During the rainy season, we’re often forced to stay indoors. But if being cooped up is driving you up the wall and it’s safe to venture outside, we suggest visiting coffee shops that will bring sunshine to your dreary day.
We take you outside Manila to the nearby Bulacan province – a place rich, not only in history, but also a colorful coffee-hopping experience. After all, aside from warming you up, coffee is found to improve energy levels, improve physical performance, and lowers risk to some type of diseases such as Type II Diabetes, Parkinson’s, and some types of cancer.
If you’re up for an eye-candy of an experience that involves, not only the interiors but also the food, then the Instagram-friendly-Baldough Kitchen and Café won’t let you down.
Oriental Chicken Macadamia Pasta in homemade tomato sauce
French fries and nachos mixed with olives and pickles topped with grated cheese and cheese sauce
Their unique way of food presentation involves the sweets packed on top of the frappes. This way you can enjoy both treats in a spoonful. Bestsellers include the frappes Choco Nutella is the Answer, I Love You More than Cotton Candy and Have a Break, Have a Kitkat Matcha.
The hanging white curtains, floor cushions, and stylish lighting create a relaxing, mellow vibe.
Baldough Kitchen and Café
Location: #358 Santan St. San Jose, Plaridel, Bulacan
How to get there: Ride the Baliwag Transit bus located in Cubao bound for Baliwag. Get down at Plaridel Crossing. Ride a tricycle going to Baldough Kitchen and Café, located near Nina’s Fried Itik and Restaurant.
Next stop is…
Pastel colors everywhere, unicorn magic in the air. This café will certainly satisfy your sweet cravings.
In this ideal place for barkada or family bonding, you can take your unicorn dreams a step farther by wearing unicorn onesies provided by the café. The place’s colorful and cheerful vibe will bring out the inner kid in anyone.
Snap photos with your unicorn friends, play with stuffed toys, and dig into colorful and tasty snacks.
Frappes are the main attraction in the shop – with the Knightmare Moon Chocolate and Pinkypie Strawberry as the fanciest and most eye-catching.
The Unicorn Rainbow Toast is topped with vanilla ice cream, whipped cream and treats such as marshmallows and sprinkles.
The lightly salted french fries is loaded with cheese gratings and sauce, and topped with bacon bits. The Star shaped waffle is drizzled with chocolate syrup and topped with cream and cookies.
If you don’t feel like eating a snack, order the more filling rice meals. The Cordon Bleu and Tapa rice meal are served with egg.
Despite the small space of the store, it’s chock-full of stuffed toys, soft blankets, and decorations that make you feel like you’ve stepped into wonderland.
Dreamy “Unicorn” Café
Location: Feliza Bldg, 110a McArthur Highway, Sumapang Matanda, Malolos, Bulacan
How to get there: Ride the Baliwag Transit bus located in Cubao bound for Malolos, Bulacan. Get off at Robinsons Place Malolos. Walk 300 meters to Dreamy “Unicorn” Café.
The last but not the least…
As American humorist Josh Billings said, “A dog is the only thing on Earth that loves you more than you love yourself.” Whenever you feel down and unloved, you can always trust your furry friends to cheer you up.
With a fee of P199 that’s inclusive of a Cucumber Lemonade or House Blend Iced Tea, you can hang out and play with these canines at the Dog House Cafe.
Dog House Café was founded when two colleagues, a coffee shop owner and a veterinarian, came up with the idea of merging their businesses together. The store instantly became a hit among both dog and coffee lovers.
Meet Pugs, Golden Retrievers, Pomeranians, Malteses, Shih Tzus, French Bulldogs, Beagles, and many more. Complete with vaccinations and maintained with vitamins, they are healthy, playful and safe.
Bestsellers are the Basil Pesto Pasta, H.B.L.T. Sandwich, Iced Latte, and the Chocolate Cookie Crumble Frappuccino.
Dog House Cafe
Location: 363 Sta. Cruz, Tabang, Guiguinto, Bulacan
How to get there: Ride the Baliwag Transit bus located in Cubao bound for Malolos and ask the driver to drop you off at Tabang, Guiguinto, Bulacan. Walk for 200 meters toward the Dog House Café.
Bulacan is best known for its heritage structures such as the Barasoain Church, the Biak-Na-Bato National Park, Malangaan Cave and many more. Over the years, the province has gained popularity for culinary tourism, with modern restaurants and pastry shops such as the ones featured above popping up along the highway.
So the next time you come here to get your fill its historical sights, remember to also get your fill of eats and coffee in cafes—a recommended food trip whether it’s raining or not.
Panahon TV Intern Macson Kyle Talana
Hallyu, a Chinese word that literally translates to “Korean Wave”, is used to describe the growing awareness and appreciation of South Korean culture across the globe. From music and television dramas, to cuisine and cosmetics, Korean influences are everywhere—even in our country where one can definitely feel hallyu.
For most fans of Korean culture, the ultimate way to experience it is in its motherland. But if the price of a plane ticket to your dream country is too steep for your taste, try going to Bulacan to get a piece of Korea.
In Bocaue, Bulacan, the Shrine of Saint Andrew Kim Taegon is making waves in social media.
This Catholic church’s original structure was built in 1959, and on its 50th year in 2009, was renovated under the leadership of Father Avel Sampana, former parish priest of the church. The architecture is breathtaking, with touches of gold and white that add to its serenity. Every part of the shrine has a significant meaning to the life of St. Andrew.
Outside, plants abound, a refreshing break from the urban concrete. This shrine has many sections, such as the room for St. Andrew’s Relic, which houses a small piece of bone from the saint, which is said to be miraculous.
You’ll also find a gazebo facing the Sta. Maria River, its bamboo-covered, meandering pathways symbolizing the journey of St. Andrew from South Korea to the Philippines. A pagoda representing the seven sacraments is a peaceful spot for reflection. Mango trees abound in the area because St. Andrew loved writing beneath their shade.
During your stroll, you will also chance upon the statue of Saint Andrew Kim. Considered the first Korean Catholic priest, Saint Andrew actually lived in Bulacan to study Catholicism back in the 18th century. Back then, Catholics in Korea were persecuted by the ruling Joseon Dynasty for abandoning Confucianism. After serving as a seminarian in Bocaue, he became a priest. He went back to his own country to spread the word of God, but was caught and sentenced to death. On May 6, 1984, Pope John Paul II led his canonization.
To reach the shrine, ride the German Espiritu bus located in SM North or the RJ Bus in Monumento bound for Balagtas, Bulacan. After getting down at 7-11 Bocaue, ride a jeepney bound for Marilao. Ask the driver to drop you off at Mc Donald’s Lolomboy. From there, take a 300-meter walk.
Things to remember when visiting:
*Remember that this tourist destination is primarily a church. The Korean nuns and devotees would appreciate your silence and compliance to rules.
*You may want to wear you best OOTDs for your Instagram posts, but make sure your clothes are decent. No sleeveless, no shorts or short skirts. Wear proper footwear.
*Just like in other places, clean as you go.
The shrine is open from 10:00 am to 12:00 noon and 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm. Masses are held from 6:30 am every 1st Saturday of the month.
Panahon TV Intern Charlene Bianes