24 Hours in Manila

Thursday, October 17, 2019

If you’ve been reading the blog for quite some time (hugs your way) you may know that it has been my tradition to go away for my birthday. Sadly I was unable to properly plan anything for this year so as a compromise; I decided to have a me-day in Manila instead.

This is not a packed a itinerary. It’s one of those chill-er ones. You know when you go off to an adventure and you say “I need a vacation from my vacation”? This is the vacation you need after.



I wanted to do things that would make me happy - museums, shoot, and yum food. I ticked them all off!

Angelo’s airbnb in Manila got me with the view. Your expectations will meet your reality. Angelo and his colleague Melissa were easy to communicate with. I would recommend staying here! Don;t have an Airbnb account yet? Sign up using this link and get as much as P1600 on your booking. 

It had been raining days before my staycation and I was worried about the view. The sun did come out with splashes of clouds. I saw the sunset for a bit in the room before it hid behind the clouds when it was near the horizon. Luneta and the National Museums are less than a kilometer away from the Airbnb so it was an easy walk.

I FINALLY made my way to the National Museum of Natural History.

I highly suggest going early. I arrived at 11 AM and an hour later the crowd doubled - significant change.

The museum is like your lessons on a bigger scale. The different sections are divided in 6 floors. Kids and adults that are fan of nature would enjoy.

The installations are informative and displayed nicely actually.

There are interactive displays as well.

To be honest, am really not a fan of natural history. Lol Though the information was presented in several interesting ways; it’s not my cup of tea.

I did spot this Orlina, eeeepppp!

However, being cased in such a gorgeous building - it was worth the visit. I get giddy being surrounded by lovely architecture. I am a fan of neoclassical architecture so this was a must for me.

I was geeking out with how nicely the sun hit this space. I even found a spot I loved. 

Street food for the win. Hahaha Had ice cream, taho and kwek-kwek. I was not able to find a vendor with fishballs though. Sorry naman, could not help it - I don’t encounter this on a normal basis.

Even though I’ve been to the National Museum of Fine Arts several times, I still went back because it is one of my favorite places! My rainbow loving heart is a fan of the colorful walls of the museum.

The Manansala Room is my favorite hall, what a way to spend my birthday right? I am always happy to be here! 

For a more extensive visit of the museum, click here.

Spotted this gorgeous mural in Luneta Park.

At 2 PM I already reached my step goals for the day. I wanted to catch the sunset and the DLSU-UP basketball game so I went back to my Airbnb.

#SarilingSikap
When you don’t have a tripod, you make do. Lol 

Awra mag isa. Hahahahaha 

Sheng Jian Bao (pan fried soup dumplings), P195 for 6 pieces 
My Airbnb was near Robinson’s Place Manila and I searched for a place that did not have a branch in Mandaluyong or San Juan. I’ve never had authentic Sheng Jian Bao so I can’t vouch for Mei Fei Wang’s authenticity. I can share that this was yum! It’s like a Xiao Long Bao with a crispy bottom. The fried bottom gives it a different texture and complimented the over-all taste. This is best enjoyed while hot.

For dessert I saw Scout’s Honor and had 2 cookies. Gobbled it up and never took photos.

I spent the rest of the night relaxing with music and slept early. I had such a good night’s sleep I woke up refreshed the next day. It was exactly what I needed!

For lunch the next day I made my way to Latitude Bean + Bar. It’s been on my list for awhile and been meaning to try it. It’s the kind of cafe that you can see a lot of in BGC and Makati.

Café Mocha (P150)
Their Cafe Mocha had the balanced flavors of coffee and chocolate - no need to add anything.

Chicken Pesto Panini (P190)
I was surprised with how generous the portion was. I loved the bread hands down. The sandwich was cheesier than chicken or pesto.

Chocolate Chip Cookie (P65)
Their chocolate chip cookie was so good, I bought more for my family. The chocolate chips were generous and I loved the chunks. The outside was a bit crispy and the dough inside was softer but not too chewy. It also had a slight kick of saltiness in it. It is imperative to ask your server to warm the cookie, it tastes totally different when it is room temp. Loved. It. 



So that’s what my day looked like in one of my favorite cities. Birthday goals achieved!

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National Museum of Natural History
Rizal Park, Teodoro F. Valencia Circle, Ermita, Manila

National Museum of Fine Arts

Padre Burgos Drive, Manila City

Mei Fei Wang

Level 1, Adriatico Wing, Robinsons Place Manila, Ermita

Latitude Bean + Bar

1851 Pilar Hidalgo Lim Street corner Remedios Street, Malate, Manila



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