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They say the best moments, especially during traveling, are all in one’s memory. But we also know the best of times can be worn on our skin — forever! More and more people are embracing the art of tattoo and as the wanderlust of this generation is at an all-time high, tats that remind one of a place (or a person met on the road) are becoming a thing. Wondering where you can get inked when and while in Manila? We’re rounding up the best tattoo shops in the metro:

Vice Coffee and Ink

http://www.instagram.com/p/nQoLGyH4dz/

This is where the aroma of coffee and the smell of ink meet. Welcome to Vice Coffee and Ink, a household name in the tattoo industry as well. It doubles as a coffee shop and lists top local celebrities as loyal patrons. The main artist is Marlon Capuno, celebrated for his technical approach leaving clients in awe for such a straight design and clean work.

http://viceinktattoo.com/ | 7838 Makati Ave., Makati City

Katribu Tatu

If you’re looking for a more personal session and a personalized ink on your skin, Katribu Tatu is the shop for you. Run by a husband-and-wife tandem Jonathan Cena and Jean Sioson, they specialize in Filipino hand-tapped tattoos and often create designs inspired by Philippine traditional symbols and tribal art. It is said they have even received blessing from Apo Whang-od herself, the famous and legendary traditional tattoo artist up in the mountains of Buscalan (read her story here). While they are known for doing the art by hand, they also do tattoo gun works.

http://www.facebook.com/katribu.tatu | San Guillermo Avenue corner A. Santos, Buting, Pasig City

55 Tinta

A growing community of tattoo enthusiasts patronize this shop, which is regarded to be a brainchild of OPM band Kamikazee’s members. 55 Tinta is becoming the go-to place for tattoos especially in the northern part of Metro Manila. With music fueling the place and great resident tattoo artists at the helm, 55 Tinta is surely one rocking place to get your skin inked while in the metro.

http://www.facebook.com/55TintaPilipinas/ | 55 Maginhawa, Diliman, Lungsod Quezon, 1101 Kalakhang Maynila

P&P Tattoo

Probably the most popular tattoo studio as it has local celebrities as their regular clientele, P&P Tattoo guarantees a smooth and superb job on your skin. Hygiene and sanitation is of utmost priority here and reason why it has become a household name in the Philippine tattoo industry. Skills are topnotch, too — their artists earning awards in and out of the country. Their main branch is located in Polaris Street, Makati (just walking distance from Z Hostel) and they have opened up branches in Eastwood City and in the islands of Boracay and Palawan.

http://www.pandptattoo.com | Makati: Unit G8 Bel-Air Soho Condo, 45 Polaris Street, Makati | Eastwood: Unit G1-C, Eastwood Citywalk 2, Eastwood Quezon City, Metro Manila

Gigie Santiago

If clean lines and precise skin work are your thing, Gigie is the person to go to. Even at a relatively lesser time in the field than more celebrated tattoo artists, Gigie has already made a mark precisely because of her elegant and graceful designs which make tattoos

http://www.instagram.com/gigiebear/

Step into an art-filled The Ruins in Poblacion, Makati as it showcases an art residency program by international artists running from October to November this year. Marking 70 years of diplomatic relations between France and the Philippines, “Ugnayan sa Poblacion,” is a two-month art residency program by artists from France that aims to bring together communities by harnessing creativity and making art accessible among the less-privileged sectors of society.

The program is organized and presented by a team of artists from Taverne Gutenberg, an art center based in France founded by French-Filipina designer Maia d’Aboville and her husband French artist Henry Lamy. The group that is currently in the country is composed of 4 Lyon-based international artists including Henry Lamy himself, Chufy from Switzerland, Abdoul Seck from Senegal, and Alexandre Beretta from France/Ireland who will all be interacting with many organizations and the public in several art spaces to promote the arts and provide a venue to think, perform, and create together.

The core of the program are the free art workshops to be done with over 200 street children from various NGOs including Virlanie, Project Pearls, Stairway Foundation, ACAY, and more in the hopes of inspiring these children through creativity and the arts.

Z Hostel, now a landmark in Poblacion, Makati and a proud major sponsor of the program, is providing free accommodation for the artists as well as the art space in The Ruins (just a few steps away from the hostel) where the artists can be found creating art pieces and are open to interact, showcase their creative process, and co-create with anyone interested (except for days of exhibits and tours in other parts of the city and country). Get in and feel free to soak in the artists works or even paint murals yourself! Schedules of the other events, programs, and exhibits can be found here: http://www.taverne-gutenberg.com/international-residency/

This entire art residency program will be captured through a documentary by French photographer Lionel Rault and film director Simon Dubreucq in collaboration with Filipino media company Sine de Oro.

