by Monica Mei V. Cariño
Photos by Denise C. Santos

THE RAINS pour hard as the strong wind sweeps through.

You struggle as your bag hangs precariously on your shoulders, with your hands clasping your windswept umbrella. Moments like this make you wish you were anywhere but here, away from the rain-drenched grass, the water in your eyes and the squelch of your muddy shoes. But things may seem peachy when you’re at the right place at the right time.

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If the rainy season makes you want to read or simply watch the awful weather pass by, Cafe Xocolat and the LS Bookstore are the places to be.

Café Xocolat
With its range of desserts and drinks (both sugar-free and sinfully creamy) all made from chocolate, Café Xocolat is a great place to start if you’re willing to take the road less travelled.

Café Xocolat, along B. Gonzales st. in Varsity Hills, is just a stone’s throw away from the Ateneo. A warm and cozy café filled with small, quirky details that create a homey atmosphere: a red ceiling fan, Asian marionettes hanging on a divider, and pictures in an elaborate, artsy frame. The cool jazz beats playing lull you to a relaxed mood.

Of course, the bitter feelings from being wet and cold could disappear when you sample their best-seller, the Taza de Xocolat. The hot chocolate is creamy with a sweetness that is not overpowering as it has a bitter kick. Café Xocolat is a good place to just relax, put your feet up on one of the couches, and read, together with a delicious chocolate treat.

Loyola Schools Bookstore
If you want someplace closer, the LS Bookstore is a good place to start. Not only do they sell the standard textbooks, but they also showcase original books from the UST, La Salle and UP presses. By July, they will also be selling the latest books from Harvard and Princeton.

The bookstore also offers a collection of chick lit and easy reading books for those in the mood for something lighter. Aside from the usual school supplies, student-made products such as shirts, tarp bags, and notebooks are sold, as well as Ateneo memorabilia. Big, black sofas are placed at the corners, perfect seats for reading and having group discussions.

You can also enjoy your latest purchase with a steaming cup of coffee from a Figaro branch right outside the bookstore.

Meals and company
The rain could also be an excuse to bum around with friends and eat your hearts out.

Petron Station
Restaurant-hopping is fun, especially after battling it out with the natural elements. The Petron station beside Miriam College is flocked by students for a good reason: aside from its underground parking, it has a wide variety of restaurants to choose from.

It’s the place to grab a slice of Italian pizza at Sicilian Express, gobble Japanese sushi at Kamirori’s, chomp on Filipino sisig at Ineng’s, or splurge on steak at Steak MD. Finally, a heart-to-heart talk over cupcakes at Go Nuts Donuts in its warm and comfy area is a treat.

Game Crab Board Game Café
Childhood memories often include running in the rain with your friends. Wishing you can go back to those carefree days without losing finesse? Then Game Crab Board Game Café in Katipunan is a good alternative.

No one could go wrong with friends, tons of board games, and scrumptious snack food. The extensive collection of board games, from popular ones such as Quelf, Clue, and Cashflow to more obscure games such as Tigris and Euphrates and Blue Moon City could entertain you for hours. Don’t worry about not knowing how to play as there are friendly game masters that serve as referees.

UP Film Institute
Fancy your time alone engaged in a relaxing activity? If watching movies is your thing, then the UP Film Institute is the place for you.

CineAdarna, along Magsaysay Avenue in UP, showcases premieres, short films, independent, and award-winning films for only P85 a movie. Two hours of watching touching and thought-provoking films may take your mind off the pounding rain outside.

Watch out for film festivals, as entrance is usually free. If old, award-winning Hollywood movies are your thing, check out the Videotheque which charges P35 per movie.

Being stranded because of the rain can be a chance to catch up with friends, reminisce your childhood years, or learn something new. Finding your own getaway is easy and soon, you’ll be looking forward to the rainy days.