Capital Virgin

This is a little embarrassing but truth be told, never in my adult life have I experienced our very own Manila. Reading and hearing news about the trendiest nightly watering holes, exciting shopping and insurmountable dining options often stirred my curiosity but for some reason I never had the urge to get out of my way just to explore. Now I say this with utmost guilt because, as a traveler myself, I have been to some of our nation's foremost holiday destinations that gained international éclat but not at all have I spent more than twenty-four hours in the capital city. Not until recently, to me, Manila was a mere stopover to my continuing international flights.

So, when my contact center company sent me out to one of our sites to train, I saw this as an opportunity to check out what Manila has to offer. With the entailing training, the notion of jaunting the hippest nights clubs and trendiest bars was temporarily out of consideration (our training schedule was of course the odd hours 3am to noon). But at the back of my mind was already a contingency.

To my luck, our office is within the Cyber Mall of Eastwood City. I remember reading about Libis, Quezon City as one of the Capital's melting pots and Eastwood is where the action is! This "City within a City" boasts of luxe residential and commercial skyscrapers shouting the contemporary Filipino lifestyle.

More importantly, amidst its concrete jungle is a quaint yet vibrant shopping and entertainment center that houses probably some of the best-reviewed restaurants and bars Manila has to offer. Hmm, this I've got to experience, I said to myself.

Here, a daily traffic of working denizens creates the hustle and bustle. Thus, to maximize my chances of experiencing good food while at work, I get down from the 21st floor during lunch break and settle myself to a restaurant of choice. A panoply of dining establishments serving delectable cuisines is open to suit your day to day craving (see my recommendations below). I'm still shedding off that extra poundage gained after seven days of binging.

A colleague and I were set to leave on our last day of training which was a Saturday, taking the last flight out. "Adios weekend night out," we told ourselves. But as the day neared, we had to put the contingency plan into motion. Ah, you guessed right. One more night!

When darkness falls, Eastwood assumes a different character. The daytime atmosphere turns into frenzied energy as young partygoers and the so-called night owls stir the evening with their own fares and fancy. Lights highlight the colorful façade of each establishment and the surrounding sounds provide the night its beat and rhythm. Busy bodies hop from one club to another, while others unwind with friends al fresco with a drink or two. A musical or fashion event seem to be always brewing at the complex's tented centerstage. And if its something intimate you desire, settle in a quite nook in the nearby café for a latte and a conversation.

For that sole evening, I tried to cover as much as I could. Though I was concentrated in only one area, I felt I had enough fun for one night-a night that not only answered my curiosity about Manila escapades but also opened my mind to long for more. There certainly are more and newer places to visit and you bet they're on my list. Until next time, then. Suggestions anyone?

The following got my thumbs up:

Fazoli - for the best pizza and pasta!
Ipanema - a great mix of American and Caribbean cuisines. Features live music during evenings.
Café Adriatico Premiere - need I say more?
Pho Hoa - house of the best Vietnamese noodles and more.
Prince of Jaipur - a personal favorite. Indian food is an exotic escape from the usual.
Tokyo Boy - I've been hearing there will soon be one in Cebu. Make it sooner!
Somethin' Fishy - grilled delights and seafoods, how can you go wrong? A favorite to call center employees, they serve a no-leftover breakfast buffet from midnight til' 10am at only P89.
Serye - formerly the Aristocrat, this is Asian dining at its best.
Ebisu Grill - hay! Serving the best of the land of the Rising Sun. Also features live entertainment at night.
The Bedroom - there's no sleeping though. But you can definitely relax in cushions with a cocktail on hand and invigorating music surrounding the waves.
Oj's - a hefty buffet breakfast ready for you. In the evenings, its third level delivers acoustic jams by fresh musical acts.
HEAVEN n' EGGS - your favorite morning meal mainstay cooked the way you want it. more than that, you have an impressive menu to choose from.