There never is a street without a story.
A street vendor has a story. A kid playing can tell a story. A man running has a hurry of a story. A student rushing is a street story.
The street— it is the story.
Confined in the humid, four-cornered-classroom, BAJ 2-1N scrapped the idea of having just another pop cultured magazine. Right off the bat, it was the story we were all after.
When kwentong kalye was pitched, there was hesitancy.
Isn’t it too vast? What are the specifics?
It is as if we questioned: where are the streets?
En Route Magazine meant paving the way of a journey, of a course, of the sense or the still of walking towards somewhere mindful. This magazine featured all of your street stories. From the way your childlike self saw the streets, to the way your teenage mantra boosted your space along the way and all the way to the en masse purpose of the streets—comes the stories we were not aware we all had.
To the writers, you have seen the streets in its purest form. You know where the story is and remain grounded on how to scribble reality amidst euphemisms.
To the Section Editors, the time you spent to polish these articles is incomparable.
To the Copy Editors, your dedication is beyond admirable.
To the marketing heads, your willpower to make these stories be tangible enough for our audiences deserves the applause.
To the Graphics Committee, you bring stories to reality. Creative is an understatement. You are all artists.
To the Publishing committee, you echoed along the cacophony of the roads by staging En Route to our audiences.
To the Managing Editors, your time and efforts translated En Route onto how it exists now. As loud as the streets. As close to reality.
To the Associate Editor, you are transformative. The stories brought about by each writer had their own marvels but reading them after your words now felt revitalized.
To Prof. Lailanie Teves, En Route Magazine and the people behind this held on to your words: “Kaya ‘yan!”—the truth we needed to hear for this to come alive.
To the readers, supporters, audience, or in whatever way you want to be addressed, you are in each and every story.
To the rest of BAJ 2-1N, as future media practitioners, we are all highly aware that there would come a day that the streets would no longer be a place we will feature. For the streets are where we, as aspiring journalists would belong.
To cover, to carry the truth, and to disseminate the power of being close, the closest touch to reality.
May we all remain on the same page as the truth. The reality of En Route is the daily experiences we all have the moment we step outside our doors—where it is specifically vast.
No need now to question where the streets are, for the streets are where we all are, and you are en route with us to the bigger landscape.
Lyene Marie Darang
“Hinahanap-hanap kita, Manila ang ingay mong kay sarap sa tenga”
You might somehow imagine yourself vibing in this song Manila by Hotdog while strolling around in Luneta Park. Perhaps, it is your theme song in your main character era while watching the breathtaking sunset in Manila Bay. With its vibrant culture, colonial architecture and modern skyline, appetizing cuisines, and warm-hearted people—definitely, there is no place in the world like Manila!
Past in Present Time
Known to be the second oldest settlement of Spaniards when they conquered the Philippines, the City of Manila has many stories to tell. Contrary to what people believed, Manila seems like a paradise where greener pastures are visible that correspond to the unique places that are found here.
Photo by: Mhardie De Leon
Photo by: Sheina Malague
where the Spanish Catholic bishops and the Spanish Governor General who ruled the Philippines reside.
Searching for a place to chill? Well, this next stop will probably make you feel two different definitions of chill. Fort Santiago is also one of the oldest landmarks in Manila, which was built in 1571 by the Spaniards. What is unique about this place is that it is a former
When steps become heavier, you definitely need something to boost your energy and quench your thirst—you need Binondo! The world’s oldest Chinatown known as Binondo is just outside Intramuros. Founded in 1594, Binondo was created by Spanish Governor Luis Perez Dasmarinas as a permanent residence of Chinese immigrants. Having retained its
LAYOUT BY: YZABELLE LIWAG
You can never consider yourself a real foodie if you will not scour this place and taste the must tried Eng Betin, the mouth-watering toasted siopao, the fresh and piping hot dumplings which is considered as Binondo’s staple, and the famous fried pancakes which they prepare and cook at a fantastic speed. Not to forget in your list of food trips the very affordable Ying’s Hakao filled with melt-in-your-mouth shrimps that are enclosed in a wrapper that is neither too thick nor too thin. Of course, who can forget and resist the wavering hot noodles paired with delicious siopao, which is an answer to your hungry stomach as you roam the city? No one!
