Hotel Luna

I recently stayed at the Hotel Luna with my US-based family. It was our first time at Vigan, the historical heritage town at Ilocos Sur. I was excited to visit this Hispanic city, and I was lucky to have stayed at the first and only museum hotel in the country.

Hotel Luna is located at the heart of Vigan, Ilocos Sur

I am sharing with you my favorite artworks at Hotel Luna. It was magical to stay at a hotel with paintings, sculptures, and history.

I hope that you will also visit Vigan soon!

Three Women by BenCab

Maria Makiling by Abdulmari Asia Imao

Untitled by Juvenal Sanso

Gregorio del Pilar by Abdulmari Asia Imao

Boxes and Jarlet by Arturo Luz

The author with various artworks at Hotel Luna

Martyr’s Struggle by BenCab

Laces and Roses by Louie Tolentino

Cradle of Hope in Pink by Ramon Orlina

La Mandolinera by Juan Luna y Novicio

The pool at Hotel Luna attracts city guests

The author is happy to begin her Vigan journey at Hotel Luna

Borealis Heart

Borealis Crystals is a homegrown jewelry brand that I love. Here are a few reasons why this shop keeps me coming back for more:

• It is PWD-owned and managed

• Most of their jewelry, especially the bespoke ones, are locally handmade using quality materials

• Their online platform allows them to price their bling fairly

• They offer bespoke orders which may take time to make, but will definitely be worth your money

• Every purchase helps a PWD family and their artisans continue their craft and business

I am so into this garnet and sterling silver ring which I purchased from Borealis Crystals. It is not my first purchase, and once again, I am one happy customer. The ring looks and feels more expensive than it really is. They used materials to give it a premium vibe, which also works with my vintage aesthetic.

This is not a sponsored post, and I am simply a satisfied customer and fan. Please check out Borealis Crystals’ Instagram page and order a bauble or two soon! You won’t regret it.

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!

One Barkin’

Barkin’ Blends Dog Cafe has recently merged their two branches into one solid branch. Their north branch, which is located at SM North Towers, remains strong.

Their dogs from the east have all transferred there, much to the delight of their regular customers. Now, everyone can enjoy all of the Barkin’ Buddies under one roof.

The author gets kisses from Piolo

I am a longtime fan of the cafe, and I am really excited to see all the dogs in one place.

Forrest enjoys scratches from the author

The author is all smiles with Bubbles

The dogs have provided me with much-needed comfort during the darkest days of my life. They have also provided joy during my times of bliss.

Forrest likes kissing the author

The author snuggles with the sleeping dogs

One last kiss from Forrest

I do hope that you will also visit their north branch one of these days! Promise, you won’t regret it.

Barkin’ Blends Dog Cafe

Instagram: @barkinblends

AJ Mitchell In Manila

Last January 19, I was able to attend a round table session with AJ Mitchell at Cuesina, a Filipino restaurant at the Venice Grand Canal Mall. The American singer and songwriter was in Manila for a mall tour at selected malls to promote his upcoming album, Skyview.

The American singer answers questions from the Filipino press

Aside from promoting his music, we also got a glimpse of the singer’s personal influences. AJ shared that he started writing songs at the age of six and that he counts The Beatles and Coldplay among his favorite bands of all time. His songwriting process is straightforward, as he says that the melody comes first then he sings it in his phone. He later adds the words then plays it in his piano.

AJ Mitchell thanks his Filipino fans for all their support

He also looks forward to meeting Filipino musicians such as Morissette during his visit.

The author with AJ Mitchell

Among the random trivia that he shares about himself is that he can’t have caffeine. He prefers hot tea to protect his voice.

He enjoys playing the piano, and it is central in his songwriting process. He also makes sure to enjoy his life so far. He shared that he likes to go to the beach, play basketball, and spend time with family.

