One Fine Weekend

 

After a grueling work week, I always yearn for a relaxing weekend. Whether to eat out, catch up on the tons of books that I've lined up to read or surf the world wide web until the wee hours of the morning. That's why when my colleagues at work planned to have a sort of tour of Manila, I jumped right in readily as I haven't been to Manila that often.

Sidechick

But before our Manila trip, I went to BGC a day before. Specifically to the High Street South area to try Sidechick. I've been meaning to try Sidechick for quite sometime. Those big-ass chicken fillet encased in toasty buns lures me every time I saw a sponsored post of it on social media.

I originally intended to try the spicy version of the O.G. Chicken Sandwich. But the viciously-looking, thickly coated deep magenta sauce that coated the chicken patty of their spicy variant chickens me out (pun unintended). So I tried the regular chicken sandwich instead (better safe than sorry). 

I was astounded how big the chicken patty is. It's larger than my full hand. Gratifyingly crunchy, too. Tasty with the bacon mayo and pickles and the shredded cabbage gave it a textural variety.

Also liked the Potato Chips & Dip  and the Double Chocolate Milkshake is satisfyingly thick, cool and chocolaty. I'll definitely be back to the their other offerings and will make sure to make room for their Keso Cake. 

Intramuros/Fort Santiago

I wish I could give you a more in-depth explanation of this visit to Fort Santiago. But I'm really more of a casual observer and visitor. My fellow college who came with me on this trip might provide you more information as she is more adept to Philippine culture and history than I do. I just basically took tons of photos on my phone which I find fanciful to look at. But I'll do better next time. I'll take time to read the inscription on each artifact next time I visit than just mindlessly snapping those photos away.

Part of the reason why I wasn't able to really immerse myself on this Fort Santiago tour was due to the fact that it was freakishly hot that day. The kids who were with us during the tour became squeemishly uncomfortable because of the heat and was constantly bugging their Mom to bring them to the nearest McDonald's to cool down and to lap at an iced cold Coke and sundae. 

After making a cursory glance at the dungeon/cave, we decided to call this tour to a halt and head outside to get fed and drink some refreshments.

Cafe Intramuros

Prior to coming to Intramuros, we were hard-pressed planning on where to eat after our Fort Santiago's tour. But once we're there, scouting for those restaurants can be challenging especially for us who were not familiar with the geographic landscape of this side of Manila. 

We ended up at Cafe Intramuros near San Agustin church as their restaurant signage where glaringly obvious on the street where we're walking on. Plus, we really need to take shelter from the sweltering heat.

I was disheartened when I was told that the Olive Oil & Orange cake was sold out. So I ordered the Glazed Chocolate Cake by default to go along with my rice meal order. My Pork Sisig is good with a delightful crunch on each bite. The cake is pleasingly moist and gooey of chocolate ganache. My Cucumelon Frappe is my lifesaver from the unbearable heat. So refreshing!

I was able to fork a mouthful of the Strawberry Shortcake (fluffy and airy), the Salpicao (very garlicky!) and their Pesto Pasta (nutty and slick with oil). But I'm still heartbroken I wasn't able to try the Olive Oil & Orange cake. 

Manila Zoo

Next on the agenda was to visit Manila Zoo. We rode a tuk tuk-like motor (similar to those in Thailand) from Intramuros going to our destination. 

According to my colleague, the look of Manila Zoo has vastly improved. Although the animals seemed to be playing hide-and-seek from their spectators as we only saw very few animals that day. I still decided to upload some pictures of the animals we were able to encounter. As well as the Butterfly Garden but bereft of actual flying butterflies.

The Aviary Cafe

We came upon the food hub section of Manila Zoo. There were tons of food concessionaires to choose from. But we zeroed in to The Aviary Cafe as it they have an air conditioned space.

Not sure if The Aviary Cafe is somewhat related to Cafe Perene and Forget Me Not Cafe as all their cake selections has the Cafe Perene logo in them. I would have loved to sink my teeth again at the Nutella Cheesecake that I first tried at Cafe Perene's branch in Ayala Feliz. But I was instantly pulled in by their bready pastries selection. 

I got a regular latte and a Kouignn Amann. Super flaky, heady with butter and gritty with muscovado sugar. I'm in love with this pastry! If there's an option to add a scoop of ice cream (mantecado flavor, perhaps?), I would definitely swoon to the floor and never stand up.

Tropical Hut

Time to say goodbye to my friends at the Cubao station. But before going home, I decided to drop by at Booksale, my favorite spot in Farmers Plaza. Got a zombie anthology compiled by horror writer Christopher Golden and an essay collection by American poet and novelist Dodie Bellamy. 

Supposed to go to Chowking for a bowl of Halo-Halo but I have done too much walking for the day and spied that Tropical Hut also offer this beloved Filipino dessert. Ordered a large cup of iced Coke that I gulped all in seconds. The shaved ice on my halo-halo was a bit too chunky to my liking. I'll go back to Tropical Hut for their roast chicken and club sandwiches, but I'll give their halo-halo a pass.