One year and eight months of living in lockdown is a long time.
Too long, in fact, because now that we’re allowed to step out for leisure and entertainment, some of us find ourselves wondering where and how to spend our weekends and holidays. Where can we go while there’s still the coronavirus lurking in the shadows?
We feel you, we want to avoid the thick crowds as much as possible, too. That said, Inquirer Property has come up with 36 options where you and your family and friends can head to while still strictly observing safety protocols such as keeping your face masks on, practicing social distancing and maintaining hand hygiene. Of course, if you can get vaccinated prior to going out and traveling, that would be awesome as well. Being fully vaccinated goes a long way in keeping not only yourselves but those around you protected.
1 . Sky Garden By The Bay (Manila)
Binge-watching those K-dramas on Netflix always gets us salivating for galbisal, woo samgyup and japchae. Sky Garden by the Bay lets you enjoy your Korean—and Filipino—favorites al fresco. Located along Manila Bay, it treats diners to a magnificent view especially come sunset.
2 Antonio’s (Tagaytay, Cavite)
It always fits the bill, whether it’s for a romantic dinner date with your significant other or a laidback lunch with family and friends. Tucked in Tagaytay, Antonio’s scrumptious menu, along with its classic ambiance, easily makes it a favorite if one’s looking for an alternative to the metro’s restaurants.
3 Burrow Cafe at Antipolo Beehouse (Antipolo City, Rizal)
Go down the rabbit hole and enjoy a steaming cup of cafe latte with a slice of Choc-nut cake or a mouthwatering serving of Crabfat Adlai paired with No Meat Tacos at this underground café east of Manila. Burrow Cafe is a hidden haven located at the Beehouse, a rustic and homey events place up in Antipolo.
4 The Grid (Rockwell Center, Makati City)
This food hall in Rockwell’s Power Plant Mall is probably every foodie’s wonderland. From lobster rolls and gourmet lechon to sushi trays and smoothie bowls, there’s something for everyone at The Grid. If you’re still feeling hesitant about dining indoors, you don’t have to worry because there are outdoor dining options via “Rockwell goes Streetside” where you can have your meals along Lopez Drive.
5 Fook Yah (Brgy. Poblacion, Makati City)
Those who frequented Poblacion’s bars and restaurants prior to the pandemic are surely missing the energetic and animated atmosphere. Appease that growling tummy at this new eatery that specializes in your favorite Hong Kong dishes. Located at the exact spot where Ms Gee used to be, Fook Yah offers Cantonese Style Roasted Duck, Hong Kong Style Roasted Crispy Pork Belly, Stewed Charsiu Noodle soup and Stewed Beef Brisket and Wanton Noodle, just to name a few.
6 Samba (Shangri-La The Fort, Taguig)
Need a quick escape without leaving the city? Head to Samba, Shangri-La The Fort’s poolside bar. It features the fresh flavors and colorful dishes of Peru so it feels like you’re traveling, too.
7 La Cathedral Cafe (Intramuros, Manila)
What could be sweeter than a date night with the Manila Cathedral as your backdrop? La Cathedral Cafe at Cabildo Street in Intramuros even feels like being transported to Rome in an instant. We’re bracing ourselves for a deluge of cheesy date night photos here. (No worries, we won’t judge.)
8 The Peak (Grand Hyatt Manila, Taguig)
There were times in the past 20 months that we would ask ourselves, “What does the outside world look like again?” Here’s a spot that can help you remember. Dine and have drinks at Grand Hyatt Manila’s The Peak and be treated to sweeping and far-reaching views of the city from the 60th and 62nd floors of the metro’s highest skyscraper.
9 Seascape Village (CCP Complex, Pasay City)
It’s Manila’s newest seafood destination, housing a wide selection of restaurants, take-out counters and food kiosks and carts. The two-story, 10,300 sqm space features a wet and dry area where you can get fresh seafood (of course), special ingredients, an assortment of spices and seasonings, and fresh fruits and vegetables.
10 Le Petite Cafe Fleur (Brgy. Poblacion, Makati)
Word has it that this quaint restaurant at Enriquez Street, Brgy. Poblacion is fast making its way to everyone’s hearts and we’re getting curiouser and curiouser. With a menu that includes Wild Mushroom Ravioli Truffle Cream and Cereal Salted Egg-yolk Prawns and a dessert selection that has Vuco Fye and Vananah Tsokolate Walnut Cake, we just might find ourselves here one weekend.
