SUMMARY
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A hip and trendy neighborhood located in the center of Manila’s busiest commercial and business district.
What’s the vibe?
This is the hipper and younger counterpart to Salcedo village. Its central location makes it accessible from the Central Business District’s main thoroughfares and commercial establishments. This is where the yuppies live, work and play. A foodie’s paradise as well as a night owl’s watering hole, the neighborhood is filled with establishments to whet your taste buds.
Even though the village is located in the heart of the Central Business District, the one-way roads, side streets, and pockets of greenery make it a great place to walk around in. Avoid the rush hour traffic with a pleasant stroll. Here, you can walk to the mall, work, or back home after a night out and still feel secure.
Around the periphery of the village are universities like Asian Institute of Management and Centro Escolar University. These two schools also contribute to the area’s younger vibe. However, despite the noticeably younger population, this is also a popular spot for the top executives working in the many multinational and local business that have set up offices in the area. Who says business and pleasure need to be compartmentalized? Both effortlessly collide in this vibrant and hip neighborhood.
What’s the crowd?
Students, yuppies, foodies, and trendsetters. First-time condominium owners and people living an on-the-go and active lifestyle.
WHAT TO DO
EAT
Kitchen 1B
Kitchen 1B is the wholesome and healthier alternative to the widely popular Apartment 1B. Here you can find dishes made with ingredients such as free-range chicken, organic eggs and oats, and grass-fed beef. Of course, the end product still tickles the tastebuds. The cheerful interiors make it an ideal lunch meeting place during a busy work day or for a leisurely weekend brunch.
Open Monday to Sunday from 6:30am to 11:00pm
Address: G/F, KL Tower, Gamboa Street
Phone Number: 403-5405, 843-2392
Stockton Place
If you are in the mood for a heavy dinner but in a light and welcoming atmosphere, Stockton place (which is only open during dinner time) is the perfect place. Famous for their steaks which range from 800 to 1,200 grams, you can try to finish one yourself or split it with a date. Walk-ins are accepted, but we highly recommend you make a reservation ahead of time.
Open Monday to Sunday from 6:00pm to 10:15pm
Address: 227 Salcedo St.
Phone Number: 844-9539, 0917-856-1419
Website: http://www.stocktonplace.com/
One Way
For casual, comfort food with an upscale ambiance, head over to One Way, located in the one way street corner of Salcedo and Benavidez. Unlike many restaurants around the area that close during the 3pm lull, customers can drop by any time. Their sourdough pizza is a must try, as well as the Chilean Black Mussels in white wine and cream.
Open Monday to Saturday from 10am to 10pm, closed on Sunday
Address: 200 Concord Bldg., end of Salcedo St. corner Benavidez St.
Phone: 869-8958, 0906-557-2588, 0917-814-0601
Website: http://www.oneway.com.ph/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/OneWayStreetRestaurant
Instagram: @onewayrestaurant
Your Local
For dishes inspired by Asian flavors but with a western spin, hit up Your Local. Don’t get confused though, this is not your typical fusion restaurant. It’s fusion with a balance (as it should be) so their dishes cater to a variety of palates. Try the Perogi which is essentially a baked potato with all the western fixings, but presented as a Japanese gyoza.
Open Monday to Friday from 11:00am to 2:00pm and 6:00pm to 10:00pm, Saturday for brunch from 10:00am to 3:00pm and 6:00pm to 10:00pm.
Address: Universal LMS Bldg. 106 Esteban St.
Phone: 823-6206, 0917-654-3355
Website: http://www.yourlocal.ph
Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/Yourlocalph
Instagram: @yourlocalph
DRINK
Yardstick
In the mood for a cold brew or maybe a flat white? Yardstick is the go-to local haunt amongst the third-wave coffee shops that have sprouted around the city. Not just a place for purveyors of coffee, they also serve sweet and savory waffles. They also give workshops and courses on tasting specialty coffee, brewing coffee at home, espresso fundamentals, and recipe design for those interested in taking their coffee more seriously.
Open Monday to Saturday from 7:00am to 11:00pm, Sunday from 8:00am to 6:00pm
Address: G/F Universal LMS Bldg., 106 Esteban St.
Phone Number: 624-9511, 845-0073
Instagram and Twitter: @yardstickcoffee
Blind Pig
One of the first speakeasy bars to pop up in the Metro, Blind Pig is still one of the city’s best, not-so-well-kept secrets. The lighting is dim and customers must adhere to some house rules, including no flash photography and keeping the noise level down, but the drinks pack a mean punch. This is a good place for those who enjoy their privacy but are still looking to have a good night out. Bring a date or go alone, reservations are not required but highly recommended.
