March 11, 2024

#TaraGala? Where to Meet Up with Friends in Metro Manila

By: Melecio Martin G. Arranz IV

One experience many are familiar with is how tricky it is to set up get-togethers, especially among busy young adults. You’ll have to factor in many things—where is it located? How easy are the drives and commutes? You also need to consider what the spot offers regarding food or entertainment.

If you need help figuring out where to meet up with friends, here’s a quick rundown of some of the best hangout spots to help you find your next tambayan in Metro Manila.

8 Places to Meet Up with Friends in Metro Manila

Let’s discuss what each entry offers, including your transportation options and what you can do within and around the area.

• Escolta, Binondo

Let’s start at the Capital. Escolta Street was widely known as Manila’s cultural and business district decades ago, so you’d often find a mix of modern and historic architecture there. Of course, it’s also because Binondo is the oldest Chinatown in the world, making it a rich melting pot of cultures.

Today, you’d find a wide selection of local shops, eateries, and condominiums like the Four Season Riviera—all accessible via R-9 and the LRT Carriedo Station. Escolta is also well-lit at night, but it’s still important to be careful when strolling!

• Poblacion, Makati

Are you looking for a new drinking joint? Poblacion in Northern Makati City is a go-to spot for nightlife in Metro Manila. However, if you want a chill hangout, it’s also a haven for foodies and café enthusiasts. Modern developments, like Quantum Residences near the Makati-Manila boundary, are also available if you’re after homeownership.

The area is safe when the sun is down, thanks to its lively nightlife. It’s also very accessible, with EDSA and the MRT Guadalupe Station just around the corner.

• Cubao Expo, QC

If you’re into arts, cafes, and bars, there’s no better place to be than Cubao Expo. In fact, it’s becoming more famous in Filipino pop culture as being Gen Z’s frequent hangout! Hole-in-the-walls, like Fred’s Revolucion and Good Vibrations Records, have placed it on the radar of people looking for a new joint to visit.

The area is a short walk from Araneta City and condominium developments like One Wilson Square, so you won’t have to worry about safety. It’s also easily accessible from anywhere in the city since it sits near EDSA and both MRT and LRT’s Cubao Stations.

• Kapitolyo, Pasig

Kapitolyo is known for its hidden gems, whether you’re looking for underrated dining spots, bars, galleries, or shops. So, it’s an excellent place to spend time with friends no matter what you’re into. For instance, if you want to realize your pottery dreams, Wabi Sabi PH is an excellent visit. Meanwhile, The Grand Midori Ortigas is a serene place to reside if you wish to purchase a home.

The area is very safe, given that it’s in Pasig City—one of the safest areas in Metro Manila. Meanwhile, EDSA, the Metro Manila Skyway, Ortigas Avenue, and numerous MRT stations are nearby for easy commutes.

• Katipunan Avenue, QC

One of the most expansive entries on this list is Katipunan Avenue, which stretches from UP Diliman to Camp Aguinaldo. You won’t run out of things to do: UP Town Center, universities, cafes, and bars—you name it.

The avenue is well-lit at night, thanks to the endless establishments lining it. There’s also the LRT Katipunan Station, jeepneys, and taxis to get around. If you want to live nearby, Katipunan and the surrounding area have a lot of properties for sale, including the Siena Towers in Marikina.

• Timog Avenue and Tomas Morato Avenue, QC

Have you ever been to these roads in Southern Quezon City? If so, you’d be familiar with the area’s food culture. Of course, there are the usual shops and bars. Still, nothing says Timog and Tomas Morato more than cuisine—Italian, Filipino, Mediterranean, Japanese, and many more—making it a good place in QC for a food crawl.

The area is easily accessible via EDSA, the MRT GMA-Kamuning Station, and the jeepney lines running through them. You’ll also be near numerous residential developments like our Valencia Hills Tower E project.

• Seaside Boulevard, Pasay

Manila Bay is famous for its scenic sunsets, and one place to get the best views is Seaside Boulevard. This short strip of road behind the SM Mall of Asia is full of food booths, plus a Skyranch housing the MOA Eye—an enormous Ferris Wheel that lets you glimpse the dusk up high! The area is also close to Mi Casa, giving residents daily access to Manila Bay sunsets.

The Pasay City Bay Area is accessible and home to several lifestyle spots and shopping malls. It’s also near EDSA and numerous jeepney terminals, so you’ll have an easy time commuting and navigating the locale. 

• MITSUKOSHI BGC

Our freshest entry to this list is MITSUKOSHI BGC, which opened on November 18, 2022. This upscale, Japanese-inspired mall has a ton of local and international restaurants, entertainment, and shopping boutiques that’ll give you and your friends unforgettable times.

BGC is one of the safest areas in Metro Manila. However, the only public transportation options available are taxis and ride-hailing apps, so keep that in mind when commuting. That said, when you’re living in a BGC condominium, like The Seasons Residences, visiting MITSUKOSHI BGC is a breeze!

Try New Places at the Metro

The best thing about living in Metro Manila is that something can always pique your interest, no matter what you’re into. However, if you’re specifically looking for a pre-selling condo in Taft Avenue, consider Federal Land’s Quantum Residences. Located near the Taft-Buendia intersection, this development provides a central location to help you keep up with your friends.

Inquire about our properties today.