Deviating from the usual or typical presumption of the hustle and bustle of the metro, there lies a peaceful and magnificent Escolta Street in the city of Manila -- wanting and just waiting to revive its vintage charm 💖 Similar to Binondo and Santa Cruz, Calle Escolta is one of the oldest and most historic streets in Manila; thus, in the Philippines. It was the premier and leading commercial district in the 1800s to 1930s as people used to eat, shop, work, and have fun here. Escolta definitely had the glitz and glamour back in its heyday, that was why it was dubbed as "The Queen of the Streets" of the old Manila. However, the street gradually lost its appeal to the masses after the Battle of Manila and due to the world's rapid modernization. Thankfully though, a few years ago, some advocate groups gathered to work on the revival of Calle Escolta. Also with the help of the local community and initiatives of some artists, slowly, Escolta is climbing back to its renaissance again. Yes, Dada and I heard so many things about this once-and-forever-beautiful street. So! To make our leap year much unforgettable, we decided to rediscover this part of Manila by going on a day tour. I know we already had a sneak peek to this view-tiful street when we had our Binondo date in 2016. But, the sun was almost down that time, so we did not push through. Truly glad that after four years, we were here at Sta. Cruz again! :) Instead of taking the right turn to Chinatown, Dada and I took the left as we were going to Calle Escolta. No regrets though! As in, no regrets for choosing photo walk over food trip. I easily fell in love with this place -- my Western heart and American dreams were overjoyed! Amazed at how fine and intricate the buildings are at Escolta street. It is an honor to witness these good-old buildings. 'Cause you know, some of them are in danger to be demolished. Yup... Sad, right? But calm your hearts, calm your hearts! There have been petitions to save these ancient skyscrapers. I, too, believe that the heritage buildings are not only architectural treasures, but a symbol of the bittersweet past as well. The impressive structures have been here for a long time and the future generation deserves to see it, too 💖 The 11/11 couple were just walking for five to ten minutes and we had seen almost all the impressive buildings I stalked before we go here! Escolta Street can really be explored on foot. However, we did not see the famous El Hogar Building because it is located on the other street. Like, we need to cross the bridge (literally) in order to get there. I was skeptical because there are many cars, no stoplight, and who knows, pickpockets, maybe? So we decided to just revisit that gem sometime soon. I expected that the Escolta Street was long, a big subdivision something like that, but no, Escolta Street is just a short one -- short, but sweet, I must say. So if you are like me who loves classic archi designs, you would love this kalye, too! Enjoyed walking while taking #selfiEscolta around. Felt like we were not in Manila; like we were transported back to the old Manila 💖 The historical Calle Escolta is filled with impressively wonderful architectural gems. Dada and I saw them and we loved it all! Yes, yes, yes, from the neoclassical Don Roman Santos Building to the Capitol Theater by the National Artist: Juan Nakpil to the futuristic, spaceship-like building of The Commercial Bank and Trust Company Building! There, we also appreciated the Burke Building where the first elevator in the Philippines was constructed, as well as the beaux-arts Natividad Building. My favorites are the twin buildings: First United Building and Regina Building because of its timeless beauty. The First United Building, formerly known as Perez-Samanillo Building is the tallest building in Manila when completed in 1928. The Regina Building, on the other side, is a neoclassical and beaux-arts structure built during 1934. One would indeed feed, not just the Instagram, but also the mind at Calvo Museum located at the Calvo Building. Dada and I really enjoyed this two-doored museum because it is like a time capsule that transports you literally and figuratively back in time! In the first room, the one that's nearer the stairs, showcases antique newspapers -- as in, old-old, like the 1910s where the diaryos are written in Spanish. While the on other side, guests can see real vintage stuff such as hand-drawn movie posters, postcards of Carnaval de Manila beauty queens, original Pinoy music sheets, beverage bottle collection, negatives of the bygone era, and the most unique of them all: the display of historic publications since the Calvo Building is the birthplace of the GMA Network. Indeed, Calvo Museum has well-preserved important memorabilia from the past; from the old Manila. Also located at the 1938-Calvo Building, there is UNO Seafood Wharf, an authentic Chinese resto and an established Binondo favorite and of course, the nostalgic diner: Tropical Hut. That is right, friends, the childhood favorite fast-food joint is still serving yummy meals here! This is where Dada and I had lunch, actually. Mine was cheeseburger; his was burger steak. And if you are looking for some desserts... Trivia time: the first ice cream parlor in the Philippines, Clarke's originated here! It stopped operating already, but do not fret because Escolta Snacks and Ice Cream is here to the rescue! It is a great alternative for your sweet treats cravings. Plus, the diner is like a vintage ice cream parlor, so that is a plus plus plus! And I loved my