Manila Journals

An Enigma Called Manila

Best of IgoUgo

A travel journal to Manila by RaquelKato

Right before your eyes Photo - Gaudi, Makati City, Philippines

Quote: I was born and raised here. And I still live here to this very day. Many locals and foreign nationals have tried to fully understand this city and its people, but most have failed. My pages in this journal tell you more about this enigmatic city.

7 Photos

Gaudi

Restaurant

Quote:

This is a Spanish fine dining restaurant that really boasts a menu of exquisite food. And this is definitely not a place to count calories. Gaudi is known for its paella, steaks, lamb dishes, and Spanish cuisine staples. They also have a great selection of salads and desserts.I personally love their Angus steak, not just for the taste but also for the presentation. A small burner with a ceramic plate sprinkled with salt is placed on your table and the steak is cooked the way you want it right before your eyes. You buy the steak per kilogram and it is priced at 2700PHP per kilogram. You can choose a size—.5kg, .75kg, or whatever—that will be just good enough for you and your companion/s. Each o...Read More

Member Rating 5 out of 5 on February 7, 2007

Gaudi
4/f Greenbelt 3
Makati City, Philippines
+63 (2) 757 2710

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Crustasia

Restaurant

Quote:

Crustasia is part of the Red Crab group of restaurants, which is famous for grade A crabs and seafood dishes in Metro Manila.The interiors are neo-Asian. High ceiling with big red lanterns, smoked glass tables, minimalist chairs with red print upholstery, and other modern oriental touches complete the ambience of the restaurant.But, of course, let’s talk about the food. Crabs, lobsters, shrimps, and fish are cooked following flavorful Thai, Vietnamese, and Chinese recipes.I go for the Crab Maritess, which maximizes the flavor of olive oil, garlic, and chilies on the crab. This is truly delectable, so it isn’t any wonder that this is their bestseller. Fidel's Pepper Crab, on the...Read More

Member Rating 5 out of 5 on February 7, 2007

Crustasia
G/F Rockwell Power Plant
Makati City, Philippines
+63 (2) 728 5463

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Sango! The Burger Master

Restaurant

Quote:

Obviously, it was dubbed "The Burger Master" because its main attraction is its burgers, which taste superb and are really filling. And no, they do not go with wasabi or wrapped in seaweed like sushi. They are like beef burger-sloppy joe combos.The Master Burger with cheese is my favorite here! The meat patty alone is already delicious, but the tomato slice, cheese, and the generous topping of some sort of meat sauce make it taste great. Just be ready for the messy eating; but, then again, that makes it more enjoyable.Also try it with their fat fingers of French Fries. Does not taste like the "commercialized" fries you get from usual fast foods or supermarket.Price is very reas...Read More

Member Rating 4 out of 5 on February 7, 2007

Sango! The Burger Master
Ground Floor, Creekside Mall, Amorsolo St.
Manila
+63 2 830 0391

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Crepes & Cream

Restaurant | "Crepes & Cream"

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My husband and I were supposed to just take out coffee from this place when we saw the mouthwatering crepe that they were preparing. The novel presentation of the crepe really attracts customers to try their concoctions. The crepe, with all its filling, is rolled into a large cone, so instead of eating the crepe from a plate, you would eat it like a gigantic ice cream cone.Crepes & Cream offers both savory and sweet filling options on their menu. Savory flavors vary from the Filipino culinary delight adobo (which is meat cooked in soy sauce, vinegar, garlic, and black pepper) to chicken chipolata. Sweet crepes, on the other hand, are filled with ice cream and fruits or chocolate plus whipped c...Read More

Member Rating 4 out of 5 on February 10, 2007

Crepes & Cream
Bonifacio Global City 26th St. Crescen West Park
Manila, Philippines

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Nanbantei of Tokyo

Restaurant

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This is a yakitori restaurant where my husband and I have dined in countless times. We have also brought guests here and each one of them loved the food and the cozy ambience. There is just something about the place that makes you enjoy eating while chatting with friends.Their menu has beef, pork, chicken and veggie skewers; so, anyone and everyone can really enjoy a meal here. Better to order here, though, are their platter selections compared to the à la carte items. Our favorite here is the Best Sellers platter - 21 assorted yakitori sticks of pork, chicken, asparagus, corn, and others. Costs only 698 PHP. Already filling for about 3 persons in a 2-hour meal and chatting.Price ...Read More

Member Rating 4 out of 5 on February 27, 2007

Nanbantei of Tokyo
47 Polaris Street
Makati City, Philippines 1209
+63 (2) 890 3060

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Ayala Malls

Attraction | "Midnight Madness Sale at the Ayala Malls"

Quote:

Always watch out for the Midnight Madness sale events involving all the shops in Glorietta and Greenbelt malls of Ayala Center Makati. This usually happens at least about once every quarter of the year. The shops remain open until midnight so you have longer hours to indulge in shopping for clothes, shoes, housewares, food, etc. at slashed down prices. In fact, in the last mall sale I went to, I was able to buy a pair of really nice shoes for only 399 PHP and a top-quality swimsuit for 800 PHP, which was marked down from its original price of 2000. My husband bought linen pants for about 600 PHP. The Ayala malls normally advertise these sale events ahead of time, mainly through banners...Read More

Member Rating 4 out of 5 on February 7, 2007

Ayala Malls

Manila, Philippines

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Have Some Coffee, Read a Book for Free

Story/Tip

Quote:

The Java Man at Power Books Greenbelt is a favorite hang-out after I go shopping, when I'm waiting for a friend, or when I simply have some free time.

So, how to enjoy your time here? First, choose a book or magazine from the book store's shelves. Then, take a seat at The Java Man and order a mug of coffee. And you can already forget the whole world around you.

The coffee is good enough—nothing fancy, but costs cheaper than all other cafés in the area. You can get a large Americano for only 60PHP. They also serve pasta and sandwiches, which range from 130 PHP to 198 PHP.

This is an ideal hangout for coffee-craving bookworms!

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A Sanctuary in the City

Story/Tip

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Housed in one of the restored historic Hispanic houses in Manila, Sanctuario Spa is really a destination for locals and tourists who crave relaxation or simply would want to try something refreshing. My husband treated me here as part of his birthday gift to me (apart from a pampering overnight stay in a suite at Pan Pacific Manila!) He booked us both for a Xiamen Foot Reflexology. For 660 pesos (per person), this 1-hour treatment was really worth it. When we got there, we were directed by an attendant into the "house" and then out to the garden. As soon as I saw this spacious gazebo made of wood, adorned with white voile drapes, and furnished with lounging chairs, I was so exc...Read More