It’s time for the biggest art event of the year again. We know that a lot of people will be flocking to the city to come and see the various art exhibits and events, so we figured, while you’re at it, why not explore the rest of Manila, too?
For easier navigation:
Makati
HOTELS
Raffles Makati
1 Raffles Drive, Makati Avenue, Makati
555-9777
www.raffles.com/makati/
Fairmont Makati
1 Makati Ave, Makati
795-1888
www.fairmont.com/makati/
The Peninsula Manila
Ayala Ave. cor. Makati Ave., Makati
887-2888
manila.peninsula.com
Makati Shangri-La, Manila
Ayala Center Makati, Makati Ave. cor. Ayala Ave., Makati
813-8888
www.shangri-la.com/manila/makatishangrila
Makati Diamond Residences
118 Legazpi Street, Legazpi Village, Makati
317-0999
www.makatidiamond.com
The Ascott Makati
Ayala Center Makati, 1224 East St., Makati
729-8888
www.the-ascott.com/philippines/manila/ascott-makati/index.html
Dusit Thani Manila
1223 Epifanio de los Santos Ave., Makati
238-8888
www.dusit.com/dusitthani/manila/
Z Hostel
5660 Don Pedro, Makati
856-0851
zhostel.com
Located in the heart of Poblacion, this hostel is popular with backpackers. Also ideal if you want to explore the lively Poblacion neighborhood.
La Casita Mercedes
Fermina, Makati
887-4385
lacasitamercedes.com
A heritage house refurbished into a quaint bed-and-breakfast.
RESTAURANTS AND CAFES
Toyo Eatery
The Alley at Karrivin, Chino Roces Ave., Makati
0917-7208630
@toyoeatery
Toyo redefines Filipino cuisine. Don’t expect the usual sinigang or kare-kare—instead, you’ll get…
Harlan+Holden Glasshouse
R1-GH, The Glass House, Rockwell Center, Makati
0917-1092156
@harlanholdendine
For a chic brunch out, Glasshouse offers a relaxing and aesthetically pleasing space coupled with meals fit even for those living a meatless or vegetarian lifestyle.
Mamou Too
Power Plant Mall, Lopez Drive, Rockwell Center, Makati
822-6218
@mymamou
The menu, featuring recipes from the Araneta and Forés families, takes home cooking and elevates it with unique tweaks. Think sinigang with tomato sauce or spaghetti with corned beef.
Hole in the Wall
4F Century City Mall, Kalayaan Ave., Makati
@holeinthewallph
A high-end food hall that caters to diners looking for a variety of flavors and cuisines. Try chef Nicco Santos’ AnyAny for Indonesian fare, Famry for good dumplings, or Bad Bird for some mean fried chicken.
Kazunori
2301 Chino Roces Ave. Ext., GF Mazda Makati Bldg., Makati
0917-8362695
Kaiseki Kyo-to
GF 119 C. Palanca St., Legazpi Village, Makati
805-7743, 0917-5969697
@kyo-toph
Eat the freshest sushi and sashimi as recommended by Kyo-to’s Japanese chef. The kaiseki menu changes from day to day depending on ingredients sourced.
Mendokoro Ramenba
V Corporate Center, Soliman, Salcedo Village, Makati
478-9625
A cult favorite when it comes to ramen. Mendokoro uses a creamy, flavorful tonkotsu broth, and has arguably the best chashu in town. Don’t go on an empty stomach—you have to brave a queue before you can eat.
Holy Smokes
5384 Matilde cor. Jacobo Sts., Brgy. Poblacion, Makati
587-1519
@holysmokesbbqph
Good ol’ grilled meat.
Grace Park
GF One Rockwell Building, Rockwell, Makati
0939-9347223, 843-7275
@graceparkdining
Helmed by 2016 Asia’s Best Female Chef Margarita Forés, Grace Park features dishes inspired by her childhood at their ancestral home.
The Test Kitchen
9780 Bistro Academy Kamagong St., San Antonio Village, Makati
0917-3041570, 403-5952
@thetestkitchenmnl
If you want a peek into what goes on behind the scenes of restaurant menu creation, try dining at The Bistro Group’s Test Kitchen. Literally a trial run of chef Josh Boutwood’s recipes for the group’s restaurant concepts.