Looking for fun things to see and do while in Manila this month? From a one-night affair with a music legend, a community block party, to art exhibitions, we’ve rounded up a list of happenings around the metro that will truly bring out the creative in you and give you an absolutely great time in Manila:

Komura: Book Fair and Busking Session

An intimate gathering of independent bookstores, specialty brands, and art shops, this one-day book fair Komura is a collaboration between Warehouse Eight and Kwago Bookstore aims to provide a venue for an exchange of curiosities; for artists to tell their stories in their most raw, natural, and free-flowing forms; and for everyone to participate in this creative process. There will also be reading lounges and music nooks for those who just want to soak in the vibe and transport themselves to other worlds through literature while enjoying a cup of coffee.

Nov 18, 2017 | Warehouse Eight, La Fuerza Compound, Makati

Art Battle

Happening in 50 cities around the world, Art Battle is a live competitive painting where painters have 20 minutes to create their best work using acrylic paint, brushes, palette knives, and non-mechanical implements. While the artists are creating, the audience can go around and closely watch the process and at as the allotted time ends, they can vote for their favorite winning painting.

Nov 18, 2017 | Pineapple Lab, 6071 Palma Street, Makati, 1210 Metro Manila | artbattle.com

Escolta Block Party

This historic street, at the heart of what many call “Old Manila,” is known for its neoclassical buildings and historical architecture built by national artists that have truly stood the test of time. And every quarter, a group of artists, historians, and local business owners have joined together to hold the Escolta Block Party — a whole day and night when the entire street is closed and is filled up with shopping bazaars and art exhibits, the best of local and international music is celebrated, and dancing to diversity, community, and history is all that matters.

Nov. 25, 2017 | Escolta Street, Binondo, Manila | www.escoltablock.com

Irie Sunday 7^th Anniversary Feat. Sister Nancy Live

It’s getting real! The legend Sister Nancy herself is set to bring the house down as she makes a special appearance at the Irie Sunday’s 7^th Anniversary. The legendary singer from Jamaica is the one behind one of reggae’s most iconic songs “Bam Bam” which has been sampled by many artists over the years. Irie Sunday is the metro’s go-to place every Sunday night as it transforms a warehouse-turned-art-space in Makati, The Collective, into an underground party. Other acts performing during its 7^th Anniversary party are Norris King, Lady I, Kulture Krub, and DJ Kunta with a live painting session by Wok22 from Japan.

Nov. 26, 2017 |  B-Side, The Collective, 7274 Malugay St., San Antonio Village, Makati

It’s that time of the year again! And what’s a Christmas celebration in the Philippines without dazzling sights and bright lights? More and more places and establishments here in the metro are decorating vast areas with thousands of lights and putting up a show for everyone to enjoy! Here are some of the best places in Manila to go to see wonderful Christmas lights show:

Ayala Triangle: Festival of Lights

Year after year, this slice of greenery in the middle of the urban jungle that is Makati is drawing thousands every Christmas season as it glimmers with thousands of lights beautifully hung in the park’s trees dancing to a medley of our all-time favorite Christmas songs. To give the viewing experience an added flair and drama, animation lasers and haze machines are also in place.

The show starts every 6 P.M. and runs every thirty minutes until 10 P.M.

Ayala Triangle Gardens, Ayala Ave., Makati City

Nuvali: Magical Field of Lights

What can you expect from the team that puts together the Ayala Triangle Festival of Lights?  A magical experience anywhere! They’re bringing the shimmering spectacle to Nuvali with their Magical Field of Lights, a 3,600-square meter filled with almost 5,000 colorful bulbs dancing to Christmas tunes like “Joy to the World” and the Filipino classic “Kumukuti-Kutitap.” Walking around takes you to a visual and auditory feast including a 50-meter light tunnel and brightly-lit Christmas trees.

The show starts every 6 P.M. and runs every thirty minutes until 10 P.M.

The Fields, Nuvali, Sta. Rosa, Laguna

Ayala Vertis North: Northern Lights

Taking the shiny, colorful Christmas experience to the North for the first time, the Ayala group is putting up a lights and sounds show reminiscent of the ones in Ayala Triange and Nuvali. Drawing inspiration from the Filipino Christmas tradition of Simbang Gabi, a huge cathedral installation wrapped in a multitude of lights including lasers and cyber spheres illuminate in this part of the metro. The Christmas medleys come in different themes like Traditional Christmas and even a Techno vibe.