strawberry sundae, no joke. Also liked the chocolate parfait. TBH, I never thought I would be having such a good time here at Escolta 💖 Aside from photo walks, museum touring, and eating sesh, oh, did I mention the wall arts around, too? Uh-huh, there are arts all over this place! I am impressed. And much more impressed since there are also other things, more things to do here at Calle Escolta despite its not-so-big space! Next time, next time -- next time, Dada and I shall make sure that we would visit the artsy Saturday market, as well as the Sunday vintage-cars exhibit. If given a chance, we would love to attend weekend festivals like the Escolta Block Party, too! Indeed, Escolta Street has gained a special spot in me now. aAaAaHhhh, can't wait to go back here again and gaze at the intricately beautiful-designed edifices! Also to hear more true, wonderful-filled stories of its fallback to comeback! Come here to understand why Escolta is a sight to behold; how Calle Escolta is one of the secret gems in the heart of Manila. Escolta is a queen and is still the queen! 💖
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If my memory still serves me right, it is not my first time to visit the Philippines' National Planetarium. I love the stars, the universe, the galaxies, so I could remember snippets from this magical place. It has been long years ago, but I still could recall that museum tour filled with space murals and that film showing about the planets during our elementary educational trip. And so! I am grateful that Dada and I went here to this interactive museum to relive my grade-school memories and to tour the boyfriend because he missed half of his childhood for not being able to come here before 💖 The National Museum Planetarium, also called NM Planetarium, National Planetarium, or Pambansang Planetaryo is a short yet concise walkthrough about astronomy. It has been sharing innovative information since 1975 and was relaunched last 2019 after having some renovations by the National Museum of the Philippines. Now bigger and better, its galleries feature astronomical myths, beliefs and diorama representation of the solar system, major constellations, as well as well-known astronomists and more. Touring around the galleries is free of charge, but there are admission fees if you want to watch educational and entertaining shows about the world and beyond. Yes, the National Planetarium still provides shows like A Planet for Goldilocks, Hayabusa: Back to the Earth, and Journey to a Billion Suns in their much-improved auditorium. Similar to what I mentioned in my other National Museum blog post, guests are asked to register first and surrender their bags and carry-ons before entering the auditorium and galleries. Food and drinks are not allowed; as firearms, cigarettes, and illegal drugs are also prohibited. Feel free to take photos as many as you want! But, flash photography and videography? No-no! Observe silence and cleanliness too, and make sure to follow the museum rules and regulations for a smooth and enjoyable tour around this 16-meter dome structure. The 11/11 couple had been planning this museum tour. Supposedly, we would go here last year, after the National Museum of Natural History. The promised plan was to hit two museums in one day, just like when we went to the first two National Museums last 2017. However, Natural History is so big! And very informational! So, we spent almost a day there -- roaming and reading (of course) and taking photos (because hey, it is dubbed as the most Instagrammable National Museum in the Philippines). And so! We are truly happy that finally, Dada and I were here! Although we did not catch any show since we arrived late afternoon already, we have plans naman to go here again with the chemist friends. And besides, we had fun at the galleries and still accomplished our goal anyway... We have completed the National Museums already, woohoo! Uh-huh, aside from this and National Museum of Natural History which I posted last year, Dada and I already set our feet to the National Museums of Anthropology and Fine Arts. Maybe I posted it in my Tumblr, but I am sure it isn't blogged here yet because I started filling this blog at late 2018. So, soon! Surely, we would revisit those two museums soon, too 💖 National Museum Planetarium Rizal Park, Padre Burgos Avenue, Ermita, Manila Entrance fee for galleries: Free Entrance fee for film viewing: Students: PhP 30; Senior Citizens and PWD: PhP 40; Adults: PhP 50 Operating Hours: 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM, Tuesday to Sunday After my sisters from other parents and I spent such a great time at Masil Charcoal and Grill, we then headed to Arrowland by Gandiva because it was the birthday girl's request another. Carly and I did not like the idea of this archery thing at first. However, it was still too early to go home and we still wanted to be together. Hashtag clingy! Plus, it was Angeli's treat since we came to her party and if you could only seen how much she really wanted it, ay! So as supportive friends, of course, we joined her on her trip. It was her special day anyway, so, okay 💖 Been passing by Arrowland by Gandiva for years already. I really was not interested before, but upon researching now, I read that... Arrowland, a first-class archery range and recreational center in Manila is actually managed by Gandiva Archery, one of the pioneer archery brands in the Philippines -- the reason why Arrowland by Gandiva is a professional leisure place that gives real and surreal archery experience to