Poison
The Alley at Karrivin, 2316 Chino Roces Ext., Makati
752-0327
@poisondoughnuts
A different take on doughnuts—Poison uses sourdough, and features flavors not usually seen in your commercial doughnut stands. Brain child of Scout’s Honor’s chef Miko Aspiras, Le Petit Souffle’s chef Kristine Lotilla, and the creatives at Hydra Design Group.
Panaderya Toyo
The Alley at Karrivin, 2316 Chino Roces Ave., Makati
0917-7208630
@panaderyatoyo
Toyo Eatery’s bakery harks back to the classic panaderya of our childhood. Go for their special knotted pandesal, which uses sourdough. Try their palamans as well. Best part is you don’t have to go before sunrise for your bread.
BARS
Polilya
5658 Jacobo St., Brgy. Poblacion, Makati
0998-9982017
@polilya.mnl
Polilya’s menu revolves around beer: food that is best consumed with beer and select items where Engkanto’s brews were incorporated seamlessly.
Batala Bar
2F 830 Arnaiz Ave., Makati
0918-9082262
@batalabar
All local beers and liquors, in a sleek bamboo bar. Cheekily named cocktails like the Momol (mojito mojito lang) and Bambanog (bamboo-infused lambanog).
Tambai
5779 Felipe St., Poblacion, Makati
215-5695, 0917-7244654
@tambai_snackhouse
Tambai is great place for an afterwork hangout. Order a plate of chicken skin alongside local craft beers.
Pura Vida
Don Pedro St., Poblacion, Makati
0919-3100535
@puravidamnl
Authentic Costa Rican food and drinks. You might also just catch a reggae performance on weeknights.
Wild Poppy
5666 Don Pedro, Makati
0995-9908737
@thewildpoppy
Swing by for some refreshing cocktails, especially their tea-infused ones, like the Wabichacha.
MUSEUMS AND GALLERIES
Ayala Museum
Ayala Center Makati, Ayala Ave. cor. De La Rosa St., Greenbelt Park, Makati
759-8288
@ayalamuseum
One of Ayala Museum’s highlights is the Gold of Ancestors exhibit, a collection of archeological artifacts, and the Philippine Diorama Experience, which visually presents the country’s history.
Finale Art File
2241 Chino Roces Ave. Makati
813-2310
@finaleartfile
Formerly a mall kiosk selling and showcasing art, Finale Art File is now one of the premier art galleries in the country, with exhibits by established and up-and-coming contemporary artists.
Vinyl on Vinyl Gallery
2241 Pasillo 18 La Fuerza Compound, Chino Roces Ave., Makati
@vinylonvinyl
An art gallery representing modern-day pop culture artists with works in contemporary art, pop surrealism, underground, street art, and other genres.
Archivo 1984
2241 Pasillo 18 La Fuerza Compound, Chino Roces Ave., Makati
832-6191
@archivo1984
Unlike traditional galleries, Archivo 1984 was born from an archivist’s passion of collecting art and memorabilia. Today, Archivo 1984 houses art, collectibles, literature, film memorabilia, and OPM records.
Silverlens
2263 Chino Roces Ave., Makati
0917-5874011
@silverlensgalleries
Silverlens started the warehouse gallery movement. They also introduced the idea of artist representation in the country. Some of the first artists they represented included Patricia Perez Eustaquio, Gary-Ross Pastrana, Mariano Ching, and lMaria Taniguchi.
Artinformal Makati
The Alley at Karrivin, 2316 Chino Roces Ext., Makati
@artinformalgallery
An artist-run center for art education and contemporary art exhibitions. Artinformal opened their Makati gallery last. Feb. 15.
1335 Mabini Drawing Room
C1B Karrivin Plaza, Chino Roces Ave. Ext., Makati
818-0013
@1335mabini
1335 Mabini comprises of two contemporary art spaces, one of which is the art gallery in Makati. The gallery “is committed to artistic positions and practices that explore on mobility, history, and critical engagement with collective memory and politics.”
Bella Artes Outpost
Karrivin Plaza, 2316 Chino Roces Ave., Makati
817-2205
@bellasartesprojects
The outpost of Bellas Artes Projects housed in Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar, Bellas Artes Outpost provides an exhibition space for its artists in residency, and also hosts public programs to engage and provide opportunities for discourse between artists, audiences, and the contemporary art community. Exhibitions and programs are free and open to the public.
Yuchengo Museum
RCBC Plaza, Ayala Ave. and Senator Gil. J Puyat Ave., Makati
889-1234
@yuchengcomuseum
Created to house the art collection of Ambassador Alfonso T. Yuchengco, the museum features art, culture, and design exhibits in the heart of the Makati financial district.
