Weekend Activities: Four Compelling Reasons You Should Still Watch Movies in the Theater

"The only reason why we ask other people how their weekend was is so we can tell them about our own weekend" –Chuck Palahniuk

In the age of streaming services and applications, it is indeed a wonder why quite a lot of people would still prefer to watch movies in the theater. Despite the plethora of on-demand options conveniently at your disposal, a trip to the cinema is always worth the effort and not just out of sheer novelty either.

Indeed, in this time and age where streaming services seem like the more practical and feasible option to get our slice of entertainment, cinemas should have been rendered obsolete—a thing of the past. And yet here we are, peppered weekly with Ayala Malls Movie schedules, Movies in Greenbelt and even current movies in Makati being advertised in applications and newspapers. Instead of dying out, it seems like the theaters and the cinemas are thriving and they are ever as robust despite having a significant price hike on movie tickets. Why? Well, just because there are some experiences that you can only ever get within the walls of your local cinema.

Sure, there might be a myriad of ways to watch films without setting foot inside a movie theater (most of them legal, mind you) and the novelty of watching movies in theaters might never beat a Netflix subscription, the fact remains that the cinema or the theater has not lost its magic. Indeed, there are only a handful of ways wherein a makeshift home theater can emulate the kind of experience you have in movies, and that is a good enough reason to watch cinemas. Given that there are also a handful of bad experiences that might deter you from stepping in a cinema ever again, there are still compelling reasons why it is still worth watching movies in cinemas. Here are just some of them:

Avoid spoilers and be part of the conversation

Let us be realistic here and attest to the fact that spoilers are always present whenever a blockbuster movie opens. With social media being the constant and consistent medium of communication among many individuals, people would soon get word of what happens in a particular film before even seeing it. More importantly, as social media is a tool that allows users to communicate their thoughts to a broader audience, some netizens would inadvertently read these spoilers regardless of how meticulous they have screened their posts. Incidentally, if you opted to wait for a particular movie to air only on the streaming service then hearing spoilers is inevitable. If you wish to be in-the-know of the latest films without reading them through spoilers, then consume movies in a timely fashion. This process means you have to see them in theaters. Here are some of the ways you can avoid spoilers.

Movie Food

Granted that you can munch on movie snacks in your kitchen or even on your sofa while you are watching a movie, nothing quite compares to snacking on a tub of popcorn while anticipating your film. There is an absolute joy in loading up your movie snacks, beverages and maybe even some candy when you are at a movie theater that cannot be emulated by your home entertainment room. There are some people whose primary motivation for watching movies is getting to eat their favorite movie snacks. That, in itself, is pretty convincing.

Your home theater is good (but not that good)

Regardless of how much you spent on your home entertainment system or whether you have a 90-inch 3D TV with surround sound speakers, all of that would still not compare to the kind of experience you will get at a movie theater. As said above, there are just some cinema experiences that you cannot replicate no matter how hard you try. Certain scenes are made to be viewed in theater or viewed best in them. Scenes such as the ones in Gravity or that particular scene wherein Dwayne Johnson makes a jump in Skyscraper is seen best in a large screen. And let us face it; you really could not fit that kind of television screen in your homes. So, you might as well watch movies the way they are meant to be viewed: in theaters.

Support movies that you love

The movie industry is a business, and of course, it needs to make enough profit for future movie ventures. In this regard, only movies that do well will get sequels or get similarly made. After all, films are made based on what does well at the box office. In this regard, you can cast your vote with dollars and let them know that the movies you watched are the movies you like. If a film does not do well, then you will never see another iteration of it sometime soon regardless of how much you love it. Support the types of movies you love, and maybe you will see more of the same get made.  

Image source

Discover Philippines: All You Need to Do About the Philippine Nightlife

“There is no night life in Spain. They stay up late but they get up late. That is not night life. That is delaying the day. Night life is when you get up with a hangover in the morning. Night life is when everybody says what the hell and you do not remember who paid the bill. Night life goes round and round and you look at the wall to make it stop. Night life comes out of a bottle and goes into a jar. If you think of how much the drinks are it is not night life” –Ernest Hemingway

The nightlife scene in the Philippines is unlike any other.

Influenced significantly by Western culture, there might be some aspects in Philippine nightlife that allude to the nightclub scene commonly found in the United States. However, there are also several aspects about it that make it so unique. For an instance, the nightlife in each district is so drastically different than how you would find it in another city. Makati nightlife is associated with upscale living insomuch that you can find some of the most luxurious and exclusive bars and nightclubs here. Other towns are also known for their distinct brand of nightlife—whether that may be a simple night at the pub or a speakeasy that is frequently patronized by up-and-coming writers, singers, artists and poets. Indeed, nightlife in the Philippines is so vibrant and colorful that everyone needs to experience it—whether they may be a local and even more so when they are a foreigner. Regardless of what your poison might be, the Philippine nightlife caters to everyone and you might find something just for you. Everything is there—from laser light discotheques, karaoke bars, underground music gastropubs and exclusive VIP clubs. There is always something for everyone’s fancy and kind of play during the weekend.