His upcoming album, Skyview, has an interesting inspiration. He wants to let his fans know about his home town of Belleville, IL through his music. To be able to share about his personal experiences through his songs is a privilege for him, and he hopes that his Filipino fans will continue supporting him.

Read more on AJ here.

AJ performs at the Venice Grand Canal Mall

After the intimate press conference, we proceeded to his mall show near the grand canal. It was a performance to remember, as AJ made sure to connect with his fans. He really enjoys performing and makes sure that his audience is having a good time.

I definitely enjoyed the show, and I can’t wait to listen to more music from AJ!

AJ enjoys singing for his Filipino fans

AJ is set to release his album Skyview soon

The author enjoys AJ Mitchell’s show

Energy to Eat

I enjoy walking around the UP Academic Oval at night because of the cool breeze around the campus. I feel recharged whenever I am surrounded by the trees on campus, and it inspires me to go further with my workouts.

The UP Oblation looks majestic at night

I also appreciate the presence of the other joggers and brisk walkers around me. It makes me feel like I’m part of a cardio collective of sorts.

The tree-lined U.P. Academic Oval

Aside from the endorphins that I get from my cardio fix, I also find joy in eating various street foods found on campus.

My favorites are carioca, shredded sweet corn with cheese, and soy milk.

Carioca

Shredded corn with cheese

Soy milk

It is free to workout at UP and the street food makes the afterburn worth it. Do give it a try soon!

Comfort and Prayer

Last Wednesday, I was able to have late lunch at Gubat. It has become my favorite hideaway at UP Diliman. I like their kamayan concept, where people have to eat with their hands. However, I also wanted to try their food with cutlery so I brought my own.
I was not disappointed! Their longganisa meal looked and tased fancier with cutlery.

The author brings her own utensils to Gubat, a kamayan restaurant

The author is all smiles with her favorite longganisa meal at Gubat

After my comforting meal, I went to St. Clare Monastery to pray for my intentions and to give thanks for all my blessings.

The author poses with her patroness, St. Clare

The author offers eggs at St. Clare Monastery

Food and faith are two passions of mine. It has become my custom to frequently practice both. I hope that you will continue to follow my foodie and faith adventures this 2020!

Curry Udon Satisfaction

I went back to Marugame Udon after my first visit last week. This time, I ordered the curry udon with tamago ten.

It was delightful to watch my udon being prepared for me.

The author watches her udon being prepared for her

This is not a sponsored post. I am just really happy with the dining experience at Marugame Udon. I enjoy how they prepare the meals in front of their customers, and how orderly everything is.

The rich curry broth is poured into the udon

My curry udon with tamago ten was delicious! Of course, I had beer to go with it, and it made the meal more special.

The author enjoys her curry udon and tamago ten with beer

The tamago ten goes well with the curry udon

I will definitely be back for more curry udon!

Gather all your friends for AJ Mitchell’s Manila mall shows!

American pop sensation AJ Mitchell is set to serenade and meet his Filipino fans for an upcoming series of mall tours.

The eighteen-year-old pop singer-songwriter will be performing in select Megaworld Lifestyle Malls, from January 17 to 18, 2020 with the following schedule:

• 01/17/20: Uptown Bonifacio (Friday, 7pm)

• 01/18/20: Venice Grand Canal Mall (Saturday, 3pm)

• 01/18/20: Eastwood City (Saturday, 7pm)

“This will be my first time in the Philippines,” the teen heartthrob reveals in an interview. “I’m so excited to experience the culture and see as much as I can while there. I can’t wait to eat the amazing food and hopefully see some of the beaches as well.”

With Nathan Huang of Nathan & Mercury and featuring Any Name’s Okay as opening act, the American recording artist will perform some fan favorites, including the mid-tempo jam “All My Friends” and the global smash “Slow Dance.”

