Best of Katipunan
by Paolo L. Kalagayan
Don’t know what to do with your long breaks? Or are you just interested in discovering something new? Here’s some of the best that Katipunan has to offer.
Best snack stall: Shanghai Siomai (FBR Arcade)
If you’re looking to grab a quick bite, their siomai and shark’s fin dumplings (P25 for four pieces) are reasonably cheap and tasty. There’s hardly any extender inside, and the filling is meaty and satisfying. They also offer gulaman (P10), which is refreshingly cold and just sweet enough.
Best place to buy a last-minute gift: Language of Roses (across KFC)
Open from 8 am to 7 pm, Language of Roses is the place to go. Whether you need one rose (P80) or a dozen (P800), they sell a variety of gift ideas, including stuffed toys.
Best place to geek out: XBX Interactive (beside Intermatrix)
Plop down into one of XBX’s comfortable recliners and play a game of NBA 2k9 or Left 4 Dead on an Xbox 360. Enjoy the ultimate gaming experience on one of their flat screen TVs.
Best pizza: Handuraw (inside XBX Interactive)
Their pizza has an incredibly thin and crispy crust, with the perfect amount of toppings–enough to get some in every bite, but not enough to overpower the delicious combination of melted cheese, crust, and tomato sauce.
Best place to rock out: Blue Skies (beside KFC)
Of all the Rock Band places in Katipunan, Blue Skies may not be the most aesthetically appealing with its dingy interior–but they definitely have the best song selection. Their PS3 hard drives are updated with the latest downloadable songs weekly.
Best places for food and free Wi-Fi: Xocolat (near Bo’s) and Kourtyard (second floor of Oracle Residences)
Aside from quirkily spelled names, both places offer good food, free Wi-Fi and an atmosphere conducive to serious meetings or hanging out with friends.
Best place for foodie finds: Village Pantry (next corner right at KFC)
Village Pantry sells a wide variety of gourmet delicacies on consignment. These include Sebastian’s premium ice cream (P250 a pint), Nathaniel’s Buko Pandan, Dulcelin mango torte, Goolai’s fresh and filling salads (P100+), Mita’s crispy cookies and lots more.
Best place for a fix of contemporary art and culture: Mag:Net Café (beside Rustan’s supermarket)
Mag:Net Café features art exhibits, indie records, and nightly performances ranging from poetry readings to musical performances and improvisational theater acts.
Best place to hang out in if you’re bored and alone: National Book Store
Not only is National Book Store within walking distance, it’s air-conditioned as well. The second floor is usually deserted, so you can take a seat in one of the chairs and quietly browse through the already-opened books. They offer a variety of books such as coffee table art books, language dictionaries, comics, cookbooks, and a lot more.
Best place to do something you might regret: Sin City Tattoos (near KFC)
As Katipunan’s only Tattoo parlor, you have to wonder how many drunken dares have ended up here with Cantina, Coast Net, and Drew’s all within walking distance.
Best places to print a paper: Intermatrix (near Bo’s) and Paradigm (FBR Arcade)
If you’re looking for a cheap place to print a 40-page term paper, Intermatrix charges P3 per page for black and white printing. If it’s closed, then try Paradigm Internet Café. The friendly and helpful staff actually sleeps there; hence, it’s open even during odd hours. Be prepared to spend more—Paradigm is a bit expensive at P5 per page.
Best place to pamper yourself after hell week: My Cool Mint Spa (beside Mongkok)
It offers Swedish, Shiatsu and Combination massages (P250/hour). The clean white interiors, the soothing smell of mint and their masseuses’ expertise ensure a relaxing experience.
Ey have you guys tried visiting “Perfect Brew” Dental Cafe? Its a cozy Coffee shop with a Dental clinic inside! They serve great coffee and awesome buffalo wings among others! And after having a hearty meal, you can have your teeth cleaned after! How convenient! The shop is located along Esteban Abada right behind Mc Donalds.