Metro Manila (CNN Philippines Life, Sept. 19) — Remember martial law with media related to that era of Philippine history, sample dishes from a Singaporean celebrity chef, and watch a comedy-drama series.

Watch FX Series “The Bear”

Sometimes what the soul needs is a show that is mid: mentally stimulating, but not the type of series that will require you to deposit your heart at the door. The comedy-drama series “The Bear” feels just like that. The series stars Jeremy Allen White, who first gained renown for playing Lip Gallagher in the show “Shameless,” as a talented chef on the brink of a mental breakdown. White’s Carmy inherited his deceased older brother’s Italian beef sandwich shop, as well as a whole lot of debt. He also has to straighten up a rowdy kitchen staff and failing health standards, so most of the action really happens in the kitchen.

It’s a show that happens to tick all the boxes for me: a talented cast, great cinematography and choreography, and a fairly compelling story. White always gives so much in his performances, and seems to be gracious about letting the supporting cast have their due in each scene. I also love that he presents Carmy as asexual — his singular intensity with food and love for selvedge denim is a riveting watch. But there’s just an emotional connection that I couldn’t quite find even towards the season finale. That missing jenny siz kwoh, as the French would say. Maybe it’s all that yelling they do? Kitchen life just isn’t for me, I think. With eight episodes at under an hour each, it’s the type of series you can easily burn through while doing your favorite smooth brain hobbies (for me, that’s working on a crochet project). — MARGA BUENAVENTURA

Tune into the CNN Philippines martial law special

This year marks the 50th anniversary of the announcement of martial law. On Sept. 21 at 8 p.m, CNN Philippines Senior Anchor Rico Hizon will be hosting "Martial Law Feels; Throwback to 1972-1981," a special that will cover everything from basketball and beauty pageants, to music and pop culture amid the tumultuous political times. Catch it on CNN Philippines. — CNN PHILIPPINES LIFE STAFF

Catch the free premiere of a martial law documentary

In line with the martial law anniversary, there will be a free outdoor screening of the film “11,103” at the Bantayog ng mga Bayani on Sept. 21 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Produced by award-winning journalist and documentary filmmaker Kara Magsanoc-Alikpala (who also co-produced “Batas Militar”), “11,103” features the stories of survivors of state-sponsored violence during dictator Ferdinand Marcos Sr.’s reign as president. The figure 11,103 represents the number of victims who were given compensation as a result of R.A. 10368, which was funded by the ₱10 billion worth of ill-gotten wealth recovered from the Marcoses by the Presidential Commission on Good Governance (PCGG). The Wednesday screening will serve as the film’s public premiere in the Philippines. Visit the film’s website for more information, including instructions on how you can host your own screening. — CNN PHILIPPINES LIFE STAFF

View these tandem exhibits at the Ateneo Art Gallery

The Ateneo Art Gallery is holding tandem exhibits at the Wilson L Sy Prints and Drawings Gallery as part of their ML@50 campaign. “Dark Memories: Torture, Incarceration, Disappearance, and Death During Martial Law” by Rick Rocamora features photos of martial law victims, survivors, and their friends and families. “Alaala ng Martial Law” by Edgar Doctor features drawings that document the crimes and unjust violations prevalent during that time. Both exhibits will be available for viewing until March 18, 2023. Register for campus entry at bit.ly/VisitAAG. — CNN PHILIPPINES LIFE STAFF

Get a copy of Gerard Lico’s “Edifice Complex”

Originally published in 2003, the book “Edifice Complex” by the architect and critic Gerard Lico is a monumental study on how the Marcos dictatorship used architecture during the martial law to legitimize their "terrain of tyranny" that re-routed funds and foreign aid. Lico’s book investigates architecture as propaganda, particularly the massive CCP complex, which was built at a fast pace for two decades (1966-1982). “The discipline and order of an otherwise plain façade can be the perfect parallels of the state’s ideal of discipline and order,” wrote Lico.

The Ateneo University Press recently re-published the book due to insistent public demand and opened reservation slots for the copy. Slots are now closed but Ateneo Press will announce soon if copies are still available for purchase.

Check their Instagram @ateneopress for possible updates on the book. — DON JAUCIAN

Try dishes from an award-winning Singaporean chef

From Sept. 20 to 25, get the chance to try Singaporean celebrity chef Justin Quek’s creations at Solaire. The special menu can be availed of through their Wine Pairing Dinner (₱10,888) and Eat-All-You-Can Dimsum Lunch (₱1,888+) from the 20th to 24th, with the dishes available a la carte until the 25th. Taste Quek’s trademark dishes at Red Lantern, which include the smoked mackerel parfait with Superior Oscietra Caviar and drunken clams in Huang Jiu, lime cream and Ikura roe — some of which are made with locally sourced seafood. At the nearby Oasis restaurant, you can also try some of Quek’s creations through the Afternoon Tea (₱2,288 for two), which features dishes ranging from his truffle croque monsieur and spicy prawn noodle soup to Singapore-inspired pastries like durian puffs and odeh odeh (glutinous rice treat). This is the second time Quek is curating a special menu for Solaire, with the first time being in 2019. For more details, visit their website.— GABY GLORIA