tuesday, July 25, 2017
Hey, mom! Do you love stationery? Check out Noteworthy, a new store in Greenbelt 5, Makati for everything pens, notebooks and workspace essentials! They have a unique selection with brands like Itoya, Caran d' Ache, Ban.do and lots more. They make great end-of-the-week treats or as gifts to loved ones. The highlight of the store? They have a space where you can build your own notebook -- choose the cover, inside pages and personalize it with gold stamping. It's the perfect present!
Where to spend your me-time
Experience The Force

Got a Star Wars fan at home (a.k.a, the hubby)? Toy Kingdom is set to unveil the new Star Wars toys inspired by the upcoming film Star Wars: The Last Jedi! Join Star Wars FORCE FRIDAY II on Friday, September 1, at 12 midnight, at the Main Mall Atrium, SM Mall of Asia (enter via Main Mall Drop Off).
Taste test like a critic

Looking for something you and the hubby can do together? Feel like a food critic at The Ultimate Taste Test, happening on September 2 to 3 at the Glorietta Activity Center Palm Drive. By purchasing an entrance ticket, you'll be free to taste test samples from over 30 different food startups and vote for your favorites. Your ticket also comes with your choice of a bottle of beer. Tickets are at P550, which you can get here.
Plan your next family vacation

Envision your next grand family vacation at the Philippine Travel Mart happening on September 1 to 3 at the SMX Convention Center, Pasay. Find the best tour packages, accommodation, airfare and more for local and out-of-the-country vacation spots. The event is in support of the ASEAN Integration, so be sure to look out for special deals to ASEAN destinations plus China, Japan and South Korea. Entrance tickets are at P50 each.