So, if you have been looking to hit up some nightclubs or bars this upcoming weekend, here are some of the things you might want to know before going on that nocturnal jaunt:

Friendly attitude towards foreigners

Filipinos are known for their hospitality. In this regard, a foreigner would not have a hard time striking up a conversation with a local. In fact, they may even expect Filipinos to initiate conversations with them first. More importantly, Filipinos have an excellent command of the English language so communication would not be a challenge. Aside from that, foreigners are basically treated like celebrities in the Philippines insomuch that most Filipinos would be receptive to accommodating them. Although things might be relatively different in low-end establishments, you can still expect Filipinos to be welcoming to foreigners.

English-speaking nation

As stated above, Filipinos have an excellent grasp of the English language that communication would hardly be a problem at all. In fact, this is seen as one of the many advantages when it comes to partying in the Philippines as most of the locals can speak English. Even the poorest urban communities can speak Basic English and would be able to accommodate tourists without a hitch. However, even if your trip to the Philippines does not necessitate the reading of a Filipino phrasebook, knowing a few key phrases will earn you extra appreciative smiles from the locals—just for trying!

Unique alcoholic beverages and food

Filipinos love their booze just as much as they love to eat. For this reason, most of their alcoholic beverages have food matches to further improve the taste and the drinking experience. A local drink that is a must-try to beer drinkers is the Filipino local staple for libation, the San Miguel Beer or simply called San Mig. This beer variety comes in a variety of forms from the classic pale pilsen offering to the super dry variant. Apart from alcoholic beverages and spirits, there is quite a number of recognizable American fast food establishments in the Philippines. Recently, there has also been a growth of Japanese, Chinese and Korean cuisines inside shopping malls.  However, if you truly want to experience the diversity of Filipino cuisine, take a stroll in one of the Sunday food night markets and food bazaars. There you can find a range of unique food offerings and flavors all in a single place. Have a taste of the local street food as well as Filipino “pulutan” or finger food and beer matches said to enhance the taste of your alcohol.

Love for KTV

Filipinos love to song—that much is evident from the series of KTV bars you can find in almost every nook and cranny in a major city. In fact, you might even find a standalone one in a local store with a singing patron to match. Indeed, a Filipino’s love for singing has no match and it is something you have to witness for yourself should you ever find yourself in the Philippines. Even those without the gift of vocal prowess can be found singing and belting out tunes in karaoke machines. After all, it is more about your performance rather than the song. So, do not be afraid to try your hand at karaoke too. Let go of your inhibitions by belting out your favorite songs.

Image source

Philippine Living: Four Reasons Why Filipinos Love Shopping

“We used to build civilizations. Now we build shopping malls.”-Bill Bryson

There has never been any doubt about the Filipinos love for their shopping malls. After all, who else has come up with the term “malling” other than the Filipino themselves?

With the myriad of shopping malls peppered across the country—each one promising to offer its
patrons something a little different than the last—these malls are hailed and recognized as cities of their own. A true testament to a Filipino’s unique obsession with shopping malls is not only hinged the fact that the Philippines has some of the world’s biggest shopping malls and districts (from SM Shopping Districts to Circuit Makati Mall), but also in the direct observation of how an average Filipino’s weekend seems to involve going to the mall for one reason or another.

But to what reason can we truly attribute this general fascination (and at times, fixation) to these cathedrals of consumerism? Why do Filipinos have a proclivity for spending their downtime at the mall more than any other place? Is it because of their incessant penchant to shop? Or because they wish to emulate their western neighbors in their love and flair for shopping? Well, while shopping malls are not as revered and celebrated in western countries as they are in the Philippines, these western countries do not exactly have humid weather all year long which would constrain its locals to stay indoors. In this regard, Filipinos have grown to love their shopping malls insomuch that they can even spend the entire day in there. Apart from the temperature controlled environment, malls also serve as a social outlet as they are likely to bump into people they know there (because again, everyone seems to love the mall!). The Philippines is known for its hot weather, and in metropolitan cities such as Manila, you would be hard-pressed for activities to do either because it is blazing hot or raining hard outside. Furthermore, you can do pretty much anything and everything in Philippine shopping malls whether that may be trying out to ice-skate, bowl or catching a late night flick. Although having shopping malls in almost every nook and cranny in the city might be taken as a sign of progress, it could also mean the gradual decline of cultural centers such as museums—so having a string of them might not be so good after all.