León Gallery
Eurovilla 1, Rufino cor. Legazpi St., Legazpi Village, Makati
856-2781
@leongallerymakati
León Gallery’s collection of works range from pieces by old masters like Juan Luna and Fernando Amorsolo, to more modern works by Fernando Zobel and Federico Aguilar. The gallery’s collection also features antiques from various periods in Philippine history. Guests may also buy or bid on pieces for purchase.
Pineapple Lab
6053 R. Palma, Makati
834-5763
@pineapplelabph
An art space and gallery featuring works by local and international contemporary and multi-media artists. Pineapple Lab also serves as a performance space.
SHOPPING
Aphro Living
The Alley at Karrivin, 2316 Chino Roces Ave. Ext., Makati
0918-8992698
@aphroliving
Aphro features an eclectic selection of functional art pieces, home, and fashion products.
Lanai
The Alley at Karrivin, 2316 Chino Roces Ave. Ext., Makati
802-5427
@lanai_manila
A flower shop, cafe, gifts and home accessories, and apparel store all rolled into one space.
Univers d’homme et femme
Unit 104-106 GF East Tower, One Rockwell, MAkati
553-6811
@univers.ph
Lifestyle store featuring shoes, apparel, bags, home accents, as well as a wide selection of international publications. Univers carries brands such as Mansur Gavriel, Fred Perry, Cire Trudon, Robert Glergerie, T by Alexander Wang, Gosha Rubchinskiy, Raf Simons, Vetements, Yeezy, Junya Watanabe, Common Projects, Balenciaga, Carven, Simone Rocha, Lanvin, Sacai, Comme des Garçons, and more.
Tropa
Unit 5I, 117, Aguirre, Legazpi Village, Makati
541-1335
@tropa.store
Lifestyle store featuring multiple local brands. Products are curated for the tropical lifestyle, ranging from homeware, clothing, and accessories. Tropa carries brands such as Eairth, Áraw, Cosi Collective, and the in-house line Tropa.
W/17
Warehouse 17 La Fuerza Compound, 2241 Chino Roces Ave., Makati
478-1717
@w17home
Features a collection of bespoke furniture, antiques, fixtures, tableware, and art, from both East and West.
LRI Design Plaza
Bel-Air II, 210 Nicanor Garcia, Makati
895-1772
@lridesignplaza
LRI houses around 40 different furniture, art, antiques, and decor brands. There are a variety of showrooms and studios you can check out for home decorations and pieces.
Taguig/Bonifacio Global City
HOTELS
Seda Hotel
30th Street corner 11th Avenue, Bonifacio Global City
588-5700 / 945-8888
https://www.sedahotels.com/bgc/
Strategically located a block away from the bustling Bonifacio High Street, but still comfortable enough inside to drown out the city noise.
Shangri-La at The Fort
30th Street, corner 5th Avenue, Bonifacio Global City
820-0888
https://www.shangri-la.com/manila/shangrilaatthefort/
Plush rooms with stellar views. Plus, the High Street Lounge has one of the best afternoon tea selections in the city.
SHOPPING
Fully Booked BGC
B6, Bonifacio High Street
Phone: (02) 858 7000
https://www.fullybookedonline.com/
@_fullybooked
Check out the art book collection and the occasional sales and murals in the third floor studio. There’s a Starbucks inside if you want to read and chill.
MOs Design
MOs Design Bldg, B2 9th Avenue, Bonifacio High Street
856-2748
https://mosdesign.com.ph/
A store showcasing contemporary interior pieces by international labels. Design and function is fundamental.
GALLERIES AND ART SPACES
MO_Space
3F MOs Design Bldg, B2 9th Avenue, Bonifacio High Street
856-7915
www.mo-space.net
An eclectic contemporary art space run and curated by artists resisting the market-driven landscape.
BGC Arts Center
26th St. BGC
218-2577
www.bgcartscenter.org
Home to the monthly BGC Art Mart and regular performance events. It brings public art into a community of passersby.
RESTAURANTS
Arabica
Unit 1, GF W City Center, 7th. Ave. Cor. 30th. St, Bonifacio Global City
821 6744
@arabica.ph
Go for Arabica’s single origin Spanish latte—it’s got dulce de leche. Stay for the ambience, people-watching, and white noise.
Mamou
Serendra, Mcarthur Avenue Bonifacio Global City
909-5741
A long-time city favorite for anyone looking for a home cooked meal away from home. Come for their New York-style ribeye.
