I consider Rizal Drive strip as one of Fort’s best-kept secrets. It’s not like those fully-advertised, highly-commercialized, always jam-packed hubs in Fort, but it’s a definite go-to place.
The strip may look intimidating because one would think that since these establishments are in a very-urbanized Fort, offerings are automatically pricey. I would not say establishments here have cheap stuff but all places I’ve been to in this strip give blog-worthy experiences…
Just to give you an idea how you may want to do it next time…read along.
Going there. Coming from the Bonifacio Stop Over with the gasoline station and Jollibee at the end of Rizal Drive, you go straight down the road and pass by the glass-building of Furnitalia. Few meters away, you see Basilio’s at corner where you must enter. Go around the circle and get yourself parked at the wing opposite the Bank of Commerce area. There’s a lot there sandwiched in between a green board-ups with on-going construction. That cemented lot is option number one. Otherwise, along the perimeters of the half-circle nearest Basilio’s side, you could also park. Or, way passed the cemented lot where cars parked, you can try the Forbeswood Heights Condominium basement parking (there are arrows going leading to this parking) and when the guard asks, just tell them, you’ll go to (name a Rizal Drive establishment). If you park here, follow the directional signage posts which point you to the stairs which serve as access point to the street-level Rizal Drive. You’ll come-out at Rizal Drive with Numa Tea Salon to your left and Paul Calvin Deli to your right.
When you want to pamper your self. A good haircut and perfect hair color at Tinette and Co. at the corner unit is a must try. Or, a foot spa with Xiamen (priced a little over 600 pesos) at Philosophy should do. If you a want a quick and cheap treat, you can never go wrong with Big Apple Express Spa which have offerings as low as 199 pesos! A girlfriend spa-bonding or bridal showers are perfect to be held in this strip. Apart from pampering yourself, you can actually perform your grooming routine here specifically your dental appointment (in a different experience) Zen Dental Spa.
When you want to indulge on good breakfast and lunch. Paul Calvin Deli and Numa Tea Salon are my favorite hang-out places for the day especially because their interiors give off an “it’s a good day” vibe.
When you want to chill out. If you don’t dig the noisy and rowdy socialization and chilling-out like in dance clubs and most bars, Basilio’s or Barcino is the place for you. These places are for the more subtle party people and the more mature social butterflies. Spotted celebrities in the area are Diether Ocampo and Phoemela Barranda.
(Below are some pictures during their official opening…)
The strip may look intimidating because one would think that since these establishments are in a very-urbanized Fort, offerings are automatically pricey. I would not say establishments here have cheap stuff but all places I’ve been to in this strip give blog-worthy experiences…
Just to give you an idea how you may want to do it next time…read along.
Going there. Coming from the Bonifacio Stop Over with the gasoline station and Jollibee at the end of Rizal Drive, you go straight down the road and pass by the glass-building of Furnitalia. Few meters away, you see Basilio’s at corner where you must enter. Go around the circle and get yourself parked at the wing opposite the Bank of Commerce area. There’s a lot there sandwiched in between a green board-ups with on-going construction. That cemented lot is option number one. Otherwise, along the perimeters of the half-circle nearest Basilio’s side, you could also park. Or, way passed the cemented lot where cars parked, you can try the Forbeswood Heights Condominium basement parking (there are arrows going leading to this parking) and when the guard asks, just tell them, you’ll go to (name a Rizal Drive establishment). If you park here, follow the directional signage posts which point you to the stairs which serve as access point to the street-level Rizal Drive. You’ll come-out at Rizal Drive with Numa Tea Salon to your left and Paul Calvin Deli to your right.When you want to pamper your self. A good haircut and perfect hair color at Tinette and Co. at the corner unit is a must try. Or, a foot spa with Xiamen (priced a little over 600 pesos) at Philosophy should do. If you a want a quick and cheap treat, you can never go wrong with Big Apple Express Spa which have offerings as low as 199 pesos! A girlfriend spa-bonding or bridal showers are perfect to be held in this strip. Apart from pampering yourself, you can actually perform your grooming routine here specifically your dental appointment (in a different experience) Zen Dental Spa.
When you want to indulge on good breakfast and lunch. Paul Calvin Deli and Numa Tea Salon are my favorite hang-out places for the day especially because their interiors give off an “it’s a good day” vibe.
When you want to chill out. If you don’t dig the noisy and rowdy socialization and chilling-out like in dance clubs and most bars, Basilio’s or Barcino is the place for you. These places are for the more subtle party people and the more mature social butterflies. Spotted celebrities in the area are Diether Ocampo and Phoemela Barranda.
(Below are some pictures during their official opening…)
When you’re in Fort and you don’t have cash. If you happen to be in Fort area and all you’ve got is your ATM card, Rizal Drive is your saving angel. Since there is a UCPB ATM Machine near Mini Stop, you can always just put your car on hazard while parked by the sidewalk, run to the machine, and get your cash. Based on experience, when I’m just passing by the area and I don’t want to have to park in a mall for a quick-ATM transaction before heading to a fastfood drive-thru on my way home, I find the strip very convenient. Not too mention the times I needed some energy drink but I needed it on-the-go… Mini Stop by the road is heaven-sent. Park. Hazard on. Buy and Go…. Easy.
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