Getting to know AJ Mitchell

With a slick and show-stopping voice, charismatic personality, and sharp songwriting chops, it’s no surprise that the fast-rising star has already charted three hits on the US top 40 radio chart in a span of less than two years: “Girls,” “All My Friends,” which peaked inside the top 25, and the Ava Max duet “Slow Dance,” now ranked #29 and still climbing. 

In terms of streaming, AJ Mitchell has racked up more than 100 million streams and 4.15 million monthly listeners on Spotify, cementing himself as 2019’s most promising male artist.

Outside the US, the Philippines is considered to be one of the biggest music markets of AJ Mitchell, whose latest single “Slow Dance,” a collaboration with hit-maker Ava Max, is currently making waves in local streaming playlists and top 40 radio stations. “I was pleasantly surprised when I first learned this and I’m so excited to finally get to meet some of my Filipino fans,” the young musician/performer opens up about the warm reception on his previous and recent releases. 

As for Ava Max, the pop phenom who has shown significant international attention with “Sweet and Psycho,” which topped the charts in 26 countries and landed a top 10 peak at the Billboard Hot 100 last year, the All My Friends singer has always been vocal about admiring her work ethic and talent. “Working with Ava Max was such an incredible experience. After sending her the track, she sent back her verse within hours. Even on the very first take she sounded so amazing that we immediately knew she was the one for the song.”

New album in the works

This year, AJ Mitchell will be releasing his debut full-length album under Sony Music. “This has been a wild ride so far and every day I think of how blessed I have been,” the budding pop personality reflects. “Over the next few years, I have so much more I hope to accomplish. Right now I can’t wait to finally release my first album called Skyview. Beyond that, I hope to have a #1 song, win a Grammy, go out on an international tour, and so much more.”

AJ Mitchell’s latest single “Slow Dance” is now available on all music streaming and download platforms worldwide.You can watch the official music video of “Slow Dance” on Youtube, and stream the track in its entirety on Spotify.

source: Sony Music Philippines

Ash Fall

Last Sunday night, the whole metro was stunned by the ash fall caused by the Taal Volcano Eruption. It was a humbling reminder that Mother Nature is indeed powerful.

Instead of dwelling on the negative effects of this natural calamity, I have chosen to use the holiday (work and classes have been suspended in most institutions in Manila and nearby provinces) to run some errands. Life must go on, and I have to ensure that my family is alright.

The author rides a tricycle in a face mask a day after the Taal Volcano eruption

As it was only a day after ash fell on Metro Manila, I wore a face mask and glasses as I ventured out for some urgent tasks. The air was dusty and ash was everywhere, but I managed to overcome my allergies.

I rewarded myself with a gyudon lunch at Hachiboru after a productive morning.

The author’s delicious gyudon lunch at Hachiboru

After running more errands, I bought some Chinese dinner for takeaway at El Presidente of Binondo. I got myself a lemon chicken bento, while I got my mom a sweet and sour pork bento.

The sumptuous choices at El Presidente of Binondo attracts hungry diners

After ticking all the items off my to-do list, I went home and relaxed. I took out my crochet project and watched Kim Enson’s vlogs.

The author crochets while watching her favorite vlogger, Kim Enson

A catastrophic day does not mean that my world should stop. I still push myself to be productive, and I do so by balancing my tasks with some of my favorite interests, which include food and crochet.

Life is too short. Make each moment, whether it is good or bad, count!

Monstar Hub: A Startup Community

Last January 11, I was privileged to be part of Monstar Hub’s grand opening at Buendia, Makati City. Ms. Judy Lorenzo, the owner of Monstar Hub and the founder and COO of myBOSS.asia Inc., was there to personally open the space and welcome guests. It was a night of networking, exchanging of ideas, and positive vibes over snacks and beer.

The author poses with her “media” badge at the Monstar Hub opening event

I was excited to witness this because I am an advocate of entrepreneurship. Being an online seller myself via my online shop, I understand that it takes guts to put up a business. And to see a coworking space and incubator for SMEs rise in the middle of Makati is remarkable!

