Press Releases
Oct
Cheap Restaurants in Manila to Try in 2017
Cheap Restaurants in Manila to Try in 2017 So you’re hungry. Very hungry. And you are running critically low on cash after many weeks of travel, or a Manila shopping spree. Despite being nearly broke, though, you don’t want to settle for a low-quality meal. You want some delicious food from one of the cheaper restaurants in Manila. Impossibly high maintenance? Actually, no! Metro Manila is full of cheap restaurants with excellent food. Seriously, the quality is so good, Gordon Ramsay might be threatened. From Italian, to Latin American, to Middle Eastern, to good ol’ Filipino food, restaurants in Manila offer super cheap dishes with rich, unforgettable taste. So fear not, you cheap foodie, because you’ll find culinary heaven at budget prices at these unexpected dining establishments. Here are our top picks for restaurants in Manila that won’t break your budget: 1. MANG RAUL’S BBQ – FILIPINO Hours: 2:30 PM to 9:30 PM Address: CRM Avenue (near Holy Family Parish), Almanza, Las Piñas City Image courtesy of www.tumbnation.com Mang Raul’s BBQ is a super famous restaurant found in Almazan, Las Pinas City. This dingy-looking barbecue joint always has a ridiculously long line out front. It’s so cheap, 2 barbecue skewers will only set you back $1. The crowd at Mang Raul’s BBQ is mixed – rich kids with posh cars line up alongside those on a budget. Everyone is just hungry for Mang Raul’s delicious brand of barbecue street food. The waitlist gets so long, you have to take a number and wait for it to be called before you can order. You pick out your raw skewered meats of choice, gather them in a plate, and hand it to the griller. Then you wait a long time. We don’t recommend eating here on a day when you’re in a rush, or already starving, because the long wait (while the heavenly smell of grilled pork wafts overhead) will drive you crazy. Barbecue vendors can be spotted on every corner in Manila, so what makes Mang Raul’s one of the most popular restaurants in Manila? The Mang Raul menu is nothing new. You’ll find your regular barbecue street food – pork, isaw (grilled chicken intestines), and hotdogs – served unpretentiously from a handwritten menu taped to the wall. The secret to Mang Raul’s success is all in the marinated sauce. It’s what drives people crazy. The magic sauce recipe is the cause of the daily (and nightly) crowds. It’s what makes hungry customers wait in line for nearly two hours just for a taste. Tables and chairs spill onto the street out front, inviting you to kick back and devour your mountain of skewers. You’ll leave smelling like a barbecue yourself – and you can bet that you’ll be back again soon. 2. FRIULI TRATTORIA – ITALIAN Hours: 9:30 AM to 12 Midnight Address: 79-A Maginhawa Street, Teachers’ Village, Quezon City Image courtesy of tetadventurer.blogspot.com Craving some delizioso Italian? Maybe some gourmet pizza? What if we told you that for about $6, you could get a whole pizza that tastes like a million bucks? A “trattoria” is a casual Italian-style eating establishment, and this trattoria is located on Maginhawa Street in Teacher’s Village—Manila’s famous foodie destination. Friuli Trattoria is a tiny two-storey establishment with plain orange and white walls. The interior is no-frills: plastic square tables covered with red-and-white checkered tablecloths, and plastic chairs. You come to Friuli Trattoria’s for the deals and the food, not the ambiance. The menu includes pasta, pizza, and a few other offerings. The pizza is by far the most famous and budget-friendly dish. Customers keep…
Oct
Best Vacation Spots Close to Manila
Image courtesy of atlantishotel.com Best Vacation Spots Close to Manila Manila is an amazing city, but sometimes you just need to get away. Whether you live in Manila or you’re just passing through, you won’t want to miss these best vacation spots near Manila. There are plenty of tourist destination nearby that are unbelievably gorgeous – and very affordable. Just a few hours outside the capital city of the Philippines is an awesome selection of picturesque natural wonders. Mountains, sea, rock formations, virgin beaches, take your pick—you can easily get to these places without even flying! 