The show starts every 6 P.M. and runs every thirty minutes until 10 P.M.

Ayala Malls Vertis North, Mindanao Ave., Quezon City

From South to North, the Christmas spirit and holiday spectacle is truly shining with these various Christmas lights and musical shows. So get up and bask under a cloud and sea of lights and Christmas medleys and fully enjoy this joyous season.

There’s something new popping up in the corners of Poblacion without us noticing it. And while we love going on a gastronomic adventure, there’s one place that’s not necessarily a newcomer in the neighborhood but worth giving a try or a second look: Kite Kebab Bar + Mediterranean Street Food.

The owner is a familiar face, having had a celebrity status for some years before he went full-on as a restaurateur. Kian Kazemi walks in subtly but with an air of confidence and approachability. When he sat down and started talking about the restaurant, his passion for food and culinary filled the room and got our tastebuds in the mood for some great food. Kian is half-Iranian and while his first venture Persia Grill pays homage to traditional heirloom Middle Eastern cuisine, Kite Kebab Bar is where he gets more creative and true to his style.

While waiting for food, Kian lets us try their own specialty drink Kite Beer, an interesting mix of Kombucha (fermented tea) and beer, which he fondly says will detoxify and intoxicate you at the same time.

We started off with Hummus and Feta Cheese with homemade pita slices. The cheese added a tangy kick to the dish without losing the real Persian flavor of the peas.

The Falafel Salad was a medley of flavors and textures: deep fried crunchy falafel on a bed of lettuce, sweet grapes, olives, tomatoes, and feta cheese.

Another winner appetizer was the Vegetable Samosas which had really crispy pastry and a burst of flavors inside. It came perfectly with tomato salsa on the side.

The biggest revelation of the night would have to be the Ox Tongue Skewer. Boiled until perfectly tender and soft, the ox tongue was then grilled to give off that smoky flavor.

Kebab after kebab soon filled our table (and eventually our stomachs) and they are grilled on point. Even the grilled tomato on the side was done so right.

If you want to spice your dining up a bit, order the Keema — should go well with a cup of hot Basmati rice.

What better way to balance out the smorgasbord of flavors and spices than a refreshing Cucumber Yogurt Shake — and Kian’s inspiring literary references. “It’s called Kite because it symbolizes how I am going against the wind — and that’s the only way the Kite will continue flying and won’t fall down. This is my personal, creative take on Persian food.”

Aside from the food, Kian also managed to put together a place that looks somewhere between eclectic and homey all from his imagination and pieces of furniture, trinkets, and installations from his past home and restaurants. Kite Kebab Bar is literally an extension of someone’s home in the neighborhood (the wall is next to the house owner’s garage). But most importantly, it’s an extension of one’s self — inspired by a heritage cuisine with a lovely, personal touch.

They say never go out drinking with an empty stomach. But in the hustle and bustle that is Manila, filling up before or in between those tequila shots and beer buckets seem like a daunting task. But if you find yourself in a drinking session in the quirky Poblacion, Makati, a new addition to the gastronomic block is what you’ve been looking for all this time. Enter Yalla Yalla Express, a charming food joint just a few steps away from Z Hostel, serving delicious, grab-and-go Lebanese comfort food.

A shawarma to go before some Jose Cuervo? We say yes! Although Yalla Yalla means “fast” or “hurry up” in Arabic, the food here is not without careful thought and preparation. It is tiny but very quaint and no-nonsense: just a few chairs and wooden counters, a chalkboard menu, and an almost-open kitchen where you can see the huge slabs of meat on the way to your tummy.

Their moutabal (roasted eggplant) is a star appetizer. The smokiness is on-point and layers of flavor gets you in the mood for a feast.

They also have an interesting take on falafel, it is rather crunchy and light than the usual ones around.

The beef shawarma is a clear winner, the flavorful meat almost melts in your mouth and the turmeric rice complements the rich flavors and spices. The side dish of pickled cucumber, tomato, and beetroot provides a fresh relief while the onions.

The chicken shawarma is also a good choice. The first bites feel flat, but after a few more, you’ll definitely get the zing. Splash some of their homemade garlic and chili sauce onto your meat or rice and you get a rounded, fuller taste!

If chicken is really your thing, try the shish taouk (chicken skewers) which packs an interesting mix of salty, sour, and sweet flavors.

Don’t miss trying the sujuk (spicy sausage) as well! If you have it served in wraps, it pretty much reminds you of tasty quesadillas but this definitely has another twist of savor and and explosion of spiciness that is very Mediterranean.

