The new year is a great time to explore new activities or rediscover your love for all the hobbies you’ve missed out on over the past year! Whether you’re seeking an activity where you can unwind, learn a new skill, or express your creativity, these hobbies offer so much room for self-growth, as well as opportunities to meet like-minded individuals and find inspiration wherever you go.
Photo: Whimsy Cakes Manila/Instagram, Wabi Sabi/Instagram, Unsplash
From activities you can enjoy alone or with the presence of good company, there’s always something for everyone to enjoy.
Here are ten activities you can try this year:
1. Journaling
Writing is always a great outlet to process your emotions and keep track of how your days unfold, no matter how chaotic or quiet it is.
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Do you feel pressured to make your journal entries visually perfect, like the ones you’ve seen on social media? The truth is, your journal can be anything you want it to be! There are countless ways to use your notebooks and planners this year—writing reflections and devotions, gluing keepsakes and paper scraps, tracking your to-do lists, tracking your yearly goals and bucket lists, and so much more.
If you have unused notebooks lying around at home, now’s the perfect time to put them to good use! If you’re looking for a fresh start, this journal is affordable, sleek, and non-intimidating.
2. Cooking
Cooking is an essential skill, but that doesn’t mean it has to be intimidating! Whether it’s simple home-cooked meals, lazy 10-minute dishes, or one-pot recipes, cooking can be enjoyable when it comes from the heart.
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For K-Drama enthusiasts looking to explore new cuisine and savor the most scrumptious and heartwarming Korean meals, this cookbook has everything you need.
3. Baking
For those with a sweet tooth who love the magic of watching pastries come to life, baking is an enjoyable and rewarding hobby to try. The best part about baking is that you get to enjoy the delicious results!
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If you want to improve your baking skills and unleash your creativity at the same time, consider attending a cake-decorating workshop at Whimsy Cakes Manila! This hands-on workshop is perfect for both beginners and experienced bakers who want to take their sweet time baking and decorating their cakes.
4. Running
We all know a friend or a loved one who is all about running and fitness, and if you’ve considered giving it a try this year, it’s never too late! You can start slow and simple by running in your neighborhood or join a fun to feel that adrenaline boost pumping your veins.
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Running is not only a great activity to improve your overall health, but it is also an emerging social activity where you can meet fellow runners. For BINI fans, this run club named “Blooms Run Club” is a running group where you can achieve your fitness goals while connecting with other fans of the nation’s girl group.
5. Pottery
For those wanting to try something new this year, have you considered pottery? This activity not only provides an escape from stressful situations but also sparks creativity within you.
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You are in good hands! Wabi Sabi is a pottery studio in Pasig City that offers a range of workshops, including pottery workshops, mug-making and painting workshops, a three-day full-course workshop, and a seven-day wheel-throwing course. These activities will guide you in creating your hand-crafted ceramic wares and personalized trinkets that you can use every day.
6. Painting
Painting is another therapeutic hobby for those who want to express themselves through colors or unwind after a stressful week.
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Whether you are a beginner or not, Sip & Gogh is the premier paint-and-sip studio in the Philippines that boosts creativity and provides a safe space for socialization through painting. With their scheduled classes, you won’t need to worry about finding painting equipment—all you need to bring is yourself and a willingness to learn and enjoy!
7. Hiking
This is your sign to become more active this year! The great thing about hiking is not just about pushing yourself and moving your body; it’s also an opportunity to keep in touch with nature and get to know people from different walks of life.
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Sunday Hike Club is one of the many hiking groups in the Philippines where you can join a group of hikers and finally cross hiking off your list. Whether you haven’t experienced hiking or not, this community organization of hikers provides a safe space to explore new trails, share memorable adventures, and build long-lasting connections.
8. Rock climbing
For thrill-seekers who want to improve their well-being, indoor rock climbing is the answer.
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Are you looking for climbing gyms around the Metro? Power Up Climbing offers different types of climbing suitable for kids, beginners, and even professionals. Bonus points: they have locations in Taguig, Muntinlupa, and Quezon City!
9. Joining a book club
Make reading fun again this year! It’s time to check off a few books from your ‘To Be Read’ list or discover new selections that will transport you to another dimension.
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Did you know reading is also a great way to connect with others and make new friends? Silent Book Club is a book club in Manila that brings together bookworms from all over the country, allowing them to discover interesting new reads while creating meaningful connections along the way.
10. Archery
Finally, channel your inner Katniss Everdeen with archery! This fun sport helps you improve your concentration and test your precision, but it’s also a cool and engaging activity that develops your confidence.
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Hit the bullseye at Arrowland by Gandiva, an archery range in SM Megamall. For as low as P300, you can shoot 25 arrows and experience the thrill of aiming for the target. They also offer archery lessons for beginners and intermediate-level archers.
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