Tag Archives: makati
Philippines Days 11 & 12: Bohol Bee Farm and Divisoria
So my plan before leaving Bohol was to do nothing. And Bohol Bee Farm is a good place to just sit back and relax. With a rustic cottage and an organic farming experience, it was a great place to do nothing but eat good food. If you are a foodie like I am, then I would have to recommend Bohol Bee Farm for at least eating. It has wonderful fresh vegetables, which are all locally and organically grown on the farm.
For lunch I ate a fresh lumpia with a wonderful honey peanut butter sauce. I also tried a tomato soup, which was nice and fresh. And my main entree was a vegetarian pasta. Bohol Bee Farm was my paradise, being a vegetarian.
For dinner I enjoyed some chips, the lumpia again and a spicy eggplant with ginger called kinilaw na talong.
The next morning my travel mate and I ate our breakfast and headed off to the airport. We arrived in Manila into a guesthouse known as Makati Apartelle, and then wandered off to find some food, which included peanut M&Ms and Toblerone. Then to Chowking. At that point my travel mate’s cousin called her and invited us over to her place and that is exactly what we did next.
Now I had originally wanted to visit Divisoria area in Manila the first round I was in Manila, but rain and time was against me. This time, all the right things were working for me. We went to Wagas Market, a poorer area of Manila, where we met Donna, Jess’ cousin and then headed off to buy some food to cook. Donna’s home was a small little spot in an alley where convenient items were sold, like cigarettes, candy, water, soda pop. It was nice to be with everyday filipinos. It was also sad to see children sleeping half naked in the streets as the rain came down. It really was an experience. The only regret I had, was that I did not bring my camera to document it all.
After some amazing torta (eggplant similarly cooked like chile rellaños) and rice was consumed, we thanked our hosts and went on our way back to our guesthouse. The next day we are to fly back home.
40 Days Until Philippines: Manila
Manila, the capitol of Philippines, which happens to be the second largest city next to Quezon. The vast city of Manila happens to be the first place I will be stopping on my trip through Philippines. I will be spending 2 days in the metropolis of Manila. There is a lot of history to Manila from the occupation of the Spanish and United States as well as the tragedies that occurred during World War II.
Most of my stay, while in Manila, will be the area known as Ermita. Ermita once had a bad past, but now is a budding area for tourists to stay. I have no doubt I can find something to do while in this area, but where else should I visit to take some amazing photos? Now mind you, I want to look for places that will show locals doing their everyday activities, living their life how they live their life every day.
Some places that people have suggested to me were Ermita, of course, since that is where I am going to be staying I should have no issues around this area. This place is also known for it’s eats and being close to the bay. I was also told to check out the Rizal (or Luneta) Park, a park dedicated to the martyr Dr. Jose Rizal. This place would be a great place to people watch as well as get some photos of locals enjoying a day at the park.
I was told there is a lot of great picture opportunities to be had at Intramuros, a walled area of Manila with well preserved spanish style houses. This area also has a fort and seems almost perfect for taking amazing photos. I just hope it does not turn out like Cartagena, which was a similar setting yet swamped with tourists.
For some cheap wares, either by knock off or just some good deals I was to check out Greenhills Shopping Center located in Ortigas. I was also told to check out Divisoria where I have no clue where it is located. Perhaps I will ask a local about it.
After my day is done, I can go out for some partying in Malate, next to my place of stay in Ermita, or the famous Makati. Both places are known for their outrageous club scenes.
These are just some of the places that people have told me check out in Manila. Do you have any suggestion of places I should look into?