The Palabok Connection | Santa Ana Heritage Tour - Part 3

Palabok - that noodle dish topped with egg, chicharon and calamansi - you think you know it very well, but do you ever wonder what that orange stuff is made of?

Palabok: the real thing!

Together with Santa Ana Heritage Tours head tour guide, Boyet, and Fundacion Santiago representative, Cheska, we venture into Santa Ana's public market to sample this traditional delicacy. A number of stalls sell their own 'original' version, which have gained quite a following among locals (and now, including balikbayans).

Lilac Street Food Crawl - Marikina | Part 2

The sun was setting fast and our bellies were far from full (so far, we've only tried 2 places). We venture across the road and spot a short row on Rainbow Street.

Working up an appetite along Lilac St.

In case you missed it, here's a link to Part 1.

Lilac Street Food Crawl - Marikina | Part 1

There's a new foodie strip in Metro Manila that everybody's been talking about: Lilac Street in Marikina. This stretch of road is dotted with delightful food joints you don't usually find in malls. There was nothing to do one Saturday afternoon, so me and my sisters decided to do a Lilac Street food crawl.

Bennt II Building: Infinitea and Cupcake Bites Cafe

A Photowalk Back in Time | Santa Ana Heritage Tour - Part 2

Santa Ana, Manila carries a mix of old provincial charm and progressive small town vibe. To be honest, I pass by the area on a regular basis, but never have I set foot inside its parish until this tour.

Inside the Santos heritage house

This oft-taken for granted Heritage Zone is slowly realizing its tourism potential through the efforts of non-profits Santa Ana Heritage Tourism Association (SAHTA) and Fundacion Santiago.

Within The Hallowed Halls | Santa Ana Heritage Tour - Part 1

Three ladies were rounded up in a dungeon-esque room within the thick walls of Nuestra Senora de los Desamparados Parish in Santa Ana, Manila. One of them was me.

National Shrine of Our Lady of the Abandoned

Okay, it was obviously my first time to venture into the back rooms of a centuries-old church. There, our Santa Ana Heritage Tour was about to commence.

City Of Dreams Manila - Opening Night

City Of Dreams Manila officially opened its doors to the public Sunday, December 14. Though still on its soft opening, we trooped there to check out the deal. (Pun intended, of course!)

Reminds me of the diamond enclosure in the Ocean's 13 movie.

The New YMCA Manila Swimming Pool

One summer morning, I was in the vicinity of Manila City Hall. There beside SM Manila is a newly renovated YMCA. Decided to check out their pool, and I was blown away.

The old swimming pool was decent; but this new one is way better! New tiles, and more space

Bike Trails: Post-Habagat Marikina Riverside Loop

Monsoon season is just around the corner, and as a reminder, I'm posting these photos of my bike ride in Marikina just a few days after habagat rains (not even a typhoon) devastated the place last year.

View Marikina Morning Loop in a larger map

My usual morning jumpstarter route goes like this: from JP Rizal in Lamuan area, I head towards the Marikina River Park in Santo Nino all the way to Barangay Calumpang riverbank, and then loop back to Malanday via the riverside Jocson road. If I have extra time, I warm up or cool down (or both) around South Supermarket's 'oval'.

The Case of the Curious Package from Gen San

NAIA Terminal 3

It was a particularly busy August afternoon in the airport arrival hall. Even though me and my kid were intentionally the last people to deplane, I still managed to catch up with the other passengers who took their time talking on their mobile phones and taking turns in the comfort room.

Passengers of Cebu and General Santos flights

I snagged one of the few remaining empty push carts and maneuvered my way into the unusually thick crowd in front of the baggage carousel. As it turns out, two flights' worth of cargo will be served by a single carousel.

EndDanger: Art and Music Fest Fundraiser 2013

EndDanger: Art and Music Fest Fundraiser
Conspiracy Garden Cafe, 59 Visayas Ave., Project 6, Quezon City
January 19, 2013 (Saturday)

Bike Trails: Morning Rides at MOA

Here's something I've been missing these past few weeks: Biking in MOA. Every morning, the stretch of road behind SM Mall of Asia (MOA) in Pasay turns into a fitness haven. You'd be surprised at the amount of city folks who turn up at the boulevard, panting their socks off just as the sun rises.

Better than spinning class

I start my bike route from our home in Quirino Ave., make my way towards Taft Ave. and then on to Roxas Boulevard. The road is pretty quiet at 6:00 in the morning, but I am still cautious because the next car could be driven by a drunk driver who has just seen an installment of a Fast and Furious movie.

