A Day Trip to Tagaytay: Scenic Views and Cool Breezes from Cavite

We all needed a break from school, from work, from the Manila heat. So we did what any sane group of friends would do: road trip to Tagaytay. We left early, singing along to an old OPM playlist as we made our way to cooler weather and bulalo dreams. The change in temperature halfway there already made us feel like we were entering a different world.

Our first stop was a famous ridge with a panoramic view of Taal Volcano, and wow it never gets old. We just stood there, hugging our jackets against the cold wind, soaking it all in. Someone brought a film camera, and we took turns doing model poses and laughing at how the wind ruined our hair.

Pro tip: Get there early. Parking fills up fast, and the morning haze over Taal is absolutely magical.

For lunch, we went to a family run bulalo house, where the broth was rich, the marrow buttery, and the beef fell off the bone. We didn’t talk for five minutes—just ate in complete silence. That's when you know it’s good. We followed it up with buko pie, cheesy corn, and bottles of fresh pineapple juice. Don’t leave Tagaytay without hoarding local sweets—we loaded up on ube jam, lengua de gato, and tarts for pasalubong.

Later, we explored a lavender café with pastel interiors and the fluffiest pancakes we’ve ever tasted. We sat on the terrace, sipped hot chocolate, and played “who’s most likely to…” until we were full of laughter and sugar. We even stopped by a park with giant swings and took turns screaming like kids. We probably annoyed some quiet couples, but oh well.

Tagaytay tip: Dress in layers, bring cash (some stalls don’t take cards), and try lesser-known cafés instead of just the trending ones. You’ll find hidden gems with better prices and views.

As we drove home, windows down and cheeks sore from smiling, we agreed—Tagaytay always delivers. It’s the kind of escape that doesn’t ask for much, just your presence and your love for the little things.

Food and Nightlife in Poblacion, Makati: Where Manila Comes Alive

Poblacion is the kind of place that doesn’t make sense until you’re in the middle of it with a taco in one hand, a cocktail in the other, and music coming from five different directions. We started our night not really knowing where we’d end up. That’s the magic of Poblacion you just go, and the city takes care of the rest.

Our first stop was a hole-in-the-wall ramen bar, because nothing fuels a night out like slurping spicy miso ramen while arguing over which K-drama has the best plot. From there, we walked aimlessly until we found a bar that looked like a sari-sari store. When we walked in, surprise—it opened into a speakeasy with vinyl records and velvet couches. We laughed way too loudly, tried drinks with names like "Walk of Shame" and "Third World Margarita," and made friends with the bartender who gave us free popcorn.

Tip: Always ask the bartender for their off-menu specials you’ll be surprised.

We hopped from bar to bar, from one with neon walls and karaoke to another with a rooftop overlooking Makati's skyline. Somewhere in between, we tried isaw from a street vendor while singing to an Eraserheads song playing from a nearby jeepney. One friend dropped her isaw, and the vendor just handed her another for free Filipino hospitality at its finest. We kept joking, “Let’s retire here and open a grilled food stand!”

What stood out most was the energy. Poblacion doesn’t just serve drinks it serves memories. Each bar had its own story, its own playlist, and a crowd that felt like they’d welcome anyone. We met fellow travelers, artists, even a French couple who had been living in Manila for three months and swore Poblacion was better than Paris.

Friendly tip: Always stay in a group, know your limits, and set a Grab pickup before you get tipsy. Bring small bills for street food and wear something cute but comfy you’ll be walking a lot.

We ended our night with halo-halo from a roadside carinderia, and we swear, it tasted like victory. Poblacion reminded us that life doesn’t always need a plan sometimes, you just need music, good food, and friends to dance with under neon lights.

Exploring Intramuros: Manila’s Timeless Walled City

There’s something different about Intramuros. The moment we stepped onto its cobblestone streets, we felt like time had slowed down. Surrounded by thick stone walls and echoes of the Spanish colonial past, we weren’t just tourists we were travelers stepping into a living museum. We were looking for a break from the usual noise of the city, and Intramuros gave us a quiet, reflective space to reconnect with both history and ourselves.

We started our day at Fort Santiago, and even though we’d all read about it in school, nothing prepared us for how real it felt. The air was heavy with silence and respect as we followed the bronze footsteps of Jose Rizal, tracing his final walk before his execution. There’s a stillness in that space, especially near the dungeons and the Rizal Shrine, that made us stop talking and just... feel. If you're planning a visit, we highly recommend going early in the morning when the crowds are still small and the air is cooler. Walking through the wide gardens and beside the ancient walls feels much more personal when it’s quiet. Also, bring a bottle of water—you’ll want to take your time here.

After that emotional start, we made our way to San Agustin Church, just a few minutes away. We honestly didn’t expect to be so awestruck, but the moment we entered, the cool air and soft light made everything feel sacred. The painted ceilings looked like something straight out of Europe, and the details on every corner were breathtaking. We took our time exploring the attached museum, which turned out to be one of the highlights of the day. If you're into art, antiques, or religious history, this spot is a must-see. Just remember to bring a bit of cash since the museum has an entrance fee, and photos aren’t allowed in some rooms so take it all in with your eyes.

Next came the Manila Cathedral, which was both grand and peaceful. There was something very healing about lighting a candle and sitting in silence for a few minutes, away from the hustle of the city. It gave us a moment to breathe, to think, and to reconnect. Outside, the sun had come out and the plaza around the cathedral buzzed with life street vendors selling taho, tourists taking photos, and kalesa horses waiting patiently by the side. We didn’t ride one, but just seeing them added to the charm. We do suggest bringing an umbrella or a hat though, because once the sun is up, it gets hot quickly. Intramuros may be shaded in parts, but Manila heat still wins.

Later in the afternoon, we wandered through the charming walkways near Casa Manila and found ourselves at Baluarte de San Diego, a lesser-known but stunning part of the wall. The views from the top were unexpectedly beautiful. With vines growing along the stone and kids playing below, it was one of those peaceful corners you don’t see on postcards. It’s perfect for photos and quiet conversations. This part of the wall doesn’t get as crowded, so if you’re looking for a spot to sit and journal or rest your feet, this is it. 

Of course, a day of exploring wouldn’t be complete without food. After hours of walking and taking photos, we were starving so we went hunting for local eats. We started with street food near Plaza Roma, where we grabbed kwek-kwek, fishballs, and a round of cold taho. There’s something so nostalgic about eating by the side of the road with your friends, laughing and wiping sauce off your fingers. For a more filling meal, we found Barbara’s Heritage Restaurant, which felt like stepping into an old Filipino home. The interiors were just as charming as the food. Their crispy kare-kare and halo-halo hit the spot. If you’re planning to eat here, it’s best to reserve in advance, especially during weekends or when cultural shows are scheduled in the evening.

As the sun began to set, we found ourselves sitting quietly on one of the stone benches near the old wall, watching the sky turn pink behind the Manila Cathedral’s dome. We weren’t rushing to leave. Intramuros has a way of making you stay a little longer. It’s not just about the historical landmarks or the architecture it’s the atmosphere. Peaceful, nostalgic, and gently healing. For us, this day wasn’t just another trip it was a reminder of why we love to travel in the first place. To walk through stories. To reconnect with each other. And to give our inner child a space to wonder.

If you’re planning to visit Intramuros, here are a few simple tips we’d give to fellow travelers like you: wear comfy shoes (the streets are uneven), bring a refillable water bottle, go early to avoid the heat, and most importantly—don’t rush. Intramuros isn’t meant to be hurried. It’s meant to be felt, slowly and meaningfully.