Baluarte De San Diego

I visited Baluarte de San Diego last International Women’s Day as they had free entrance for all women. This is my favorite part of Intramuros so visiting it was a no brainer.

It looks otherworldly and surreal. I don’t feel like I’m at the city at all whenever I’m in the middle of this intriguing landscape.

I highly recommend this spot as it is a quiet part of Manila that’s perfect for solo adventures and quiet conversations if you have any companions. It is open everyday and charges a minimal fee for upkeep. Hope you can drop by soon!

Katha Kape

Yesterday, I swung by Katha Kape for a latte after walking around Intramuros. The cozy interiors instantly picked me up, and I then ordered a latte.

Their latte was strong and flavorful. It was the perfect respite from the heat outside. Trust me, a hot latte can really work wonders to your mood during the summer heat.

I loved the vibe of this cafe and I’m always at Intramuros to walk around its heritage buildings. I’ll definitely be back!

River Beer

Yesterday, I decided to do three of my usual relaxation rituals. I went to Fred’s Revolucion Escolta for some Boondocks Brewing dubbel. It’s my favorite dark beer, and it really is worth the trip to Manila. Not to mention that Escolta has an assortment of heritage architecture and history for those who want to add some culture to their day.

Then, I crocheted inside the Pasig River Ferry. It’s safe, clean, and efficient. There’s just something about river commuting that calms my mind.

I capped off my day with a sausage dinner at UP. It was a warm night, so I bought a scrunchie from a street vendor. I used it to tie my hair in a ponytail, and it freaked me out because it was my first time to do so in six years.

So if I can start river commuting and growing out my pixie, then I am indeed ready for big changes and better things to come. Bring it on, universe!

La Cathedral Cafe

Yesterday, I had an iced latte at La Cathedral Cafe. It is located right beside the Manila Cathedral, and its roofdeck has become internet famous for the view. I was not disappointed during my visit, and since I wasn’t planning to stay for long, I opted to just hang out at the roofdeck without a table.

The roofdeck gets full easily, so it’s best to go there early and list yourself so you will surely have a table. However, it is also fun to just drink coffee while basking in the view of Intramuros whilst standing up. I enjoyed a few minutes of peace while sipping their surprisingly excellent coffee. It was a relaxing experience, which I definitely recommend to you all!

Check this cafe out on your next visit to Intramuros. You will surely be in for a visually pleasing treat and have some strong coffee while doing so.

Bayleaf Sunset

Yesterday, I was lucky enough to have dinner at the Bayleaf Hotel Intramuros. It has long been on my bucket list, and it certainly did not disappoint. The view was enough for me to feel satisfied, considering that I commuted there all the way from Ortigas.

I ordered a Cerveza Negra and the Bayleaf Burger. Both were delicious!

My solo dinner was a quiet time for me to be grateful for a productive February. I look forward to an even better month ahead!

Happy Chinese New Year

I recently celebrated Chinese New Year at Binondo. I joined the street festivities and ate dumplings. Looking forward to the best of luck in my life this 2020!

Fresh Lumpia

I recently had the best fresh lumpia I’ve ever had at Binondo Lumpia House. It is located at the second floor of the Youniversity Suites, a hip mall and dormitory along Recto, Manila.

Youniversity Suites has a hipster ambience

Youniversity Suites is hard to miss along the busy avenue. It has a number of brightly-lit coffee shops and stores at the ground floor. Once you enter the building, you are welcomed by a multi-level food court with an airplane to decorate the place.

Binondo Lumpia House serves fresh lumpia and rice for only Php108

One flight up will take you to the Binondo Lumpia House, which serves killer lumpiang sariwa and rice for only Php108. They also offer food and drinks at student-friendly prices.

This is the best fresh lumpia I’ve ever had

The lumpia was packed with vegetables and delicious garlic sauce. It was definitely worth the train ride to Recto!

The casual vibe of Youniversity Suites’ food court is a refreshing change at Recto

Binondo Lumpia House offers food at friendly prices

Go ahead and give this fresh lumpia a try. It is my new favorite, and I will definitely be back!