Recovery Food
GF Crossroads 32nd st. corner 8th avenue, Bonifacio Global City
217-7144
Pull up to comfort your night shift or hungover soul. Nobody wants cold and heartless food at an ungodly hour.
Bar Pintxos
Fairways Tower, 5th Avenue corner Mckinley street, BGC
810-1307
What’s not to love about Spanish bar snacks and good gin? It’s also in a quiet area, for a quick catch-up with friends
Ocean’s Telephone Company
2F Burgos Park at Forbestown Center, Forbestown Rd. corner 26th St. Bonifacio Global City
0917-4457056
We’ll let you in on a secret. This hidden bar behind a composed café will make anyone feel like a James Bond character.
Bank Bar
Behind the 7-Eleven, GF RCBC Savings Corporate Center, 26th Street, in between 6th and 7th Avenues, Bonifacio Global City
801-4862
This city is teeming with speakeasies. Though the extensive liquor selection is constant, the mood of this secluded bar changes with the sun.
Bowery
GF Rizal Dr. corner 29th street, Bonifacio Global City
0936-9296073
A single space might not fully represent Manhattan’s east village vibe, but the live music is great and the dishes just as vibrant.
Rue Bourbon
Unit 153, Forbes Town Center, 29th Street Bonifacio Global City
659-8693
If you’re ever game to try weird flavors of beer—lychee or rose, anyone?—then here’s your spot. They go well with the ribs, too.
Pasig
HOTELS
Aruga by Rockwell
Waterfront Drive, Rockwell Center
Makati City
818-0000
Aruga by Rockwell is specially crafted for travelers. The apartments are fully furnished in the Asian Contemporary Style, which is also an art form in itself.
Marco Polo Ortigas
1600 Meralco Ave, San Antonio, Pasig
720-7777
You can easily sneak in a little R&R in between gallery visits. Marco Polo Ortigas has its own spa, which means you can unwind for a little bit before getting on with your art itinerary.
RESTAURANTS AND CAFE
Amare La Cucina
91 East Capitol Drive, Kapitolyo, Pasig
0929 8237313
@amarelacucina_kapitolyo
Apart from serving fresh, brick oven pizzas, you can also do the Neapolitans proud by making your own.
Agape
5F Bridgeway, SM Megamall, EDSA, Mandaluyong City
@agapepastriesandtartines
This European bakery serves comfort food such as tartines and fromage. Go here for breakfast, lunch, or dinner and you’ll leave satisfied either way.
Bueno
Retail Row The Grove by Rockwell E. Rodriguez Jr. Ave., Pasig
@buenotapaswine
After a day of gallery hopping or art buying, cap the night off at Bueno. This tapas and wine restaurant serves all the Spanish fare you can dream of–paella, gambas, croquetas, and of course, sangria.
No Reservations
16 United St., Kapitolyo, Pasig City
0917-6055365
@noreservationsph
We may be biased but we think art is food, too. If you ever stop by No Reservations, order their Seoul Style Wings and Waffles. For something a bit lighter, try their Grilled Corn with bonito flakes and Japanese mayo.
Hanamaruken
The Grove by Rockwell, Ugong, Pasig City
695-3643
@hanamaruken_ph
If you’re in the mood for ramen, Hanamaruken’s version of oyakodon will surely satisfy. Unlike the usual oyakodon, it’s coated and doused in a mix of thick, sweetened soy sauce and tare.
Bakerē Cafe
3 Brixton St, Kapitolyo, Pasig 1603
0917-8421123
@bakerebakery
Ever had grilled ensaymada? Bakerē has it. With their in-house muscovado cured ham, this mini sandwich will satisfy your sweet tooth and your appetite at the same time.
MUSEUMS AND GALLERIES
Secret Fresh Gallery
G/F Ronac Art Center, Ortigas Ave.
Greenhills, San Juan, Manila
This small hub has been the home for contemporary street art since 2007. One look at the artworks and you can tell that they feature artists who stray from traditional media. You can also find vinyl toys, art merchandise, and print versions of graffiti.
Galerie Anna
4F The Artwalk, SM Megamall
Mandaluyong City
Galerie Anna is an avenue for both local and international artists. They provide services in the areas of authentication, documentation of artworks, advice from art experts, unloading of collections, and art exchange.
