Where's Wina: A Boho Paradise in Metro Manila

Marikina City is a vibrant hub of culture, creativity, and history. It's most known to be the shoe capital of the Philippines and more recent times, it has established itself as a place for food tripping and neighborhood coffee shops. But there's something else this city has to offer - a break from the hustle of the Metro life. 

Where is Wina is a charming and quaint hideaway Airbnb located in Marikina City which offers more than just a place to stay. According to its Instagram profile, it's perfect for intimate gatherings, content, or prenup shoots, and yes, staycation. It has been featured by several media for being such an Instagrammable accommodation. My friends and I, have wanted to gather and bond as a group for the longest time, but we needed a place that's feasible to go for all of us. And so we booked an overnight stay at Where is Wina. 

A Stylish Home in Marikina 

Where is Wina is tucked away in a tranquil neighborhood so you're sure to have a serene atmosphere while also being just a stone's throw away from the city's vibrant offerings. When you step inside, you'll find the attention to detail and warm ambiance enveloping you, instantly making you feel like you've found your home away from home.  

This two-story Airbnb can accommodate up to 8 people as it is comprised of three rooms: the white room, the blue room, and the brown room. And whether you choose to rent the entire house or rent one or two rooms only, you'll still get the entire place to yourselves. The interiors of this place are full of personality and very snap-worthy.  

The couch filled with our presents for each other 

Brought some coffee table books as decor. Made use of the place for a few content shoots for Reader's Den MNL too. 

We had a phone like this at our house before I broke it. LOL! 

Our Bedroom Accommodations

The white room has two beds and over by that curtain, are sliding doors that lead to the pool area. So you know, if you feel like going for a swim, you can just easily do so through this room. 

The blue room has a double bed, its own bathroom, and an outdoor bathtub. 

The Outdoors 

Where is Wina outdoors is just as charming as it is on the inside. It's surrounded by plants and has a small manmade fish pond. 

There's also a large outdoor dining area. That's where we spent most of our time, eating, chatting, and drinking. Where is Wina has a kitchen area where you can cook but we didn't bother. We had Grabfood delivery instead. 

Welcome drinks. Tasty home-brewed iced tea! 

There are also a couple of activities you can do at Where is Wina such as painting though I'm not sure if they'll provide the paint for you or you'll bring your own and table tennis, which we played for only a little while.  

This boho paradise won't be complete without a sparkling swimming pool with really cold water. 

We had an overall great stay at Where is Wina. This Airbnb is as beautiful as it is in photos and I would recommend the place to anyone looking for a quick getaway without leaving Metro Manila. 

To more bonding time and lasting friendship with these ladies 

   

Dining Experience at the Airplane Restaurant in Tayabas City

I had the chance to go to Quezon Province recently and finally was able to check out Air Summit Gourmet. It's the first and only airplane restaurant in the Philippines that offers a fine dining experience.   

I first learned about this interesting concept for a restaurant from an acquaintance who wanted to also do a concept restaurant. As I was searching Google for ideas on concept restaurants, I stumbled upon this. 

Together with my cousins, we drove to Tayabas City to experience dining at Air Summit Restaurant. As soon as we got into the area, the airplane above came into view. If you're bringing a car, don't worry there are parking spaces. 

Check-In  Process

Just like in an actual airport, there's a "check-in" area at Air Summit Gourmet before you can board the plane. 

Pieces of luggage surround the check-in counter 

Clocks that show various times in different countries

My cousin waiting for "boarding" 

Our "boarding pass"

 

Also saw this dining setup at the check-in area. Maybe guests can also dine here when the plane is full. 

Inside the Plane 

Finally, we're about to board the plane! 

A nice lighting fixture inside Air Summit 

Air Summit was packed when we got there for lunch. The airplane restaurant is apparently a popular place to dine.

 

There's a boarding and landing announcement and even reminders to fasten seat belt. Even the service crew were dressed like flight attendants to keep in the concept of selling the experience of airplane restaurant fine dining. 

Our window view 

Ready for Take Off! 

Air Summit Gourmet offers a selection of both international and local cuisines. Here's everything we ordered. 

