At a recent meetup, I found myself back in Poblacion, Makati—an area of town I don't go to as often as I do Legaspi or Salcedo Village. After having coffee at Saglit by Flower Ranch Cafe, a friend suggested we get dinner at a nearby food joint - Pizzetta. 

Pizzetta opened last year, June 2025, to be exact, at 5687 Dona Carmen Street. When it first started operations, it had only a small space. My friend told me it could seat only a few customers, and so we couldn't stay long. When we got there, though, it turned out that Pizzetta now had a larger space right across the way—one that could hold bigger groups of people. 

What is Neapolitan Pizza? 

In case you're wondering what Neapolitan pizza is, it is the most famous type of Italian pizza, renowned for its straightforward ingredients and soft texture. Did you know that it's recognized by UNESCO as the epitome of Italian pizza-making and part of the world's intangible cultural heritage? 

Neapolitan pizza is not crispy or heavily topped, and it's not a pizza you eat on the go. Instead, it is characterized by its soft, elastic dough; puffy, airy crust; thin, tender center; and minimal toppings. In Italy, Neapolitan pizza is usually eaten with a knife and fork because the center is soft and delicate. 

What's so special about Pizzetta? 

They offer Php99 pizzas! And I don't mean just a slice. I mean, an 8-inch-sized solo pizza with soft, chewy, and lightly charred Neapolitan-style crust. They have classic pizzas like Five Cheese Garlic and Creamy Spinach for Php99 and premium options like Samurai, handcrafted dough, and premium toppings with rich umami goodness priced a bit higher at Php129. 

Not in the mood for pizza? Pizzetta has also expanded its offerings to include pasta and salads. 

We ordered chicken masala and creamy spinach solo 

This alfredo pasta is only Php99 

For the price, it's already a steal! The pizzas were good and actually already good for 2 people to share. Though I wouldn't share! 😈 Our total bill was less than Php500, which already includes the service charge. 

Pizzetta is open 24/7 and even available for takeout and delivery via Grab. This pizza place was also named Grab Food's "This Year's 5-Star Eats Merchant."

Aside from being an affordable place to satisfy your pizza cravings, you can also linger around Pizzetta for a beer or two while you play billiards. 

Hang out with friends, drink beer and play pool at Pizzetta 

At Pizzetta, you can order local beers, imported beers, or other alcoholic drinks like whiskey and brandy. 

For me, Pizzetta is a great find that I hope will stay in Poblacion for a long time! It's worth going to when you want to satisfy your pizza cravings without breaking the bank. Its laid-back ambiance will invite you to stay and unwind especially after a long day's work alone or with friends.  

A Festival of Gratitude: UNIQLO Says Thank You With Exclusive Offers and More

At the heart of every UNIQLO Thank You Festival is a simple message: gratitude. As a celebration inspired by the customers and communities who continue to support the brand, the biannual festival transforms appreciation into meaningful experiences—from exclusive promotions and innovative essentials to initiatives that create positive impact beyond stores.

UNIQLO deeply values the unwavering support of its customers and communities. Serving as a heartfelt tribute to those who have made LifeWear a part of their daily lives, the UNIQLO Thank You Festival returns nationwide from May 22 to May 28. 

This year’s celebration goes beyond seasonal offers, as it also highlights purposeful partnerships, sustainability, and a deep commitment to social responsibility. Every story is shaped by care, innovation, and the people behind the brand who bring LifeWear to life every day.

A “Thank You” that Pays it Forward

In the spirit of giving back, UNIQLO Philippines is strengthening its support for local education. Recognizing the resource gaps in public schools, the brand recently broke ground on a new classroom at Tanda Elementary School in General Santos to support T’boli students. 

 As part of its Heart of LifeWear initiative, UNIQLO donated AIRism shirts to students and teachers—contributing to over 35,000 items distributed for community and disaster relief nationwide.

As part of its bigger Heart of LifeWear sustainability initiative, UNIQLO also donated AIRism shirts to students and teachers alike to champion comfort in the classroom. It adds to a milestone of over 35,000 LifeWear items distributed to communities in need and disaster relief efforts across the country, including pre-loved pieces donated by customers. The initiative proves that in UNIQLO’s Thank You Festival, the sense of gratitude reaches far and wide.

A “Thank You” Translated into Curated In-Store Experiences

The UNIQLO Thank You Festival transforms every UNIQLO store into a space of celebration, featuring exciting deals that reflect the brand's promise of quality and practicality. Everyone can join the fun and make the most out of these special promotions:

• Best-Value Everyday Essentials: Over 50 LifeWear items at special prices, with favorites like the Crew Neck Short Sleeve T-Shirt and kids' AIRism Cotton pieces starting at just PHP 390. 