1. BALER, AURORA – SURFING Image courtesy of tripadvisor One of the best vacation spots near Manila is Baler. This “surfing birthplace in the Philippines” is just 230 km from Manila (about a 6 hour drive). Baler is the famous location of Francis Ford Coppola’s 1979 movie “Apocalypse Now.” Baler lies in the province of Aurora, tucked itno the Sierra Madre mountain range. The town is blessed with breathtaking rugged terrain and lush mountain landscapes. There are plenty of adventure activities to enjoy here apart from surfing. Take your pick from trekking, waterfall-hopping, or visiting interesting sites like Museo de Baler, Dona Aurora Quezon’s House, Ermita Hill, Aniao Islets, and Dicasalarin Cove. Baler has become a bit commercialized, with lots of hotels, resorts, and restaurants catering to flocks of tourists. The array of natural wonders to drink in make it worth a trip, anyways. 2. MT. PINATUBO – TREKKING Image courtesy of tripadvisor Mt. Pinatubo is located in the central range of the Zambales mountains. It’s famous for its catastrophic eruption back in 1991, which was the second largest terrestrial eruption in the 20th century. Today, tours are being offered to explore the volcano and its crater, which offers a spectacular view. Witness the crater’s rim rise from a lake of rainwater, cross the emerald-green lake flanked by the brown and gray crater, and enjoy an overnight camp. It is really intensely beautiful. Resist the temptation to swim in the beautiful crater lake, though. It’s strictly forbidden because the depth is unknown. To get to the base camp – your starting point for the long trek to paradise – you’ll experience a thrilling 4×4 ride. Lots of shops offer rentals. The Mt. Pinatubo trek, of course, is only recommended if you are physically fit. We don’t advise it if you have heart or respiratory problems, or any difficulty walking. 3. ANAWANGIN and NAGSASA COVE – CAMPING Image courtesy of www.tripsiders.com Anawangin and Nagsasa Cove is a breathtaking mix of pine trees, ashen sand, and stunning views in every direction. Island hopping, swimming, and simple relaxation are all options here. The most popular activity, though, is camping. With no electricity or network signal in the area, it’s the perfect escape if you wan to unwind and unplug. Put away your cellphone and gaze up at the billions of stars twinkling in the night sky. Or, light a crackling bonfire to cast a glow on the faces of you and your adventurous friends. With no distracting lights from digital gadgets you can fully experience the glory of nature. If camping isn’t for you, though, there are also cottages to rent. Tents can also be rented, but pack some food – or gear for campsite cooking, if you want to be really outdoorsy. 4. TAAL VOLCANO – TREKKING Image courtesy of www.thedailypedia.com The Taal volcano and lake are a sight to behold, even from afar. So just imagine how stunning they are when you’re actually on top of the volcano itself! It’s an entirely surreal experience. To…
Sep
Manila Nightlife Guide: The 20 Best Bars
Image courtesy of ph.phonebooky.com Manila Nightlife Guide: The 20 Best Bars (2017) If you came to the Philippines hoping to party, Manila nightlife won’t disappoint you! This capital city is teeming with awesome bars. From cheap ‘holes in the-wall’ to high-end pubs, from hippie cafes to comedy bars, you’ll be happily surprised by the diverse selection. We’ve rounded up a list of the 20 best bars in Manila. Choose a few and head out on your own Manila nightlife pub crawl! Or go for gold and try to visit them all during your stay. Cheers! Best Bars in Manila #1: The Bar @ 1951 The Bar@1951 is a quiet watering hole in Malate. It’s always crowded with the bohemian, hippie crowd: local visual artists, poets, filmmakers, writers, and actors. It was once known famously as The Penguin Cafe, and regulars that have been around since before the re-branding will still refer to it as such. The Bar@1951 is known for its cheap beers, live performances, and bohemian atmosphere. It’s easy to see why it won Lonely Planet’s “Editor’s Choice Award” back in 2010. The space doubles as an art gallery, so you can enjoy artwork by local and international artists while you sip your drink and soak up some hip, laid-back Manila nightlife. Address: 1951 Adriatico St, Malate, Manila, Metro Manila Website: bar1951.weebly.com facebook.com/thebar1951 Best Bars in Manila #2: Encore Superclub Encore Superclub (formerly known as the Embassy Club) is one of the most popular bars in Taguig City, Metro Manila. This is the go-to bar for the rich and famous of Manila – expect to party alongside a mix of socialites, local celebrities, and expats. The high-end, futuristic club plays mostly techno and hip hop, and boasts state-of-the-art facilities. The intereior has a sophisticated feel. It’s divided into two rooms: one for hardcore party-goers to dance the night away, and one for those who want to relax with a glass of champagne with friends while enjoying the party