Judy explained during her opening remarks that the biggest challenges that startup entrepreneurs face are admin-related. This has inspired her to put up myBOSS, a back office shared services company that aims to handle the back-end needs of SMEs such as taxes and financial reports. Their website and online portal is targeted for launching by the end of this month, so now is the perfect time to invest in a membership at Monstar Hub.

Members have the option to enjoy myBOSS so that they can focus on running their businesses with ease.

myBoss envisions itself to be an online hub where startup entrepreneurs can view their business records online

Judy further stated that she put up the business to solve her own problems with being an entrepreneur. The vision is to have a collaboration among colleagues to scale up each other’s businesses. This can be achieved through a hub which can foster a community spirit.

Most startup entrepreneurs cannot afford having a workplace to call their own. Working together and making a difference is the grand vision of Monstar Hub.

Different rooms make Monstar Hub an ideal incubator for startup businesses

Monstar Hub envisions a community of entrepreneurs. Judy is not just selling the seats, rather, she is also selling the company’s purpose, which is is to help startup entrepreneurs grow.

Ms. Lorenzo introduces the different stakeholders who helped her put up Monstar Hub

Customer service experience, social impact, and scalability are her top values. And with myBOSS’s efficient service, the backend admin work is taken cared of so that community members can focus on operations and marketing.

Her community emphasis is evident in the hub’s official hashtag, which is #makingsolutionstogether.  

Allan Lim, Monstar Hub’s Managing Director, promises global expansion opportunities for potential members thanks to Monstar Lab’s international presence

Mr. Allan Lim, the Managing Director of Monstar Lab Philippines, supported Judy’s vision of a community by explaining that global expansion is possible for SMEs thanks to MonstarLab’s international network across 15 countries. With that, opportunity and access outside the Philippines is possible. 

This means that competition is possible on a global scale, and it all starts with Monstar Hub.

If you have a startup business and you are interested in having access to technical expertise and market expansion, visit Monstar Hub today!

Monstar Hub Philippines

G/F, SM Cyber Makati Two Bldg., Jupiter Street, corner Gil Puyat, Makati City

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MonstarHubPhilippines/

Blessed Presents

I was surprised last Friday when I got home to a big package from my friends at The Attic Yarn and Craftery. The ladies behind my favorite yarn store have recently been on a pilgrimage to the Holy Land and Egypt.

For Christmas, they sent me this care package filled with goodies from Jesus’ part of the world:

• A magnet from Egypt, which is perfect since I collect magnets!

• A papyrus scroll of the Ten Commandments

• A box of dates

• An olive wood rosary

• A sterling silver cross necklace

• A Mother of Perpetual Help keychain

• Small crucifix with bottles of earthen elements from the Holy Land

The author poses with her gifts from the Holy Land

Religious items and sweets from the Holy Land

This present makes me feel so giddy. The religious articles have already been blessed, and they are ready to be used in prayer.

I can’t wait to have a more rewarding year ahead, knowing that I have friends who kept me in their hearts whilst they were in the Holy Land.

May we all be filled with blessings this year, and beyond!

Marugame Udon

It was my first time to eat at Marugame Udon last Thursday. I was with my best friend Jay for a quick catch up lunch. We ate at the UP Town Center branch because it was conveniently located next to our favorite bookstore, Fully Booked.

The self-service concept was a sensory experience! There were tasty choices for sides to go along with your udon.

Freshly-made udon welcomes diners

Different kinds of Japanese side dishes such as omurice are lined up for the picking

Spam musubi happens to be the author’s favorite

I chose the curry udon, and it did not disappoint. It tasted similarly to the curry udon I enjoyed at Harajuku a few years ago.

Excellent curry udon

Of course, I had beer with it. It was a delicious meal, and I highly recommend it!

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!

Cuddling Through 2020

I frequently visit Barkin’ Blends Dog Cafe because I can’t have a dog of my own. My family is allergic to dogs, so the short-term solution is to hang out at a dog cafe.