• First-Time Offers: Significant savings on premium staples, now on sale for the first time, including Premium Linen Long Sleeve Shirts (now PHP 1,490) and Oxford Boxy Long Sleeve Shirts (now PHP 990). 

• Exciting Collaborations: The highly anticipated UNIQLO and Cecilie Bahnsen womenswear collection officially launches on May 22, showcasing a line-up of romantic, feminine pieces for both women and girls. Customers are also rewarded with a free packable duffle bag for every single-receipt purchase of at least PHP 3,500 during the festival week.

Over 50 LifeWear items at special prices—starting at just PHP 390. Includes favorites like the Crew Neck Short Sleeve T‑Shirt and kids’ AIRism Cotton, plus first-time deals on premium staples.

A “Thank You” That Makes Shopping Online Even Easier

For this year’s Thank You Festival, UNIQLO continues to enhance the online shopping journey for UNIQLO App members. The week-long celebrations showcase exclusive sizes, pre-launch access, and improved "Voice of Customer" feedback features. With specialized online-to-offline corners in select stores, the brand also ensures that convenience and gratitude go hand-in-hand. 

More than a retail event, the UNIQLO Thank You Festival is a nationwide moment of connection. By blending customer-focused rewards with community-driven initiatives, UNIQLO reaffirms that the most meaningful way to say "thank you" is by contributing to an inclusive and better everyday life for all.

 

Celebrate the UNIQLO Thank You Festival by checking out UNIQLO in-store and online. For more information and to get all the latest updates on UNIQLO, visit www.uniqlo.com/ph/en/ and follow @uniqlo.ph on Facebook and @uniqlophofficial on Instagram and TikTok. 

Why Metro Manila’s Museums Are the Place to Be This May

If your idea of a museum still involves quiet halls, slow walks, and respectfully observing things behind glass, Metro Manila’s museum scene this May might feel a little more interesting than usual.

International Museum Day 2026 falls on a Monday, but many museums across the metro aren’t limiting the celebration to just one day. Instead, they’re rolling out programs throughout the month—ranging from free and discounted admission to special tours and select interactive experiences designed to make museum visits feel more engaging than usual.

This year’s global theme, “Museums Uniting a Divided World,” shows up locally in different ways: through accessibility, storytelling, and, in some cases, more immersive programming that invites visitors to engage with culture beyond just viewing it.

What ties everything together is simple—this is one of those rare weeks when stepping into a museum feels easier, more inviting, and more worth the detour than usual.

So whether you’re planning a quick weekday culture stop or lining up a visit around free admission days and special programs, May is quietly shaping up to be a good time for museum-hopping in the metro.

Your May weekends? Consider them officially booked

The National Museum Turns Culture Into a Full-On Adventure

The National Museum of the Philippines is not easing into International Museum Day—it’s going all in.

At the National Museum of Fine Arts, Art Bridging Divides: A Special Tour and Interactive Activity reimagines the galleries as spaces for conversation, in which artworks serve as prompts for reflection, exchange, and storytelling. There’s also Art Quest: Decoding the Masterpiece Edition, where iconic Filipino works turn into clues waiting to be solved rather than just observed.

Over at the National Museum of Anthropology, the Mapping Challenge and Discovery Quest invite visitors to explore Philippine heritage through interactive discovery—less passive viewing, more “figure it out as you go.”

And then there’s the one that feels straight out of a movie: the National Museum of Natural History’s special Night at the Museum experience, celebrating both International Museum Day and the museum’s ninth anniversary.

Picture this: dimmed halls, after-hours access, riddles tucked into exhibits, and immersive challenges inspired by the Philippines’ rich biodiversity. It’s part mystery, part exploration, and fully giving escape-room energy—just with actual fossils and taxidermy instead of padlocks. 

Find out more about the museum's activities. Visit their Facebook page. 

Museo de Galleon: A New Museum That Makes History Feel Alive

If you haven’t made your way to Museo de Galleon at SM Mall of Asia yet, this is your sign.

One of the newer cultural spaces in the metro, it brings the Manila–Acapulco Galleon Trade to life through immersive installations, multimedia storytelling, and exhibits that make centuries-old maritime history feel surprisingly cinematic.

Photo credit: Inquirer 

For the month of May, they’re offering free tours—making it one of the easiest (and most budget-friendly) ways to slot a culture stop into your weekend MOA plans. 

