Food Scene
The famous sisig was first introduced in Manila by this restaurant and then it spread around the country to rival adobo in popularity. Good source of Filipino local cuisine in a nice restaurant setting. Reasonable price. Good spot to have dinner with friends and then have beer as many loyal Filipino customers of this restaurant do.
Trellis
H.V. Dela CostaThe famous sisig was first introduced in Manila by this restaurant and then it spread around the country to rival adobo in popularity. Good source of Filipino local cuisine in a nice restaurant setting. Reasonable price. Good spot to have dinner with friends and then have beer as many loyal Filipino customers of this restaurant do.
If you are feeling a little bit fancy, and have already gone to Trellis and still have enough Philippine currency with you, you can try Via Mare restaurant inside the university campus to sample Filipino cuisine. This is the favorite restaurant of the faculty of the university (and also said to be the favorite of former First Lady Imelda Marcos) and for good reason. The food here is like the home-cooked dinner your Filipino mom cooks at home if she happens to be a really good chef who trained at Le Cordon Bleu. This is a good place to visit on your last day to cap your gastronomical experience of Manila. Instagram-worthy.
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Cafe Via Mare
corner Magsaysay AveIf you are feeling a little bit fancy, and have already gone to Trellis and still have enough Philippine currency with you, you can try Via Mare restaurant inside the university campus to sample Filipino cuisine. This is the favorite restaurant of the faculty of the university (and also said to be the favorite of former First Lady Imelda Marcos) and for good reason. The food here is like the home-cooked dinner your Filipino mom cooks at home if she happens to be a really good chef who trained at Le Cordon Bleu. This is a good place to visit on your last day to cap your gastronomical experience of Manila. Instagram-worthy.
In the event that you find yourself craving for some affordable Japanese (student price, complete satisfying katsudon meal for a little over PHP 150.00), try Crazy Katsu on Maginhawa Street. The restaurant is on Maginhawa Street, where many restaurants are located so you can go food-hopping if your appetites desire so.
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Crazy Katsu
MaginhawaIn the event that you find yourself craving for some affordable Japanese (student price, complete satisfying katsudon meal for a little over PHP 150.00), try Crazy Katsu on Maginhawa Street. The restaurant is on Maginhawa Street, where many restaurants are located so you can go food-hopping if your appetites desire so.
For the vegetarian, this is the nearest fix for you. They also deliver food so if you are staying for sometime in my Airbnb place, you might be able to arrange to have your vegetarian food delivered.
Likha Diwa
1 Lt. J. FranciscoFor the vegetarian, this is the nearest fix for you. They also deliver food so if you are staying for sometime in my Airbnb place, you might be able to arrange to have your vegetarian food delivered.
Drinks & Nightlife
Where young people, millenials and hipsters from around the area hang out. This enclave, a former shopping area for Philippine-made shoes, has been converted into a hipster strip of antique shops, bars and cafes.
Marikina Shoe Expo
1109 Central AveWhere young people, millenials and hipsters from around the area hang out. This enclave, a former shopping area for Philippine-made shoes, has been converted into a hipster strip of antique shops, bars and cafes.
Bar with live music where the finest singers and upcoming acts in the Philippines regularly perform (rock bands, folk music).
The 70s Bistro
46 AnonasBar with live music where the finest singers and upcoming acts in the Philippines regularly perform (rock bands, folk music).
Parks & Nature
The very green and huge campus of the University of the Philippines functions as a park for many people in the area. People jog morning, afternoon, night around the area, and during weekends, families go on picnics, biking and running.
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University of the Philippines Diliman
Roxas AvenueThe very green and huge campus of the University of the Philippines functions as a park for many people in the area. People jog morning, afternoon, night around the area, and during weekends, families go on picnics, biking and running.
Arts & Culture
For classical music, this is my favorite spot. Where else can you listen to classical music for as low as PHP 100.00? You can check the website of the college for the concert schedule. Definitely a not-to-be-missed if you like classical music.
UP College of Music
Osmeña AvenueFor classical music, this is my favorite spot. Where else can you listen to classical music for as low as PHP 100.00? You can check the website of the college for the concert schedule. Definitely a not-to-be-missed if you like classical music.
Essentials
The family-run Hi-Top Supermart has the best price for groceries and beats all the bigger chain supermarkets in Manila in giving value for money for their customers.
Hi-top Supermart
36 Aurora BlvdThe family-run Hi-Top Supermart has the best price for groceries and beats all the bigger chain supermarkets in Manila in giving value for money for their customers.
Shopping
For seafood, this is probably the best market in the whole of Manila, where the more affluent families in the neighborhood shop for seafood. For seafood, fruits, flowers, plants, vegetables and other kitchen essentials, this is the place to go to.
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Les Aunor Meat Shop
For seafood, this is probably the best market in the whole of Manila, where the more affluent families in the neighborhood shop for seafood. For seafood, fruits, flowers, plants, vegetables and other kitchen essentials, this is the place to go to.
If you want to shop for fabrics, Kamuning Public Market has a section for that. After you shop, you can just walk around and choose the seamstress/tailor to make your clothes according to your specifications. Dress shirts, gowns, pillow cases, bed sheets, traditional Filipino barong, you name it they'll do it for you. Better to go here on your first day in Manila to give your seamstress time to make your order.
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Kamuning Public Market
L. Sianghio StreetIf you want to shop for fabrics, Kamuning Public Market has a section for that. After you shop, you can just walk around and choose the seamstress/tailor to make your clothes according to your specifications. Dress shirts, gowns, pillow cases, bed sheets, traditional Filipino barong, you name it they'll do it for you. Better to go here on your first day in Manila to give your seamstress time to make your order.
Getting Around
If you are done exploring Manila, and would like to venture anywhere south of the capital city (say Sorsogon for the whale sharks and surfing, Legaspi for the Mayon volcano, Naga for the religious pilgrimage, Batangas for snorkelling and diving, Puerto Galera for the famous beach, or Quezon for Villa Escudero), this is the bus terminal you need. Choice of aircon or the cheaper non-aircon buses.
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Araneta Center Bus Port
General Romulo AvenueIf you are done exploring Manila, and would like to venture anywhere south of the capital city (say Sorsogon for the whale sharks and surfing, Legaspi for the Mayon volcano, Naga for the religious pilgrimage, Batangas for snorkelling and diving, Puerto Galera for the famous beach, or Quezon for Villa Escudero), this is the bus terminal you need. Choice of aircon or the cheaper non-aircon buses.