24K 2020

After my Chinatown Museum visit and Binondo food trip with my friend Mitzie, I went to Chinatown Gold Center to buy some gold charms. It is located near the Carriedo Fountain and stands right next to the Sta. Cruz Church.

Covo 24K is located near Carriedo Fountain

The Chinatown Gold Center is located beside Sta. Cruz Church

My favorite store there is Covo 24K Gold. As the name suggests, the shop sells 24K pure gold charms which can be combined with beads for a totally personal bracelet.

All charms at Covo are made of 24K gold

I chose rose quartz beads and a piyao good luck charm during my first visit to Covo 24K.

This time, I added heart, clover, and koi charms. I got to keep the extra rose quartz beads which they had to remove when they included the new charms.

The author’s bracelet gets an upgrade with a heart, clover, and koi charm

The author considers this to be her mantra bracelet for 2020

I still believe that hard work and faith matter more than luck. These charms are simply reminders for me to enjoy the fruits of my labor, and to keep going so that I will be able to buy more charms in the future.

I hope that you will also visit this charming shop soon!

Binondo Dumplings and Tea

I was craving for authentic Chinese dumplings and noodles after my Chinatown Museum tour, so my friend Mitzie and I walked to Tasty Dumplings.

It is located beside Binondo Church, and is unmissable with its distinct black and yellow signage. I ordered the house special, which was dumplings with tossed noodles.

It was served with the noodles drenched their special sauce, with flavorful clear soup on the side. It was a delicious dish, and I enjoyed it with chilled soy milk. My meal only cost a little over Php200.

Tasty dumplings and tossed noodles

The author enjoys Tasty dumplings with her friend Mitzie

Our second stop was Eng Bee Tin, which is next to the other side of Binondo Church. It is known for ube hopia, so I ordered their ube milk tea.

It was the best milk tea I’ve ever had, hands down!

A cold cup of ube milk tea can be purchased for Php75 at Eng Bee Tin’s takeout counter

The Great Buddha’s latte and Eng Bee Tin’s ube milk tea make a lovely combo

Mitzie and I both had coffee and hopia at The Great Buddha Cafe, which is located at the second floor of Eng Bee Tin. Not only do they serve coffee, they also have hot food and Chinese souvenirs such as lucky keychains and ornaments.

My latte was rich and strong. It was the right partner for my whole-wheat ube hopia, which we purchased at the ground floor.

The author enjoys whole-wheat ube hopia with her coffee

The author and her friend Mitzie take a photo with the Great Buddha

No visit to Eng Bee Tin is complete without a photo with the Great Buddha at the cafe. We posed for good luck and prosperity this 2020.

I hope that you will also have a Binondo food trip soon!

Chinatown Museum

Last January 7, I explored Binondo with my friend Mitzie. We started our day with a visit to the Chinatown Museum. It is conveniently located at the fourth floor of Lucky Chinatown Mall, which is right in front of Binondo Church.

It’s proximity to the center of Chinese Catholicism means that the museum begins with a model of the Binondo Church

Binondo Church replica

Icons of Chinese-Filipino faith welcome guests to the museum

The next gallery was a rich display of trade products which went through Bindondo since the Spanish colonial period.

Chinese trade products are on display at the museum

The Manton de Manila is one of the important trade products during the Galleon Trade

Ceramics are some of the remarkable trade products that passed through Binondo

Spices are abundant in the Philippines and neighboring countries

One of the highlights of the museum is the Alcaiceria, which was the residence and trading post of Chinese transients.

The Alcaiceria, where products such as textiles and other basic needs are sold

Another highlight was the panaderia, which showcased the best of Chinese baking since the colonial period. Examples of their popular bread products are siopao and hopia, which we still enjoy today.

The panaderia shows the best of Chinese baking through the centuries

Other Chinese-Filipino trading products were displayed throughout the museum. Some of these include furniture, rum, cigars, and cigarettes.

A replica Ahtay four-poster bed highlights the exceptional design and style of the renowned furniture-maker

Sungka game

Binondo is the first financial district

Rum is one of the export products of the Chinese-Filipino community to this day

Cigars and cigarettes is one of the historical products from Binondo

The third highlight of the museum is the Esteros de Binondo, where it is shown as an island connected to mainland Manila through bridges. Surrounding it are estuaries or esteros, where trading thrived via cascos.