So, why does an average Filipino love the mall so much? And how have this corrugated structures become a highlight to their weekends? Well, the reasons below might enlighten you as to why:

1.) Ease of convenience

Back in the day, a trip to the mall would involve packing everyone into the car and be driving to it. However, with a myriad of malls peppered across the country, it might be easier and far more convenient to walk instead of taking the car. Moreover, as most malls are now strategically placed near condos and offices, they are made even more accessible to everyone.

2.) They have it all in one roof

Shopping malls go above and beyond to ensure that they provide the best experience to their shoppers possible. In this regard, they are more than just your ordinary shopping mall, and you can, in fact, do everything you wish and need to in one mall—given that it provides all the services and activities you are looking for. Today, most shopping malls have partnered up with local government agencies such as LTO and Philhealth rendering the mall as a one-stop place for everything you might need.

3.) Experience mini-concerts

Apart from yearly sales and events, malls entice people to favor their malls the best by hosting free roadshows, events, and even mini-concerts. To ensure an influx of people and potential customers  would be coming in, they would often invite esteemed individuals and even musicians and celebrities who you can get to see for free! It mutually benefits the invited guest, and the mall as the guest might be promoting something while the mall can expect hordes upon hordes of fans and possibly potential shoppers who wish to take a glimpse of their esteemed invited guest.

4.) Attend mass

The Philippines is a devoutly Catholic country, and as a result, many of the locals are deeply religious. To ensure that the shopping mall would be a guaranteed destination for religious individuals, malls have scheduled masses on Sundays with hourly intervals—depending on the mall. Some malls would even hold novenas and First Friday masses. In this regard, families who wish to spend their mornings in worship would not need to go to two destinations and just spend their day in one place. After the mass, they can easily attend a movie or eat at their favorite restaurant which would be located in the general vicinity.


Image Source

Better Movie Experiences: How to be a Considerate Moviegoer

“Being considerate of others will take you and your children further in life than any college or
professional degree.” -Marian Wright Edelman

A cinematic experience has always been one of those few things in the world that brings us true joy and entertainment.

For a couple of hours or so, in a darkened room, you will get to see an artist’s creative interpretation of a story—a visual art if you may. And in those few hours in the cinema, you would somehow be transported to another world—for the time being at least. In this regard, movies have become more than just mere avenues for entertainment, but rather they can be considered as momentary escapes from the real world. For this reason, the world is never in shortage of moviegoers as there is still a market for new movie releases—regardless of how many online movie streaming sites there might be.

However, do remember that watching a movie is a shared experience and much of what makes it
enjoyable is the overall behavior of its audiences. In this regard, you ought to keep yourself in check and be considerate of other audience members at all times. Remember, they are paying to see the movie as well. So, you might as well conduct yourself appropriately while watching the movie. So, before checking out the movie schedules in Circuit Makati Cinema or elsewhere, here are things you might want to bear in mind to make the experience enjoyable for yourself and for everyone around you:

1.) Turn your phone off

Nothing can be more annoying than being in a darkened theater only to get suddenly blinded by a cellular phone’s bright light. Be considerate and keep your phones on silent or even better, turn it off. No one wants to see the glaring light of your screen. If you are expecting calls, take them outside. While you are at that, refrain from posting any part of the movie to your social media feed. Not only would you be distracting the viewers behind you, but you could potentially land yourself in hot water should the security spot you whipping out your phone to record parts of the movie.

2.) Throw your trash

Once the movie is done, do not leave your trash in your seats. Take them with you and dispose of them accordingly. Leave your seat clean and ready for the next viewers. It is the only common courtesy. Regardless of whether there will be someone to clean up for you, always take the trash with you. You were not raised in a barn after all.

3.) Keep your phone in your pocket

Remember how we told you not to whip out your phone every now and then, you might want to
keep it in your pocket instead. If you have the urge to update your social media feed with reactions (and spoilers) from the movie, you might as well stay home.

4.) Keep your voice down

While it is best to enjoy the movie in total silence, throwing out comments here and there to your companion is at times unavoidable. Not to worry though, just make sure that you keep your voices down and try not to talk so much during the movie. Remember, other viewers, are watching too and might be distracted by your talking.

5.) Occupy only your space

We know you want a little legroom and a bit of space to stretch out. However, try to leave a little space between yourself and other audience members and try not to encroach on their space so much. Remember, cinemas are communal spaces, so be nice and share the space. Today, most cinemas
reserve seats for you in advance provided that you have already bought a ticket, so there would be no issue of having other audience members occupy your designated seats.

6.) Treat the movie house with a modicum of respect

The movie theater is not an extension of your living room where you can freely remove your shoes and put up your legs on the seat in front of you. Treat the movie theaters and other cinema patrons with respect and act accordingly. You might be paying to see the movie, but again, so are they.