atmosphere. Address: Unit D, The Fort Entertainment Center, Bonifacio Global City, Katipunan Circle, Taguig, 1632 Best Bars in Manila #3: Handlebar Manila Handlebar Manila is one of the more cool, “dude-oriented” sports bars in Manila. It’s right in the heart of Makati. It caters to bikers but it’s worth a visit for everyone! Enjoy a cool drink while watching sports on TV (channels include Russian Grand Prix, Super Rugby, Golf, AFC Cup, and more). You can also play billiards, or show off your dance moves to a live set of rock ‘n roll. If you’re hungry, Handlebar Manila has great steak dishes and other Western offerings. With a cool crowd, free wifi, and with all-night Happy Hour Sundays through Tuesdays, you can’t go wrong with this slice of Manila nightlife. Address: 31 Polaris Street, Bel-Air village, Makati City, tel: +63 2 898 Website: handlebarmanila.com.ph facebook.com/handlebarmanila Best Bars in Manila #4: Hobbit House Hobbit House is a “Lord of the Rings” themed bar that proudly employs “the smallest waiters in the world.” Visitors can immerse themselves in J.R.R. Tolkien’s world for the evening while enjoying an impressive collection of imported and craft beer. Hobbit House was founded by Jim Turner of Iowa, and the menu offers both Filipino and international grilled dishes. The bar offers live music and entertainment, including the world’s smallest Elvis impersonator, hobbit flame-eaters, stand-up comics, dancers, jugglers, and more. It’s never a dull moment at this unique bar! Address: 1801 A. Mabini Street, Manila facebook.com/hobbit-house-manila Best Bars in Manila #5: Bunk Bunk Bar is an artsy, bohemian rooftop bar with cheap beer and great food. It’s located…
Sep
The Best Used Book Stores in Manila (2017)
The Best Used Book Stores in Manila (2017) If you’re a die-hard bookworm, we know you love a good used book store. Browsing through used book stores is a fun way to explore a new city. Plus, you never know what treasures you’ll find! If you’re vacationing in the Philippines and spending some time in Manila, the capital city, be sure to make time for a bargain book hunt. Manila is teeming with used book stores. They can be obscure, tiny, even elusive – but with our guide you’ll find them very easy to locate! And, of course, the cheap deals are always worth the hunt. So, what are you waiting for? Book junkies, grab your eco-bag and enjoy wandering the stacks at our favourite used book stores in Manila: 1. Jerbs Bookstore Ground Floor, 5-A No. 2, Guadalupe Commercial Complex Makati, Burgos Corner EDSA, Guadalupe Nuevo, Makati City Open from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily The super-low prices at Jerbs will turn you into a voracious reader if you aren’t one already! Head on down to this tiny shop and binge-shop for mouth-watering titles. The owner, Mang Ed, established his used book store in 1996 and is known by his many regular customers as very kind, witty, and a bookworm of the highest degree. Mang Ed is the book prophet. If you are at a loss trying to find that soul-satisfying book, he is your oracle. Spit out a genre that you are in the mood for, and he will surprise you with very knowledgeable recommendations. Ask about your relationship problems, he probably have an answer too! Mang Ed also sells low-brow books, which makes Jerbs a warm, welcoming used book store for all types of readers. 2. Chapter IX Books and More 2nd Floor, Circle C Mall, Congressional Avenue, Quezon City Open from 10:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily Image courtesy of monumento.ph Chapter IX Books and More is found on the second floor of Circle C shopping mall. It began as a tiny stall, but today it is a very respectable used book store. Chapter IX Books and More sells hard-to-find titles, both brand-new and second-hand, in every imaginable category: romance, contemporary, classic, suspense/thriller, sci-fi/fantasy, noir/hardboiled fiction, non-fiction (philosophy, historical, motivational, general knowledge), YA, children’s books, and more. Unlike most used bookstores, where the books are jumbled, Chapter IX is divided into sections like a conventional bookstore. This saves you lots of time. If you’re also a magazine junkie, you’ll be happy to hear that there’s an entire section of pre-owned, imported magazines. What gives Chapter IX Books and More the edge among its used book store competitors is the fact that it is very organized and meticulously curated. If you are looking for a very specific book, just ask and you shall receive. If the book is not available, they can add it to your personal wishlist. Once it becomes available, you are notified and given priority to buy it. So basically, you can reserve the book. It’s also possible to order books online through their Facebook page. Chapter IX Books and More is owned by Mr. Gary Montenegro. Like most used book store owners, he established this used book store for the intense love for literature. His used books are cheap—you can get rare finds for under $2. 3. Books from Underground Manila City Hall Underpass Open from 3 p.m. to 12 a.m. daily Owner AJ Laberinto decided to build his obscure used book store in the middle of the busy Manila City Hall underpass. We haven’t had the chance to ask him, but…
