July is a good month as any to recenter ourselves in art and culture, and thankfully, there are a lot of special events in the coming days that could help us with just that. After everything that we’ve endured since the year began, these events could be great opportunities for us to take a step back, appreciate the finer things in life, and hopefully find a deeper sense of clarity amid all the noise of today’s mainstream.

Additionally, as we’re sure most of us are growing more anxious as we approach the latter part of the year because of its significance to yet another 12 months we’ve spent “on hold”, taking part in cultural activities this month might help us unwind and get inspired.

Here are a few on our radar to check out this month:

EXPLORE MANILA

In June and months prior, many heritage sites and museums opened up in the City of Manila, finally welcoming visitors to its historical and cultural streets. The National Museum of the Philippines opened on June 19, in time for Dr. Jose Rizal’s 160th birth anniversary. Persons aged 15 and above and fully vaccinated senior citizens (Vaccine Card required) are welcome to book a visiting slot online at https://reservation.nationalmuseum.gov.ph/ where they can make individual and group reservations.

Certain sites in Intramuros have also reopened, particularly Fort Santiago, Casa Manila Museum, and Baluarte de San Diego. Guests between 18 to 65 years old are allowed to visit, along with fully vaccinated senior citizens (Vaccine Card required). For schedule and payment information, check this out: https://www.facebook.com/OfficialIntramurosAdministration/photos/

BIG BAD WOLF BOOK SALE

The biggest online book sale is back in the Philippines with over 60,000 titles at up to 99% discounts. From June 30 to July 7, you can go online to “add to cart” and check out some exciting books from different genres, including Young Adult Romance, Children’s Literature, Graphic Novels, Cook Books, and so many more.

For more information, check this out: https://bigbadwolfbooks.com/ph/

ART IN THE PARK

From July 25 to August 1, Art in the Park returns to the virtual streets with incredible artworks by local artists for collectors and art lovers. This will be the fair’s 15th year and it promises even more affordable pieces with over 60 participating galleries, 4 special exhibits, and 10,000 artworks all under P70,000. Even if you don’t intend to buy anything, it could be a fun activity to look through some of the best works by Filipino artists online.

For more information, check this out: https://artinthepark.ph/

‘RAK OF AEGIS’ STREAMING

A lot of local theater productions are going live online this month, including the acclaimed and celebrated show of PETA’s Rak of Aegis. The show, a recorded version of its latest run, will be available for online streaming for two weekends, particularly June 31 and August 1, and August 7-8, 2021. Tickets have been on sale since May 7, 2021 via www.bit.ly/rakofaegisstreaming. Audiences can choose from the following viewing options

• Livestream at Php 350 – 8:00 P.M to 11:00 P.M. (Philippine Standard Time)
• Video On Demand at Php 500 – 24-hours streaming from 10:00 A.M. to 10:00 A.M. the next day (Philippine Standard Time)

Video on Demand Premium at Php 1,000 – 24-hours streaming from 10:00 A.M. to 10:00 A.M. the next day (Philippine Standard Time) plus exclusive access to the Rak with Aegis LIVE virtual concert on August 8, 8:00 P.M., featuring the Aegis Band and select cast of Rak of Aegis.