Image Source

Shop Smarter: Five Ingenious Tips to Keep in Mind during Mall Sales

“Admit it, we all feel cool when we walk around the mall with tons of shopping bags in our arms.”-
Author Unknown

Sale (n.) a fashionista’s favorite four letter word.

Shopping malls have been around for years. In some countries, they are regarded as little more than simply cathedrals of consumerism. In the Philippines however, these structures are viewed as more than the answer to our retail needs. For some, it has become somewhat like a second home. Malls in the Philippines such as the Circuit Makati Mall and the like come with various attractions such as cinemas, restaurants, nightclubs, bars and even activity and entertainment centers. In this regard, mall developers hope to generate more revenue by appealing to a wider variety of individuals.

However, there has never been any doubt that one of the tried and tested methods to have people patronize and purchase products from a particular mall is to conduct a mall-wide sale. Indeed, whenever a sale happens, you can expect a crowd of shoppers and patrons to arrive by the droves. This influx of shoppers is mainly precipitated by bargain deals. In this regard, some malls can expect shoppers to arrive even before opening hours. If you wish to shop on a projected sale one of these months, know that it takes so much more than just arriving at the mall on time to get the best bargains and deals. If you wish to make the most out of your shopping excursion, here are some of the tips to keep in mind:

1.) Do your research

Before you start planning what to buy, it is highly recommended that you do your research before the actual day of the sale itself. Note that many brands would be participating during the sale and your research would help you identify what these brands would be. Furthermore, some brands might be a little detailed as to the terms of their sale such as which items would be included and whether or not there would be promo deals. If you did your research beforehand, you would effectively be able to narrow down your options and make the most out of your time shopping.

2.) List it down

One of the excellent ways to shop and ensure you stay within your budget is to shop with a list. Make this list beforehand so that you can mitigate the possibility of impulse shopping. In this regard, you would also be able to delineate your reasons for buying a particular item. Sure, an item you are looking to buy might be on sale, but do you really need it? Or are you just buying it because it is half off? Making a list will help you be smarter about what you put into your cart during sale day. Prepare this list beforehand, note down all the items you wish and need to buy and prioritize them.

3.) Arrive early

One of the most annoying things about shopping during mall sales is having to contend with long queues. That and looking for an available parking space once you arrive at the mall. To address this, be sure to come early—if possible before opening hours. Apart from getting the best parking spot and not having to queue up, arriving early means you get first dibs on deals and items on sale. Whenever possible, try to arrive on the first day of the mall-wide sale and try to get there before opening hours.

4.) Take your time

No one is clocking you, so there is no need to be pressured about finishing up your shopping within a specified time limit. Take your time, peruse the aisles and look for the best deals. Do not immediately throw everything into your cart just because it has the world SALE plastered on it. Be as discerning about your purchases as you would be when they are not on sale. Remember, you are simply shopping which is not time-sensitive at all. So relax, and take your time. Just enjoy browsing racks and aisles and do not forget to hunt for the best bargain!

5.) Compare

Remember, the first item you pick up is not always the cheapest. However, that does not mean that the next item you will come by would also be the best. In this regard, be sure to look around and make some comparisons. You might think you have landed the best offer and deal now, but you might end up regretting that decision later when you find out that the next store sells the same item for much cheaper.

Image Source

Night at the Cinemas: Snacks to Enhance Your Movie Experience

“Movies can and do have tremendous influence in shaping young lives in the realm of entertainment towards the ideals and objectives of normal adulthood.” –Walt Disney

It is a given that no cinema experience is complete without movie snacks.

After all, what are you supposed to do with your hands while you are waiting for your movie to start? Much like how so many things go together, popcorn and the movies go hand in hand. Indeed, freshly popped butter popcorn is known to be a ubiquitous presence in cinemas that moviegoers are rather used to the scent of popcorn kernels pervading the cinema and the resultant noise that comes in eating them. In fact, it seems almost comforting to be able to smell it while we watch our favorite flicks. 

However, there are other snacks that can elevate and enhance your cinema experience apart from the iconic snack. Although some of the ones listed here are a bit unconventional to munch on while watching a movie, they are incredibly healthy. In this regard, you would not have to worry about the extra calories you consume and can eat away guilt-free.

Do remember that the food you bring should not emit foul or pungent odor so as not to ruin disturb movie patrons and ensure everyone has a great movie experience all the same. In any case, should you be checking for Greenbelt Cinema schedules or the like, here are the snacks you can alternatively munch on:

1.)    Blueberries

Swap out the crunch of popcorn and try to munch on an alternative superfood such as blueberries. While blueberries can hardly be found in snack bars in cinemas, they are relatively easy to locate in grocery stores and supermarkets. Blueberries are delicious food that has been found to give you a boost in mental memory for up to five hours making it the perfect snack for movies with complicated plotlines.