Open Sunday to Monday from 6:00pm to 2:00am, Friday to Saturday from 6:00pm to 3:00am
227 Salcedo St.
Phone Number: 0917-549-2264
Exit Bar
Another speakeasy bar, but with a livelier atmosphere, is Exit Bar. This is a popular place for people grabbing drinks after work since it is located in the heart of the business district and also a place for friends to catch up in. The vibe is unpretentious and the drinks are well-priced. Popular for their bourbon-based drinks, try the De Riguer which is a mix of bourbon, grapefruit, and honey.
Open Monday to Saturday from 530pm to 2am
Address: 121 Paseo de Roxas corner Gamboa St.
Phone Number: 625-0305
The Plantation
For after-work dinner and drinks, The Plantation serves up a selection of continental and Filipino cuisine, along with a variety of cocktails (try their mojito), and international and local beers (ask for their selection of flavored beers). Mondays to Wednesdays are acoustic nights and for a more upbeat atmosphere, a DJ spins every Thursday.
Open Monday to Sunday 24 hours a day
Address: G/F SCC Bldg. 106 C. Palanca St.
Phone: 501-5727, 0927-687-4153
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ThePlantationBar
The Curator
Handcrafted, specialty coffee in the day and customized cocktails at night, the aptly named Curator will guide your tastebuds through a carefully crafted journey of quality drinks. Have the barista make you a cup of espresso or ask the bartender for their list of classic and modern cocktails. Try the cheekily named Rye n’ Gosling, a mix of rye whiskey and dark rum, that tastes just like how you might imagine Ryan Gosling to be – sweet, spicy, and with just the right amount of bitterness.
Open Monday to Saturday from 7:00am to 6:30pm (coffee), 6:30pm to 2:00am (cocktails), Sunday 7:00am to 6:30pm. They also offer cocktail classes on Sunday nights. Contact them for inquiries.
Address: 134 Legaspi St. cor C. Palanca st.
Phone: 0917-893-7115
Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Curator/310581049064376
Instagram and Twitter: @thecurator_
SHOP
Perch
Looking for furniture and home accent pieces to customize your apartment? Perch has the items that will surely add warmth into any home. They offer beautifully-made imported, modern furniture as well as customized options. They also have a great selection of quilted blankets, pillows, and wall hangings that can brighten up any room.
Open Monday to Saturday from 10:30 am to 7:30 pm, Closed on Sunday
Address: G/F KL Tower, Gamboa St.
Phone Number: 0942-570-9292, 0916-123-4226
Website: http://www.perchfurnishing.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/perchinteriorfurnishing
Instagram: http://instagram.com/perchfurnishing
Archives d’homme et femme
For the fashion forward and trendy shopper, visit Archives d’homme et femme for designer goods at a discounted price. They offer a variety of women and men’s wear labels such as Marni, Balenciaga, Comme des Garçon, YSL, Dior, Pierre Hardy, Acne, Jill Sander, and more.
Open Monday to Sunday from 12:00pm to 8:00pm
Address: G/F Midland Offices 109 Gamboa St.
Phone Number: 836-2740, 0917-849-4008
Website: http://www.hommeetfemme.ph
PAMPER
The Spa
Tired from the busy city life? Recharge at The Spa and have one of their signature massages or body scrubs and feel instantly rejuvenated. The Thai-inspired interiors will transport you to a totally different and relaxing environment – a juxtaposition and welcome respite from the traffic-ridden, busy city streets outside. Customers can have their pick between deluxe rooms or executive suits (recommended for couples or those who enjoy their privacy).
Open Monday to Sunday from 12:00pm to 10:00pm
Address: G/F Greenbelt 1, Paseo de Roxas St.
Phone Number: 840-1325, 840-1326
Website:http://www.thespa.com.ph
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Spa/55463411822?ref=ts
Instagram and Twitter: @thespa1996
Blowout Bar
Want to look sharp before a big meeting or need a quick pick me up before a night out? Head over to Blowout Bar and choose from their variety of hairstyling services (no cuts or color, just blowouts). Their signature blowout is the Flirtini and gives your hair just the right amount of volume, body and waves. For messy beach waves, try the Malibu Rum.
Open Monday to Friday from 7:00 am to 7:00 pm, Saturday from 10:00 am to 8:00 pm. Closed on Sunday
Address: G-02 Rada Regency, Rada St.
Phone Number: 0917-841-2484, 0917-505-2569
Faceboook: https://www.facebook.com/BlowoutBar
Twitter: @blowoutbar_mnl
SWEAT
Crossfit MNL
For a quick (less than 30-minute), but high-intensity workout, try Crossfit Manila. This is not your average gym. The workouts are varied (not one workout is the same) and you can train in a class or for the more advanced, take advantage of open gym time. Peer coaching is the style of the gym, so there is a vibe of friendly competition. Build your strength and push your body to the limits while using techniques from gymnastics, olympic weight lifting, kettlebell training and other sports. For a full list of their schedules and classes, visit their website.
