CNNGo TV in Manila: The art, the food and the volcano
We visited the sprawling Philippines' capital Manila in this episode of CNNGo TV, through the monsoon rain and busy traffic.
From the artistic neighborhoods to the most down-to-earth community market, from the view of an active volcano to a trendy new hub transformed from a shoe expo center, here are five of the exciting locations coming up in this month's show.
Balaw-Balaw
Balaw-Balaw: as pleasing to eyes as to appetites.
This traditional Philippine restaurant honors its location in the heart of Angono, the country’s art capital, with a gallery of paintings and sculptures on site.
The restaurant’s name comes from the sauce originally created in Angono made from fermented rice, shrimps and bamboo shoots.
Open daily, 10 a.m.-10 p.m., 16 Doña Justa Subd. Ph., Angono, Rizal; +63 2 651 0110; website
Taal Volcano
Taal Volcano: great hike, lovely view.To escape the hustle of Manila, we take a day trip to an active volcano.
Taal Volcano’s last erupted in 1977, and you can still see debris and steam on the volcanic island.
It’s a short boat ride across Taal Lake to get to the island. You can then opt to hike the 90-minute trail to the top, or take a horseback ride to cut time. Once on top, the views of the crater lake and surrounding water are well worth the hike.
Cubao Expo (Cubao X)
From an old shoe center to a cultural neighborhood.The longtime Marikina Shoe Expo center has been reborn as a haven for artists, music lovers and Manila’s fashion-conscious crowd.
From antique shops, to record stores, to restaurants and bars, the boutiques that line the area are as unique as they are popular.
And yes, there are still a few options left to buy top quality and nicely priced Marikina leather shoes.
General Romulo Street, Araneta Center, Cubao QC, 1109; cubaoexpo.multiply.com
Dampa at the Farmers' Market
Dampa: buy, cook and eat on site. It doesn’t get fresher than that.It’s no surprise that as an island nation the Philippines is known for good seafood -- and this is the place to get it.
One of Manila’s largest wet markets, the Farmers' Market at Cubao, is also one of its cleanest.
It’s organized with a selection of fresh meats and produce. But come for the seafood, with a Dampa, or row of restaurants, on site, you can get your freshly bought catch cooked to your specifications on the spot.
Open daily, see website for opening hours; General MacArthur Avenue, adjacent to the Cubao MRT station, Quezon City; website
Salcedo Community Market
A great place to get to know the country’s cuisine and residents.Every Saturday morning, a parking lot in Manila’s commercial hub is transformed into a food lovers' paradise.
The Salcedo Community Market started eight years ago as a place for Makati residents to meet and strengthen their sense of community.
From its humble roots, the market has grown into a Manila mainstay, with more than 130 stalls serving up organic food from many of the outlying provinces.
Open Saturday, 7 a.m.-2 p.m., Salcedo Community Market, Velasquez car park between Leviste and Tordesillas streets, Salcedo Village, Makati City; www.facebook.com/SalcedoMarket