It’s refreshing to see more and more concepts and cuisines popping out of Poblacion. It’s definitely becoming a multi-cultural center where locals and foreigners come together to have a great time. And while you’re at it, don’t forget to to fill up at Yalla Yalla first — definitely a good, comforting start to what will be long night of revelry in Makati. (And who knows you’ll end up there again for some good, recovery food!

Yalla Yalla is located at 5652 Don Pedro Street, Poblacion, Makati. 

There’s a song that goes “smoke gets in your eyes.” But in this side of the now multi-cultural and dynamic Poblacion neighborhood in Makati, smoke gets into the meat, that melts in your mouth, and then lasts in your heart. Holy Smokes down Matilde Street just gets American barbecue right. Let us tell you why.

Situated in an abandoned house in a sleepy neighborhood that was given a clean, beautiful makeover, Holy Smokes is well-put and well-thought out but never intimidating. That’s the idea in the first place: a sense of community while feasting over good food. Which brings us to the main point: the food — the overly sumptuous grub straight out of meat paradise and smoke heaven.

While the perfect American barbecue, especially in the Southern parts, are smoked to perfection using apple, oak, and hickory, it is difficult to find all that here in the country and could get very pricey. So Holy Smokes now uses local wood such as santol and kaimito (star apple) which give off a close semblance to the imported ones yet have a local flavor.

The smoking process goes on for 12-14 hours and the result is tender and juicy beef brisket. It is charred very lovely outside and then a pinkish streak greets you as you slice the meat.

The beef ribs is an absolute winner, too. Tender and goes off the bones with just a slight force of the fork.The roast chicken is a gastronomic feat, prepared the same way as the ribs but definitely packs its own medley of flavor and texture. And what’s the meat without the side dishes? Even these meat accompaniments are done right.

Cajun rice, cilantro rice, creamed corn, and coleslaw, although considered sides, steal the spotlight. Food for share like nachos and poutine should not be missed as well.

If you thought we’ve said everything to make you jump out of your seat and head to Holy Smokes right away, we’re not done yet. There is a local craft beer available in-store: Joe’s Brew gets it right as well — but we’ll save that for another story. But for now, make your way to Holy Smokes. Because mouthwatering, juicy, fall-off-the-bone meat and ice cold beer is never a bad idea.

Holy Smokes is located at 5834 Matilde corner Jacobo St., Poblacion, Makati City. Open everyday from 5 PM to 12 MN.

You have probably been told to skip this country’s capital by all means. Hate to admit it but the traffic is seriously bad. But a 3-hour-hellish-trip-along-the-national-highway situation aside, Manila is still worth the chance. It is chaotic but charming, a cool kid with an old soul. The city is a beautiful mess and one just has to give it a deeper look and go beyond the shiny malls to realize that Manila is still a capital of fun. We list down the top activities you should not miss:

1. Ride a bamboo bike in Intramuros

Cycle your way through history in eco-friendly bamboo bikes along and through the century-old walled city of Intramuros with Bambike Eco-Tours. There’s no better way to explore UNESCO-listed churches, historical forts, and antique shops than using a sustainable means of transportation handmade by a community of bike builders and a fun company throughout the day.

2. Play detective at Mystery Manila

Unleash the inner Sherlock Holmes in you and solve a mystery in one of Manila’s relatively recent must-do activities. More and more live escape game rooms have been coming up and it’s definitely something travelers must do while in the city. So gather your hostel roommates and be in for an hour of fun. Friendships are bound to be tested, though!

3. Food trip in the world’s oldest Chinatown

A great influence on Filipino culture, Chinese traditions and cuisine is still very well and alive this part of the world. Hop from dimsum places to noodle nooks and savor a lot of oriental flavors in between, a visit to Chinatown while in Manila is a must on the list.

4. Ride a colorful jeepney through the city

They’re flashy, they’re noisy but they definitely add a color to this bustling city. Jeepneys are probably the most famous means of transportation in the Philippines and can pack up to 20 people inside. With some blinking lights and pumping radio music, it’s definitely going to be a wild ride.

5. Get creative at Art in Island

Visiting museums is definitely a great activity when visiting a new country or city. But what if we’ve told you that an art museum here in Manila lets you be part of the art work? So forget about the No Touch policy because in Art in Island, be creative and strike your best pose in the 3D tricks and art illusions!

