Metro Manila, or the National Capital Region of the Philippines is composed of 16 Cities and 1 Municipality. I was born and raised within the Metropolis moving from different cities growing. Now, I am based in Mandaluyong, the City located within the centre of the Capital Region.
Mandaluyong boasts of its Shopping Centers, hosting 2 of the biggest Malls in the country. Beyond these shopping centres, the residential district is where you'll find some of the best Hole In The Wall restaurants, popular to mostly residents.
Since my first visit in 2013, the roadside breakfast eatery has now expanded to 3 different locations, but still traces its origin in Mandaluyong. They serve all day breakfast meals that is elevated yet not intimidating by making the price affordable! Read my 1st visit here.
Chef Arch's Lime
It was also 2013 when we first explored this Residential Garage turned into a restaurant. The food is a mix of asian and filipino favourites, but they're popular with the Street Food "na Pinasosyal" or made fancy!
Just bordering the Maysilo Circle is RJ Bulalohan. Its a 24 hour restaurant but we normally come here after a night of drinking. Nothing cures a hangover than the piping hot broth from beef bone marrow or what we call the Bulalo.
Another local favourite thats elevated is Goto or Rice Porridge mix with an assortment of toppings.
Goto Believe made this more interesting with their create your own concept choosing from a variety of skewers, sides and egg preparation.
Aling Tonang's Palabok
This a favourite of long time residents, but a recent discovery for me. A friend recommended the place, and its only during the lock down that we were able to have their Palabok delivered to our condominium.
I'm sure there's more foodie establishments we haven't discovered. Comment below your recommendations!
More than 20 years ago, I remember staying up late on a Thursday night to watch episodes of Travel Time. It introduced me to destinations like Boracay, and Pagudpud where very little development was done in those areas that time. But it was her ending message that resonates to me up until now. "Huwag Maging Dayuhan sa Sariling Bayan" or Do not be a foreigner in your own country.
It was because of her feature of Taal, Batangas that influenced our thesis proposal in Architecture to propose a Tourism Development Within the Volcano Island. During our site visit, we didn't know the duration of the trek, but we opted for the one that would take us to the actual crater navigating through lava formations and black sand dunes. Unprepared, and with limited cash, we we're literally gasping for water once we reached the crater lake. Once were back to the town of Talisay, came the challenge of commuting for the return ride back to Manila because we missed the last bus. I remember, me and my partner Michelle Ramos (Now Michelle Cunanan) hitched a ride at the back of a pick up truck intended for produce going up to Tagaytay. It rained the middle of the journey and we were soaked to our skin once reaching the top. It was the monsoon season that time, and the rain continued flooding the roads entering Manila. We ended up walking on flooded streets just to get home. This was before mobile phones we're invented and our parents we're worried sick about us.
Susan Calo-Medina and her show Influenced my love for travelling although it was expensive during those times. When eventually I started working, whatever is left of my pay check is usually spent on exploring different destinations. My only regret was that there was no social media to document these adventures. Otherwise, I would have been a popular travel influencer myself. Back in the days, we were so focused on finishing the degree, making a career and your real life passion was sidelined.
I was able to visit Coron when the only affordable way to get there was through a 15 hour ferry ride. I visited Boracay when boats were still allowed to dock on the white beach and the boat men literally carry you to the shore so you wouldn't get wet. Those were fun memories.
It took 20 years, when I finally decided to make a living through travel and tours. I retired from my corporate job in 2016, then spent the last 2 years figuring what future plans would be. I chanced upon Airbnb experiences and made good money out of it until the start of this year.
It was only last year that I was able to come back to Taal Volcano. This time, I was taking foreign guests to visit the volcano as part of the experiences I was selling. My last visit just 5 days before it erupted.
Now, my experiences we're put on hold because of the COVID 19 Pandemic. Just when I thought I was gaining momentum.
But I have no regrets. I feel that my life skills prepared me for this. I just need to re think my strategy so that when the travel ban is over, we're going to come out stronger.
My ultimate goal now is to look for experience hosts on all of the Philippine destinations, beyond areas serviced by the Airbnb platform. With the availability of information on the internet, tourists are more keen on immersing themselves in the culture. Instead of sight seeing and just tasting local delicacies, why not teach the guests how to make it themselves. Would you agree if I suggest that on top of seeing Calle Crislogo in Vigan, making your own Vigan Empanada would make your visit more meaningful?
