The essential stop in a Binondo itinerary
Same old Greek, all-new setting
We all have that itch; the itch for a quick drive to a new place. A drive that is not that long, but significant enough to enjoy your car and have a new experience. Recently, we had the very special opportunity to
Located at the original branch of Max’s in Quezon City
Did you know that the original branch of Max's Restaurant in Quezon City also has a secret watering hole where you can enjoy coffee and pastries during the day? Ruby's is a speakeasy-slash-cafe tucked inside the first-
by Kara Santos
Bookmark this for your next coffee date
The district of Poblacion is best known for its trendy bars and nightlife spots for pub crawls. But it can also be a good area to go on coffee runs with friends or get some work done if you need a change
by Kara Santos
Fitness and coffee come together in this hidden spot
Pampanga is one of the most popular destinations for adventures and food trips near Manila. While restaurants that serve traditional Kapampangan cuisine will always be the top draw, there's also been a rise in the number of coffee shops, reflecting the
by Kara Santos
Coffee with mountain views, anyone?
A decade ago, there were only a few places to eat or grab coffee along Marilaque. I remember how most spots along this scenic road traversing Marikina, Rizal, Laguna to Infanta, Quezon used to serve simple fare like bulalo, lugaw and lomi.
by Kara Santos
Kare-kare coffee, anyone?
If I had to pick between a big chain coffee shop or a neighborhood cafe, I'd always choose the latter. There's something about neighborhood cafes that feels more personal and cozy. Drinks and food are generally more affordable. They are (
by Kara Santos
For your solo rides and coffee dates
Binondo is not exactly a top-of-mind destination when considering where to go for good coffee and pastries in the metro. As one of the oldest Chinatowns in the world, Binondo is best known for street eats. Most food trips here
by Kara Santos
Get your caffeine fix and retail therapy here
Looking for a new cafe to visit in Quezon City?Magdamag Market Cafe is a neighborhood joint that offers more than a place to get a caffeine fix. This cozy spot along Sgt. Esguerra-near ABS-CBN, GMA 7, and EDSA-also
by Kara Santos
Enjoy brews with a view
There are cafes I visit once just for the experience, and there are cafes that have become a go-to ride destination whenever I need a break. While so many al fresco coffee shops seem to have popped along every bend in
by Kara Santos
Perfect for your quick coffee runs
In case you missed the news, a portion of Roxas Boulevard along Manila Bay is now car-free every Sunday, allowing the public to freely bike, skate, run, jog, walk, and exercise in a safe environment. Residents of Manila and other parts
by Kara Santos
Date place with a view by Chef Ariel Manuel of Lolo Dad
Tagaytay has always been a great destination for a quick biglaan drive, more so if you are lucky enough that said drive is a lunch or dinner date. But lately traffic has gotten bad to the point that what used to be
Tara, kape?
The Pililla Wind Farm in Rizal has been one of our go-to destinations near Manila when the urge to go on a quick ride just strikes or whenever I have to do a motorcycle review. Its distance from Quezon City makes
by Kara Santos
Heading to Tagaytay this Holy Week?
There's no shortage of places to grab a cup of coffee and a bite to eat in Tagaytay. However, parking can be a bit of a problem in the most popular cafes along the ridge with the best views of Taal
by Kara Santos
Old school is cool
La Union is one of the top destinations for weekend road trips, with the food scene just as exciting as the surf scene.If you're looking for a unique pit stop, you might want to check out Don Segundo House of
by Kara Santos
Available with every purchase of any Dunkin’ beverage
To all the Dunkin' fans out here, tell me what you think about this one: Boston Kreme supremacy.Did I raise some eyebrows, or did I get a smile or two there? I'm sure a lot of you would rather get
A go-to spot for cyclists
Bulacan isn't exactly a top-of-the-mind destination when it comes to food tripping. Compared to Tanay and Tagaytay, which are lined with aesthetic cafes left and right, it's a bit hard to find a cafe with a good
by Kara Santos
This nice spot is open 24/7
It's never easy driving around in unfamiliar territory. Never mind the chances of you getting lost. When you're on the road, you wouldn't know where to bring your car for repairs in case it breaks down, or where's
A peaceful breakfast with a view? Need
Tagaytay is easily one of the most popular go-to places for anyone looking to unwind, especially for folks who live in the metro. The only problem people like me have with the place? It gets too crowded on weekends.In their
This hole in the wall cafe is quite the gem
A lot of us these days have completely shifted to work-from-home setups throughout this pandemic. I myself am lucky enough to not have to report to the office every day. And since I live south of the metro, it means
Road-tripping to Laguna? Try this one out
I always rave about the food culture in my hometown of Los Baños to my teammates at Top Gear Philippines, all of whom-save for one-live in Metro Manila. "Sarap talaga ng pagkain sa LB" is something I say regularly.
