pottery

It’s hard to believe, but it’s T-minus 3 months until I leave Manila for good.  As one of my parting gifts to you, my loyal blog readers, I’d like to bestow upon you a list of my Manila faves.  You never know when you’ll be moving to or visiting the Philippines!  I hope you find it helpful.  Be sure to leave any follow-up questions in the comments so that I can answer them…

PS – stay tuned for Part 2 which will include my favorite travel opportunities and experiences in the Philippines!

Food

Best Overall/Best Thai/Best Ambiance = People’s Palace

Best American Breakfast = Apartment 1B

Best Sunday Buffet = Spiral at Sofitel (12 to 2 PM on Sundays, around P2500 per person, includes champagne)

Best Unique Buffet = Sunday Crossover Brunch at the Dusit Thani (11:30 to 3 PM on Sundays, around P1500 per person, includes champagne)

M Cafe in Greenbelt 4

Best Place to enjoy a Glass of Wine Outside = M Café

Best Special Occasion Place = Nuvo

Best Gelato = Gelatissimo

Best Indian Cuisine = Queens at Bollywood

Best Mediterranean Cuisine = Cyma

Best Mexican = Ristras (They serve a Chipotle-like Burrito that’s quite good)

Best Casual American Cuisine = Chelsea

High Tea at the Makati Shangri-La

Best High Tea = Shangri-la Makati (High Tea everyday from 2-5 PM)

Best Pizza = Yellow Cab

Best Latte = Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf

Best Vegetarian = Corner Tree Cafe

Services

Ron at Henri Calayag

Best Hair Cut = Ron Galvez at Henri Calayag Salon Makati

Address: G/F The Residences at Greenbelt (TRAG), Esperanza Street, Ayala Center, Makati City.  Contact: 799-1495/491-4596; (0920) 918-1880; henricalayag_salon@yahoo.com.  Operating Hours: Daily from 10AM to 8PM (except holidays).  Women’s cut and blowdry starts at P700, Men’s at P600; color starts at P2,000++

Best Eyebrow Threading = Grace at the Greenbelt 5 Browhaus

Best Massage Therapists = Neo Spa (Favorite Massages, in order: 1. Lymphatic Drainage, 2. Hawaiian Lomi Lomi, 3. Seashell Massage)

Best Spa Ambiance = The Spa in Greenbelt 1 (Favorite Massages, in order: 1. Twin Massage, 2. Hilot Massage, 3. Shiatsu Massage)

Best Facial = Coras Derm Centre

Address: 111 Paseo de Roxas, Legaspi Village, Makati City.  Contact: 02 893 6786 or Mobile: 0917 544 4561

I recommend: A package that includes a Facial, Diamond-Hydra Peel and Lasering to remove redness.  Price: Around P1,500.

My Shirt was created by Carmen for the AWCP Hoedown

Best Tailor/Dressmaker for alterations and Everyday Clothing = Carmen Buniel

Contact: 0918 934 4540.  Email: carmen_buniel@operamail.com.

Best Ball Gown Designer = Frankie

Contact: 0917 399 9828

Mita's Slipcovers

Best Slipcover Maker = Mita

Contact: 0918 911 9090

Best Newcomer Services = InTouch Community Services

Address: #48 McKinley Road, Forbes Park, Makati City.  Contact: 02 893 1893 or 02 810 6233.

Best Airline = Cebu Pacific

Carlos Celdran's Intramuros Tour

Best Tour = Carlos Celdran’s Intramuros Tour

Best OBGYN = Dr. Henson

Dr. Henson sees patients at Makati Med and St. Luke’s Monday-Saturday.  Office visit is P800.  Contact: 02 818 1125

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