A vibe of history and coffee in one, Manila gives you its very own cafe, KapeTolyo.
Located at the Kartilya ng Katipunan Park, just across Intramuros (pass by the Lagusnilad Underpass), with a mini garden outside, this cafe is the perfect place for hangout after a tiresome walk inside Intramuros or catching up with friends.
KapeTolyo supports local coffee farmers (all blends are homegrown) and on weekends they open the floor for farmers to present their new blend of coffee.
We had Mirabueno Coffee AVPA. It was the coffee that won the AVPA Gourmet Award in Milan, Italy (check this out, coffeelovers!!!)
After taking a sip, I told my friends that we should be drinking it in the morning 🤣
Nevertheless, it was a good cup of coffee over dark chococranberry sweets and a lot of 'kwento' with friends.
Also, the mini garden looks nice at night due to lights. Good thing the rain stopped, giving us the chance to appreciate the surroundings of the cafe.
I wasn't able to check the 'world-class' comfort room that was mentioned in the news. I'll check next time and will let you know if its really world-class👌
Minda-Tienda
The bazaar was closing soon but it didn't stop us from buying ube, kamote, durian and pomelo.
I hope they will visit Manila again or maybe Makati for easy access.
By the way, I was able to sleep at around 4am 😂
That's Mirabueno Coffee AVPA for you if you'll have it after 3pm 🤣
In summary -
KapeTolyo was TAPped for ☕ 💯
Taste - 5/5 for AVPA
I love my coffee strong, hence, first sip of the Mirabueno AVPA made me smile. I'm not sure but no sour aftertaste even if the blend is strong.
Ambiance - 4/5
It was crowded when we visited the cafe (after 3pm), but might be because of peak hours. Thanks to the see-through glass walls, you'll see the nice small park outside that lights up at night.
Unfortunately we weren't seated upstairs to check the view. Maybe next time 👌
Price - 4/5
For me, the price is okay given that menu consists of homegrown specialty coffees such as this award winning AVPA coffee.
My first buffet experience while the city is under General Community Quarantine.
Either we go for shabu-shabu or bbq, and well, you already know our choice - BBQ!
Before entry, our temperatures were checked and seats were observing the physical distancing imposed for health measures.
Here's a quick recap video of our early dinner:
The staff takes your orders and even asks your choices from the buffet bar.
No one is allowed near the buffet bar other than the staff. So whatever you like to eat, you'll have to ask them to get it for you, therefore, the key here is to order as many as you can but make sure you'll finish it. This is to save both your time and the staff's time too.
We did order a lot especially the meat! We first ordered chicken, pork, and beef then succeeding orders were for beef.
I love meat! I forgot how many plates of beef we had but up to the time I got my UCC iced coffee, I still am eating two slices of beef 🤣
I like their sidings too. You have to try calimaki and salmon maki (forgot what its called).
As much as we'd like to stay longer, we had to leave. There is a 90-minute limit per dine-in. This is not part of the quarantine guidelines but rather it is the restaurant's policy.
As reference, here's my list of where I buy grocery, fruits, and medical supplies:
PHARMACY
WATSONS PHARMACY
Most is familiar with this pharmacy brand since you can find it inside a known mall.
Watsons sells almost everything related to beauty and healthcare aside from medications.
This online shop made it easy for me to store over the counter medicines for fever or flu at home.
You can either pick-up the items from the nearest branch or have it delivered at home.
GROCERY
WALTERMART SUPERMARKET
Delivery fee within Makati area is 99php. So far, I like to do my online shopping here because they have most of the items that I need.
What I don't like is I don't have any idea if the item is out-of-stock, hence, expect that there will be few items that won't be crossed out from your list once they dispatched a delivery.
Don't worry since they will refund you if you've paid in advance.
METROMART APP
I've used this app for about 3 to 4 times during ECQ. The delivery fee is around 100php and they also charge a shopping fee depending on the number of items that you need (about 250 to 400php).
You get to choose from a lot of shops listed in the app and do your shopping. Still, the problem here is if the item is not available, they won't be able to provide it.
Restassured that they will return your money if the item is not included in the final check-out.
I stopped using the app since I find the shopper's fee expensive. Everytime I use the app, I console myself that the amount is like going back and forth to the supermarket via TNVS. But still, if it had been me going to the supermarket, I'd be able to do side errands too. Oh well, since it was ECQ back then, I cannot do anything at all.
MEATS, FRUITS AND VEGETABLES
JAAM SEAFOODS TRADING The shop is located at Farmer's Cubao.
I've mentioned this shop in one of my blog. We usually try to plan weekly meals so preparation will be easy.
As the name itself, the shop sells wide variants of seafood and our typical list (alternate orders):
They also have chicken, pork and beef under PasaBUY service.
ARVIEN SEAFOODS Shop is also located at Farmer's Cubao.
What I like with this shop is that they also sell vegetables and fruits alongside meat choices.
I switched to the other side because of sashimi ✌
FARM2METRO This shop uses bayong for deliveries. Brings back childhood memories 🙂
This is also my go-to-shop for veggies and fruits.
You can buy any and they have a lot of choices too. The price is also okay and what I really like is that the goods are more fresh vs supermarket ones.
My dilemma is that there were items sold for a half kilo when I needed just 1/4 of it.
If your purchase reached 500php then delivery fee is waived.