Cascos transports goods from Binondo to other parts of Manila, and eventually the Philippines

The museum continued to educate us guests with various products and places which made Bindondo the center of trading in the country back in the day.

The Botica shows the different Chinese herbs for sale in Binondo

More wares at the Botica

The author poses with her friend Mitzie at the model tranvia

The tranvia is an early example of public transport in Manila

Chinese cuisine is already part of Filipino culture, and many consider it to be comfort food

The author and Mitzie enjoy a day at Chinatown Museum

I enjoyed my visit, and I would recommend it to everyone! I paid Php150 for my ticket. Students are entitled to a discounted rate of Php100, while senior citizens and PWD guests can enter for Php120.

The museum is operational from Tuesdays to Sundays, from 10 in the morning until 6 in the evening.

There is a package counter onsite for guests to leave their bags and other bulky belongings.

The museum allows video and still photography, provided that flash is disabled.

For more information, please visit the their website today!

Manilakad

Yesterday, I joined the Manilakad walking tour. The experience covers Quiapo, Intramuros, and Binondo. Our tour guide, JP Ordono, has grown an organic following on Facebook based on his popular tours around Manila. His fast-paced walking tours have been known to be engaging and entertaining, and it certainly did not disappoint!

According to JP, “the objective of this tour is to prove that Manila is a safe place to walk in. It is also rich in history and culture”.

His wife Pura helps him with his tours and keeps everyone in the group together

Our tour began at San Sebastian Church, which I first toured a couple of years ago.

San Sebastian is the only gothic church in the country

It is especially beautiful when all the chandeliers are on

The church is undergoing an extensive restoration

The tour commences in front of the church

Our group was comprised of different folks who were united by our love for history and culture.

The group is a varied group of people

We all appreciated the old houses along San Sebastian Street, which used to be an elite area.

The former Monaco Consulate proudly strands along San Sebastian Street

The house remains beautiful despite its ruined state

The side of San Sebastian braves the electric wires of the modern times

Despite the challenges of dilapidation and modernity, the street remains to be a poetic souvenir from a bygone era.

San Sebastian Street is dotted with charming old homes

A few steps away is the University of the East (UE) which was my late father’s alma mater. He graduated with a degree in Electrical Engineering, and commuted to this uni from his hometown of Malabon (and back) everyday.

The University of the East is the author’s late father’s alma mater

Manila is still festively lit for the holidays

Isko keeps Manila clean

Right beside UE is the Youniversity Suites, the retrofitted Laperal Apartments. It is now a hip dorm, food court, and mini mall.

The pun-ny name is evident of the crowd it caters to

The Youniversity Suites is a hip dorm and food court at University Belt.

Some of our groupmates had merienda at Binondo Lumpia House to prepare for our three-hour tour.

Binondo Lumpia House inside Youniversity Suites is known for their fresh lumpia

Manila continues to surprise with lovely details amidst its grittiness

We also passed by Bilibid Viejo, where a prison used to stand. Old houses such as this one still dot the street.

Bilibid Viejo is known to a bygone prison and its old residences

It is also known for the Pagoda Mansion, which is a distinct property in the area of esteros and colonial architecture.

The Pagoda Mansion continues to survive the modern times

This mini Nazarene inspires e faithful to continue praying

I was particularly glad to find this mini Nazarene chapel. I am a devotee of Jesus the Nazarene, and it was an honor to pray in front of this statue.

The author, herself a Nazarene devotee, prays in front of this statue of Jesus

Interestingly, the Pagoda Mansion is still visible from a few blocks away.

The Pagoda Mansion or the Ocampo Mansion, is still seen from a few blocks away

Since it was subdivided decades ago, the mansion’s extended property has since been owned by different people. However, intricate details of the original property can still be seen today.

The Pagoda or Ocampo Mansion’s extended property has since been subdivided, but its grand details are still visible

The author enjoys a light moment at the Ocampo Mansion

We passed by Hidalgo Street, where a tranvia used to pass through. It also used to be a wealthy street back in the day.