The Met Manila Turns “Museum Day” Into Museum Playtime

The Metropolitan Museum of Manila in BGC is waiving entrance fees from May 19 to 31, but what makes it stand out is how un-serious (in the best way) parts of it feel right now.

Current exhibitions include:

• Seams of Memory by Winna Go
• Omocha: Japanese Toys Today in partnership with The Japan Foundation Manila
• Femme Hommage from The M Collection

But beyond the galleries, things get more interactive than expected. Visitors can try Japanese toys at Omocha, join creative activities at The M Art Studio with Museum Mayhem!, or even test their luck at a Gashapon corner featuring collectible surprises.

It’s part museum, part play zone, part “why is this actually so fun?”

Curious what a visit to The Met is like beyond this lineup? I wrote about my visit to the Banksy exhibit there a while back.

Yuchengco Museum Goes Free for Two Days (Yes, Free-Free)

No overthinking needed here—just go.

On May 17 and 18, Yuchengco Museum opens its doors for free, giving access to a mix of exhibitions that span sculpture, photography, fashion, spirituality, and Filipino cultural identity.

Current exhibits include:

• Pasulong: Recent Sculptures by Anton Quisuimbing
• Nakita sa Makati: A Photobook and Fashion Exhibit by Bernie Bacosa
• The World According to Jaime de Guzman: A Hermit Planter’s Last Years in Mount Banahaw
• Agimat at Anting-Anting: Objects of Protection & Belief from Mount Banahaw
• Art in Progress by Marco Y. Santos

It’s the kind of lineup that makes you realize how wide and layered “Filipino identity” really is—without feeling like a textbook lesson.

Ayala Museum Is Your New “Late Afternoon in Makati” Plan

Ayala Museum is leaning into something we don’t do enough of: slow afternoons that turn into cultural detours.

This May, in celebration of National Heritage Month, they’re offering discounted admission from Tuesday to Thursday, 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Regular entry is Php200, with select rates going as low as Php120—an easy excuse to wander through dioramas, contemporary exhibits, and rotating collections without rushing.

It’s less “museum marathon,” more “post-work reset in Makati that accidentally makes you feel smarter.” 

Check this for the full details.

Museums in the Metro Are Having a Moment

Something interesting is unfolding in Metro Manila’s museum scene—but not in a way that signals a permanent shift.

For International Museum Day 2026, different museums are marking the occasion in different ways. Some are opening their doors for free or at discounted rates, while others are rolling out special programs like guided tours, heritage walks, and limited-time interactive activities that add a different layer to the usual museum visit.

Some of these experiences take place over the weekend, while others—like the National Museum’s programs—are scheduled for the day itself, which falls on a Monday.

That mix is what makes this stretch feel worth paying attention to. It’s a short window where museums feel a bit more accessible, a bit more intentional, and a little more inviting than usual.

So if you’ve been meaning to visit one, this might be a good time to actually do it. 

In Case of Fire: Stories and Lessons from Bomberos de Manila

Sirens are often part of Metro Manila's soundtrack. Sometimes it's the police, an ambulance rushing a patient to the hospital, or a fire truck.

And fire truck sirens? Those are the ones that often feel a little heavier and linger a little longer.

It is a sound so intense that it can often be heard from a mile away. It cuts through traffic and signals motorists and pedestrians alike to give way. It’s a sound that can blast through any given time of day, even cutting through the silence of the night when most people are already asleep.

There’s something about it that feels different—more urgent, more final. As if every second matters in a way we can’t quite see.

Because somewhere, something is burning.

March, being Fire Prevention Month in the Philippines, puts that reality a little more front and center. It’s a reminder that fires aren’t just distant incidents we hear about—they’re real, immediate, and often closer to home than we think.

And yet, like everything else in the city, even that urgency fades. The siren passes, the noise settles, and life moves on. We usually don't think about where that fire truck is headed, who’s inside it, or what they’re about to face.

That changed for me when I joined the Bumberos de Manila walking tour.

What I thought would be a simple city experience became something far more grounding—a glimpse into the world behind those sirens. Not just the trucks or the equipment, but the people who respond when the rest of the city is trying to get away.

After that day, the sound of a fire truck didn’t feel like just another part of the noise. It felt like a story in motion—one that starts long before the siren, and doesn’t end when it fades.

What is the Bomberos de Manila Fire Station Historic Tour?

The Bumberos de Manila Fire Station Tour is a special tour organized by Renaciemento Manila that takes us to four historic fire stations around Manila to learn about the evolution of firefighting and hear stories about the stations themselves. It's a tour that aims to put a spotlight on our firefighters, to honor the "Bomberos" who have dedicated their lives to guarding Manila for generations as we observe Fire Prevention Month this March. 