Open Monday to Friday from 7:00am to 8:30pm, Saturday from 11:00am to 4:00pm, Closed on Sunday
Address: First Midland Bldg. Gamboa St.
Phone Number: 0908-292-9940
Website: http://www.cfmnl.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CrossFitMNL
Twitter: https://twitter.com/crossfitmnl
360 Fitness Club
For a holistic workout that focuses on functional fitness, check out 360 Fitness. The workout focuses on circuit training that will help you become leaner, stronger, and fit in less than 30 minutes. Aside from circuit training, they also offer group exercise classes like dance, yoga, and mixed martial arts to further reinforce their holistic approach. Here you can train your body to be strong enough to bench press but flexible enough to go through your Vinyasa Yoga pose sequence.
Open Monday to Friday from 7:00am to 10:00pm, Saturday from 11:00am to 6:00pm
Address: 7th floor, 107 Dolmar Gold Tower, C. Palanca St.
Phone Number: 940-9575, 0917-860-0360
Website: http://www.completethecircuit.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/360FitnessClub
Instagram and Twitter: https://twitter.com/360fitclub
RELAX
Washington Sycip Park
A welcome oasis in the center of one of Manila’s busiest districts, Washing Sycip Park is where city dwellers can relax and get some peace of mind (this is a non-smoking, no-pet zone). Be inspired by the sculptures of renowned Filipina artist Impy Pilapil and listen to classical music playing from hidden speakers through out the park.
Open daily from 6:00am to 10:00pm
Address: The park is surround by Legaspi, Gamboa, and Rada Streets
De La Rosa Murals
Monday morning blues? Late for work? Why not pass by the elevated walkway that spans the De La Rosa car park and take the time to stop and appreciate the murals by Filipino contemporary artists with inspiring and cheeky messages like, “Never get so busy making a living that you forget to make a life,” “Work hard, play hard,” and “Suweldo naaaaah!” A leisurely stroll along this stretch of murals can easily uplift your mood even on the most stressful of work days.
Legaspi Sunday Market
Open every Sunday, this is a great open-air market that caters to foodies and families. The vendors offer a mix of local and international cuisine. Budding entrepreneurs also set up stalls with artisan crafts so you can eat, shop, and even make a new friend all in one lively and appetizing venue.
Open Sunday from 8:00am to 2:00pm
Address: On the corner of Legaspi and Rufino St.
Faceboook: https://www.facebook.com/legazpisundaymarket
6 Steps to buying your first condominium
What features do you want in your dream condominium? How many bedrooms? How many baths? Do you want a balcony or a building that provides amenities like a lap pool and gym? Given the different features you would like to have in your dream home, you also need to set a realistic budget.
Decide on what budget you can afford and only look at places that fit within your price range. When creating your budget be sure to take into account monthly expenses for utilities as well.
Location is key when looking for the perfect place to live. Being in a central location that allows you to live, work, and play all within close proximity, allows you to maximize your time and have a well rounded lifestyle.
Once you find your ideal neighborhood, canvas residential buildings and compare prices. Remember your wish list and budget? Find the place that checks off most, if not all, of the items on that list. Don’t be set on the first condominium you find. Scope out a variety of options and weigh out the pros and cons of each establishment to settle on the right one for you.
When looking for the right building to call your home, it is always important to make sure you choose a reputable developer. Check the developers’ track record and ensure that the money you are investing will be worth the investment.
With more than 300 residential, office towers, commercial centers, and hotelsaround the country, developers like Megaworld have kept their bragging rights as the top residential condominium developer in the Philippines for over adecade.
Once you’ve settled with your perfect place and chosen the right company to buy or rent from, you need to understand payment lease terms. Are lump sum payments required? How high are the interest rates? You can also negotiate at this stage to try and get the best deal possible. Make sure you ask all the important questions before you dot the I’s, cross the T’s, and sign!
Developers now offer flexible payment schemes at no downpayment, no lump sum, at zero percent interest. For more information call 0917-8876223 or email info@megaworldmakaticbd.com, visit www.megaworldmakaticbd.com.
Now that everything is set, the fun stuff begins. This is not all fun and games though, as moving into a new home takes a lot of planning and logistics. Does the place need to be renovated? Is it already furnished or will you be furnishing your flat from scratch?
Make sure you hire a truck and movers to help you make the big switch. Scope out your building’s utility entrances and elevators to ensure that you can bring in all your belongings with no problems.
The logistical concerns of moving into a new place is always the hard part but once that is all taken care of you can begin personalizing your space and really making it a home.
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