THE PHILIPPINES MAGAZINE PUBLISHERS’S BLACK BOOK:
5 BEST HOT SPOTS IN MALOLOS CITY
[dropcap]When you think of Philippines vacation spots, get-a-ways or a night out, typically you think of Makati, The Fort or even Timog. However, for savvy expats and successful and trendy locals, there is a new emerging place to live, grow your family and invest. Just minutes outside of ‘The Metro’ Manila is Malolos City, located in Bulacan. Malolos, is slowly and silently growing into the largest and richest, metro area closest to Manila proper. But, without the pollution, smog, traffic or high-cost of living.[/dropcap]
The truth is, Bulacan at-large has always been known for its artistic and academic talent. Bulacan has birthed numerous celebrities and art Icons, such as Binibini Gandanghari and The Padilla Family, Nicanor Tiongson, Antonino Buenaventura, Levi Celerio, Amando V. Hernandez, Francisco Baltazar, , Roberto Pagdanganan, Mo Twister, Lydia De Vega, Michelle Aldana, Tristan Ramirez, Bryan Termulo, Alfred Vargas, Long Mejia, Joyce Ching, Ella Cruz, Kyla, Blas Ople, Pooh, Rey Valera, Chef Teresita Reyes; Mama Cita, Angel Locsin, Joey De Leon and Jordan Herrera. Politicians also hail Bulacan; Presidents Corazon Aquino and Joseph Estrada, former First Lady Emelda Marcos, Senators Juan Ponce Enrile, Mar Roxas and Herbert Bautista.
Which means, for a true-Philippines lifestyle experience and for the more-family oriented, Malolos City will be the next metropolis. What makes it unique, is that, though it is within 30-minutes from Manila (which is less time than traveling from any two points in Manila traffic), it still offers a province lifestyle.
Malolos City, is also a quaint haven for expats from all over the world to raise their new families, invest in both business and real estate. Our PH MAG Publishers, spent some time in the area, talking to foreign and Filipino residents, watching the city grow and out-and-about on the town. We watched them build the new Robinson’s Place Malolos, the coming Star Mall and Walter Mart.
We encourage you to take a road trip and see what true-Philippines lifestyle and metropolitan culture is like -outside the Metro. And, with trendy, global-centric, new hot spots changing the game in the area, such as Wheelhouse Resto and Amigoo’s Steakhouse, SWAG Barber Salon, Senora Carmen’s Resto Garden and FJ Bikes you can stay at one of their many tropical resorts and have an awesome stay-cation.
PH MAG Travel Tip: Grab a UV at SM North for just P60. One Ride, Straight to Bulacan. Tell ‘em PH MAG On-Line sent you.
Traditional TexMex Style Amigoo’s Steakhouse
1. News alert! Malolos has real US Certified Angus Beef, Australian Lamb Chops, stiff Tequila Margaritas and Mexican Food! Its TexMex-style décor takes you straight to modern day El Paso, Texas, USA.
As if the Angus Cows were right out back…
If you’re like me; raised in California, USA, but my family is originally from Kansas City, MO,USA: The BBQ Capital of the World, and therefore you too, know and love BBQ! Our family has had BBQ restaurants and BBQ’s sizzling on our decks for generations.
So, if you too, like and have been missing Western-style BBQ, or are anxious to try some for your first time, this is the place. Chef Ants has a wonderful and complete menu showcasing some real steak, made to order, and with all of the Western trimmings, like A1 Steak Sauce, real potato chips and Tabasco Sauce…you will love Amigoo’s Steakhouse at Cabana’s. It’s owned by former Chef Ants Nolasco, who honed if skills and went for employee to entrepreneur when he took his passion for good quality cuisine and launched his Amigoo’s (Friends) Steak House. For the quality and price sensitive, Amigoo’s does not disappoint. A fresh salad, great steak meal, and cocktail is under P500! Chef Ants, makes a mean Tequila Margarita too.
Quaint Western Interior of Wheelhouse at Cabana’s
2. Our best place for late night grub is definitely, Wheelhouse Resto. When you are I the mood for a down home style vibe, a place to simply chill (alone or with friends), maybe grab a cold beer, a cocktail and sing a song or two, you can always end-up here. With the most-affordable menu in the city, you can fill your table with all your favorite foodies; like nachos, chicken wings, Sisig and calamari, plus some beer for under P500 bucks every day. Meals at Wheelhouse cost from P50. www.Facebook.com/Wheelhouse-Cabanas
The Golden Globe Award-Winning Black American Filipino Fusion SWAG PH
3. We’ve featured these guys before, so no wonder they made our Black Book: FAV 5 List.
Who wants to spend P350 for a haircut or go broke for a Brazilian Blowout? Not us. With their p50 & 100 haircuts, free shampoos, conditionings and SWAG Signature After Care Hair Spas, and SWAGlicious Rebonds for P750, true-Philippines hospitality-style service, black American Filipino Fusion urban hip-hop décor, free iced tea and coffee service, SWAG Barber Salon & Boutique in Malolos is our choice for men and women’s beauty and grooming. Hands down.
Don’t take our world for it. In less than 1year in the Philippines; (their grand opening was August 2017 in Malolos, Philippines), this black American Filipino fusion, little boutique-style shop, along the highway has taken the market by storm.
SWAG PH, has a mindboggling –organic- 5 Star Facebook rating, Google America Top 1 Ranking for Best Barber Salon in Malolos and is a Philippines Golden Globe Award-Winner, Bulacan Edition. Stop by and check them out. KM45 Mc Arthur Highway, next to Floor Center. www.Facebook.com/SWAGSalonPH and www.SWAGPH.com
Senora Carmen’s Live Bands, Sizzling Plates, Cold Beer & Good Times.
4. If you’re looking for a good time in Malolos, at an affordable price, at a venue large enough to host all your friends, family and officemates, then Senora Carmen’s Resto Garden is the place to go. Great live entertainment every night, large serving portions and speedy, well-trained service staff has thrust Senora Carmen’s Resto Garden onto the map. Formerly, simple a ‘garden’ restaurant in the field, the Carmen’s of today is a sprawling, festive place to have lunch, dinner and celebrate any occasion. See their digital menu here: https://web.facebook.com/senoracarmens/videos/888617211282179/ and visit www.F acebook.com/senoracarmens
FJ Bikes, A Malolos City Biker Haven
5. The Mc Arthur Highway is one of the Philippines most-popular tour routes. Marathons, Bike rides, diplomatic junkets and bike rides are common place along the highway which stretches from Manila to Angeles City. Along the way, the largest bike shop chain in the city is FJ Bikes. Open 7 days a week and with micro shops scattered throughout the city, they are well-known around the city. A common bike ride is from Pasay’s Mall of Asia, to Angeles City; which passes right by FJ Bikes. They have teams of on-site bike mechanics, affordable prices and are conveniently located right on the highways last stretch to Angeles. www.F acebook.com/fjbikesmalolos
Inquirer Lifestyle Additional Reading: http://lifestyle.inquirer.net/216845/why-bulacan-is-the-culture-capital-of-the-philippines/