My visit last Sunday was a real treat because my favorite dog at Sta. Lucia was at the SM North Towers branch for a limited time.

Piolo the Labrador retriever is my favorite at Sta. Lucia because he was the one who hugged me at the very moment that my father passed away.

The author cuddles to Piolo, the Labrador retriever

I realize that life is too short, and my visits to the dog cafe help me appreciate the beauty of simple moments. Aside from helping me cope with grief and stress, the dogs at Barkin’ Blends have reassured me that loyalty and love still exist in this world.

Thus, I am continuing my coffee with dog visits in 2020!

Piolo is very clingy

My original favorite is Ella the chiweenie, who still continues to hug me whenever I visit the north branch. I always make time for her, even if there are other dogs in the cafe who beg for my attention.

Nothing beats my first doggo love!

The author always hangs out with her favorite dog, Ella the chiweenie

I hope that you will also visit Barkin’ Blends Dog Cafe at Sta. Lucia Mall or my home base, SM North Towers. They also sell healthy homemade treats for your dogs. For more information, please visit their website.

Happy new year!

2020 Fitness Goals

This year, I do not have grand fitness goals or exercise challenges for myself. Rather, the plan is to stay consistent by working out daily. Yes, every single day.

Consistency is better than out of this world goals or unattainable records. I simply want to continue what I have already started years ago. Exercising daily is key to maintaining a healthy body, mind, and soul. When I am fit, I am able to balance my priorities and also see clearly as far as other aspects of my life are concerned.

Fitness has also enabled me to try new activities with no fear. My love for cardio means that I can walk for miles without breaking a sweat, and continue being a foodie without fear of gaining weight. My confidence has also been reinforced by my daily workouts, as I have no self-doubt on what my body can do and achieve.

I am also aware of my limitations, and I am working on my shortcomings. My workouts keep me focused on what’s important so that I can improve, day by day.

This year, I will continue being my own fitness inspiration. The goal is to burn calories daily and be better than who I was yesterday, so that I can continue enjoying the present which will lead to a brighter and more stable future.

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!

Starting 2020 For Less

Starting 2020 for Less

Sam Lucas

Drive is launching 50/hr price rate on all compact cars and 4-seater hatchbacks on selected dates this January 2020

Drive is launching 75/hr price rate on sedans on selected dates this January 2020

Drive Manila kicks off the New Year with a 25% Price Drop from January 6-9 and January 13-16, 2020. In response to the success of the 50/hour promo rate in September of 2019, we want to thank all our loyal renters with another price drop to open 2020. 

The price drop to 50/hour applies to all 4 seaters, from compact cars to hatchbacks, while the 75/hour price drop applies to Vios or any sedan rented using the Drive app. 

The New Year is the perfect time for new beginnings. People are starting new jobs, school terms, and even businesses. The phrase “New Year, New Me” has gone from cliched catchphrase  to the new normal. People are brimming with new ideas for getaways, and ideal destinations. While January signals this new start, we can't escape the challenging commutes to and from the province after the holidays or getting back to the grind of the metro. 

Drive is perfect for people who want to enjoy their new beginnings with the convenience of driving a car that is assured to be five years old or newer. Safety is ensured with every car rented out by Drive. And with these unbeatable price drops at the start of the new decade, you can enjoy your fresh start in style and with the utmost convenience.

Check out the full schedule of Drive price drops for the whole year. So plan those trips now!

Drive schedules price drops on selected dates this 2020

Now is the perfect time to start renting a car with Drive! Download the Drive app on iOS or Google Play to enjoy safe and convenient car rental like no other. Like the Drive Manila Facebook page, as well to receive the latest updates on upcoming promos and events. You may also message Kayle and her 24/7 customer support team for more information regarding the January 2020 price drop.

Get your fresh start for less this New Year with Drive!