2   2.)    Walnuts and Flax Seeds

If you wish to pack on omega-3 fatty acids without bringing oily fish inside the cinema outright, walnuts and flax seeds are excellent alternatives. They come in loaded with the essential acids and can easily fit inside your bag or pockets which makes them a snackable alternative to fish.

 3.)    Chocolate

Instead of indulging yourself with a sweet candy treat, why not try a more decadent but healthier alternative? Chocolate has been known to enhance any experience and that would invariably include your cinematic one. Not only does this sweet morsel give you a pleasurable feeling, but when taken in controlled amounts, it can actually be healthy. Moreover, chocolate contains flavanol which has been associated with improving your short-term memory. In this regard, you would not have to constantly ask your seatmate what just happened to your flick every twenty minutes or so.

 4.)    Guacamole

Guacamole is a sure winner with everyone—especially when it comes with its archetypal pair, nachos. This crowd pleasing snack is not only known to be a fan-favorite, but it also helps you boost your brainpower as well. After all, avocados are known to be rich in monosaturated fat which can vastly improve blood flow to your brain.

 5.)    Pistachios

If you are a big fan of nuts then you are going to love pistachios. While nuts are known to be the go-to snack for mindless munching in movies, why not consider this healthier alternative? Seeing as we tend to scarf down food more rapidly in usual when inside movies (mindless munching and all), switching to pistachios will help you address that. Research has shown that eating shelled pistachios can actually aid you in cutting down your caloric intake in a movie. After all, eating even just one in a movie house already takes effort considering you still have to peel the shells. This sends signals to your brain on how much you have been eating which would be a subtle reminder to you to stop wolfing down the snack.      

Image Source

City Living: Four Excellent Reasons Why Makati is the Premier City to Reside In

“A great city is not to be confounded with a populous one.” –Aristotle 

Known as the most sophisticated city in the Philippines, there are quite a lot of reasons why one would want to be billeted in Makati. Considered as the most coveted zip code, living in Makati has always been associated with an air of exclusivity and affluence that would intimidate most individuals. After all, the city is deemed to be the country’s financial and business hub so taking up residence there is inevitably going to be rather expensive. A Makati condo alone would set you back by quite a few millions. Apart from having some of the heftiest price tags of real estate in the country, you can expect some certain services to be a bit more exorbitant than they would have been in another part of town. An ordinary meal alone would be quite pricey, and even basic services such as a haircut would cut into your budget. However, all the prospective horrors of living in an incredibly expensive district are well compensated for in a lot of other aspects.

Choosing to live in Makati has its perks after all that you can even consider your zip code as an investment by itself as it would positively income your wallet. Just think of the potential savings you would make by not having to spend a lot (or at all) for transportation services as offices are just in proximity to the city. As a result, what you can potentially save from transportation alone would already offset the amount you will have to shell out for housing among others. Apart from transportation, here are some of the other benefits living in Makati City would afford you:

1.)    Travel time to work is much shorter 

One of the consequences in Makati living is not having to travel very far just to get to your office—provided that your office is located within Makati City of course. Of course, the nearer you are to your workplace, the shorter your travel time will be. In this regard, you would not have to wake up early just to get to your workplace. Moreover, navigating through traffic will be more of a breeze considering you can always choose to walk instead of drive to your destination.

2.)    You have more time to be productive 

As you have a lot of time spared seeing as you do not have to submit yourself to the hours of traffic onslaught, you effectively have more time on your hours. You can then use these extra hours to relax or enhance a skill or talent you have always wanted to pursue. You can learn to cook, have a rendezvous with friends or family in one of Makati’s shopping malls, do some house cleaning, complete errands and even take a side job and earn extra profit.

3.)    You get sufficient sleep 

Living in the metropolis subjects you to hours upon hours of traffic. When you live near where you work, you do not have to worry about this. In this regard, you do not have to go to bed late and leave very early. As a result, you can leverage your time. Living in Makati effectively mitigates your stressful routine as you are granted more hours of sleep. Moreover, having a restful night of sleep ensures that you will perform well (if not better) at work as you are focused and energized to take on the day.

4.)    It is good for your health

You might be skeptical as to how this is possible, but if you broke down the benefits, it is actually a feasible benefit. A shorter commute would mean the elimination of stress which can significantly boost your health. Moreover, it gives you adequate time to focus on your health and fitness. In this regard, you may choose to walk or ride a bike to go to work. Alternatively, seeing as you have more vacant hours, this might finally inspire you to hit the gym.

Image Source

Makati Nightlife: Three Places for An Epic Nightout in Makati

“You cannot change everything in one night, but one night can change everything.” –Author Unknown

There has never been any doubt that Makati City is known to be Metro Manila’s center of all things fancy.