Not only will this revive the local tourism industry, it would also create additional income to the local hosts. An empanada vendor would probably earn the same if she sells them the whole day for 20 pesos per piece as compared to teaching tourists to make them for 1 hour.
I just need to figure out where to get my resources. I should probably start a Go Fund Me campaign. But should you have connections, or this would be the same area you want to explore, or just maybe your also one of those people influenced by Susan Calo-Medina, please drop a message on the comment section.
Siargao is gaining popularity as one of the most favoured destinations in the Philippines. Last February me and my best friend Teddy Manuel managed to squeeze a quick escape within our busy schedule to celebrate his birthday. It only permitted us 3 Days and 2 Nights.
To maximise the trip, we solicited the help of a tour guide to plan our itinerary and hired @metro.siargao for our photos.
Day 1
12:00 pm Sayak Airport
12:30 pm ETA Del Carmen Tourist Center (Lunch at Nearby Resto)
Straight from the airport, we were met by our guide Jake Encarnacion, including our van for the transfer. From the airport, we went to the Del Carmen Tourist Center for a quick lunch. Afterwards, our guide arranged our boat and fees for Sugba Lagoon. We changed to our swimming clothes and proceeded after.
1:30 pm ETD Sugba Lagoon
Sugba Lagoon, is 30 minutes boat ride away from Del Carmen, passing by the protected Mangrove Forest. The lagoon is surrounded by limestone karst similar to that of El Nido and Coron of Palawan.
2:30 pm ETA Sugba Lagoon
A man made 2 story structure is created for activities catering to visitors. Tables are available for lounging and snacks. Kayak, Bamboo Raft and paddle board rentals are also available. What makes the area popular is the makeshift diving board that sets you plunging to clear waters approximately 15 feet high.
4:00 pm ETD Back to Del Carmen
5:00 pm ETA Tourism Office
Before going to our accommodation in Gen. Luna, we made a stop on the Coconut Plantation Deck
to appreciate the expansive farm.
5:30 pm ETD Going to Gen Luna
6:30 pm ETA Gen Luna (Isla Cabana)
We arrived at Isla Cabana earlier than scheduled because we did not spent too much time at Sugba Lagoon. We were able to check out the views and amenities of our resort. Isla Cabana is among the top beach side resort, conveniently located within the town center of Gen. Luna. Just outside the reception you will find rows of themed restaurants and souvenir shops and the bars are just walking distance.
7:30 pm Dinner (Isla Cusina)
For dinner, we opted for Isla Cusina, owned and operated by the same resort we're staying! They serve a mix of local and international dishes.
9:00 pm Free Time Bar Hopping Explore
Since, its our first night, we tried to sample the night life in the Island. In Siargao, they follow a schedule on which bars to go to depending on the days. This allows bar owners to share on the tourist arrivals. Our guide accompanied us to Bravo, and allowed us to taste Enkanto, the beer. Just hop on to any tricycle and ask where the happening for the night is held.
Day 2 (Monday Feb 17)
6:00am Wake Up Call
7:00am Breakfast
The next day, we had breakfast at the resort's beach side restaurant. Since it was a bit gloomy, we asked that our Island hopping be moved in the afternoon when the weather improves and just use the time to take a dip in the pool and swim at the beach fronting the property.
Our photographer arrived around noon and were off after having lunch.
1:00 pm ETD for Island Hopping Private ( 3 Islands Daku, Guyam, Naked)
Our guide asked us to meet him at the Boulevard Market, the jump off to the boats that will take us to three islands.
1:30 am ETA Naked Island
Naked Island is a sand bar, with little to no vegetation, hence the name. It is completely submerged during the monsoon seasons, but we were fortunate to see how two opposing waves crash on its shore.
2:00 pm ETA Daku Island
The next island we visited is Daku, translated as big, being the biggest of the three. There are a few Instagram nook at the resort that operate in the island, but we just opted to try out the swing and less frequented spots.
The last island we visited was Guyam, translated as small, being the smaller of the two inhabited island. It was here that we got to taste the Spider Shell. A local delicacy enjoyed by the island dwellers.
3:00 pm ETA Guyam Island
Photo by: @metro.siargao
4:00 pm ETA General Luna Boulevard
4:30 pm ETA Cloud Nine for Sunset Shoot
The most iconic attraction in Siargao would be the boardwalk and wooden tower of Cloud 9. Its mainly used by surfers and enthusiasts to reach the waves conveniently from the shore.