Sep
The Best Co-Working Spaces in Manila
The Best Co-Working Spaces in Manila Many people are choosing a life and career on the road these days. Co-working spaces are offices designed for professionals to do independent work in a community environment. Manila, the capital of the Philippines, is heaven for digital or creative nomads. You will never really run out of co-working spaces to choose from in Manila! Here are our picks for the Top 6. Each is equipped with state-of-the-art facilities, great amenities, and office support in a relaxed environment, so you’re sure to be very productive at these co-working spaces in Manila. 1. Acceler8 7f Finman Building, 131 Tordesillas St, Salcedo Village, Makati, 1227 Metro Manila Image courtesy of www.coworker.com Acceler8 is located in the heart of Makati City, Metro Manila’s CBD district. This co-working space aims to “accelerate” your business by proving not just the space but also the tools for productive work. Acceler8 offers various spaces to suit your needs: work space, meeting rooms, and events space. Plus, they offer facilities and services to support your business, like private phone booths, audio visual equipment, lockers, vRush Courier Service, passport to vOffice lounges and conference rooms, and much more. Since Acceler8 mainly caters to business people or start-ups, they have also designed a community conducive to networking, training, and workshops. Acceler8 features a cool, sleek, and contemporary interior space. There are white brick walls, polished wooden floors, and a mix of furniture to cater to various needs: serious office desks, comfy couches, even café-like ambiance. The choice is yours! Private offices offer distinct designs to inspire you. All you have to do is choose one of Acceler8’s co-working plans to take advantage of this co-working space in Manila. Acceler8 website: www.acceler8.ph 2. A SPACE Manila 110 Legazpi Street, Makati, 1229 Kalakhang Maynila Image courtesy of www.spot.ph A SPACE is the biggest co-working space in Metro Manila. It’s located in Makati City, just across from a luxurious shopping mall called Greenbelt 5. The multi-story building impressively dedicates each floor to a specific function. The modern hip, and playful ambiance inside is sure to spark your creative juices. A SPACE looks a bit like an art gallery, with installation pieces decorating the walls. In fact, it does have its own art gallery inside! The venue has hosted a long list of important events, like business launches, coding competitions, workshops, and seminars. The art gallery and events venue can accommodate up to 100 people. The A SPACE lounge is a wonderfully eclectic mix. There are workstations, swinging gravity chairs, bean bags, stools, garden swings, and private areas for your impassioned brainstorming sessions. A SPACE website: www.aspacemanila.com 3. MyOffice Makati 3rd Floor Builder’s Center 170 Salcedo St., Legaspi Village Makati City 1229, Philippines Image courtesy of www.myoffice.com.ph Established in 2004, MyOffice Makati is a plain-looking, functional co-working space in Manila catering to freelancers, business owners, and professionals. A big plus for MyOffice is its team of customer service people and receptionists who will handle your calls, emails, mails, and inquiries. This can immensely help you to focus more on planning, strategies, and the heart of your work. MyOffice is also in partnership with multiple business and lifestyle companies—including many health and wellness companies—to help their clients become more productive. MyOffice may not look like your modern-day co-working space with their colorless, slightly dull-looking interior facilities. The equipment is pretty much your generic office setup with workstations and desks. However, if you heavily rely on virtual assistants and customer service support for your business, who needs a pretty place? MyOffice is ideal for you. MyOffice Makati website: www.myoffice.com.ph/branch/myoffice-makati 4. …