Art Circle Gallery
4F The Art Plaza, Shangri-La Plaza Mall
Mandaluyong City
From Fernando Amorsolo to BenCab, Art Circle Gallery houses an eclectic collection of different artworks from various art movements.
Artinformal Gallery
277 Connecticut St.
Mandaluyong City
This gallery features a broad range of art forms from sculpture, pottery, installation, multimedia, painting, and more.
Lopez Museum & Library
Meralco Ave., San Antonio
Pasig City
The Lopez Museum & Library is perhaps the oldest privately owned and managed museum and library concentrated on the Philippine material. Inside, you’ll find works by the first internationally acclaimed Filipino painters, Juan Luna and Felix Hidalgo.
Pasay
HOTELS
Sofitel Philippine Plaza Manila
CCP Complex, Roxas Blvd.
Pasay City
551-5555
Get an amazing view of the Manila Bay and premier amenities at this 5-star hotel near CCP. It’s also the home of Spiral, an award-winning restaurant which gives you a taste of almost everything with its 21 dining ateliers.
Hotel Jen
3001 Roxas Blvd.
Pasay City
795-8888
This hotel, which is part of the Shangri-La Group, is very accessible as it’s just right across the CCP.
Midas Hotel
2702 Roxas Blvd.
Pasay City
902-0100
Just a little farther away from Avellana Art Gallery, Midas is also a casino.
City of Dreams
Aseana Ave. cor. Macapagal Ave.
Entertainment City, Roxas Blvd.
Pasay City
If you don’t mind a few kilometers away drive from the CCP and Avellana Art Gallery for a quality stay, be City of Dreams’ guest. You can choose between these hotels: Nobu, Hyatt, or Nuwa.
Henry Hotel
2680 Compound, F.B. Harrison St.
Pasay City
807-8888
This thoughtfully-designed hotel is perfect for your Art Fair stay in the locality with its mid-century interior designs but paired with modern amenities. Near Avellana Art Gallery, it houses gourmet comfort food restaurant Apartment 1B.
The Heritage Hotel
Roxas Blvd. cor. EDSA
Pasay City
854-8888
This established 5-star hotel in Pasay is also along the busy intersection of EDSA and Roxas Blvd., so a little warning, the traffic could get worse.
RESTAURANTS AND CAFE
Harbour Square
CCP Complex, Bukaneg St.
Pasay City
This is a compound of restaurants of different kinds and cuisines—Hap Chan, Teriyaki Boy, Icebergs, and Starbucks among many others—just across CCP along the Bukaneg St. It also gives you a view of the Manila Bay (which is kinda smelly, sorry).
Tramway Buffet
1600 Roxas Blvd. cor. Layug St.
Pasay City
536-0401, 536-0402
Lunch: 1st batch: 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.; 2nd batch: 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Dinner: 1st batch: 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.; 2nd batch: 8:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.
For an affordable eat-all-you-can meal, visit Tramway, which is just across the CCP on Roxas Blvd. and beside Hotel Jen.
Mall of Asia
SM Central Business Park Bay City
Pasay City
This enormous mall a couple of minutes drive away from CCP is your best bet if you couldn’t decide what kind of food to eat.
The Singing Cooks and Waiters
Roxas Blvd. cor. Sta. Monica St.
Libertad, Pasay City
832-0658, 832-0686
11 a.m. to 3 p.m., 6 p.m. to 11 p.m.
Founded by the man behind Barrio Fiesta, this restaurant boasts itself as “the only musical restaurant of its kind in the world.” Experience what it’s like to dine in a resto as such while devouring plates of Filipino food.
Dampa Seaside Seafood Restaurant
Macapagal Blvd.
Pasay City
556-1839
Here’s what to do in Dampa: Buy seafood in their wet market and ask the restaurant (there are lots there, so you can choose) to cook it for you, a.k.a. paluto.
Blue Bay Walk
Macapagal Blvd. cor. EDSA
Libertad, Pasay City
Like Harbour Square, Blue Bay Walk is also a compound of restaurants. There’s Filipino resto Crisostomo, Outback Steakhouse, Persia Grill, and bakery Conti’s.
MUSEUMS AND GALLERIES
Cultural Center of the Philippines
CCP Complex, Roxas Blvd.
Pasay City
832-1125, Tue. to Sat., 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Of course, the 52-year-old hub for arts and culture is on the list. With numerous theaters and galleries inside, CCP is home to various kinds of art.