Old and new blend together at Hidalgo Street

The Paterno house is still evident of the owners’ wealth

The beautiful Padilla house is now an art gallery

No visit to Hidalgo Street is complete without a visit to Bakerite, where the tasty loaf bread was invented.

Bakerite is the home to the famous tasty bread

The author buys tasty bread to enjoy at home

Some houses along Hidalgo Street contain a courtyard

This 7-Eleven is the site of the original UP College of Fine Arts

The former Manuel L. Quezon University is still beautiful

Another home with a courtyard

This property is now home to many renters

Hidalgo Street is also home to the old Araneta mansion, which is now a parochial school.

The Nazarene Catholic School stands on the site of the original Araneta Mansion

The Aranetas originally owned this home

Ruins cannot reduce the beauty of old homes along Hidalgo Street

The tranvia line used to pass through this very street

At present, Hidalgo Street is home to apartment dwellers and Manileños.

Filipinos are really pun-ny

We then rode the jeepney to our next stop.

The author onboard a jeepney to the tour’s next stop

The jeepney ride is also the perfect break from all that walking

Our next stop was the Manila City Hall.

The Manila City Hall is an imposing presence amidst its neighboring mall

Beside it is the Arroceros Park, the last lung of Manila.

This was also the site of the Parian, the old Chinese settlement during the Spanish colonial period.

It is a beautiful evening to explore Manila

We also got to visit the Bonifacio Monument. It is now clean and free from garbage, thanks to Mayor Isko Moreno.

The Kartilya ng Katipunan

At the Bonifacio Monument

The City Hall also has a statue of Arsenio H. Lacson, who was the mayor of Manila from 1952 to 1962.

The statue of Arsenio H. Lacson is a tribute to the late colorful mayor of Manila

I was also surprised to see these historical markers which explain the importance of Manila during the Second World War.

World War II Manila historical marker

World War II Manila Historical Marker

From there, we walked to the National Museum’s exterior.

The imposing National Museum is framed by the LRT tracks and trees

The National Museum is so pretty at night

The National Museum of Anthropology

The tour continued way into the night. This was already past 9:00PM.

The group continues their tour by the National Museum’s exterior

Manila is a city that never sleeps

Manila’s energy is electric at night

Our National Museum

The author is in awe of the lighted National Museum

The Gomburza Monument

Our group continued our tour with a brief stop at Intramuros to regroup and appreciate the legacy of the colonial period.

The Bayleaf Hotel at Intramuros

The Mapua Chapel

Puerta del Parian harkens back to the Spanish colonial heritage of the Walled City

The former site of The Philippine Herald is now a Starbucks and McDonald’s

Letran

Our group walks to Lawton

Our group makes a quick stop to Lawton, where we appreciate another monument to Andres Bonifacio

Andres Bonifacio

Right behind Bonifacio’s statue is the Manila Central Office, which I toured last year.

Manila Central Post Office

And a few steps away is the Jones Bridge. It was recently restored, and the La Madre Filipina statues are currently being moved atop the bridge’s pillars.

La Madre Filipina

The gorgeous Jones Bridge

The author at Jones Bridge

The Post Office as seen from Jones Bridge

The author enjoys the lighted Jones Bridge

Our last stop was Binondo for late dinner and drinks.

Binondo promises yummy eats and lucky charms

We were taken by our guide to Ying Ying, which is open from 7:00AM to 2:00AM. It offers delicious and value for money Chinese food.

Ying Ying offers delicious Chinese food

Ying Ying also offers rice toppings which are served fast

The author enjoys dinner with tour groupmate Maria

This does not look delicious, but their beef curry rice is delicious!

I ordered their beef curry rice and a cold one for good measure. The combo was delicious!

A cold one is always a good idea

Binondo at night

It was one of the best tours I’ve ever had, and I highly recommend it! Follow Manilakad on Facebook for upcoming tour schedules. You may also contact the tour guide JP Ordona and his wife Pura on their number +63 916 359 7888 for custom private tours.

I hope that you will also walk around Manila this 2020!

