The Urban Roamer

That 70’s Bistro Show

July 30, 2014July 30, 2010 by The Urban Roamer

We’ve roamed along streets, buildings, monuments to name a few. Today, allow this roamer to take you somewhere different this time…where one can rock his heart out.

So I found myself one night at the famed 70’s Bistro bar along Anonas St. in Project 2, Quezon City.

For one thing, you might find the location a bit far off from the more “commercial” part of Anonas St., particularly the area near the corner of Aurora Blvd., not to mention the place looking “out of place” in a surrounding that is mostly residential in nature. But being an “institution” in itself that has established its footing throughout its almost 20-year existence, it stands out and stands proud in this part of the neighborhood, something that the residents there are proud of as their own.

the “other” mansions of the President

July 29, 2014July 21, 2010 by The Urban Roamer

We all know that Malacañang is the house associated with the President of the Philippines, but who would have known that the President, or to be more specific, the Office of the President, maintains a number of other houses (some of them function today as guesthouses) around the area of the district of San Miguel in Manila?

The probably most renowned and has figured in the news recently is the Laperal Mansion or the Arlegui Guest House. Located along Arlegui St. just a few walks away from the Malacañang grounds itself, the closest among the houses to the Palace.

Malacañang from outside the gates

July 29, 2014July 7, 2010 by The Urban Roamer

For a place as powerful and rich in history as Malacañang, it is somehow frustrating how much limited access an ordinary citizen has in visiting this place. While the restrictions are understandable given the importance of securing the country’s seat of power, it would have been nice if perhaps there can be some occasions when at least some more leeway can be given for citizens to get to see a bit more of Malacañang and the treasures the Palace holds.

Roamer at the Palace: A day at the Malacañang Museum (Part 2)

July 29, 2014June 30, 2010 by The Urban Roamer

The second level of Kalayaan Hall by itself has a colorful history; it is just proper that this particular area holds a lot of memorabilia related to Malacañang’s history.

Probably the most important area in this level, and perhaps of the whole Kalayaan Hall as well, is the Quezon Room, which used to be the Executive Office of the President of the Philippines. First used by Manuel Quezon, (after whom the room was made) it was was where the President would hold formal and official business. (today, these functions being held at the Palace building itself)