These workshops will help you build a ‘New You’ in 2026

We’ve all been there. As soon as the new year starts, we promise the universe one thing: a new and improved self. However, New Year’s resolutions such as “get more creative,” “stay healthy,” or “advance career” are a significant number of tasks that are hard to keep track of, and even harder to maintain.

Instead of wishing for vague transformations, here’s our recommendation: focus on one thing at a time, maybe aim for a new skill that leads to the person you want to become.

Investing time in new skills will provide a tangible sense of accomplishment and, at the same time, give you a community to grow with. That’s why, in 2026, whether you want to get your hands dirty, find inner peace, boost your confidence, or elevate your knowledge, here are workshops and courses you should consider booking this year!

Get your hands dirty

The best way to clear your headspace is to put down the phone and pick up a physical hobby.

Pottery at Odangputik Art Space
Odangputik offers an at-home vibe and a welcoming environment for beginners to learn the fundamentals of wheel-throwing and hand-building.

📍 Location: Citiplaza 2 Commercial Complex, Tandang Sora Ave, Quezon City
💰 Price: P800 (Starter Session) | P5,000 – P10,000 (Full Programs)
🎟️ Book here: odangputik.com

Baking at Dessert Draft
How about doing something sweet for your loved ones this year? Dessert Draft breaks down the intimidation of baking into fun and interactive lessons with your teammates.

📍 Location: 60 Lanzones St., Quezon City
💰 Price: P3,800 (Beginners) | P1,800 – P5,000 (Advanced)
🎟️ Book here: Leave them a DM via @dessertdraft.bakingschool

Urban gardening with Urban Farmers Ph
Aspiring to be a certified plantito/tita this year? Learn how to grow your own food in the middle of the concrete jungle and contribute to a greener city.

📍Location: The Flats grounds, 5th and 34th St., BGC, Taguig
💰 Price: P850, which includes a hat and seedlings
🎟️ Book here: Leave them a DM on Instagram @urbanfarmersph
Bonus: Stop by their Greens Bar Q&A to try their herb refreshments, farm herbs, and edible flowers

Find your inner peace

True wellness is a connection between the mind and the body. These sessions are designed to help you quiet the mental noise and build a stronger, more flexible physique.

Nica Cosio’s Fresh Start: A Guided Year-Starter Journaling Meet-Up
This journaling session, led by Nica Cosio, a staple in the Filipino creative journaling scene, will personally help you use journaling as a tool for clarity and intention-setting for the year ahead.

📆 Date: January 10 at 2 PM – 5 PM
📍 Location: Common Room, at the Atrium, Makati City
💰 Price: P1000, which includes a fresh start zine, stamps, washi tape, and stickers!
🎟️ Book here: Leave a DM on Nica Cosio’s Instagram account for the registration link.

Yoga and Mindfulness at ComFit Studio
ComFit offers a variety of classes designed to help you find balance in the middle of a busy work week.

📍 Location: Mariposa Arcade, 9 A. Mabini St., Pasig, Metro Manila
💰 Price: Yoga Fundamentals is at P750, and subsequent classes are at P200
🎟️ Book here: comfit-studio.rezerv.co

Pilates at Fit to Live Manila
What if you integrate a low-impact but high-intensity workout in your 2026? Consider Pilates at Fit to Live Manila for posture, flexibility, and lean muscle toning.

📍 Location: Park West Building, 7th Ave. cor. 36th St., BGC
💰 Price: P4,300 (Group) to P7,400 (Private) for 4 sessions.
🎟️ Book here: Fit to Live Manila  

Confidence boosters

Invest in yourself with these curated experiences designed to build courage and self-assurance. These programs boost your self-esteem, helping you step out into the world with a renewed sense of empowerment.

Toastmasters Philippines
Conquer your fear of public speaking. Toastmasters provides a supportive place to practice leadership and communication skills.

📍 Location: Check the nearest club in your area: Find One Here, then reach out to your found club through Facebook or Instagram. 
💰 Price: Registration fee starts at P5,500 for the first 6 months. The subsequent payment every 6 months is P4,300.

Self-defense with Krav Maga Philippines
Learning self-defense helps build confidence, knowing you can protect yourself and your loved ones when needed. 

📍 Location: 6th Floor, Ortigas Technopoint One, Pasig
💰 Price: P300 (Trial) | P3,000 – P7,000 (Packages)
🎟️ Book here: www.facebook.com/kravmagaph

Makeup artistry by Marc Works of Passion

Makeup is an art form. Learn how to enhance your features and master professional techniques for everyday glam or special events.

📍 Location: Sta. Mesa, Manila, or it depends on their on-tour workshop location.
💰 Price: P2,800 (Early Bird) | P3,999 (Regular)
🎟️ Book here: Reach out to Marc Works of Passion 

Elevate Your Knowledge

Expand your horizons with skills that foster inclusivity and future professional growth.

Filipino Sign Language (FSL) at Benilde SDEAS
Bridge the gap between the hearing and the Deaf community. Learning FSL is a way to practice inclusivity and open up new ways of communicating.

📍 Location: 2544 Taft Avenue, Manila (or Online)
💰 Price: P3,500 all-inclusive from the levels here. 
🎟️ Register here: Benilde SDEAS Form 

Transforming into your dream self does not happen overnight with a single wish – it happens with one workshop, one class, and one new skill at a time. So, don’t just promise the universe a new you this year; give yourself the skills to build it. Happy year of learning! – Rappler.com

This piece was co-written with BrandRap intern Elisse Dizon. Elisse is passionate about leadership, brand journalism, and community engagement. She aspires to be a journalist, and thus she actively contributes to initiatives focused on combating fake news. She is currently pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Public Administration at the University of the Philippines Diliman.