Considered to be one of the most coveted and enviable zip codes, Makati City has a lot to offer when it comes to career development as well as entertainment. After all, they do not call a place the mecca of indulgence and delight for nothing and this city certainly delivers. Indeed, you can watch the city transform itself from a progressive concrete jungle in the morning to a bustling hub of legendary bars and clubs. These places serve as a refuge to perpetually busy individuals who are seeking to relieve stress either through libation or dancing.

Moreover, these places have become points of interest to young adults who wish to spend their weekends living it up at the club and forging new memories with friends. Apart from catering to the partying demographic, Makati City’s vibrant and colorful nightlife scene certainly delivers in terms of variety and activity. In any case, if you have been wanting to spice your Friday nights or weekends, then you best check out Makati’s nightlife scene.  Among the myriad of things you can do (clubbing with the hottest DJ’s and seeing celebrities included as well) are cheering your favorite teams on and chugging pints of beer. Check out the list below for things you can do on an epic night out in Makati City:

1.)    Cheer your favorite team while enjoying your favorite beer at Mulligan’s 

Sports fans rejoice! There is finally a place where you can find a community of sports enthusiasts just like you and that is in Mulligan’s. Considered as a the go-to and classic hangout among sports fans, Mulligan’s is known for its Irish gastropub feel and homey vibe, Moreover, the pub offers huge food servings so you will never have to worry about drinking on an empty stomach. Hang out with your favorite fellow sports fans, watch the game and cheer your team on and do not forget to order your favorite beer.

2.)    Party with friends at Black Market 

If living and partying it up in clubs is more of your speed, head on over to Black Market. Considered to be one of Makati’s hippest place for night owls and party people alike, Black Market rose from obscurity with its ability to throw only the freshest and most happening parties. Typical music is definitely not a staple here. In lieu of the songs you hear on the radio, you are instead treated to underground music which adds to the novelty and overall fun feel of the place. To make that even better, Black Market serves unlimited drinks after midnight till three in the morning. That makes it one more reason to go, just remember to drink responsibly.

3.)     Enjoy fancy dining at The Penthouse 8747

Perhaps drinking is not really your thing, or maybe you are way past your prime for partying and clubbing, but that does not mean you cannot enjoy a night out in town. Sure, loud music may be something you cannot stand, and beer is not your drink of choice but spending a low-key night with your friends or partner is something that appeals to you. If that is the case, check out the Penthouse 8747, a gorgeous restaurant that takes you to the roaring twenties and looks something out of Scott Fitzgerald’s book. Enjoy the panoramic and expansive view of Manila from the 22nd floor where the restaurant is situated and sip on cocktails or simply dine and bask in the restaurant's amazing aesthetics.

Image Source

Epic Nightouts: Five Ways to Have an Epic Ladies Night Out

“I always seem to come alive after midnight. I feel like the world is mine”-Dau Voire. 

A girl’s night out has always been trivialized on modern media. In most sitcom portrayals, it is only seen as an avenue for a woman to get over a man who broke her heart and through the course of the night, endeavors to find another one. Other movie portrayals would epitomize a ladies’ night out as a celebration of camaraderie or a teenager’s induction into the adult world of booze and bad decisions.

However, in the real world, a ladies night out can be as tame or as legendary as you wish it to be—depending on how the night goes. If you have been dreaming (and planning) for the perfect night out that is a perfect balance between remarkable and memorable, you might want to take a gander at this list before plotting out your Saturday itinerary in some Makati bars:

1.)    Choose place that fits everyone’s interests and preferences 

Before heading out, be sure that you and your friends would decide on a place which everyone feels comfortable in going to. Consider that you will not be the only one having a good time. In order to ensure that you will have an epic night that you and your girlfriends will reminisce about in years to come, choose a favorable place that meets everyone’s interests and not just two or three out of the group. After all, you would not have too much of a fun time if one of you would be sitting and sulking in a corner.

2.)    Choose the people you invite carefully 

Do not be arbitrary when it comes to your invite list and do not simply add random people to your group just so you can have a bigger party. Everyone you invite should be on board with what you and your friends are planning to do. In this regard, you will effectively eliminate any grudges, bad-mouthing, jealousy or envy that might develop through the night and cause you and your girlfriends to disband earlier. Remember, breaking up a cat fight is not a good way to end the night.

3.)    Take as many photos as you can 

Level up your selfie game for this night and immortalize the memories you will inevitably be making with your friends. As you cannot expect to commit every aspect of the night to memory, it is best if you break out your phones and took many photos. In the years to come, you will soon look at these photos and recall the legendary night you went on.

4.)    Impose a No-Phone Rule

Before entering the bar, ensure that you and your friends agree that no one would be taking out phones unless it is to take photos or answer emergency calls. This ensures that every one of you can focus on having a good time instead of needlessly staring at the phone screen. After all, this night is about catching up with friends or bonding, messages from your boyfriends, bosses and the like can wait until later.