Tuna creamy pasta 

Tuna Belly

Fish fillet orange sauce 

Strawberry cheesecake 

Leche flan and java rice 

 
The Overall Experience 

I wasn't disappointed with the food and neither were my companions. But it's honestly just okay. Satisfactory but not nothing special. I think it's really the experience of dining in an airplane restaurant that one pays for. By the way, they only accept cash for payment so make sure you have more than enough. ATMs are quite a drive from the Air Summit Gourmet. 

We enjoyed the dining experience at Air Summit Gourmet and I would recommend that people try it even just once. 

 

Coffee Shops to Check Out at Bangkal, Makati

 What I love about living in the city is that there is always something new to check out. Some new attraction, mall, restaurant,s and coffee shops. Speaking of coffee shops, I've noticed recently a few cafes that have been popping up in the neighborhood of Bangkal, Makati. 

Bangkal has been known for thrift shopping because of the many thrift stores you'll find there. But now I'm thinking there may be a new thing coming up for this particular neighborhood and that's the coffee shops. As a coffee drinker and someone who likes hanging out at cafes, I thought I scoped out some of these coffee shops. 

Cafe 1911

This is the latest coffee shop I visited located along Captain M. Reyes Street. It's hard not to notice this new cafe whether you're walking by or looking out the window while riding the jeepney. It rocks an all-white interior.  

I think it looks simple and nice especially on a bright and sunny day.  I read it's a Korean-inspired cafe so I invited my cousin who loves Korean stuff to go with me.

According to what's posted on their wall, Cafe 1911 is built as a tribute to the owners' fathers who are now just a memory. They hope that through the cafe, they'll be able to share that same feeling of joy and love that has filled their life's cups.

Aside from coffee, the shop carries non-coffee drinks such as Iced-C Tea and Passion Fruit Juice, pastries and pasta on their menu. We tried their coffee and some pastries. 

 

It's good coffee and delicious pastries indeed. 

Cafe Seventy Six 

Cafe Seventy Six with its white painted wall stands out in a street that's lined up with houses. I discovered this coffee shop while walking around the neighborhood. I've been a regular customer of this cafe since then. 

They have quite a number of selections for drinks, but not a lot for food. They do have my favorite Jammin' Jamaica patties so that's a plus on my book! 

I like the white and brown colors they have here. Looks warm and inviting to stay at. Try their banoffee latte! That's my fave! Also not to be missed is their affogato. The barista told us about it and even encouraged us to take a video of the espresso being poured on the ice cream because you know, it's the day and age of sharing on social media.  

Cafe Seventy Six's beginnings started in 2019 when a group of friends came up with the idea to open a coffee shop. The following year, 2020, that idea came to fruition. They originally were set to open a cafe in Legaspi Village, Makati but then the pandemic and series of lockdowns happened. When they pivoted, they started online, catering to take-outs and deliveries only until a year later, when finally they were able to put up their cafe in Bangkal, Makati. 

Convenience Coffee Shop

I found out about Convenience Coffee Shop via Instagram. I then asked my cousin to check it out with me. Unlike the first two cafes though, it was a bit harder to find this coffee shop. I recall my cousin and I reached the end of Apolinario street, Bangkal, almost at the highway but we didn't see it. Turned out, that we'd already walked past it. It was already early evening and the cafe was closed. It doesn't stand out like Cafe 1911 or Cafe Seventy Six. Convenience Coffee Shop blends in. 

You can buy this shirt at Convenience Coffee Shop 

Though they don't they have a lot of coffee drinks and food selection (I think they're still building up their menu),  I've also been a regular customer. Though quite far from where I live, I love staying here, sitting outside even when the heat of the afternoon sun hits my spot. I brought a friend here once and we spent an afternoon just chatting away for hours until it was time to go because the cafe was closing. 

Sometimes, I bring a book to read or I borrow one of their magazines. They have quite a magazine selection! And I'm not just talking about back issues of the Good Housekeeping. Sometimes, I just sit there, quietly drinking my coffee. 

When I'm in need of a breather from the craziness of work and life, I go here. They even have a sign that encourages it. Sit down, slow down, drink coffee. 

Bonus

There's another coffee shop in Bangkal, Makati that's sure to be a hit among fans of BTS. Read about my visit to Rkive Cafe.