I live in Pasay (at least as of the day I drafted this article), one of the biggest cities in Metro Manila. This pandemic is too much of a hassle for everyone, and we have been coping with it individually in many different ways. I am a travel person, and it’s difficult for me not to go for at least one short trip a month. So when things got a little bit better, I try to sneak out from home for whatever reason and go to the nearest and I feel the safest place I could go to. One of them is the nearby city of Makati, and to share something more related to my niche, (omg it’s more than a year already when I last posted a travel and food blog huhu) here are some of my favorite things to do in Makati City. I also mentioned some recommendations just in case you need one.
By the way, I will be moving sooooon from Metro Manila to somewhere else, so I plan to start a vlogging series “Manila Diaries”. Yes, it’s not so original but I sure will put more personal stories in the content! SUBSCRIBE TO MY CHANNEL and join me in my journey. <3
Hey there! My name’s May and you can view more about me here. I travel a lot for both work and leisure. Thanks to being an auditor and a content creator and, of course, to my love for travel, I barely feel I’m actually at work when traveling. And if I’m actually off work, I usually am with friends or family, discovering places and trying out new food. I’m juggling three jobs – the two mentioned + being a single mom. You think it’s easy? Of course not! But what glues me together is my passion and love for these three. More about my story here.
I love sharing what I know and how I do things, so if you haven’t read these yet, visit the following pages to view:
- how I take and edit my blog photos + what devices and apps I use;
- how I plan my travels;
- how I treat my sunburns (from the mildest to the wildest!); and
- what do I get from traveling, by the way?
Go cafe hopping
I know coffee isn’t too good for my health, but I just soooo love them that I couldn’t (or wouldn’t want to, lol) survive a day without at least one cup. If you are a coffee lover, you will understand. Especially now that we’re in the pandemic situation when we “feel” like we’re working in an extended hours because everyone’s remotely online and “think” they can call you out 24/7. Digital burnout is real, so I need to go out from time to time, change my surroundings, and refresh myself from stress and anxiety.
Good thing more and more cafes are now coming back up and opening their doors for dine-in guests. I will try to do cafe blogs and vlogs as well to stay tuned!
The first Coffee Project (as far as I can remember) I visited was the branch along Aguirre St., as it is just a few steps away from my previous office. Similar to other CP branches, you will never get tired of the cafe’s interiors and vibes as their baristas are super friendly, too! And yes, they have wifi and sockets in case you need to use your devices and go online.
Related: My newest tambayan: Coffee Project
Who can deny Tim Hortons good food? Aside from their signature Double Double, my favorite thing about TH is their pastries that are not too sweet but are super yummy. There was one time I visited a new branch in Makati as part of the blogging group I am writing for. That was the first time I had their chipotle chicken wrap and it changed the game, you guys. Found my perfect partner for the DD!
Related: Newest branch for brunch: Time Hortons opens new outlet in Glorietta 4
Work from home tip:
You’re not comforatble going out yet? Or you’re just an introvert like myself (sometimes, lol) who prefers to just have your coffee at home? I feel you! I’ve been working remotely for almost two years already as of writing, and I thought a hundred a two bucks plus shipping fee worth of coffee is not worth it (because I am actually paying for my cafe stay than the coffee).
I don’t want to invest in a big coffee machine just yet because of our messy house, but I really really want to have a good to great coffee almost everyday. So to satisfy the “need”, I’ve tried out almost a hundred brands of coffee beans, grounds, instants, that would fit my lifestyle, convenient, and yet super great I won’t miss the cafes.
Here’s what I am loving right now: iced UCC strong with caramel drizzle and lots of love. It’s instant, so I don’t need a lot of time brewing and prepping. It’s strong, so I still get the great taste of the bitterness of the coffee. Topped with the sweetest (and cheapest!) caramel I found online which gives the perfect balance of every cup. *chef’s kiss*
Go on food trips
The thing I love to do most not only in Makati but ~everywhere~ is to go on a foodtrip. Food crawls are the best! You know when you try out a little bit of something, hop to another resto or kiosk and get another little bit of something and so on. The thing is, I feel so awkward to do it alone and I don’t know anyone that could go a looooong way with me for these kinds of food trips. So I settle with one to two trips a day when I go out, but if YOU (yes you, lovely, hungry reader) happen to be in the same place as I, I wish we could meet and eat!
I fell in love with pares the first time when I got to try the famous dish somewhere in Retiro. From then onwards, I’ve gotten curious on trying out different versions and check if I really love the dish per se or just the one I’ve had before. For those of you who have to idea what pares is, it’s a serving of braised beef stew with garlic fried rice and soup. It’s best seasoned with garlic-chili sauce and made more sinful partnering with soda. If you’re getting more adventurous about your health (not kidding!) Pares Point The Original also offers super tasty bone marrow that I now miss. BRB
Related: Cravings satisfied! Thanks to Pares Point The Original!
One of my favorite go-to carenderia after a long day at work is Kaito Japanese Carenderia. They offer wide variety of Japanese-inspired food for a very affordable price. They’re so good, we usually go there before dinner time to avoid the looong line of customers. It’s worth the wait, though.
I just remembered I wanna try all their sushis and makis. Maybe for the next, next blog/vlog!
Related: Enjoy affordable Japanese eats at Kaito Japanese Carinderia in Makati
It was I think around 11pm when the WTE team craved for goto even after a food crawl. Goto is a serving of rice and beef tripe gruel cooked with ginger and garnished with toasted garlic, scallions, black pepper, and chicharon. A Pinoy comfort food especially during the wet and cold season. Goto Monster offers one of the best gotos in Metro Manila, and that’s not just because I was too hungry when I first tried it! I loooved it the second, third, and every time I get a bowl.
Related: Late night cravings at Goto Monster
Work (yes, I "love" working)
I’ve been working in Makati since my first ever job and internship. And probably put up my business there, too. I mean who knows, I’d be a great business woman. LOL. Maybe that’s one reason why and how I became comfortable and “at home” in Makati despite my residence. The city is known as the business capital of the Philippines before BGC, Taguig boomed. Tall buildings, hundreds of restaurants, big malls, super expensive condos, villas and mansions for the richest families, great governance and good people.
Here’s a tip from someone who’s open to opportunities (lol): know your worth, and ACTUALLY be worth it. I’m not encouraging you to be an employee your whole life, but the reality is having a secured business is a big risk especially in the Philippines. But if you choose to stay employed, and while you are picky of a company to work with, make sure you’re also worth the price.
Take strolls in the parks
Okay, I’m not the one who ~strolls~ in the parks. But I love parks. My previous office was located just across a park were I used to hang out during breaks. You can also do light workouts there or just go for a picnic with friends and family. If you are looking for spots to take your Instagram photos or something, here are some parks I know within Makati that I’m sure you’ll love.
Wrap-up
I grew up as a city girl. That I found my days in the Metro just normal and “regular” and kind of boring. Maybe because I experience it day by day. With the thought of moving, I now appreciate these little things and I know for sure I’m gonna miss it. How about you? What can you share about your stay in the city?
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