5.)    Dance like no one is watching 

If you have never danced before in your life, perhaps this might be the perfect time for you to bust a move. Consider stepping out of your comfort zone and join your girlfriends on the dancefloor—especially if you are the only one that is left sitting at the bar. It does not matter whether you are terrible at dancing as chances are, no one is even going to notice at all. Dancing is fun, relieves stress and actually takes your mind off so many things. A good tip would be to bring extra shoes (flats preferably) so that when your feet get tired, you can easily slip into something more comfortable.   

Image Source

Exploring Makati: Five Things to Do and Places to Go

“Given that many of us work more than eight hours a day and five days a week, that free time is precious” –Michael Allen


Known for its allure of sophistication and lush elegance, Makati City continues to entice the country’s most elite to possess the metropolis’s much-coveted zipcode. However, as of late, Makati is not only known for its sheer exclusivity when it comes to residential living but has also been known to be an excellent destination for those looking to have a good time.

Located smack dab in the center of the Philippines’ major metropolis, Makati City remains as the premier place for entertainment and travel opportunities. Considering that this concrete jungle is where individuals all over the country converge to further their careers or look for job opportunities, various watering holes and after work activities would be inevitable results. Furthermore, as Manila is considered as a jumping point for many travelers and tourists en route to smaller and more tropical provinces, it would come as no surprise that some of its major cities, Makati included, would be an eclectic mix between city and provincial living. If you have time to spare on your weekends or simply find yourself in the heart of this major city, here are some of the things you can do:

1.)    Join the Youth Football League 

If you have a flair for sports and a particular proclivity for getting rough and just happen to be a woman, well Circuit Makati’s event is just for you. This November, they are holding a youth football league for the women’s division, and anyone is welcome to join. So, if you wish to engage yourself in a bit of competitive sport and get your adrenaline pumping, then sign up for this activity.

2.)    Play board games 

Gaming buffs and enthusiasts who are looking for an offbeat alternative to computer and console gaming will love Makati’s board gaming scene. Apart from the nostalgic feel these gaming pubs and bars offer their patrons; they also boast a notable game collection so you would never be short and wanting for variety when it comes to games. For those who just wish to check things out, the drop in charge is at around a P180 while membership fees would vary depending on how long you intend to stay with them. Visit Gaming Library, John Bull Distillery, Makati Beer and Board Games and Makati Marauders for these board games.

3.)    Solve a Mystery 

Self-proclaimed sleuths and individuals with a penchant for solving mysteries will love Mystery Makati. Channel your inner Nancy Drew and experience a whole different kind of fun with your friends at Mystery Makati where you would be locked in a room and have an hour to figure a way out. There is a wide selection of “mysteries” you can choose from. Horror lovers would enjoy “Debby’s Doll” while those who wish to just get their hearts’ racing sans the fright and terror would prefer “Sinister Sensorium” and “Pym Particle.”

Bonus Tip: If you can solve the mystery within the allotted time frame of an hour, your group’s name goes on the leaderboard. Assemble your team and go for a unique experience.

4.)    Learn to skate 

If you have always wanted to try your hand at skating or just wanted to improve your skating skills, then head out to MTN DEW Skatepark—the only skatepark in Makati wherein you do not run the risk of getting run over. They only charge fifty pesos per hour provided that you bring your own roller skates and safety gear with you.

5.)    Go on a retail therapy 

Makati has some of the most coveted designer retail shops in the country, so it would be a complete waste if you do not take advantage of this while you are in the city. The city boasts a wide array and selection of designer and upscale stores that are found nowhere else in the Philippines. So, prepare your wallets and load up your carts and prepare to do some serious shopping.

Image Source

Casual Running: Five Tips to Prepare You for Your First Run

“Running is nothing more than a series of arguments between the part of your brain that wants to stop and the part that wants to keep going.” –Author Unknown 

So, you have decided you wanted to try a fitness activity and signed yourself up for a running event (If you have not yet, Circuit Makati is hosting one this month). So, after signing up and doing all the necessary training you need to do in order to prepare yourself, what else is there left to do? Well, participating in your first fun run—especially when you have to run a considerable distance in order to complete it—can be an intimidating experience. This is all the more true for first-time runners who have no prior experience with running before. However, by doing some of the tips and techniques down below, you can maximize your experience while enjoying it.

Here are the best ways you can make your first fun run a no-frills and fun kind of event:

1.)    Prepare your body beforehand 

Of course, there is no absolute need to train like you are joining the Ironman marathon. However, you do need to adequately prepare your body beforehand and make sure that by the time you run the race, you would not end up being winded. If this is your first run, having your body get used to the strenuous activity by actively running for short distances for at least a couple months before the event is paramount.

