When the voucher craze hit Manila, it didn't take much to get me into it. Although I had some reservations about using my credit card online that much, I eventually caved because the deals were just too irresistible. Case in point: the series of Japanese food offers by three different voucher sites (Deal Grocer, Groupon and Ensogo), the most tempting of which, I bought.

Toro: Degustation Lunch
I've never done a real degustation meal before. I may have nibbled here and there but that hardly qualifies. Plus, I always thought it to be too decadent, too impractical. There are scenarios that I'd think of that do not fit with the idea of degustation. Example: what if I sample something and I absolutely love it. One bite, that's it?

Read more>

February 2012: Metro Trippin'
Happy Chill @ Van Gogh is Bipolar by Roda Novenario

On Chinese New Year's day, I took time out to try to get to places I miss in Metro Manila, specifically UP and the rest of the Quezon City area where I lived for a bit when I was in college.

Somehow, that time close to two decades ago was the time when I felt the least attached, the least burdened.

Read more>

December 2011: Metro Trippin'     
Beers, Balls and Bars by Susan Konstanty

When I first landed in Manila, aside from the initial adjustments, slight culture shock and getting all the usual stuff organized, my first moment of panic was when I discovered it was not possible to watch rugby on TV here, not even on cable.

Read more>

November 2011: Metro Trippin'     
Project: Burger Nirvana by Mary Jude Mendiola

It was 9 o'clock on a Friday night, and my girlfriend and I were only just leaving our Commonwealth office. We were dead tired and famished.

Having just gotten our paychecks for the week, we decided to splurge on dinner. On a whim, we cruised along Maginhawa St. in Teacher's Village, and told each other that we'd try out the first appetizing place we saw that served rice (for my girlfriend) and pasta (for me).

Read more>

April 2011: Metro Trippin'     
The New Good Ol’ Oarhouse by Roda Novenario

Malate has aged since the first time I fell in love with it. And, as with those who try to hide the stains of years, the place has been glossed over – bright lights, tall edifices, and higher prices to make up for higher rent. It feels different. The people are more distant. It is less my home. When the relocated Oarhouse opened again late last year, I was wary of what I'd find. Nothing is immune to change after all.

Read more>

September 2010: Metro Trippin'     
DRAGONBOATING: On and Off the Boat by Jilla Decena

4:00 AM. My mobile phone alarm goes on. With one eye shut, I search for the phone amongst the pillows and sheets on my bed to stop the ringing.

Slowly falling back to sleep again, I would receive a text message from a friend “Gising na!” (Wake up!) “Ok, Ok I’m awake,” I tell myself.

Read more>

January 2008: Metro Trippin'     
Rumbles in the City by Angela Fraga

Riding through the busy, dangerous streets of Metro Manila, I remember just why I got my bike in the first place. There's a certain thrill in knowing that you can go anywhere you want, at any time without having to pay for anything except your bike's maintenance. With the rising cost of public transportation, the bike is a cheap and green alternative. It is a crazy way of living, with the majority keeping to the comforts of their cars.

Read more>

January 2008: Metro Trippin'     
Manila Favors and Flavors by Veigh Hernandez

I spent some time in Zamboanga City and was lucky enough to make friends with Marian - for no one could have made me taste, journey, and live the Chabacano life the way only a true Zamboangueña could.

When the chance to do the same for her came up, I gave her the taste, journey, and life of Manila the way only a true Manileña could....

Read more>

October 2007: Metro Trippin'     
Music, Like Water For The Thirsty Traveler by Jesusa Ayala Dayat

As the traveler fills each day with new adventures, sometimes her soul longs for sojourn. Like water for her thirst, she can find solace in discovering a new place she can call "home."

Read more>

July 2007: Metro Trippin'     
A Penguin’s Revolution by Roda Novenario

“Penguin is a state of mind.”
-- Butch Aldana, owner/manager, Penguin Café and Gallery

And as for all progressive mindsets, change is a requisite.

Read more>