Avellana Art Gallery
2680 FB Harrison St.
Pasay City
833-8357, Mon. to Sat., 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
This art gallery is like an art cradle away from the bustling city. It exhibits pieces in a house with a ‘50s design inside a quiet compound.
Quezon City
HOTELS
Hotel Rembrandt
26 Tomas Morato Avenue Diliman,Quezon City
857-2600
Novotel Araneta Cubao
General Aguinaldo Ave, Cubao, Quezon City
990-7888
Seda Vertis North
Astra Corner Lux Drives, Vertis North, Quezon City
739-8888
Fernandina 88 Suites Hotel
222 P. Tuazon Blvd, Araneta Shopping Center, Quezon City
911-3169
B Hotel
14 Scout Rallos, Laging Handa, Quezon City
990-5000
Hive Hotel
Sct. Tuason St, Diliman, Quezon City,
951-4483
Sequoia
Mother Ignacia Avenue, Diliman, Quezon City
356-6279
Torre Venezia Suites
170 Timog Avenue, corner Scout Santiago Street, Quezon City
332-1658
RESTAURANTS
Disclaimer: Between Tomas Morato, and all the restaurant and cafe infested universities located in this city, there’s simply too many commendable food establishments in Quezon City. The list below is just a some of the most outstanding restaurants that we think you really have to try.
Casa Marcos
2F Il Terrazzo, Sct. Madriñan cor. Tomas Morato, Quezon City
441-8134
@casamarcos
Built from all the way back in 1945, this humble Spanish restaurant in Quezon City is known for being the original home of traditional Spanish cuisine in the metro. Recently, they tapped one of the most renowned local craft beer breweries today, Baguio Craft Brewery to create a menu filled with Spanish food and beer combinations.
Alter Ego
41 Dona Hemady Corner 1st Street, New Manila, Quezon City
622-6209
@iamalterego.ph
Alter Ego’s play on western and eastern cuisines results in some interesting dishes. The french onion soup gyoza, for example, is quite an experience to eat. You pour the soup around the gyoza, and then the gyoza becomes like a xiao long bao with delicious soup bursting in your mouth.
La Spezia
90 Sct. Dr. Lazcano St., Diliman, Quezon City
0956-5178452
@laspezia.mnl
Deviating from the usual Italian concepts in the country, owners Sean Yuquimpo and Aaron Shiu opened La Spezia to reintroduce pasta in a different light. They know what not to do when it comes to Italian food—particularly with burrata, a dish made with fresh buffalo mozzarella imported from Italy surrounded by orange slices, basil, mint, and capped with drizzles of basil oil and a bit of reduced balsamic vinegar.
78-53-86
2F West, Katipunan Ave., White Plains, Quezon City
819-9297
This speakeasy hides behind a seemingly inviting industrial façade with one curious window. Inside, their bar boasts of two things: a wide vinyl collection, and an eclectic cocktail menu.
13 Ubay
13 Ubay St., Santa Mesa Heights, Banawe, Quezon City
579-6484
@13Ubay
This restaurant aims to be the go-to FIlipino restaurant in Banawe with its lineup of heirloom recipes.
Van Gogh is Bipolar
154 Maginhawa, Diliman, Lungsod Quezon
0922-8243051
This little cafe prides itself for being a safe haven where the stressed, depressed, and those who are simply having a bad day could eat their way to good vibes. They have a Mood Healing Diet that they claim to make people happy and calm.
Lemuria Gourmet Restaurant
5 Julieta Circle, Quezon City
724-5211
@lemuriagourmet
A fine dining restaurant with beautiful architecture and a menu that offers hearty French and Mediterranean cuisine.
Ninyo Fusion
66 Esteban Abada St, Loyola Heights, Quezon City
426 0301
@ninyofusion
This fusion restaurant pampers its diners with a seven-course meal filled with reinvented flavors, mind behind it all Chef Nino adding a twist to each dish through rare Filipino ingredients.
Coffee Project
GF Wil Tower, Eugenio Lopez Dr., South Triangle, Tomas Morato, Quezon City
0929-5782993
@coffeeprojectofficial
Deemed as one of the most aesthetic cafes of Metro Manila, The Coffee Project offers better coffee concoctions for sam price as that one famous coffeeshop we’re not going to mention.
Manila Creamery
40 Malingap St., Teacher’s Village, Diliman, Quezon City
@mnlcreamery
This latest addition to Malingap Central Food Hall’s lineup offers sweet little cups of ice cream, perfect for dessert or a light, cool snack.