The tour consisted of visiting the following fire stations:

• San Nicolas Fire Station
• Intramuros Fire Station
• Santa Cruz Fire Station 
• Paco Fire Station 

Whether you're a content creator, someone who enjoys learning about history, a curious Manileño, or even a student, there's something here for you to learn! 

A Walk Through History: The Firefighters of Manila

Our tour was led by subject expert Dr. Peter Rallos. While we walked to the first fire station, the Intramuros Fire Station, to get to the rest of the stations, we took a rental jeep. I learned so many interesting things during the Bomberos de Manila Historic Tour 

First Stop: Intramuros Fire Station 

Did you know that during the Spanish time in the Philippines, there were no regular firefighters? Back then, it was the street sweepers' job to drag Manila's antiquated and only fire wagon to the scene.

And before the modern-day fire trucks that we know of, the old fire truck was horse-drawn? The horses were also imported because the Philippine horses were small. 

 It was only in 1913 that it was replaced by a Christie front-drive motor-tractor from New York City, which improved the firefighters' response time and was more cost-efficient. 

Second Stop: San Niccolas Fire Station

Inside San Nicolas fire station, you'll find a small museum where you can learn about the history of Manila City's firefighters. This is through the effort of one of the previous fire chiefs of the station, who was also a history buff, Jacinto Lorenzo, who served from 1935-1944. 

Old uniforms, as well as old firefighting gear and photos of firefighters from way back when, are displayed in this museum. And yes, you can actually visit this museum in the station, and it's completely free! 

Back in the old days, in the Spanish period, to be exact, there were no fire alarms. When a fire broke out anywhere in Manila, it was announced by a special tolling of church bells. Five strokes meant the fire was in Binondo, seven strokes meant a fire in Quiapo, ten strokes meant a fire in Quiapo, etc.  The telephones were also used to report fires back then. 

It was in July 1902 that an 80-box Gamewell Fire Alarm System replaced the church bells in Manila and telephones as the means of reporting fire emergencies. Back then, firefighters would listen to the alarm to determine where the fire was located. They had to memorize number codes and depending on the location, the station nearest to it would be the one to respond. 

A look inside the old Gamewell Fire Alarm System 

Today, these fire alarm systems are no longer around. Only a handful remain that were recovered around the City of Manila. One is still located inside the Tanduay Fire Station. 

Third Stop: Tanduay Fire Station 

At Tanduay Fire Station, we saw the old American Le France City Ladder Truck.  It was a truck that was made specifically to carry long ladders since back in the old days, fire trucks did not have everything with them. 

Did you know that there are only two of this specific model that remain intact? The other can be found in Toronto, Canada. 

And here's a look at the modern fire truck. It's come a long way from being pulled by horses! It now has compartments for storing firefighting gear. 

Last Stop: Paco Fire Station 

At Paco Fire Station, we were taught how to put out a fire. They showed us how to use a fire extinguisher and put out a fire if an LPG tank caught fire. 

I found this historic tour very refreshing. It was a different kind of history - one I didn't learn from school! I'm so glad I went on this tour. It gave me a deeper appreciation of the firefighters. This historical walking tour was done during Fire Prevention month. 

Renaciemento Manila is a cultural organization that's working towards the Cultural Rebirth of Manila. They hold various tours and even talks every month.

Bomberos de Manila Historical Tour is the second tour I've attended that they organized. I previously attended their Sunset Walking Tour, which you can also read about. 

Finding Romance in Manila’s History: A Sunset Walking Tour

Valentine's Day, as commercialized as it is, can be enjoyable even for us single people—especially these days! The week leading up to Valentine's, I saw many events happening around Metro Manila that piqued my interest. The event that most piqued my interest was the Singles Sunset Walking Tour by Renaciemento. A Singles Sunset Walking Tour by Renaciemento Manila. 

What's the Singles Sunset Walking Tour? 

According to their post, "The Singles Sunset Walking Tour is a special event dedicated to meeting fellow singles. It's a walking tour where stories about how love became part of specific places in the city, particularly Manila, will be shared, such as a wedding gift, buildings named after wives, power couples, and more. The Singles Sunset Walking Tour is an interactive experience that ends at the Pasig River Esplanade. And according to their post, maybe, just maybe, there's a chance to meet someone special.

This special tour is already in its second year. 

Who is this tour for?

For single people! 

Whether you're on a solo flight or with your single pals 'n gals, this tour is for the single folks. I took my younger cousin on this tour.

