This is the kind of situation of which I personally hate when I’m in the city: alone and have to wait for an hour or so for my next meeting/date. Have you experienced it, guys? like…you don’t have the choice but have to brave the storm for a few more hours and just suck it up? if you totally can relate to it, haha! {apir} high five* welcome to the freak club!
No worries weirdos {hehe}, what I’m about to share is just a few tips which I personally think the best way to maximize the time you have especially when you are a lone ranger in this amazing town. Also applicable to single traveler who wish to enjoy the city all by herself/himself when there’s an extra hours you can make use with, despite your tight itinerary.
Hop in a Cafe and Teleport.
There’s alot of cafes you can find in divisoria’s street alone {in fact…ga abay2 ra na sila}. You might want to settle in a crowded place but for me, I prefer calmer atmosphere {lol another effect sa ‘aging’ na tingali}. How to spot a calm cafe is a no-brainer, just take a peek at the window and then decide. Next, get inside and feel the vibe… good music should matter and the ambiance as well! The point of staying inside the cafe is actually to get lost with books. When you don’t have one, then go to a cafe that’s filled with lots of it such as The Librewry Cafe.
Jog or walk it out.
If you’re already dolled up for somewhat a formal/professional meeting then, forget it. However, if you are dressed-down and no plans of spending while killing your time then this idea is specially designed for you sir/madam! There’s Mc Arthur Park, if you’re not really sure where…just tell the manong motorela to drop you off at ‘muck artor’ {hehe} Because my dearies, I have to warn you {nyahaha!!!} if you say it with an accent, you might end up in a totally different location {did I mention true story?} LOL lol lOl. There’s another location with cleaner atmosphere and it’s at the city’s sports center popularly called Palaro. If I’m not mistaken, entrance is only 25 pesos and in return you get a decent view with a rubberized running track.
Window Shopping in Cogon.
Get inside a jeepney and ask the driver’s assistant {a.k.a ‘kondoktor’} to drop you off at Cogon. This place is basically a merkado {market}… like, we have one in carmen {another barangay in cdo} but Cogon is considered as the city’s main one. Use your guts to eventually stop somewhere and just explore any stores you’ll pass by. You’ll be surprised how affordable things are and maybe you’ll discover your kind of gems that you can’t find anywhere inside shopping malls. Have you heard Unitop in cogon market? you want cheaper way to makeover your house? are you looking for an amazing ‘pasalubongs’ for family and friends? this should be your mission but also bear in mind to secure your wallet and gadgets when you’re on it. wink*
Day dream at the beach.
Apple Tree’s Restaurant knows how to treat their customers right. That is why I prefer to chill at this beach resort if I’m in the mood for beach day and they serve a teapot of coffee for just 50pesos, can you believe it? it’s like winning a raffle prize every time they serve my coffee rofl*. Imagine this: enjoying the amazing beach view, breathing fresh salty air, just daydreaming the day away, recalling good memories, wishing good things, sipping on a 50 pesos coffee – alone but no problem. 🙂
Get a massage.
Good news my friend, there’s a cheaper way to get a massage here in cdo but minus the spa-ish ambiance or the therapeutic scent. You can definitely kill your time with an ‘outdoor massage’ {yes, you read it right. why not? *funny face} with people who are fairly to highly experienced therapist at this specific area we call ‘amphitheater’. Another downside which is worth mentioning is that, you’ll probably smell air pollution from time to time because it is really situated near city’s main road. But hey, you know what? aside from being able to feel so good from the massage itself, it feels extremely awesome to realize that you are actually helping these folks too.
End
Am I missing anything here? let me know because we love exploring new fun, exciting places around cdo and probably will blog about it too! Big Tango!!
Tips{y} Liz 