the public. This company envisions to draw people nearer to the art of archery, at the same time, to make this sport fun and accessible for all. Knowing these things already, I must say, Katniss Everdeen would be so proud. Such an impressive archery tribute, eh. As mentioned above, I have seen this hippy archery range before, so I know that lines were usually long, especially on weekends (and whenever the Hunger Games franchise releases their series). Not sure if it was because we went on a Wednesday afternoon, so walk-ins are not of a hassle or the birthday girl was just on her luck. But yeah! Before going into the archery range, guests must go to the reception area first to settle the payment. This is where guests choose how many arrows they would want to try, too. The staff also suggest some promos and discounts here. Arrowland by Gandiva's archery range has 10 lanes with 10-meter distance for each. As for the kids, they can adjust the target board as needed and if requested. Before we get started though, the staff asked us what target board we would like. Yup, Arrowland offers different target board designs, but the girls picked the classic one. We were also given protective gear and were briefed on how to use the bow and arrow; thus, the positions and mechanics on how to play the game. Aside from the group package that our siz paid, Angeli got a birthday discount. Lucky for Carly and I, we were also involved in that gift! Supposedly, we were just having 25 arrows. But since we have Gel-An, wooh, additional round, yay! Of course, we had fun! Yet you know, IDK too if I was happy about that free stuff or not because my arms did hurt. As in, it hurt while playing, not on the next day kind-of-hurt. My friends said their arms felt sore, too, so is this hashtag tita goals unlocked? Haha! For first-timers like us, we thought 25 is just a small number. It looked easy, looks simple when we watch people hold that bow and arrow. Well yeah, maybe? This aim-and-release seems easy. But hitting the goal? Ah, eh... Hahahahaha! Got the hang of it when the bows were already few. But it's okay! Gotta do this with my Hawkeye soon, too. Hihi. Because yes, although my arms hurt, I loved this experience because I learned. I learned that archery is not just a sport, it is also an art. Archery is a sport with the art of letting go -- just as what the staff told us. For a person like me who just started to let go, to be honest, this sport is difficult for me. Not to mention, I am born perfectionist and lowkey competitive, so imagine that. That was why, this archery experience taught a lot to me. For one? To mind my own goals -- not my friends' target board, not the other people's target board, but mine: my own target board; my own vision board. Second would probably be unfuckery. Eff what others say or think as long as I am happy that I got to do my best. Giving the best is already everything and that is what matters. Realized it is all about feeling my best version, not being the best person in the room. While the third is all about resilience. Everyone goes through being a beginner first. So, try and just try! Take chances! Never give up! 💖 As I tried, failed, succeeded, I realized that this experience is about discipline on the mind and on the body. Here I saw that I could turn my worries, my anxieties, my negativities into something positive, something fun, something beautiful. My focus got heightened; my concentration got clearer. And because of that; because of those, I tried to aim better; making the self greater than before. Like you know, beating my own record even if my body aches already because I wanna reach a goal. Moreover, it also felt as if I was meditating while doing this. Where everyone just disappeared because it was just me, my bow, my arrow, and the board. It was so satisfying, so therapeutic, so stress-relieving, I swear! Never thought I would be into archery, that is for sure. But thank God and Angeli and Carly that I did this! Indeed, albeit, I definitely loved this moment 💖 Just a post-experience that I wanna share... Even if Carly and I wanted to do some bowling after, nope, we do not want that anymore because of our tortured arms! Two/too much wishes granted! LOL. So uh-huh, Angeli played alone. We were the cheerleaders though! Hahaha. Then, we had karaoke with Potato Corner food trip. Then, make-up window shopping because until now, we do not know how to. Hehe. Then, kalimba or thumb piano hunting for Angeli's birthday present for herself. Lastly, pahabol na tea time plus milk tea time at The Alley before we separated our ways. Always productive whenever I am with this two! Truly, this day was so much fun! Brings back memories, those good'ol college days. Missing those memories. But no. I miss them. It is my favorite girls whom I have missed more. As I was writing this, I wish we had more time together! And so... Here is to just hoping to see my girls again soon. Also to growing our friendship despite the distance. We would make more amazing memories, much more unforgettable moments like what we did today, in Marinduque, and in those four years! Yes, we will! Comm girls yan eh! 💖 Arrowland by Gandiva 2L, SM City North EDSA, Quezon City 5L, SM Mega Fashion Hall, Mandaluyong City https://gandiva.com.ph https://www.facebook.com/ArrowlandPH |
THE BLOG-GIRLE L A M A N I L A Ela Mones, a Filipina girl,
is a passionate lifestyle blogger who loves to express her unforgettable life experiences and best moments through words, photos, and videos 💖
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