11 Inarawan Cafe (Marikina City)
A favorite among coffee lovers and bikers, Inarawan Cafe may look puny in size but their brews can pack quite a punch. Rising on a small 40 sqm of space on Sampaguita Street, San Isidro II, Concepcion Uno, this quaint coffee shop offers single origin coffee from Benguet and Batangas as well as flavored coffees and fruit teas. It also has a branch in Brgy. Sto. Domingo in Cainta, Rizal.
12 Flower Ranch Cafe (Shaw Blvd., Mandaluyong)
Getting a pick-me-upper has never been this dreamy. Flower Ranch Cafe describes itself as “(a very tiny) flower + coffee shop.” It has to be pointed out though that it’s also very pretty, with all the fresh flowers placed about. Imagine getting your caffeine fix Flower Ranch Cafe serves the staples—long black, latte, cappucino, cafe mocha—as well as freshly baked cookies and Spanish bread.
13 Nihon Cafe (Brgy. Namayan, Mandaluyong)
Another favorite hole-in-wall among cyclists, Nihon Cafe serves takoyaki, ramen, nachos, karaage and your go-to caffeinated blends, of course. Good luck not wanting to hang out at this cozy pit stop the whole day. If you find the Namayan branch already packed, you can head to their second branch at J. Luna Street corner Shaw Boulevard
14 Firefly Weekend Cafe (Antipolo City, Rizal)
Here’s one spot that promises to make the drive up to Antipolo definitely worth it. Firefly Ridge Event Venue and Weekend Cafe offers unspoilt nature, a cozy ambience and good food. It serves US Ribeye and Salmon Steaks, Enoki Fries and Salmon Bites, just to name a few mouthwatering dishes.
15 Ruined Project? (Tagaytay, Cavite)
Located at Crosswinds in Tagaytay, Ruined Project? is Coffee Project’s 50th branch yet it departs from the signature delightful and sweet visage. Imagine industrial-style exposed beams, dark-washed concrete walls, rustic furniture and lush greenery. Paired with Tagaytay’s nippy weather, we can imagine how fitting it is for an afternoon of musing and pondering.
16 Coffee ArTea (Brgy. Poblacion, Makati)
Designed to be your friendly neighborhood coffee shop, Coffee ArTea offers the classics (espresso, flat white), craft coffees (Horchata Manchado, Lokal Cacao Bicerin, Leche Brulee Latte) and milk and fruit teas. As their name suggests, you can find art pieces by our talented local artists adorning its interiors.
17 Haruman Cafe (Brgy. Pitogo, Makati)
What’s a croiffle? Head to Haruman Cafe to find out. A Korean word that translates to “just one day,” the Seoul-inspired coffee shop was inspired by a BTS song that reminds us to reflect on “valuing each day.” You can find Haruman Cafe at D.V. Laurilla St., Brgy. Pitogo in Makati. Just look for the glass window with the smiling sun and moon.
18 Kohi Mkt (Brgy. Valenzuela, Makati)
Swing by this Japanese-inspired coffee shop for a cup of Kori Kohi or Matcha Dream paired with a Breakfast Pocket Sandwich, Hottu Doggu or their Homebaked Donuts in Maple Bacon, Ensaymada or Nutella, among others. The minimalist roadside cafe offers brews to go but there’s al fresco dining, too, for those who want to hang out with friends they haven’t seen since forever.
19 Masungi Georeserve (Baras, Rizal)
Test your agility and endurance at Masungi Georeserve. The protected rainforest preserve features guided hiking tours and rope courses. Make sure to book your reservation at least a month ahead as the number of visitors are limited to keep the peace and quiet in the area.
20 Sundang Island (Cavinti, Laguna)
Located just over three hours south of Manila is Sundang Island in Cavinti, Laguna. The small, secluded island sits on a serene lake and is perfect for families or small groups of friends who want a quick weekend getaway.
21 Nurture Wellness Village (Tagaytay City)
Who’s been dreaming of a day—or two!—of pampering? Nurture Wellness Village awaits the pandemic-weary with their spa services, detox and natural healing packages. Nurture allows pets in their main garden and restaurant as well so your furbabies can tag along.
22 Pico de Loro (Nasugbu, Batangas)
Who’s missing smelling the salty air and getting sand in their hair? Take a road trip to Pico de Loro, Hamilo Coast’s lush tropical seaside sanctuary. You can book at Pico Sands Hotel and wake up to tranquil views of the verdant mountains and lagoon. While you’re there, take the chance to go to Santelmo Cove where white sand and cerulean waters await.
23 Aranya Resorts (Doña Remedios Trinidad, Bulacan)
Here’s your chance to do some serious glamping. Aranya Resorts allows you to wake up to scenic views, go on a thrilling ATV ride as you tackle extreme slopes and, if you’re in an extremely adventurous mood, visit the 13 falls around the 7-ha property.