Friday No. 1

I was able to hear mass at 5:00 AM yesterday at the famous Quiapo Church in Manila. I was able to give thanks for a successful 2019, and I prayed for more blessings to come in 2020.

Quiapo Church is lively at 5:00 AM

The church was filled with people as the Translacion is nearing. It is the upcoming procession of the Black Nazarene, which will happen next Friday.

The festive vibe anticipates the upcoming Translacion

As it was also the first Friday of the year (and the decade), the church was packed. I was able to hear mass outside the church, and I followed the liturgical ceremony from a large screen. This however did not ruin the mass for me, and the atmosphere was still solemn.

The author poses by the famous minor basilica

Quiapo Church continues to be a relevant place of worship for the faithful

After mass, I ate breakfast at Jollibee, where I got to watch the next mass from the best seat in the house!

The best seat in the house

The author enjoys sunrise while eating breakfast

It was inspiring to see the sea of devotees from three stories up.

Quiapo Church is filled with devotees at sunrise

I am proud to have the time for my faith, and the courage to venture out into crowded churches for the sake of thanksgiving and worship. I hope that the new year will be prosperous for me and my family, and that it will bring forth many opportunities for my career.

May God bless us all!

The festively-lit Church looks gorgeous at sunrise

Rizal Day 2019

I’m one of those Rizal die-hard fans who visit Luneta on Rizal Day. Yesterday was no exception, as I made the trip to visit my favorite hero.

This year, I hired one of the onsite photographers to take my photo by his final resting place.

As is my custom, I visited the site of his execution.

Then, I decided to date myself at the Luneta Hotel for late lunch. I wrote about this hotel in college as it is known for its French Renaissance architecture. Today, it proudly stands amidst the modern buildings of Manila.

It was the perfect setting for my solo date. I had the truffle pasta, and of course, San Miguel Pale Pilsen.

For dessert, I had the hotel’s famous sampaguita ice cream and coffee. Everything was delicious!

I feel thankful for all the blessings I have received this year. I am optimistic that the new decade will bring forth more positive energy and love for me and my family.

Happy new year!

Intramuros Sunday

Yesterday, I got to explore Intramuros in time for their open house. Most museums in the Walled City offered free entrance. I got to visit the Destileria Limtuaco Museum for the second time. I also got to drink at their tasting bar again. My favorite was their Amadeo coffee liqueur.

I also got to visit the Attic Museum. It’s a small room with trinkets from a bygone era.

Then, it was pasta for lunch at Ristorante delle Mitre. Their tre pasta di maghi was delicious and flavorful!

My last stop was Fort Santiago. Even if I frequently visit the Walled City, the fort still offers new attractions that I have never visited before. Some examples of these were this tunnel, and the baluarte facing the entrance of the fort.

My Sunday at the Walled City was eventful and full of old world charm. I will definitely be back!

Crochet Corals

I attended the a crochet workshop conducted at the Museum of Contemporary Art and Design at the College of Saint Benilde. I enjoyed the experience, and it was a pleasure to see absolute beginners learn crochet.
We were given patterns and yarns for a sea slug and a starfish. Since the theme of the workshop was coral worlds, we were tasked to learn how to make underwater creatures.
I have used crochet as a way to de-stress and unwind. Attending events related to the craft has enabled me to meet new friends and also appreciate the craft more.

Here’s to more opportunities to exchange ideas with fellow crocheters, and learning more tricks to improve my craft!

Banana Pudding

Yesterday, I got to explore BGC. I tried the famous banana pudding of M Bakery for the first time, and loved it! I also had a hearty convenience store lunch and some satisfying private reading at Fully Booked.

They say that our city does not have enough parks. I beg to disagree. We just have to maximize the open spaces that we’ve got, and enjoy what our city has to offer.

Can’t wait for the next weekend!

Museum Hopping

Yesterday, I went to the National Museum of Natural History to watch Bird of Prey, a documentary on the Philippine Eagle. It was a beautiful film that captured the majesty and vulnerability of this regal animal.