MUSEUMS AND GALLERIES
Ateneo Art Gallery
GF Arete, Ateneo de Manila University, Katipunan Avenue, Quezon City
426-6488
Widely known as the first gallery to house Philippine modern art, Ateneo Art Gallery features works by a wide array of artists from Fernando Zobel to Leeroy New. They also just recently moved into Ateneo’s new creative hub, Areté.
UP Vargas Museum
Jorge B. Vargas Museum and Filipiniana Research Center, Roxas Avenue, University of the Philippines, Diliman, Quezon City
928-1927
This museum houses artworks that embrace “the entire range of Philippine artistic creativity from the 1880s to the 1960s.” Being the in-house museum of the University of the Philippines, they also feature works from some of the promising students.
Blanc Gallery
145 Katipunan Avenue, St. Ignatius Village, Quezon City
0920-9276436
With beautiful whitewashed walls, Blanc is the place to go for fans of experimental and contemporary art. They feature paintings, sculptures, sound, and video installations.
Light and Space Contemporary
53 Fairlane St., West Fairview, Quezon City
239-8202
Founded by brothers Jason and Joseph Tecson, this gallery focuses on diversity and the representation of young and budding artists. Works you’ll find here will vary from painting, drawing, sculpture, installation, and photography. In their endeavor to nurture creative dialogue, they also offer “stimulating artistic innovation such as fabrication and printing services specialized for artistic purposes.”
Galerie Stephanie
Unit 1B Parc Plaza Building, 183 E. Rodriguez Jr. Avenue, Quezon City
709-1488
During their earlier years, they featured established local artists like National Artist Federico Aguilar Alcuaz, Juvenal Sanso, Michael Cacnio, and Lydia Velasco. Today, they’ve focused more on an edgier lineup such as Rommel Joson, Jinggoy Buensuceso, Allison Wong David, Aileen Lanuza. They’ve also recently featured international artists like Noor Bahjat (Syria), Roby Dwi Antono (Indonesia), Nunzio Paci (Italy), and most recently the multi-awarded Spanish artist Cristina Gamon for January 2018.
Kaida Contemporary
45 Scout Madrinan, South Triangle, Quezon City
463-5859
If you’re looking for art on the more eccentric side of contemporary, then Kaida Contemporary is the place to be for you. They’ve been home to exhibits both fascinating and perplexing, like Paolo Germar’s Pay per Doll and Cian Dayrit’s Popular Exotica.
Vetro
135 Congressional Avenue, Project 8, Quezon City
0921-6748890
This glass encased gallery envisions itself to be “a versatile space for architects, artists, photographers, designers, musicians, and constructors of creative things alike.”
West Gallery
48 West Avenue, Quezon City
411-0336
Don’t be fooled by its size. This small gallery regularly houses four contemporary art shows at a time. A couple of artists they’ve featured before are Mariano Ching and Dex Fernandez.
Vongarde Art Gallery
GF ALCAL Building, 285 Katipunan Avenue, Quezon City
952-1947
Brought to life by UP Fine Arts graduates Kit Singson and Dan Villacruel, this art gallery is the co-habitant of 55 Square Cafe. In terms of artworks on display, this is for those who enjoy contemporary visual art while enjoying a sip of coffee.
Manila
RESTAURANTS
Blocleaf
1850 M.H. Del Pilar St., Malate, Manila City
@blocleafcafe
With clean, Japanese inspired design and tucked in the nondescript part of Malate, the sun-lit tiny cafe is a good option to those who would want some quiet time with coffee or tea after gallery-hopping.
The Den
HUB Make Lab First United Building, 413 Escolta St, Binondo, Manila City
960-3650
@thedenmanila
Similar to Blocleaf, The Den also offers coffee from Kalsada Coffee. If you need a place where you and your friends can discuss the artworks you’ve seen, The Den can cater bigger groups.
Becky’s Kitchen
1061 Ocampo St. Cor. Bautista St., Malate, Manila City
525-1648
Just a few steps away from the Museum of Contemporary Art and Design, Becky’s Kitchen is a quaint little pastry shop where you can grab a slice of their time-tested cakes on-the-go.
Doon Thai
936 Dolores, Malate, Manila City
522-4597
@doon.thaifusion
Craving Thai cuisine? Doon serves authentic Thai cuisine with sauces they make from scratch. The humble restaurant is also just a short walk away from MCAD.
