Ah, Manila, once a cherished second home for various reasons. My first initial visit there was in 1984 when I was about 5 and a half, probably September, as I recall celebrating my cousin Michael's 4th birthday. Eventually, my yearly vacations became a tradition, spanning my entire three-month summer break, thanks to my parents' arrangement. The extended stays proved favorable as I gradually grasped Tagalog, initially understanding completely, but struggling to carry conversations. Yet, with each annual visit, my fluency grew significantly, and now it is good enough for practical and everyday use. Transitioning to adulthood, I even resided there for a couple of years for educational purposes, but that’s a tale for another time. The Philippines, despite grievances about pollution, traffic, and rainy season floods, maintains an irresistible charm. The warmth of its people, their hospitality, and the Bayanihan spirit, (selfless assistance to others), continue to draw us back.
Our honeymoon was originally planned for December 2020, but due to the impact of COVID, my husband Leighton and I finally embarked on our eagerly anticipated trip just a few months ago. We planned hitting up Asia- specifically covering the Philippines and Korea.
Residing in the UK, we reasoned that Europe was a place we can visit anytime, plus we haven’t been to Manila since 2018, a trip that allowed us to explore Siargao as well. Island hopping and experiencing the Manila night life was foreign to my husband until our 2018 holiday. This visit rekindled his affection for the motherland, as he had previously only ventured to the province alongside his parents, missing out on Manila's highlights.
Gone are the days of clubbing and partying at Embassy on Wednesday nights, Wilding out in Wasabi, Pravda, and Il Ponticello's (which are no longer around btw), and drunkenly stumbling across the lobby of the Manila Peninsula to secure a table to order a nice bowl of arroz caldo at 4am. I've exchanged those wild escapades for a more relaxed "Tita"(auntie) lifestyle, where I prefer delightful dinners, casual coffee and merienda dates, or treating myself to an affordable facial or massage on a wellness day.
To honor and celebrate one of our beloved cities globally, I'm divulging some key locales to acquaint yourself within Manila.
Makati: I always find myself staying in the Makati area because it is a bustling and modern city in the Philippines. It's full of tall buildings, busy streets, and lots of places to shop, eat, and have fun. Many businesses and offices are located there, making it an important financial and commercial hub. People from all around come to Makati for work, shopping, and entertainment.
The Alley at Karavin: Panaderya Toyo and Toyo eatery:
While I haven't had the chance to dine at Toyo Eatery, I've consistently heard praise about it. Strangely, each time I plan a trip to Manila, I struggle to make a reservation due to schedule. Despite not having been fortunate in securing one yet, I remain hopeful that I'll be able to secure a reservation during my next visit, although I have enjoyed their other establishment, Panaderya Toyo twice!
2316 Chino Roces Ave, Makati, 1231 Metro Manila, PH
Wild Flour Restaurant- Greenbelt 3:
Esperanza Street Greenbelt 3, Ayala Center, Makati, 1228 Metro Manila, PH
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