RARE FOOD SHOP From meats, seafood, dry goods, vegetarian options, ready to cook food from restaurants and even alcoholic beverages - they have it in store.
Had my chance to shop when delivery fee was waived (if not, I'll be paying Php400+)!
I bought frozen fruits and meat. Sadly, I missed the chance of buying frozen pizza!
If you want breads too, you can just choose from Bake House, Sonya's and few more 'pricey' brands.
Maybe next time I'll get that frozen Kermit pizza 😁
FRESH PRODUCE
Since FRUIT55 closed, I had my fruits delivered from this shop. I also added veggies and meat in my list! Saves a lot of time.
I'm trying to avoid online buying of meat and veggies from supermarkets since I got disappointed whenever I received the items. Hence, the need to look for more online shops that specifically sells fresh fruits, veggies and meat.
Delivery is free too! (I guess depends on your area)
I plan to order from this shop moving forward since I am satisfied with my first transaction (as seen in the video).
FRUIT55
Remember when I said that my dilemma is I cannot consume a kilo? Well, good thing a friend introduced me to this shop!
The shop sells fruits only (now they also sell ube jam and strawberry shake).
My usual items for check out:
Grapes Longgan Kiwi Dragonfruit Mango (min. 500g) Haas Avocado (min. 500g) Pineapple (will never repeat order as I had a hard time preparing!😶)
Previously, the delivery fee is 100php but now it was upped to 150php. They also accept cash payment upon delivery which is a good thing.
[UPDATE: Fruit55 ceased operations and I just found out when my friend told me she can't reached them via messenger.]
I've also tried some shops but since I'm sharing you my usual go-to-shop, I feel that I don't need to add them here to avoid confusion 🙂
If ever you want to ask about it though, feel free to drop a comment.
So far, the advantage of doing online shop vs personally getting the items varies.
For me, I wanted to save time and lessen instances where I am in a crowded place due to COVID-19. However, I just need to be aware of the consequences, such as product out of stock or mishandled items during delivery.
How about you? How's your essential shopping so far?
Pinched myself again as I couldn't believe that I did it! 🙏
It's been years since I've wanted to print my poems in any type of canvas and I'm so glad that I had an opportunity this year.
Should I sell it? (Why not? 👌)
Hmmmmn... if interested, please do not hesitate to drop a message or comment to let me know 🙂
I've made two short poems for 2020 which actually summarizes what I kinda felt this year. I also had one printed for my ever favorite tagline ' For Time Never Waits.'
If you feel that my 2020 poems doesn't suit you, please feel free to let me know so I can pick other pieces from my 'baul,' for your checking!
By the way, few months back, I had a poem printed in postcards too📮
Tote/Pouch details:
Tote bag: Size: 14x16 Selling price: Php195 each
Pouch with handle: Size: 5x7 Selling price: Php95 each
Pouch/Purse without handle: Size: 4x6 Selling price: Php85 each
To be able to go out and/or meet friends seemed to be a privilege since the city is still under General Community Quarantine (be vigilant and follow health related procedures).
I looked forward to this day, as this is my first time meeting friends after the quarantine announcement last March and it has been years since I've been to Binondo.
To add, I can't even remember the exact time when we've last seen each other.
Anyway, here's a quick summary of our get together around some areas in Manila:
Minor Basilica and National Shrine of Saint Lorenzo Ruiz (Binondo Church)
As I am the first who arrived at our meeting place, I went inside the church and prayed first.
Alcohol is provided for sanitation and your body temperature should be scanned before providing your details in the logbook.
The Great Buddha
Only few restaurants are open for dine-in. We are lucky that this restaurant is open. It is located near the church, second floor of UBE building.
We ordered a few dishes in the hopes of checking other dimsum places after.
EngBeeTin
Within the same UBE building, this branch is on the 1st/ground floor. We bought few hopia and mochi too.
Ying Ying Teahouse
They are open but accepts takeaway orders only. We thought of buying frozen dimsums at first, but end up not buying since they sell it per kilo.
William A. Jones Memorial Bridge
Built in 1916, designed by Juan M. Arellano, the bridge connects Binondo to Intramuros, making travel and business related aspects easier and faster.
The original bridge was destroyed during WWII.
References: CulturEd Philippines and lougopal
Manila Central Post Office
Also designed by Juan Arellano along with Ralph Doane and Tomás Mapúa. It was completed in 1926 in the neoclassical style.
It was located near Jones Bridge and Pasig river for convenience (c/o Daniel Burnham).
Reference: Arielle Abrigo
Intramúros
Also known as 'walled city' was built in 1571 under Miguel Lopez de Legazpi, where Raha Soliman resided.
Back then, only Spaniards can live within the walled city except for Filipino workers. Later on, Intramuros became Manila.
Reference: CulturEd Philippines
Lagusnilad Underpass
The underpass connects Intramuros to Manila City Hall and was renovated and re-opened last 24 Aug 2020.
Thomasian architect Juanito Malaga, alumni John Benedict Fallorina, Sean Patrick Ortiz and Leon Centeno Tuazon, helped in redesigning the underpass.
I now assume that the bookstore that we saw was actually the known 'Books from Underground.'
The artworks were really nice and was said to be in collaboration with the National Commission for Culture and the Arts Gerilya Artist Collectice, inspired by the works of Carlos 'Botong' Francisco.
Reference: UST website
We plan to go back in Intramuros once we are sure that museums are open.