The tour began with a bingo card for us to fill out. It was up to us what pattern we wanted to create. This stage was the interactive part of the tour. We were supposed to go around talking to fellow attendees, looking for someone who might fit one of the categories on our card. 

I initially thought I'd go for "L", my initial. Then I thought I'd do a blackout pattern. I ultimately chose a pattern from the filled-out boxes. LOL! 

Discoveries Along Escolta 

We met at Calle Escolta, once Manila’s bustling central business district. Boutiques selling imported goods from China, Europe, and Latin America lined the street in its heyday.

Our first stop was the First United Building, which once housed Berg’s Department Store. The business was later run by Chinese businessman Sy Lian Teng, who was also the sole distributor of Pilot pens in the Philippines. Fun fact: Berg’s is the Rustan's Department Store of today. 

Across the street is the Regina Building, a neoclassical structure designed by Andres Luna de San Pedro, son of painter Juan Luna. It was named after Regina Gutierrez, the first wife of industrialist Don Leoncio de Leon. After she passed away, Don Leoncio married her sister Natividad, who also had a building named after her—the Natividad Building, once home to Philippine Education Co., now the Department of Education.

Nearby were the remains of Sylvel’s Department Store, a five-story building designed in the late 1960s by National Artist Leandro Locsin. 

We also stopped at the Calvo Building, once home to Robert “Uncle Bob” Stewart’s Republic Broadcasting System. It was also where Radyo Bisig Bayan began—now known as DZBB-AM under GMA Network.

Another historic site we passed was the former Crystal Arcade, designed by Andres Luna and considered the Philippines' first shopping mall, which was destroyed during the Battle of Manila.

The tour also took us past the Capitol Theater, designed by National Artist Juan F. Nakpil, where Disney’s Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs premiered in the Philippines.

As we walked further, we crossed the iconic Jones Bridge, which once carried the tranvia, Manila’s early streetcar system. 

Though not in Escolta, we also visited the El Hogar Building. This is located in Binondo. It's abandoned now, but its location was once Manila’s old financial district. The building was a wedding gift from Spanish businessman Don Antonio Melian Pavia to Margarita Zobel de Ayala, sister of Enrique Zobel de Ayala, whom he hoped to marry. Wow! Get you a man who'd give you a building as a wedding gift! 

A Look Into Jose Rizal’s Love Life

The tour eventually led us to Intramuros, where we learned more about the personal life of our national hero, Jose Rizal, particularly his love life. 

We saw the original site where the University of Santo Tomas once stood, founded by Bishop Miguel de Benavides. It was here that Rizal studied and experienced his first love at age sixteen with Segunda Katigbak, though their romance never blossomed because she was already promised to someone else.

At Plaza de Santo Tomas which served as the pocket plaza between Colegio de Santa Rosa and former site of UST 

His longest relationship was with Leonor Rivera, which lasted around ten years. They exchanged letters while Rizal studied abroad, but many never reached her because her mother intercepted them. Leonor eventually married a British man named Kipping. She is believed to have inspired Maria Clara in Noli Me Tangere.

The house where Jose Rizal once stayed while he was studying at University of Sto, Tomas 

Later in life, Rizal also fell in love with Josephine Bracken in Dapitan. They had a son named Francisco, but the child sadly lived for only three hours. Jose Rizal sure was a lover boy, wasn't he? 

Rizal was eventually executed by firing squad in Luneta Park, now Rizal Park. What many people don’t know is that he was first buried in Paco Park Cemetery under the alias RPJ to conceal his burial site. 

Historic Landmarks and a Sunset Ending

We also passed the Manila Cathedral, the mother of all churches in the Philippines. The cathedral today is its eighth version, rebuilt in 1954 after World War II. Filipino pop culture love team and real-life couple Sharon Cuneta and Gabby Concepcion were married here. Former Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos was one of their godfathers.

Our tour ended at the Pasig River Esplanade, just as the rain stopped and the sun began to set. It was a peaceful way to end Valentine’s Day—walking through Manila, learning its stories, and discovering that love can take many forms.

A view of El Hogar building across Pasig River Espalanade 

Enjoying the sunset at Pasig River Esplanade 

Before we parted ways, our guide left us with this thought:

“Love isn’t just for two people. It has many aspects.”

And perhaps one of them is rediscovering the city and its history together.

Notes: Want to learn more about Manila's architectural history? Read more about it on Arquitectura Manila, a blog I found, as I also did additional research about the buildings I saw during our walking tour. 

And with Holy Week coming up, you might also want to learn about Sampiro Kalbaryo, a walking tour organized by Wander Manila every Maundy Thursday.