Seated is our Photographer Wendell Good of @metro.siargao, Our guide Jake Encarnacion and Puti, Me and Teddy
5:30 pm ETD Going Back to Hotel
7:00 pm Dinner ( Mama's Grill) After the long day, we made a stop to Mama's Grill for dinner. Here, you pre order your meats on skewers by the counter and wait until they're grilled to perfection. This would be the more reasonable restaurants and is popular both to locals and tourists.
8:00 pm Free Time
After dinner, we went back to the resort and resisted the temptation to go out.
On our last day, we had breakfast at the beach side restaurant of Isla Cabana again and just prepared our things for check out. We were suppose to go to Mapupungko Rock Formation, but decided to just sleep longer in time for Check Out. We availed of the hotel transfer to airport instead of the private van. Before our service arrive, we went for a walk along the main road to look for a place to have a light lunch.
We were drawn by the cozy decor of Kook Cafe, and enjoyed their set meal of shakes and sandwiches.
After lunch, we went back to the hotel and just waited for our ride to the airport.
We hoped we had more time exploring Siargao, but that just gives us a reason to come back.
Pasig City is one of the city in Metro Manila, that when you visit it's old center has kept its provincial charm with its old houses, narrow streets and century old establishments.
Make sure to visit these attractions to get a glimpse of the culture and taste of the city.
Exploring the country especially all of the 81 provinces can be overwhelming and expensive. For the city residents like me, lets start by exploring our environs.
For a person that lived in Metro Manila all my life, its only very recent that I have explored areas outside of my place of residence and work.
Metro Manila Cities
Caloocan
Las Pinas
Makati
Malabon
Mandaluyong
City of Manila
Marikina
Muntinlupa
Navotas
Paranaque
Pasay
Pasig
Quezon City
San Juan
Taguig
Valenzuela
Metro Manila Municipality
Pateros
Have you been to all the cities and municipalities of Metro Manila?
Tourism was hit hard because of the current pandemic spread of the NOVID CORONA Virus. Being in the tourism industry for the past 2 years, we are currently feeling the effects of the flight cancellations and international travel vans.
As a country, we need to take this opportunity to explore the provinces of the country with the current direction to promote local tourism with discounted fares and reasonable accommodations.
Tourism bucket lists have became viral, but the one broken down into provinces is yet to be promoted. I am on a personal journey to complete this myself, and is making this my 2020 goal.
With the extended hours of Fort Santiago, a visit to Manila can now be done late in in the afternoon towards the evening.
I personally visited the area to check on the sights I could visit beyond the museum hours.
I started the tour at the Sky Deck on top of the Bayleaf Hotel within Intramuros. Its a good place to catch the famous Manila Bay sunset over the horizon while looking down on the walled city.
The National Museum as viewed from the Sky Deck of Bayleaf Hotel
The sun setting over the horizon at Manila Bay.
Afterwards, I walked my way to San Agustin, the oldest stone church in the country. By this time, the Museum complex is now closed and I had to settle to just marvel at the facade and the imposing wooden doors. A glimpse of the church interiors can be seen should there be a mass being celebrated on the time of your visit.
San Agustin Church
I walked my way around the back of the church to check the Gallery of the Philippine Presidents.
Just around the corner is the Plaza San Luis Complex. Only the shop houses are open, but Barbaras, the restaurant is now preparing for their nightly buffet dinners that comes with a cultural show.
Casa Manila at Night
The Patio at Casa Manila at Night
I navigated my way to Manila Cathedral, where you can marvel at the adjacent buildings like the Palacio Del Governor and the Ayuntamiento.
Palacio Del Governador
Manila Cathedral
Manila Cathedral at Night
Ayuntamiento
Right at the end of General Luna Street is the entrance to Fort Santiago. This would be the first time I'm visiting at night and I love how the structures and park were lit.
Fort Santiago Gate at Night
View of Manila from the Postigo de La Nuestra Senyora De Soledad
Jose Rizal Prison Cell
Since its just a few days before Chinese New Year, I decided to continue the trip the Binondo just across the River and made a stop at the newly improved Jones Bridge.
Preparations for the Chinese New Year celebration is very evident on the streets with fruit vendors selling charms to attract prosperity.
I lighted an incense at an altar on the side of the road before finding a spot for dinner.
I opted for vegetarian food right at the corner of Salazar Street and Ongpin Street, since they're the only one that doesn't have a long line of patrons waiting by the door.
I must say, experiencing the old city at night is a different way to appreciate the city, its history, culture and food.