6. Chill in charming Cubao X

For travelers who want to get to know more of the city’s soul than just shiny malls and sparkling disco balls, Cubao Expo is the place to be. It’s a compound of everything alternative and underground: art galleries, concept barbershops, quaint cafes, and quirky novelty shops. You can spend the whole afternoon and evening here, and there’s no right time or feeling to leave.

7. Jump for joy at the Trampoline Park

Unleash those somersaults and dive into a giant foam pit. Or bounce off the ground to get that slam dunk. Or just simply jump your heart out. This place is definitely for all the kids at heart.

8. Sing your heart out in a Karaoke bar

There is no doubt about Filipino’s penchant for singing, whether in the shower room, inside the car while stuck in traffic, or even while working in an office cubicle, we just love to sing. So every corner there should be a karaoke bar and if some local friends invite you to a singing party, you will absolutely regret saying no.

9. Reggae it up on Irie Sundays at B-side

It does look like an old warehouse but it’s definitely why this old courtyard is a favorite spot for the crowd who is into anything unassuming. The Collective is a space that holds art stores, concept cafes, and every Sunday night, a revelry of reggae music, live bands, and dancing like no one’s watching. No dress codes, no lines — just pure irie vibes.

10. Party ‘til sunrise underground style in Time Club

You started knocking back some cocktails at Z Hostel roofdeck, jumped next door to chill at Pura Vida, headed to Valkyrie for the ultimate clubbing experience. Where do you go after? Definitely Time Club in Makati. It plays mostly underground house, techno, and dance music. The clock stops inside Time and before you know it, you’re eating Filipino breakfast right across at 7 in the morning.

Traveling as a vegetarian can be difficult at times, whether it’s because of cultural practices, very few accessible and affordable options, or you’re just clueless of what is really in your food. And in the Philippines, where almost everyone likes their sisig (sizzling chopped pork cheeks) and adobo (pork and chicken marinated in soy sauce and vinegar), it can prove more challenging. But no need to worry, we’ve rounded up vegetarian-friendly restaurants around the metro that serve mouth-watering non-meat dishes.

Corner Tree Café

This charming and homey space along Jupiter Street is almost like a little refuge in the middle of the busy business district and from all the meat-serving restaurants around it. It’s also usually regarded as the best vegetarian restaurant in Makati, serving modern gluten-free dishes and a variety of refreshing beverages to go with it — we’re talking about Fruit Lassis here. Start off with a heart Spinach and Pechay Chowder (with a zing of fresh lemon) and don’t miss out on their bestseller Spinach and Mushroom Lasagna.

Corner Tree Cafe: 150 Jupiter Corner Saturn Street, Bel-Air, Makati City

Hummus Elijah 

It’s hard to argue why this Middle Eastern restaurant is hailed to have “the best hummus and falafel” in Manila. It really does deliver on Mediterranean cuisine’s favorites including shakshuka and baba ghanoush. But the main star is really its creamy, velvety hummus. It’s packed with flavor and is served in a very generous portion — you’d order another pita bread for sure.

Hummus Elijah: Second Floor, Commercial Building, 7850 Makati Avenue, Poblacion, Makati City

Satinka Naturals 

Handmade soaps and organic oils greet you as you enter this charming corner café in Kamagong and Chino Roces, Makati. With low tables and soft cushion pillows as seats, the place is relaxing and heartwarming. Before you know it, you are already feasting on their all-organic and MSG-free dishes. The Chicken Honey Mustard (comes with mountain red rice!) is an absolute favorite and the interesting Vegan Adobo is a clear winner, too! Finish off with Sagada-style Yogurt and your tummy will never be as happy.

Satinka Naturals: 1137 Kamagong Street, San Antonio, Makati City

Kismet Café

This café in Poblacion area might look small and too cute for your life but they’re packed with amazing healthy options that are good on the tastebuds. Kismet means “fate or destiny’ and the colorful murals and images of peace around gives the place more soul. Try the Vegan Pesto Cream Sandwich and a hot coffee (they serve vegan options!) on a lazy Saturday afternoon.

Kismet Cafe: Ground Floor, MBA Building, 5022 P. Burgos Street Corner Kalayaan Avenue, Poblacion, Makati City

Greenery Kitchen

Home cooked vegetarian versions of all-time Filipino favorites straight out of a lovely house kitchen — ready for a meal with a lot of heart? Their bestseller is vegetarian Sisig (as mentioned above, it’s a Filipino favorite especially as a beer match) and other offerings include Pesto Pasta and Tofu Seaweed Rolls

Greenery Kitchen: 4067 Kalayaan Avenue, Tejeros, Makati City