Happy Holi-bay

On a lazy Sunday night when the traffic is manageable, we suggest you take a drive towards Roxas Blvd. A leisurely walk by the Manila Bay promenade is an alternative activity from the usual Sunday night movie or weekend stroll at the mall. Take time out to enjoy the sea breeze and dine under the moonlight.

There are lots of cafés to choose from without having to burn holes in your pocket. Aside from the dining experience, massage services are available to soothe you from head to foot. And if you intend to bring the kids, cartoon movies are shown under the coconut trees reminiscent of the movie Cinema Paradiso but with a tropical twist. There is also a Bonsai exhibition which is a visual feast for all ages. You can also watch and choose from different live bands performing while devouring boiled peanuts, everyone’s favorite comfort food. And for the shopaholics, Islands Souvenirs has an outlet to complete that weekend shopping itch. Although an inexpensive alternative, it is still very rich on experience. The moonlight and ambiance are free.

24/7 has prepared a list of cafés that are lined up on the romantic Manila Bay promenade. To satisfy your insatiable cravings for different dishes, here are the recommended establishments to choose from.

KORYO HOUSE GRILL – Korean BBQ on a stick is the top seller – a choice of pork or chicken and costs only P70 with a bottle of chilled beer. The Tuna Belly and jaws (panga) are grilled before you, which cost only P300 and good for four to five servings. Korean tourists frequent the joint and order the beef bulgogi while chatting the night away.

LOLA TONAS – No need to get up early for the dawn masses to taste this seasonís bibingka and puto bumbong. Available all year and any time of the day when your mouth waters for it. The scent of flavored steamed rice cakes and kesong puti indeed add to that holiday feeling.

BLUE BAY DIMSUM – The classic Siopao Asado or Bola Bola and chicken feet at the price of P25 is without a doubt better than any low- priced joint in the metropolis. After a night of hard core partying in Malate, this is the place to recover and to fill up our stomach.

RAM’S CHINESE PAVILION – For that complete Chinese lauriat, the menu offers dishes good for family size servings. Complete with red colored canopy and Chinese lanterns making the venue also suitable for special and big social gatherings by the bay. The soy chicken or soy asado is highly recommended by the friendly staff.

CAFé… ADRIATICO BY THE BAY – Operated by the LJC Group of Restaurants, The Chocolate Eh with Ensaymada is a must taste as you step into this romantic set-up. There are good choices of wine prepared for those who choose to watch the sky explode with colors at sundown.

LITSON EXPRESS – Who cares about what the gym instructors say and what the nutritionists warn against, you are here to experience the famed Filipino fiesta flavor. Roasted pig and soda are all you need. The experience brings us back to the annual fiestas celebrated in our hometowns from our childhood.

KAPALUA – An interesting site with that old Manila transport icon, the Matorco double-decked bus now converted into a dessert bar. This is the most photographed establishment in the area. Blaring hip-hop and R&B music makes it the favorite hang-out of the young. The banana split with all the toppings you desire at the cost of P50 will surely satisfy that sweet tooth.

YAKATORI DORI – Start singing that ’80s Vapors song Turning Japanese! The place is manned by a jolly crew singing and dancing to ’80s tunes and other songs from the era. The Tendon, Don Buri, Oyakodon are dishes they are proud of. So far the best priced Japanese menu in Malate.

The merry week schedule from 12 to 18 December of 24/7

12 December – Friday

• A PPO Christmas with Kyla at the Folk Arts Theater grounds

• 7th Soul at Streetscape at the Shangri-la Mall

• DecaDance with Boyet Almazan at Dream@6750

• Le funk at Absinth

• Vibe Fridays at Wasabi

13 December – Saturday

• El Otro Lado De La Cama (The Wrong Side of the Bed) at Instituto Cervantes

• 20th Christmas Concert at the Pen lobby

• Christmas Snow Show at the University Theater, UP Diliman

• Urinetown the Musical, RCBC Theater

• Circo Loco with DJ Manolet Dario and Fritz Barth percussionist at Dream@6750

• Jose Cuervo Club Nights at Temple

• Alternative Acoustic Night at Flute

14 December – Sunday

• Come To The Stable 3! Sinag Tala Charity Concert at Francisco Santiago Hall Equitable PCIBank Tower 1

• Isabel Diaz & Ramon Diaz Art show at Nielson Tower

• Imaginary Invalid at The Wilfredo M. Guerrero Theater at UP Diliman

• UP Jazz Ensemble Christmas Concert at the Greenbelt 3 Fountain Area.

15 December – Monday

• Glow at OnStage Greenbelt

• Guarana at Café Havana Greenbelt

• 8 Track Retro Band at Chef and Brewer, Ortigas Center

• Rasta Night – Raggae Fever at Flute

16 December – Tuesday

• The Nutcracker at the CCP Main Theater

• Ebony Grooves with Jon Herrera at V

• Good Life at Temple

17 December – Wednesday

• National Security (Voice of the Hydrocephalus) at the CCP Little Theater

• Healing Hands with Raul Sunico at the Le Pavilion

• Bailey’s Wednesdays featuring Radha at Greenbelt 2

• Crossover Bar Tour – Time & A Half at Dish

18 December – Thursday

• Mitch Valdes Rock & Rules at OnStage Greenbelt

• Reyguson exhibit at the Mag:net Gallery, ABS-CBN Compound

• Breathe of Christmas featuring The Philippine Madrigal Singers at the CCP

• DJ Steve Mills at Grassi’s

• Electrobrasil at V Bar