24 Garden Nest (Subic, Zambales)
Reintroduce the outside world to your pets, they’ve been cooped up for far too long as well. Garden Nest in Subic, Zambales is the perfect getaway for you and your pooch. Cozy, clean and pet-friendly, the studio unit features a bedroom, dining area, a tiny yet functional kitchen, a bathroom and nooks where you can curl up and catch up on your reading, do some art or simply lounge with your furbaby.
25 Nature Lodge (Mendez, Cavite)
Though advertised as an events place, Nature Lodge (@NatureLodgetagaytayeventspace) welcomes guests who are simply looking for a home away from home. Nestled in the boundary of Tagaytay-Mendez in Cavite, the private space is spacious enough for a group of six plus your doggos. Guests are even encouraged to bring their own tents for that unique camping experience.
26 Tagaytay Highlands (Tagaytay, Cavite)
Sometimes, it’s still hard to believe how this mountain resort paradise is just a two-hour drive from Manila. Breathe in the fresh, clean scent of pine trees and enjoy the cool weather at Tagaytay HighIands. Its lush pine forests, sprawling greens, rustic log cabins and the Taal Volcano and Lake in the distance should be a breathtaking sight to behold, without a doubt.
27 Sonya’s Garden (Alfonso, Cavite)
Looking for the ultimate antidote to your stress? It just might be at Sonya’s Garden, with its cool climate, serene surroundings, freshly harvested organic produce, luxurious spa treatments, just to name a few. Master the art of doing nothing here, go on a social media detox and go back to your daily grind refreshed and reenergized.
28 Ayala Museum (Makati Avenue, Makati City)
Ayala Museum is ready to welcome us back after a two-year renovation. The museum and Filipinas Heritage Library opens its doors today, Dec. 4, with five galleries from its first to third floors initially accessible. Book your visits at Ayalamuseum.org/visit.
29 Museo El Deposito (Corazon de Jesus, San Juan)
Located inside the Pinaglabanan Shrine, this museum lets you in on the history of the 1882 Carriedo Waterworks. El Deposito was more than a water reservoir, though. It was used as an armory during the war, a hospital for tuberculosis patients and a firing range. Schedule a visit and uncover the history underneath, swing by its Facebook page, @MuseoElDeposito.
30 Secret Fresh (Greenhills, San Juan)
Who doesn’t miss going to art fairs? Whether you’re an artist, an art collector or simply a fascinated onlooker, one can’t deny how art galleries leave us feeling inspired and enthralled. Escape to the world of the colorful, surreal and fantastical contemporary art at Secret Fresh located in Ronac Art Center in San Juan.
31 Ocean Adventure (Subic, Zambales)
Southeast Asia’s first open water marine theme park can’t wait to welcome the little ones now that children can finally venture out of the house. Swim with dolphins, feed sea lions and meet some adorable forest animals. Check out its Facebook page (@myoceanadventure) for updated price rates and packages.
32 Dinosaurs Island (Mabalacat, Pampanga)
See the T-Rex up close without fearing that you might end up as lunch. The first ever animatronics dinosaur theme park in the country, Dinosaurs Island brings you and the kids back to the period when these large reptiles ruled the land. Visit @dinosaursislandclark on Facebook for park rates and promos.
33 Zoobic Safari (Subic, Zambales)
The kids have been gawking at Nat Geo and Discovery Channel for the past year, allow them now to see their favorite tigers and other wild animals up close at Zoobic Safari. Get ready for some serious petting with all the animals freely roaming around the area and muster up the courage to feed the big cats at the Tiger Safari drive thru attraction.
34 Manila Korea Town (Malate, Manila)
Annyeong! It’s the first officially sanctioned Korean community in the metro and we’re pretty sure you’re looking forward to exploring it, too. Get ready to go on a food trip with Korean street food staples such as tteokbokki and fish cakes, feast on mouthwatering samgyupsal, get some fresh kimchi and banchan to bring home, stock up on ramyeon and your favorite snacks from Korean groceries in the neighborhood.
35 Salcedo Market (Paseo Center, Makati)
Whether it’s baked goodies, freshly caught seafood, holiday gift ideas or essentials for your plants, Salcedo Market indeed has everything you might need. Make sure to swing by before they take a break for Christmas and New Year.
36 Regina Rica (Tanay, Rizal)
Last, but definitely not the least on this list, is Regina Rica in Tanay, Rizal. Already a favorite pilgrimage site for many prior to the pandemic, it would be nice to pay a visit to this place of prayer and contemplation.