I have a furry housemate who's always keen to explore new places, and this is one of our favorite spots—the wide space, the soft green grass, and the nearby restaurants make it perfect for lazy Sunday mornings. And since the venue is known to be pet-friendly, your canine buddy is most likely to make new friends here as well.

Just recently my sister and I had to go to Divisoria to buy wedding supplies for our brother. That place has everything—and that is not an exaggeration. Aside from the bargains that had made us feel very proud of our shopping skills, my favorite part of our buying spree was walking over to nearby Binondo for lunch (and later on, dinner as well). Dimsum, stir-fried noodles, and glutinous rice pudding are just some of the mouthwatering fare you can look forward to at this Chinatown.

I used to work in the BGC district, and Mercato was just within walking distance from our office building. When you've been in a place long enough, chances are you'd have tried all the food offerings nearby. So we frequented this spot every week to break the monotony of cafeteria and fast food. The dishes are many, and you can even find regional and international cuisines. Whether you intend to gorge on a heavy meal of pasta and flavorful meat or are just craving for some vegetable kebabs, this food market got you covered. Plus, your choice of beverages is varied, ensuring you have a satisfying gastronomic experience every time.

Here's my take on the classic adobo. This is not exactly my recipe—much like no one Filipino can claim ownership to the original way of cooking rice. Everybody local just knows it. They just add their own personal touches or tweak the timpla (blend) a bit to suit individual tastes. But for a basic understanding, here's a simple method. You can choose pork, chicken, or a combination of both. For a pound (half a kilo) of meat—the local meat shops can give it to you adobo-cut—the ingredients you'll need are equal parts soy sauce and vinegar (1/2 cup each), ground pepper (1 tsp), sliced chilis (add as much as you like, depending on your tolerance), chopped onion (1 pc), and minced garlic (1/2 bulb). If you chose pork, adding a little water helps tenderize the meat until it's soft and juicy. Place everything inside a pot, mix them all, and set the flames on medium. When your concoction starts to boil, lower the heat to let it simmer. When the meat is already soft enough to your liking, you're done! Serve your adobo with rice, and while enjoying your meal, relish the fact that you just cooked a famous Pinoy dish like a native.

The best thing about visiting the National Museum of Natural History in Manila is that admission is now permanently free for all—foreigners and locals alike. This came to pass after the museum's board observed an increase in visits, especially from the younger population, every time the organization offered temporary free admission in the past during certain special months—such as National Museums and Galleries Month. Now, with the venue freely accessible year-round, the agency hopes to spark everyone's interest in the country's indigenous flora and fauna.

The food at Barbara's is always a good idea. Filipino favorites with a twist or something extra, while still retaining their distinctive culinary signatures. The old-world ambiance of this place gives you that sweet yet slightly heartbreaking feeling of nostalgia—like you've been there a long time ago. The restaurant is also a great venue to celebrate your loved one's birthday—or yours!—as the staff gives free cake along with a Happy Birthday song accompanied by the lively greeting of strings.

If you are planning to visit the chapel with your spouse on a Sunday, then you might as well bring the children too. Greenbelt is a shopping mall, so you won't run out of things to do with the family—there are enumerable restaurants and cinemas on-site. And yes, the pond is a great place to bond with your loved ones. The serene setting is definitely welcoming amid the bustling business center. There is even a vending machine nearby where you can get fish food for a few coins, so you can make a fun time feeding the fish with the kids.