After the film, I walked around Manila and went to the Metropolitan Museum of Manila to catch a lecture on Rembrandt’s life. It was also my first time at the museum, so I also viewed their modern art collection.

I ended my day with some cheesy gojuchang pasta and americano at my friend Bea’s cafe, Blocleaf. It was my first time to be in that cafe, and I loved the ambience, food, and coffee. I know that I’ll be back someday!

It was a treat to go museum-hopping and have some delicious food and coffee. Art, film, food, and coffee are affordable ways to enjoy life. These things make my life and heart full, and I am grateful to be able to delight in them.

Charmed

Yesterday, I went to Binondo for a special reason. I was not in the area to enjoy sumptuous Chinese food because spoiler alert, I’m not a fan of Oriental cuisine. However, I do love to shop!

I reached Carriedo LRT1 station by lunchtime. Good thing I had a hearty brunch before this outing, so I was game to commute as there is no parking in the area.

It was impossible for me to be in the area without paying homage to the heritage street that is Escolta. I admired the bygone grandeur of the vintage buildings before proceeding to Binondo.

The beautiful Carriedo Fountain greeted me as I reached the area fronting the Sta. Cruz Church. It was remarkable to notice that Manila is already cleaner and more organized under the newly-elected Manila Mayor Isko Moreno’s mandate. I was able to cross the streets and walk along sidewalks with ease (compared to previous visits).

My leisurely stroll then led me to the Chinatown Gold Center, where I was welcomed by several stalls selling Chinese gold jewelry! My agenda for the day was to buy classy yet affordable 24K piyao (good luck) charm bracelets for my mom and myself. I originally watched a vlog about Covo 24K Jewelry on Princess Mendoza’s channel, and I could not get the bracelets from this shop out of my head since. I linked the vlog episode at the end of this entry to provide you with more information on this store. (Also, this is not a sponsored post!)

I chose a rose quartz bracelet for myself, and a black mantra one for my mom. The store is a goldmine (literally!) of dainty 24K charms, but I was already set on piyao ones to adorn our wrists. You can select the charms, beads or string for a bespoke bracelet or ring. Skilled artisans make each bracelet by hand while you wait.

My bracelets were completed in 5 minutes. I am happy with my purchases, and the shop owners are accommodating. I will definitely be back, as they accept trade-in of 24K pieces. They also do re-stringing and bead replacement.

Do watch the linked video at the end of this post, and visit Covo Jewelry one of these days! They have handmade bracelets for every budget and taste. 24K is a timeless metal that goes well with everyone. I can’t wait to wear my own lucky bracelet everyday, and I’m sure that it will bring me love, fortune, and positivity!

Rizal’s 158th Birthday

Yesterday, I celebrated my favorite hero Jose Rizal’s 158th birth anniversary with my usual visit to Luneta. 

I also revisited my favorite works at the National Museum of Fine Arts. 

I will never stop being fascinated with our national hero and the artworks that have shaped our national identity. I am truly proud to be Filipino!

Intramuros Walk

Yesterday was day 2 of my Independence Day Intramuros solo tour. After biking through the streets of the Walled City, it was time for me to visit the historical sites on foot. 

I started with Fort Santiago.  

Since I’m a Rizal fan, a visit to his shrine never gets old. 

Then, it was back to exploring the fortress.  

The Manila Cathedral had an open house which I couldn’t resist.  

I was able to explore the choir loft, roof deck, and crypt. 

Then, I visited the Desteleria Limtuaco Museum. It was my first time there and it was an enjoyable experience!

They even have a tasting bar where one can try their house liquors for a minimal fee. 

It was also my first time at the Baluarte De San Diego. 

I also walked through and above the walls of the famed city. 

It was a treat to visit the newly-opened Museo de Intramuros.  

Bahay Tsinoy was worth going back to. Their life-sized dioramas were fascinating to learn from. 

I ended my visit with coffee at the site of Padre Burgos’ old house, which is now a convenience store.  

And the best part- I was able to hang on to a tranvia! 

Life is great, if we find places to explore and discover! Sometimes, the best ones are nearby. We just have to show up and appreciate the opportunity to learn from historical places. 

Here’s to more walks along streets that have stories to tell!