Ristorante delle Mitre
Opposite San Agustin Church, Real St, Intramuros, Manila City
559-5220
Facebook.com/RistoranteDelleMitre
Owned by the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines, Mitre serves the favorite dishes of bishops and priests from all over the country. It’s a good choice for those who are visiting Art Fair with a large group of friends and family, but solo travelers can still enjoy their array of cakes.
Hizon’s Cakes and Pastries
1197 J. Bocobo cor. Arquiza St., Ermita, Manila City
536-3993
Known as the late comedy king Dolphy’s favorite restaurant, you can grab their popular ensaymada if you’re on a rush to a gallery. If you have time to spare to sit down and enjoy a full meal or a plate of their pancit.
Fred’s Revolucion
HUB Make Lab First United Building, 413 Escolta St, Binondo, Manila City
0910-9696720
After a full day of going to various galleries, you can stop by Fred’s and enjoy some booze without any frills.
Café Adriatico
Remedios Circle, 1790 Adriatico St, Malate, Manila City
523 7924
Facebook.com/CafeAdriatico
Café Adriatico’s offerings range from Filipino cuisine to Spanish cuisine. So if you need something familiar to the palate, Café Adriatico is the palce to go.
MUSEUMS, GALLERIES, AND ARTHOUSES
Museum of Contemporary Art and Design (MCAD)
Benilde School of Design and Arts Campus, Dominga, Malate, Manila City
Connected to De La Salle-College of St. Benilde’s School of Design and Arts, MCAD serves home to both Philippine and international contemporary art. Their current exhibition is James Beckett’s “Flatlands,” which will run until the end of Art Fair.
1335 Mabini
2F Casa Tesoro Bldg., 1335 Mabini St, Ermita, Manila City
One of the participating galleries at this year’s Art Fair Philippines, the gallery is known for exhibiting contemporary works of art. Mabini also has an outpost in Makati now.
National Museum
Padre Burgos Ave, Ermita, Manila City
Aside from Juan Luna’s enormous “Spolarium” and other notable paintings, the National Museum also gives visitors a glimpse of our pre-colonial past.
Intramuros
Intramuros or the walled city is probably the most iconic space in Manila. Aside from Fort Santiago, you can visit various museums like Casa Manila and various churches like San Agustin Church, which has its own museum.
Solidaridad Bookshop
531 Padre Faura St, Ermita, Manila City
Run by National Artist for Literature F. Sionil José, the bookstore is home to hard-to-find titles and a Filipiniana section curated by the National Artist himself.
NCCA Gallery
633 General Luna St, Manila City
The NCCA Gallery is a government initiative that aims to give young artists and contemporary art a home within the historical Intramuros.
Destileria Limtuaco Museum
481 San Juan de Letran, Intramuros, Manila
If you’re up for a different kind of tour, the oldest distillery in the country has recently opened their family museum to the public where you can opt for a taste test after the tour.
First United Building
413 Escolta St, Binondo, Manila City
For architecture fans, a short walk around Escolta reveals the architectural marvels of old Manila. At First United Building (FUB), you can visit 98B Collective and the FUB Community Museum, where you can get a glimpse of the building and Manila’s history. Here, you can also find young brands offering clothes, wares, and vintage curios.
Calle Wright
1890 Vasquez St. Malate, Manila City
Calle Wright. 1890 Vasquez St., Manila.
Located within a two-story house, Calle Wright is Silverlens’ new outpost in Malate where history meets the contemporary. During the Art Fair, Calle Wright will exhibit works by Gary Ross-Pastrana and Heman Chong.
Metropolitan Museum of Manila
BSP Complex, Roxas Blvd, Malate, Manila City
Found within the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) compound, the Met Museum is home to permanent exhibitions from the BSP. During the Art Fair, the Met Museum will still be exhibiting works by contemporary painter Elmer Borlongan.
HOTELS
Rizal Park Hotel
South Road, Ermita, Manila City
A true manifestation of Manila’s exquisite architecture, the structure that now houses the boutique five-star hotel has been around for over 100 years already.
Malate Pensionne
1771 Adriatico St, Malate, Manila City
If you want a room without spending too much, Malate Pensionne is a modest space in Malate. Here, you can easily access restaurants and various public transportation systems.
Manila Hotel
Bonifacio Dr., Ermita, Manila City
Manila Hotel is another one of the most popular and oldest premiere hotels in Manila. It hosted iconic individuals like Ernest Hemingway and the Beatles.
Diamond Hotel
Writer: NOLISOLI.PH