Manila a City of Faith
Diving more into Manila, you will see the religiosity of many Filipinos. It is known to be a place of worship for various faiths. Colorful wishing candles are being kindled. Different rosaries and prayer beads are hanging in every stall. Figurines of saints are being offered to passersby as they await for the long queue within the church facade. People flock to this place hoping for a miracle to happen, especially during the Feast of the Black Nazarene. The Minor Basilica and National Shrine of the Black Nazarene, also known as Quiapo Church, has lots of sellers on its side and became the business district and the site of the annual possession of the Black Nazarene. Located to the east across the Pasig River, standing tall with its Baroque architectural design, is a prominent basilica in the district of Quiapo, City of Manila.
Looking at the other side of religious faith is the Golden Mosque of the Muslim brothers. Its style and design are very much in line with a typical Arab architecture with pointed arches, multitude of columns, and gold finishes. This serves the many Muslims that reside in the vicinity of Quiapo. Muslims’ belief that Mohammad is the messenger of God is central to Islam. The Mosque denotes a Muslim house of worship. During prayer, Muslims briefly kneel and touch their forehead to the ground as a sign of submission to their Allah.
Although Quiapo may be seen as the pious side of Manila, it is assumed that the place is safe and sacred and that any form of crime has no place. Ironic as it is, the place of worship is also a place where sin is at its peak. Being attentive and mindful is a must.
Manila is a city of dreams for everyone. It is a place where people from all walks of life come to try their luck amidst struggles and difficulties. But for some, it only reminds them of how chaotic the place is. Coupled with rampant misbehaving people in every corner of slum areas, life is seemingly unfavorable to most. Despite the colors that may illuminate differently, the dark and the bright hues that tainted the city, Manila will remain a dream to anyone.
Have you ever struggled to manage your allowance to spend on affordable and worthwhile meals as a university student? If you do, considering cost-effective options that still offer tasty, nutritious, and budget-friendly meals is probably on your top list when finding a good place to eat at. In many cases, silog meals became the most convenient and efficient meal for students as they are much more affordable than any value meals from other fast food restaurants— and for some Isko and Iska of the Polytechnic University of the Philippines (PUP), Doña Teresa, the ‘queen’ among ‘silog’ meals in Teresa St., Sta. Mesa, Manila, is a great choice to consider.
In embracing the delightful chaos of street dining in Teresa, what qualities does it take for PUPians to agree that Doña Teresa is the queen of them all?
Fusion of Flavors and Diversity
One of the remarkable aspects of dining on the stretch of Teresa is the incredible variation it offers. Streets lined with food carts and street food vendors reflect the city’s cultural tapestry, which offers an extensive array of culinary delights.
The tantalizing aroma of street food wafts through the air, or even the soothing scent of coffee shops around the street, beckoning each passerby to indulge and experience the vibrant gastronomic landscape of Teresa.
The street of Teresa has been very welcoming, especially to its target market— college students. However, bringing back the livelier street of Teresa among PUPians also means wider competition that immerses diners in the heart and soul of this bustling urban culture.
The Reign of Doña Teresa
In food businesses, the PUP is known for its ever-popular ‘FEWA’ or Footlong-Egg Wrapped Around, along with Master’s Buffalo for chicken wings. Tatay Pepe’s silog meals in Pureza Street also became a legendary cuisine for PUPians even before the pandemic era struck. Tatay Pepe’s, with its famous ‘tapsilog’, or tapa, sinangag, and itlog, was able to accommodate students with its budget-friendly meals before riding the LRT near Pureza Street.
Aside from Tatay Pepe’s, there has been no existing competitors of silog meals to at least catch up with its own heritage even around Teresa Street, which has more customers to accommodate.
But, the three-year reign of Doña Teresa in Teresa Street had
the advantage of welcoming diners coming from the main campus— and as some students would bluntly say, “It’s a different experience,” as this ‘queen’ created new variations and adopted the modern-day dining experience that one is looking for.
The Queen Along Teresa Street
In Doña Teresa, for as low as 55 pesos, you can enjoy a valuable meal from embutido or hotdog ‘silog’ meals. If you are still looking for a cheaper price with fair and generous servings, you can order their burger steak rice for only 45 pesos. But if you have an extra allowance for food, why not try their tapa, liempo, or chicken ‘silog’ meals ranging from 85 to 150 pesos?
Doña Teresa will not just overwhelm you with their different varieties of silog but will also entice you to try their mami or goto. Yes, you have heard it right! Doña Teresa is actually a fusion of flavors from silog, mamihan, and gotohan.