Manila Tour: 5 LRT Sights You Shouldn't Miss

It's usually packed like a can of sardines, but the LRT1 (Light Rail Transit line 1) is the most efficient way to traverse old Manila. It connects Baclaran to Roosevelt in less than an hour, making it indispensable to the riding public. The fare is cheap - P12 to P20 - and the train cars are air conditioned. I should warn you though, don't expect a dry underarm when you ride it on a summer rush hour!

The first car is for PWD, elderly, women and passengers with small children

Students, yuppies and the rest of the masses rely on the LRT to reach their destination in photo-finish time. But aside from being part of the daily grind, this mode of transportation is also great for sightseeing!

Fete de la Musique 2012 - Manila (Band Lineup)

International poster

FETE DE LA MUSIQUE 2012 - MANILA
"Tribute to the Beatles"
June 23, 2012
Makati Avenue (between Kalayaan Ave. & Valdez St.)
4:00 PM - 01:00 AM (next day)

FREE ADMISSION TO ALL VENUES!

This year's French music festival pays tribute to the 50th Anniversary of the first Beatles EP release. The event will feature Chinese Man of French DJ Collective and 10 Filipino Bands + Pocket venues.

Too bad I won't be in Manila to see this celebration (scroll down for band lineup).

5 Splashing Places in Metro Manila

The heat is on and what better way to cool off than to hit the many beaches and mountain resorts of the Philippines. I, myself, have been dreaming of inhaling the misty sea breeze and dipping in a basin filled by cascading water.

While it would be fun to splash around a natural body of water, not everybody in Metro Manila has the luxury of time (and budget) to arrange a trip out of town. But before you set up your inflatable pool, consider these refreshing city retreats:

SERGIO MENDES & BRASIL 2012 LIVE IN MANILA

SERGIO MENDES & BRASIL 2012

Live in Manila
April 24, 2012 - Tuesday - 8:00 PM
Araneta Coliseum, Cubao, Quezon City MANILA, Philippines

Experience timeless music from the man who helped bring Brazilian music to the world! His hits are constantly being reinvented by new artists, but nothing beats the original thing. This concert is scheduled right on time for summer, bringing the beach vibe of Rio in bustling Metro Manila. Enjoy Brazilian anthems like Mas Que Nada, Look of Love and other songs in this one-night-only concert.

PNR Train to Naga City starts operating tomorrow!

PNR city commuter train

The Philippine National Railway (PNR) is formally re-opening its Manila-Bicol line starting tomorrow, June 30, 2011. This is really great news for commuting travelers! It is also very timely for the MFPI Luzon Summit in Bagasbas, Daet!

Fête de la Musique MANILA 2011 - Fort Strip, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig

An annual music retreat

FÊTE DE LA MUSIQUE 2011 - MANILA, PHILIPPINES
June 25, 2011
with special participation of Rock Band Merzhin
4pm onwards . FREE
Bonifacio Global City
Main stage: Arts in the City (26th., corner 7th avenue)
and indoor pocket venues at the Fort Strip

See band lineup below.

INCUBUS: IF NOT NOW, WHEN? - LIVE IN MANILA 2011

INCUBUS - If not now, When? World Tour 2011
Live in Manila
July 28, 2011 - Thursday - 8:00 PM
Araneta Coliseum, Cubao, Quezon City MANILA, Philippines

After 5 years of hibernating (Their last album, Light Grenades, was released 2006), Incubus is now back on tour for their new album "If not now, when?" which will be officially released on July 12. I am a fan of Incubus since their experimental Fungus Amongus and S.C.I.E.N.C.E.days. Their melodies and musical catharsis hit my senses deeply. I am glad that Incubus has decided to visit the Philippines for the 3rd time. 

KYLIE MINOGUE LIVE IN MANILA 2011

Kylie Minogue - Aphrodite Tour 2011
Live in Manila
July 5, 2011 - Tuesday - 8:00 PM
Araneta Coliseum, Cubao, Quezon City MANILA, Philippines

"Experience the true icon and witness how Araneta Coliseum turns into a Greece inspired musical venue!"

MILEY CYRUS LIVE IN MANILA 2011

MILEY CYRUS: GYPSY HEARTS/CORAZON GITANO TOUR 2011
June 17, 2011 - Friday - 8:00PM
SM MOA Concert Grounds (SM Mall of Asia Complex), Pasay City, Philippines

Featuring performances by Sam Concepcion and Elmo Magalona (?).