• Makati

    Jollibee Gets A Jolly New Look

    What is there to say about Jollibee? It is pretty much a very well-known, beloved, and an omnipresent institution in the country that many people have talked about over the years. Jollibee has grown into a formidable force that even a global behemoth like McDonald’s could not conquer (And I just happened to have watched The Founder recently). Having occupied the topmost position in the country’s fastfood restaurant business for many years now, it would have been easy for Jollibee to be content in its position and become dull and stagnant, which would have jeopardized its long-held position. Thus, it is a pleasant surprise to see Jollibee make some bold steps…

  • The Guide

    Miss Universe in Manila

    During the past couple of years, we’ve had a leader of Catholic Church and leaders of the countries belonging to the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation grace Manila, and the country as a whole with their visit. This year, we have been graced again with the holding of perhaps one of the most celebrated events that has been beloved by many Filipinos as much as any important international event. I am of course talking about the Miss Universe pageant. This year’s Miss Universe pageant (technically, Miss Universe 2016 because of the screwed up schedule that pushed it further from the calendar year over time) is going to be held on January 30 this…

  • Pasig

    Two New Malls in the East

    Pasig in the eastern portion of Metro Manila has been, by large, a traditionally residential and industrial hub. And for a long while, it had a problem with regards to the commercial activity. Up until the 2000s, commercial development was largely confined to the Pasig side of the business district that is Ortigas Center. Come to think of it, the Pasig is not getting much from Ortigas Center as far as commercial activity is concerned since Mandaluyong and Quezon City got the “better parts” of the CBD, so to speak. At the time, Pasig’s only mall was the Ever Gotesco Mall Ortigas which opened in 1995 and, admittedly, was not…

  • City of Manila

    The Ayuntamiento…Finally!

    For those who have long known the Urban Roamer, either in person or through this site, it is no secret that for a long while, it has been a source of pining and frustration to get the opportunity to visit this one particular landmark in the metropolis ever since the completion of its restoration about 3 years ago. Unfortunately, circumstances were in the way of at least a couple of occasions that would have been the opportunity for me to get inside the storied structure. Those and the fact that there seemed to be no clear guidelines in place regarding possible tours inside the structure. Fortunately, it seems the guidelines…