If you already get thirsty, do not worry because they also have different beverages to try. From their ‘Palamig sa Tag-init,’ you will experience refreshing beverages to beat the heat! Do not worry, too, if you no longer have a budget for this as they have an unlimited free refilling water station!
Unearthing the hidden gem of Teresa
Doña Teresa’s heritage since 2020 has been a delightful adventure that always offers something new to savor. For PUPians, it became the heart and soul of Teresa Street who are willing to serve their customers wholeheartedly.
What makes Doña Teresa unique from others as the hidden gem of Teresa, is the enjoyable moments it has that arise from having a simple meal with friends or acquaintances through unscripted interactions and conversations; the chaos of street dining is just part of its charm. The clamor of vendors along Teresa Street touting their specialties, the clang of pots and pans, and the buzz of conversations all around the corner create an atmosphere that is both chaotic and alluring for students’ leisure time.
The convergence of diverse flavors, cultures, hidden gems, and communal spaces is a celebration of life’s pleasures in street dining. It connects us with the pulse of Teresa Street in Sta. Mesa, Manila, allowing us to understand its essence through the lens of food and festivities.
So, the next time you find yourself drawn to the enticing aroma of street food, make sure to surrender to the experience. Let this opportunity take you on a culinary adventure that will leave an indelible mark on your heart and taste buds alike.
Itching to drink your heart out on the streets of ‘itchy’? Poblacion in Makati might be the answer you are looking for to scratch that itchiness.
Located in the heart of city, Poblacion offers outstanding bars with different concepts that are perfect for bar-hopping. From cocktails to spinning tunes to vibrant lights— the streets of this lively neighborhood will make all the party-goers party throughout the night.
Makati, also known as ‘itchy,’ has been home to famous local bars and clubs— and its nightlife has come to life again after the threeyear COVID-19 pandemic. Hence, no doubt that this location has been trending in different social media platforms, such as Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and Tiktok, brought by its lively atmosphere and the wide selection of bars it has to offer.
Poblacion has unique destinations that can satisfy the party soul of the people who are tired of drinking basic beers and seeing the typical club scenes. It offers a number of places they can go to for every kind of mood they are in for reasonable prices. From loud cocktail lounges to cozy diner bars, they can experience all of this by walking through the streets of this vibrant neighborhood.
Wanna try the Pobla nightlife? Ready your party outfit as here are some fantastic places to meet new people and hang out in Poblacion, Makati.
Liquor Luxuries at The Spirits Library
Want to experience a classic Hollywood nightlife-like feel? ‘The Spirits Library’ is the perfect spot to experience that thrilling and exciting club vibe you get to see in Hollywood film noir! Located just a carpet strut away from the main Makati Avenue down Guerrero Street, this speakeasy has an impressive collection of even the most obscure bourbon variations for reasonable prices in the 300-peso range per shot—and for the more eclectic enthusiasts out there, they cater to custom drink requests too!
Unlike the typical live music bar in the city, this is the best place to go if you want a bar with an elegant retro ambiance that serves a variety of drinks such as whiskey, classic cocktails, and Japanese rice wine.
Popping Pints at Polilya
Let us now fly from Hollywood to Asia as good news awaits K-pop stans in Poblacion! For those looking for a bar that gives that ‘pop-vibe,’ a bar located in the Pobla neighborhood on the corner of P. Burgos and Mercedes
Street hosts a K-pop-themed night every Wednesday called “K-Pob” where you can groove to your favorite Hallyu pop songs all night long.
This pub also presents K-pop-themed drinks and snacks like Love Shots, Borahae Booze, Soju Nice, Pink Venom, and Interlude Wings for an average all-in price of around 1,000 pesos per person. So, for stans and party-goers who want to experience these ‘daebak’ themed rave nights, Polilya is the right place for you!
Fulfilling Vibes at Filling Station Bar Cafe
If you are tired of dancing and partying to loud music and only want that chill, cozy vibe, ‘Filling Station Bar Cafe’ might be the perfect one for you! It is an American-style diner and gives off an Instagrammable circa 50s vibe brought by its interiors and even its menu— and the thousands you spend on their milkshakes, burgers, nachos, and more are worth every penny.
Smack dab in the middle of P. Burgos and sandwiched between fancy hotels, this bar is the perfect spot for people who want to have a chill night out and bar bites in between with a couple of friends. Also, if you are a fan of the Netflix series ‘Riverdale,’ or generally just a retro
aesthetic enthusiast, include this bar in your bar-hopping list as this place is indeed a must-try and a must-visit!
