Category: Manila

  • A Nutcracker-inspired Christmas at the Manila Hotel

    Have you ever been to the Manila Hotel? The first time I stepped inside (that I can remember), was back in December 31, 2010. I knew it was a five-star hotel, but I didn’t really know what to expect. Though not modern as hotels nowadays favor, it was grand and decked out in holiday decorations,…

  • A walk down Main Avenue

    It was a chance to go back to the Manila North Cemetery. After getting reprimanded for taking pictures without getting a permit last time, I was eager to have not just a reason to go back, but to take photos as well. We were there for the 110th anniversary of the arrival of the Thomasites…

  • Map of Little Tokyo

    I haven’t been traveling lately and won’t be traveling anytime soon. I’m at my wit’s end, counting down the months until the next trip. The self-imposed travel ban was due to me trying my hand at being responsible, putting my money into grown up expenses like insurance, business registrations and an accountant, instead of squandering…

  • Food discoveries that are Sooo Pinoy

    What is Filipino cuisine? The people behind the movement Sooo Pinoy took us to around Metro Manila to taste the best of Pinoy food. Adarna’s Bicol Express Sooo Pinoy feeds your national pride through the appreciation of Filipino cuisine. Thru Sooo Pinoy, you will learn more about the history of Pinoy food and discover where…

  • Varekai in Manila

    It was an invite that was very hard to turn down. Nevermind that there was a typhoon, nevermind that it would make me late for work, I will not pass up the chance to watch Varekai. Of course, getting to watch it for free, bring along two friends and get to take pictures of the…

  • UST and Lumina Pandit

    I can count the number of times I went to UST. My first memory of UST was of one of my brothers studying there. It was followed by a sadder one — an uncle confined for several months, and eventually dying in the university hospital. There was also the memory of me taking the college…

  • Pasalubong shopping: Kape de Mutit and Bench Pinoy Labs

    I’m flying out to visit family, so that means buying gifts and Pinoy stuff they can’t easily get overseas. One of my brother’s bilin is cafe Alamid. Cafe Alamid, also known as kopi luwak in Indonesia is one of the most expensive coffee in the world, also said to be the best. Kape de Mutit…

  • Ang Pambansang T-shirt Launch

    It’s been around since 2006, but it was only last April 30 that Ang Pambansang T-shirt was formally launched. Brought to us by Team Manila, you can expect the same funky and quirky feel that made Team Manila a big success. Carlos Celdran in a colorful barong with a green (of course) Ang Pambansang T-shirt…

  • Binondo Food Wok Map

    Finally, a comprehensive map of Manila’s Chinatown! I remember my first trip to Binondo (the one that I can remember anyway). It was late at night and we were driving around this strange new place, guided by friend’s boyfriend who live in the neighborhood. I have absolutely no idea where we are, except that we…