Five things Angelina Jolie should do while in Manila for the ASEAN Summit

Hollywood superstar Angelina Jolie has arrived in Manila for the 2026 ASEAN Inclusive Growth Summit on November 11. Beyond her speaking engagement, the capital offers experiences worthy of her sophisticated taste.

From world-class pearls and Filipino designer bags to heritage restaurants, here are five activities she should squeeze into her itinerary.

1. Pearl hunting at Greenhills

Jolie could follow the footsteps of Martha Stewart, Rihanna, and Queen Sofía of Spain, who have been reported among Greenhills’ famous pearl shoppers.

The Philippines produces some of the world’s most prized South Sea pearls, particularly golden varieties celebrated for their exceptional size and luster.

Greenhills in San Juan offers everything from classic pearl strands to elaborate jewelry, making it a destination for luxury shoppers seeking beautiful pieces beyond international boutiques.

2. Filipino food trip at Milky Way or Cafe Juanita

For authentic Filipino cuisine, Jolie has two excellent choices.

Milky Way traces its beginnings to a dairy bar established in Manila in the early 1950s. Its present Makati café, opened in 2002 by Chef J. Gamboa, is celebrated for its award-winning kare-kare, crispy hito, baby crispy pata, and homemade ice cream.

Cafe Juanita in Pasig, meanwhile, was founded by physician Dr. Efren Vazquez and named after his mother. Its antique-filled interiors complement Filipino favorites such as two-way pork adobo, crispy pork binagoongan, and catfish mango salad.

3. Halo-halo indulgence at Bebang’s

Jolie should discover how a young Filipino brand reinvented one of the country’s most beloved desserts.

Founded in 2021 by Daymae Salumbides and Sam Karazi, Bebang’s Halo-Halo gained a following for replacing ordinary shaved ice with finely shaved frozen milk.

Its indulgent Presidential Halo-Halo has become a signature offering, while its Royal variant even features edible gold.

4. Design discovery at Kenneth Cobonpue

Interestingly, Jolie already has a connection to internationally acclaimed Cebuano furniture designer Kenneth Cobonpue.

In 2006, reports revealed that Brad Pitt purchased Cobonpue furniture, including a bed for their child.

Celebrated by TIME magazine for his mastery of rattan, Cobonpue has won international design awards and created iconic pieces including the Bloom and Yoda chairs.

His creations have appeared in prestigious international spaces, proving that Filipino furniture design belongs on the world stage.

5. Designer bag shopping at Aranaz

For elegant Filipino-made accessories, Jolie should visit Aranaz, the luxury handbag label established in the late 1990s by Becky Aranaz and her daughters, Amina and Rosanna.

Under creative director Amina Aranaz-Alunan, the brand has transformed traditional Filipino craftsmanship into internationally recognized fashion.

Its handcrafted bags and clutches incorporate materials such as raffia and abaca, combining indigenous techniques with contemporary luxury.

For Jolie, these experiences offer something beyond conventional shopping and sightseeing: an opportunity to discover the extraordinary creativity, heritage, and craftsmanship of the Filipino people.