2.)    Do not overtrain at the last minute

One of the common mistakes that even seasoned runners commit is to aggressively train a week before the event in an attempt to build up their strength and stamina. However, this can be incredibly detrimental to your body as it needs to recover and rest to ensure you would avoid stress injuries. Furthermore, overtraining yourself might result in exhaustion. In this regard, you might even have to forfeit attending the running event due to your injuries. Ensure that you have sufficient intervals between training times, and avoid overtraining at the last minute.

3.)    It is more than just about running 

While running the fastest would help you accomplish getting to the finish line first, it is not the only thing you should focus on. Apart from running, it is also essential to work on your core and technique so that you would successfully maintain a good posture throughout the entire run. Good posture is integral to comfortable running.

4.)    Do not go crazy on the carbs 

Carbohydrates are an excellent source of energy, and they might give you that extra boost comes running day. However, you should not drastically change your diet just the day before the running event. Doing so could result in indigestion and even fluctuating energy levels. In extreme cases, it might even cause you to pass out while running. If you wish to incorporate more carbohydrates to your diet or make any changes to it, give it a test run weeks before your scheduled running day so that your body will have enough time to get used to them.

5.)    Prepare what you need and have fun 

Apart from the extra shirt and bottle of water, you would need on the event day itself; you have to ensure that you are adequately geared up for running a significant distance. This means that the shoes that you wear and the clothes you would run in are all comfortable to wear. In this regard, your clothes should not chafe as you run. Moreover, it is best if you packed snacks with you and apply sunscreen before positioning yourself at the starting line. Lastly, remember to have fun. Remember, your objective here is to relish the experience. It is fun run after all and not a marathon. 

Image Source

Makati City 101: Ten (10) Fun Facts and Trivia About Makati City

This three-part series aims to give insight about all the basic things you need to know about Makati, Philippines – the facts, fun things you can do here and some of its historical and tourist attractions. First up, top ten (10) trivia you may or may not know about the city.

1. Financial district center of the Philippines. This is where you’ll find the Philippine Stock Exchange (PSE). As a host of 55 embassies, Makati City is an important center for international affairs as well.

2. Used to be called San Pedro de Macati. The place was known as San Pedro de Macati during the Spanish era. “Makati” originated from the Tagalog word “kati” which means tide. This primarily refers to the rise and ebb of the tide of Pasig River which is one of the major rivers in the country. The tidal estuary is actually situated on its northern border.

3. Municipality to City. It became independent in 1670 as a full-time municipality and was converted to a highly urbanized city through Republic Act 7854 on January 2, 1995. It has around 113,500 households with an average household size of 4.5.

4. Home of the world’s largest photo mosaic. Having 34,560 photos, local toothpaste maker Close Up put up the structure which reportedly surpassed the previous record held by UK.

5. Google HQ. On January 23, 2013, the search giant officially announced the opening of its fifth representative office in the South Asian region. The PH base will be located in Makati.

6. One of Asia’s Top Building. The 33-storey Zuellig Building, positioned at the intersection of Makati Ave and Paseo de Roxas, has been chosen as one of the top three buildings in the “Best Office and Business Development” category of the internationally renowned MIPIM Asia Awards. This is the first high-rise project in the Philippines awarded with a gold pre-certification under the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (Core and Shell) program of the US Green Building Council.

7. Guinness World Record’s Biggest Fashion Show. On November 29, 2012, the city hosted a record-breaking fashion show dubbed “Move to the Vibe of Glorietta” where 2,255 professional and amateur models walked the five ramps. Brands showcased include Bench, Penshoppe, Stores Specialists Inc., Mango, Folded & Hung and Lacoste.

8. One of the world’s best hotels. Makati Shangri-la made it to the best 500 hotels for 2013 by New York-based travel magazine Travel+Leisure. As one of the most recommended travel destination in the Philippines, Makati Shangri-la got a rating of 88.97. This is the latest award gathered by the 5-star hotel.

9. First large-scale “lifestyle playground” in PH. On January 15, 2013, the 21-hectare Circuit Makati was unveiled as the first and only large-scale development in the country hosting three distinct family-oriented entertainment venues. It will feature Circuit Theatre which is seen to provide a different sensory experience through state-of-the-art audio and visual entertainment; Central Walkway that will cross the entire length of the district, highlighted by a distinct water feature flanked by an array of retail and leisure shops; and Globe Circuit Events Ground, which will be an outdoor venue for street plays, festivals, fashion shows and outdoor exhibits.

10. First Local Milk Bank in PH. On March 5, 2013, the Makati City government formally opened the first milk bank to be run by a local government in the country. Mothers who wish to donate milk can just walk in. A donor can produce up to 600 ml each in one milk-letting session. If properly stored, the donated milk can have a shelf life of up to a year.

On the next post, check out the fun things you can do in Makati City.