No Other Pub-Park Like PUBlacion
In a nutshell, these are just three of the too many-to-mention good spots to take a look at in this neighborhood. Unlike other popular club hotspots in the region that have either super-cramped and limited spaces for drinking like Katipunan, or excessively expensive but stuffy and overhyped areas like BGC, Poblacion has something that strikes the perfect balance between both. Its vibes are unique enough that it can only be best described once personally experienced.
“Bar-hopping in Pobla is the dream nightlife everyone should try. Mapapakanta ka talaga ng “all my friends are wasted” kapag galing ka roon eh,” said a bar-hopper who occasionally parties at Poblacion with his friends.
The backstreets of Makati are undeniably a bar haven. For those who are up for a bar-hopping nightlife adventure and looking for a perfect place to have a blast and make an unforgettable experience, Poblacion is waiting for you! So do not miss out and wear your best outfit, and prepare to spend a wonderful night with the hipsters!
Who can resist the vibe of good food, a potential bonding trip, and affordability— especially if it is promised all in one? Be it on a viral post or a trending video, one way or another, one might have crossed the famous stretch of Ugbo Street Food stalls in Tondo, Manila. And for those still contemplating, let’s take you to an *unofficial* guide toward your next craving satisfaction!
With the pandemic restrictions halting the outgoing lives of many, a lot of getaway and leisure plans have been surely set in stone. As we try to catch up on all the lost time, it is generally easy to be swayed by Tiktok trends and Instagram finds. But as social media is infamously a push-and-pull for clickbaits and catfish— we will take one of the most famous food trip suggestions on our FYP to the #LegitTest!
From Anywhere to Ugbo?
Going to Ugbo is the first question that will pop into our minds. For those opting to drive their way there, Waze and Google Maps are viable choices. However, the parking situation may be a bit tricky thus, it is widely encouraged to park in the nearby mall.
to Divisoria. From there, you will be dropped off to the street where jeepneys passing by Ugbo turn at.
Taste Test Activate!
Now, you have made it but you might find the tons of offers and stalls quite overwhelming! Like any other food bazaar, Ugbo caters to a lot of Filipino and even foreign food choices. Let us categorize based on our interests!
For those looking for that umami comfort, there are dine-in eateries that offer classic Filipino food like Bulalo and sizzling alongside smokey seafood platters. Noticeably, you will find grilled scallops and other seafood options right by the side of the street. Pro-tip: there are sharing options that include bilao of grilled seafood and java rice for as low as P699 that are already good for 6 to 7 people! A barkada steal indeed!
Of ice scramble? Of rice cakes, cupcakes, and even affordable chocolates? Different variations of our favorite desserts can easily be spotted. Some stores sell cheaper versions than others but you can be the guest and try!
To quench one’s thirst, there are a lot of fruit shakes and milkshake options scattered. There are also fruit juices and coffee options that can be as cheap as 39 to 149 pesos. One of the most famous bev-
On the one hand, for students or friend groups taking the meaning of road trip as a commute sesh, we got you! For those relying on LRT or MRT, you may track your way to Recto Station where you will find jeepneys or E-trikes bound
But for those looking for foreign flavors, there are a couple of Korean, Japanese, and even Thai food available! Starting from P299, one can enjoy a sit-down Korean BBQ experience. Other foreign foods include Korean street food, Japanese fried food, and based on experience—one stall sells a Thai Mango Sticky Rice to die for! Stir-fried noodles and rice are also scene-stealers; some stalls also show off actual wok frying that will definitely be IG highlight-worthy!
Ultimately, for those looking for something sweet, there is no sugar shortage in Ugbo! Ever heard of fried ice cream?
erages is the butterbeer sold by a simple single-table stall. It is indeed a hats-off for the experience!
It’s a Go to Ugbo!
Many are no stranger to the fact that watching food reviews might come across as over-exaggeration, so just like any food destination, coming to Ugbo should not put the food stalls on the pedestal. The affordability of the food may be subjective to us but to those who keep on returning to enjoy the general ambience of the place—Ugbo is really something.
So, what are you waiting for? This might be the perfect opportunity to try something new with friends, loved ones, and significant others. Let us try some good food, create iconic bonds but still stay on a reasonable budget as we put the Ugbo Street Food experience atop our food-venture bucket lists!
LAYOUT BY: YZABELLE LIWAG by: Sharona Nicole Semilla Photo by: ThePinoyTraveler Photo by: ThePinoyTraveler
