Aaaand, just like that 2019 is off with a bang. Christmas ham, bulk aperol spritzes and indolent beach days are but a distant memory, and have since been replaced with fresh resolutions stuck on bedroom walls and a series of holiday snaps just waiting to be paired with a #tb hashtag.
Right before the calendar flipped, CPC cutie pie Miguel Urbina Tan headed over to Manila, where he hung out with (and dressed up) four local babes. If you want to dip your toe in the vibrant cultural melting pot that is the Philippines capital—feat. the best ever nightlife and more delicious food than you could poke a fork at—then read on for their tips below. Right after you treat your eyeballs to the veritable feast that’s waiting in the gallery above, that is.
Name: Clara Aseniero
Nickname: Clara
Age: 27
Star sign: Scorpio
Where are you originally from, and how long have you been in Manila for?
I was born and grew up in Manila. I went away for six years to study in London and New York and just moved back last July.
Can you list your favourite places to eat in Manila?
Korean food in Poblacion. 12/10 in San Antonio has amazing food and cocktails. And a recently-discovered hot pot place on Dela Rosa Street.
To drink?
Run Rabbit Run and 12/10
To dance?
XXXX and UNKNWN nights, wherever they are.
Best coffee?
The Curator on C. Palanca.
Best place to people watch?
Washington Sycip Park in Legaspi, and the Legaspi market.
What’s the best thing about living in Manila?
I think Manila has a really vibrant and ambitious creative scene right now and it’s fun to witness and amazing to be able to bounce off ideas in that space.
And the most challenging?
Traffic, but more broadly the lack of mobility in terms of public transport. The lack of green spaces and not enough appreciation for nature. I also wish there were more museums or cultural spaces, although this might be changing.
What are the top two reasons why we should see Manila for ourselves?
It’s a lively cosmopolitan city and when you take a closer look it becomes apparent just how mixed Manila is and has always been. Along one street of the village we shot in for Cool Pretty Cool, for example, there was a Vietnamese coffee shop owned by a Vietnamese family and a Hindu temple. Manila is a city of contradictions—modern in its outlook, but old fashioned and traditional in so many ways. This can be frustrating when you live here, but it’s part of the deal and constantly makes me think about my relationship to this city.
Name: Angela Penales
Nickname: Gelai
Age: 22
Star sign: Aries
Where are you originally from?
I was born and raised in Manila, although I spent most of my summers growing up in La Union.
Can you list your favourite places to eat in Manila?
Since I’m not really that big of a spender on food, I find myself most comfortable eating around Maginhawa, Lilac or Banawe Street.
To drink?
I usually drink in my house with friends and old teammates, but when I’m out for drinks, I’d usually go to TodayxFuture (Cubao), 20-20 (Makati) and Nectar (BGC). When I’m back at my province in La Union, my absolute favourite place to drink is at Flotsam and Jetsam (San Juan, LU).
To dance?
Definitely TxF, 20-20 and Nectar! So worth leaving the house for [laughs].
Best coffee?
My top favourite coffee shops in Manila are KKK coffee, Toby’s Estate and Bo’s coffee. When I’m feeling a lil’ boujee and want good coffee with an A+ view, just ‘cause, I go to Tagaytay for Bag of Beans.
Best place to people watch?
I don’t usually people watch, but I think it might be fun to people watch at parks around BGC and Makati, ‘cause of the diversity of people living there.
What’s the best thing about living in Manila?
Definitely the wide array of culture you get introduced to upon meeting people in events (or literally anywhere). There are hubs for art, music, fashion and films in so many places here❤️.
And the most challenging?
Definitely the traffic! Being nimble and strategic with which roads to pass and what time to leave the house are skills you’d have to possess to outsmart traffic here (or, just use Waze).
Top two reasons to visit Manila?
1) The night life is amazing here, and 2) It sounds cliché, but people here are really friendly!
Name: Graciela Del Fierra
Nickname: Gray
Age: 18
Star sign: Sagittarius
Where are you originally from, and how long have you been in Manila for?
I was born and raised in Manila, so I’m super local, but I’m half Arabian, half Filipino.
Can you list your favourite places to eat in Manila?
I super love silog, so any place that has silog is the best place to eat in the world.
To dance?
XXXX is the best place to dance; omg you guys have to go there!
Best coffee?
Uhmm, I don’t really drink coffee but I recommend any local coffee shop, ‘cause they’re so good.
What’s the most challenging part of living in Manila?
Just the traffic.
What are the top two reasons why we should see Manila for ourselves?
1) Is me, and 2) is ME again.
Name: Adrianne Flores
Nickname: Anne
Age: 21
Star sign: Scorpio
Where are you originally from, and how long have you been in Manila for?
I was born and raised here in Manila.
Can you list your favourite places to eat in Manila?
Manam, Sarsa, Mamou, Din Tai Fung, and Wildflour.
To drink?
XXXX (La Fuerza, Makati)
To dance?
Same as above.
Best place to people watch?
Same again.
Best coffee?
Nothing beats home brewed coffee.
What’s been the best thing about living in Manila?
The local underground scene.
And the most challenging?
The heavy traffic.
What are the top two reasons why we should see Manila for ourselves?
The food and the underground scene!
Words: Maddy Woon Photos: Borgy Angeles Fashion: Miguel Urbina Tan
Assistants: Hace Herrero & Kleya Mac Yee
Special thanks to Ina Martelino and Princess Barretto
Shot on location in Manila, Philippines
