“MAYBE I won’t remember every detail, but for sure I’ll remember the feeling.”
And… this is quite ahhm… cringey.
But I too was caught off-guard upon stumbling along this line.
It was that humid night inside Yalla Yalla, one of the coziest places in Makati’s Poblacion.
We’re just a small group so fondness grew amongst us in that short period of time. That night was a bid of good-byes: for these people and as the midnight of the 6th broke off to the 7th.
It’s also a wrap. Of the good warm days we shared and the shawarma we are devouring ATM.
In between hearty bites and the lines of “In the shalala-lala-aallow,” we capped the four-day experience spilling (slightly, some sodas) next to our gushes and gains.
On the 4th of the month, pre-destined souls from Palawan, Iloilo, Davao, Bohol, and Cagayan de Oro converged into the overrated (they say) Metro Manila; exchanged energetic Hi’s and Hello’s and indulged in the company of these wonderful people of AirAsia – we have Mari and Kelly.
AirAsia took the opportunity to re-introduce the Metro but in another angle, and according to our facis, the activity was one of the company’s shares in helping boost local tourism in response to the Department of Tourism’s call.
Now, we can say that the Metro’s more than the traffic. It’s a blissful book of unearthed and unheard stories.
Ageless shimmer of the Queen’s crown
Couple feet marched along the hundred-feet-long stretch of Escolta that young afternoon. Once considered as the “Queen of Manila Streets,” Escolta is such a pure beauty. It’s same with the feeling of looking at your sweetest grandma – when you know those wrinkled cheeks spoke decade-old truths.
We met Robert and Lorraine Sylianteng (such a lovely couple) and they led us looking into Escolta’s chapter in history.
We explored Calvo Building for Calvo Museum; Regina Building, and First United Building.
On the couple’s recounts, we say that Escolta is a proud pioneer.
The street boasts lots of firsts – the first cinema, Salon de Pertierra; the first ice cream parlor, Clarke’s; the first department store, American Bazaar; first elevator, inside the Burke Building and the first savings bank, Monte de Piad.
Escolta suffered from bruises brought about by past tensions. But now, as we look closer, it’s regaining strength (all thanks to our advocates of restoration). The new face’s a cultural hub – comprised of museums, co-working spaces, bar and some shops.
Evening came and we took not-so-long walks up to Jones Bridge. I know it’s quite trendy to strike a pose or two, or maybe shoot splendid prenups just like JC’s. Not too long though, for we are having the time of our lives at Fred’s Revolution. We sipped a few beers and exchanged lots of laughs.
Fred’s Revolucion in Escolta. KELLY AUSTRIA 
Photo: SHY POLIDO/PN
Embracing Muslim culture and community
Assalamu Alaikum!
With the passion of Miss Nak from Meaningful Travels PH, we got to taste some of our very-first-times in Quiapo: wear a hijab (for us girls); enter the mosque; learn lots from Miss Amanah and Sir Nords; savor superb food (!); peek at Madrasah (Arabic writing, present!) and many others.
Quiapo’s best. SHY POLIDO/PN 
Photo: SHY POLIDO/PN
The Quiapo tour is that moment when you realized, “Yes, I’m still in the Metro.” And those stories? Those glimmer in the eyes of the residents? The experience? Priceless.
And… bitin. Haha!
Maybe, we’ll get to roam around Quiapo again someday. There are still lots of figures to unravel.
An inch closer to Intramuros
Yay! Or… perhaps “Cheers!”
We visited the oldest distillery in continuous operation in the Philippines – the Destileria Limtuaco, which was established in Binondo in 1852.
And the best part? The liquor tasting right after the tour! Must-try: the cocktails in tetra packs. Amazing!
Highly recommended? Intramuros Liqueur de Cacao. Well, for me. My friends would pick something in between Boracay and Inferno. Hehe.
With Sir Art Samaniego, we then visited Intramuros’ other attractions – Baluarte de San Diego, Casa Manila, and the San Agustin Church.
San Agustin Church. SHY POLIDO/PN 
Inside Baluarte de San Diego. SHY POLIDO/PN
After dinner at Ristorante delle Mitre, we went inside the newly-opened dungeons of Fort Santiago.
Friday frenzy
Urggh. It’s Fri-yay!
The morning was National Museum visit. We took our hearts to the fine arts, anthropology, and natural resources buildings and ogled all the massive precious things in there. Heartwarming!
Then, we were off to Makati, particularly in Poblacion! But have you seen its other side? Unknown to most, the party district of Poblacion is also the heritage center of the city. Spectacular!
With Miss Nak, we went inside the Museo ng Makati, looked at some heritage markers and houses, experienced Pasig River, and paid Sts. Peter and Paul Parish a short visit.
Pasig river experience. SHY POLIDO/PN
And yes! There should be no ‘p’ in party without giving in to Poblacion’s popular dress. We started the party at Z Hostel’s rooftop and barged into a few bars including Panaginip, Ruins, Agimat together with our friends Martin, Ralph and Kippie.
We capped the evening at Yalla Yalla, so my intro. And we are asked about our highlights and insights.
“Maybe I won’t remember every detail, but for sure I’ll remember the feeling.” Guess it’s true.
Because it wasn’t just a tour.
It’s a walk through the depths of unheard stories; a tea that tasted quite familiar but at the same time… unfamiliar. It’s a discovery of unfathomable joys alongside a family-like camaraderie.
My time with Emme, Ace, Seve, Ma’am Betchay, Don, Miss Kelly and Mari will always be at the face of the Metro – etched together with the moments we shared.
#AirAsiaInManila tour was the best shot!/PN
