Intramuros 2022 | Casa Manila and Food Trip

The Plan: Visit Manila Museum and food trip (Farm Haus and Streetfood).

What happened:

We met for lunch at Farm Haus and ordered steak at an affordable price. I'd say it would be nice if there is an airconditioned room. 

After lunch, we booked a ride going to Manila Museum, but it was closed that day 😕 So we rode a pedicab going to Intramuros instead. Good thing it's nearby. So after walking for an hour (maybe), we looked for a coffeeshop. 

Sadly, the cafe is closed. Hence, change of plan again. We ended up walking towards Cafe Barbara. 

When we reached the area, we chanced upon Casa Manila. Surprisingly, it was open that day so we decided to take a look first. 

Per website:

"The Casa Manila or “Manila House” is a living museum that features the lifestyle of an affluent Filipino family during the late Spanish colonial period. The façade of Casa Manila was patterned after a house that once stood at Jaboneros Street in the Chinese district of Binondo in the 1850’s. The interior decor of the house follows the taste of the turn of the late 19th century where furniture and furnishings were sourced from Europe and China. Painted walls, crystal chandeliers, carved traceries, Chinese ceramics and gilded furniture shows the elegance and luxury of a 19th century Manila house."

It was a quick house tour experience and I trully appreciate all the old things preserved from long time ago.

Then finally, we had coffee and dessert at Cafe Barbara before heading for streetfood adventure in Tondo. 

♡,

Mari

Staycation Weekend | Azumi Boutique Hotel and Foodtrip

Goal: Eat, Sleep and Eat 🤣 

First stop: Lunch at Neil's Kitchen before we went to Azumi Hotel. 

We had coffee and desserts at EACH Cafe. 

I would love to go back here because of coffee ❤️

Pastries at Bungalow Cafe are one of the bests that I've had. I wish they open a branch in Manila. 

Personal fave are lamington and brie, prosciutto, nectarine danish 😋

Overall, a pleasant stay at Azumi Hotel - comfy beds! 

The next day, we stopped by La Chinesca and Sensei for lunch. We enjoyed the food! 

Goal accomplished! 😁

♡,

Mari

Letters from Mari | Palingenesis

A time to address all the pent-up emotions,

Unravel the pain from past situations.

A cycle that seemed to have reached it's end,

Lost count of reasons to further pretend.

To brave the consequences that it may cost,

Despite feeling helpless and a bit lost.

Embrace the changes, let go of the past,

Have faith, the sufferings won't last.

Make way for another journey, 

Begin a new beautiful story,

For life isn't just all about pain,

Every(thing) good should remain. 

♡,

Mari

Sip n Gogh | Paint with Neo

I wanted to attend a 'Sip n Gogh' session before, but never had a chance until Neo offered 50 slots to their tenants. 

Fortunately, we made it to the list! 😁

Event day: 

They offered snack and wine (chicken wrap and nachos; an alcoholic or non-alcoholic sparkling drink).

We took our seats and waited for the painting session to begin. 

Thanks to the clear instructions and helpful staff of Sip n Gogh, I was able to finish my canvas which I consider one of the very few painting related activity that I did in my entire life 🤣

It was a fun and engaging activity that I wish I can attend the next session (if ever)! My friend and I had a great time! 

Also, I never thought I'd actually feel tired and hungry afterwards 😅

Thanks, Neo! To more fun activities like this! 💯

♡,

Mari

Letters from Mari | Crossroads

♡,

Mari

Antipolo 2022 | El Patio Razon

We decided to visit Antipolo again for a change of environment. We thought of trees, plants, and good weather. 

To make it short, we wanted to see the nature. 

So we ended up visiting El Patio Razon. Time spent on the road was almost 3hrs from Manila. 

It took us more or less 2 hrs. to roam around El Patio Razon. There were different areas overlooking the trees around the place and of course, photo friendly areas where you can pose for the camera. 

They also offer kawa bath which looks relaxing (available in hot or cold bath). 

We weren't able to check what's inside the hobbit house since it was occupied.

Then we left El Patio for lunch at Pico de Pino. The food tastes okay, like home cooked meals. We left as soon as we finished the food and then attended the mass at Antipolo church. 

Our last stop was at Kaulayaw Coffee for coffee and dinner. 

What I like about this place is the view. 

I tried Estrelya coffee which is considered one of their best among the caffeine drinks. Food tastes okay.

♡,

Mari

Limayon Local | Another day in Intramuros

Can't get enough of Intramuros? 

Yaaaaz!!! 😄

Here's to another day spent in Intramuros with relatives! 

We met in Makati for lunch before we went to Intramuros. 

We dropped by the Manila Cathedral and prayed. Afterwards, we headed to Fort Santiago. Sadly, the museum was closed. Still, we were able to see other places such as an exhibit in Baluarte de Santa Barbara and the interesting Dugeons of Fort Santiago. 

The exhibit showed the different buildings built in Intramuros which were made of plastic building blocks. Amazed that they were able to do it as detailed as possible. 

Felt goosebumps when we went down the dungeons. If you're not that good with small spaces, I suggest not to go in. 

Our day ended in La Cathedral Cafe for a nice merienda and chat. 

The next day, we had breakfast at Ristorante delle Mitre.

♡,

Mari