Entry 006-10: Stripping Magsaysay

Who would think a residential area will evolve into a resto/bar strip? That was the scenario six years ago; of course Villa Caceres Hotel started it all but it was Chilli Peppers who started the buzz and the rest as they say are history. Now the area boasts about 10 bars/restaurants but the way things are going … it will double in few years time.

Alas singko na! An mga kalag buhay na buhay. For the modern-day yuppies after all the (hard)day’s work they have a variety resto/bar to choose, from the basic grill, oriental dish, live bands, fast-foods, coffee, French-inspired, even pastries can be found in the new Magsaysay strip.

Legend 1: Avenue Square as the ad says will house the best in pizza (Shakey’s Pizza), chicken (Max Chicken), coffee (Starbucks), beauty (?) and finest entertainment center.

Legend 2: Chilli Peppers can fill you up with their Jurassic Ribs, Baby Come-Back, their delicious Arroz and jumbo size juice. For oriental craver or Pinoy-inspired dishes there's Coco Leaf. If you like cozy, open ambience drink with buddies Grilling Point is a place to hang-out, well, as the place say grilled foods is the house specialty. Just a few hike you’ll find Basilica Soleil (check-spelling) from what I heard it offers French-style dine for solace evening being within the compound of the Basilica Minore, after all the sinful dine you have a church to confess after.

Legend 3: The spot is a mix of orientals, live bands, health+spa and a coffee stop. ClubM8 offers live band performances every night. Just below it is Cobb’s a fast food that offers chicken to mashed potato, or simply your basic budget meals. Then there Bombay Blues for your shawarma dee-lite, curry-flavored or heavy spiced delicacies as the Ramchand’s won’t disappoint their customers being an authentic Indian themselves. For a caffeine-lover there’s Bean Bag to satisfy your craving but the place is not just for coffee-addict the Molino Grill offers good wine and spirits as beautiful women abound in keeping you sober.

Legend 4: Graphical Error

Legend 5: The new kids in the block. Maki-Yaki, as their front door says "your Japanese restaurant", as outsider I see 3 or 4 tables, it’s a small place every time I pass by all chairs are booked! Sushi, Sashimi anyone? Just beside is another resto/bar, its difficult to pronounce because the restaurant has no name! But people seem to enjoy the food because they’re beginning to have their regular crowd. There's Clementine!, I love their food when they were at the DMG Building-Peñafrancia where they served gourmet-style dining but they’re more known here for their tasty cakes.

Legend 6: The veterans. Villa Caceres Hotel may well be their grand-daddy. Bob Marlin who offers seafood (as in malasugui, lobster, etc.) can be their great uncle as they pioneered the area while San Diego is your typical beer hub for avid karaoke singers.

Legend 7: Starmark Royale is not your everyday vogue; it’s designed for royal occasions like wedding, anniversaries, parties as they specialize catering. Just afoot is Bigg’s Diner, good food not fast food, a Bicol original amidst increasing fast food chains.

After all the heavy intakes, blood pressure going up or if you have sudden onset of migraine due to shortage or cash flaws there’s Mercury drug to answer your needs. What a relief!

Advice to newbie’s. Make sure you check your brakes and know exactly where you’re going because you could end up at Shawasi or taking the extreme right Melody Bar or Kanyaman is a different adventure ... adventure for the flesh.