274 – On A Belated 2020 Recap

To borrow a song from R.E.M., 2020 is "the end of the world as we know it." The coronavirus pandemic has definitely changed the world in the span of a few months. Remote work became the norm rather than the exception. Video conferencing apps such as Zoom and Cisco Webex were thrust in the spotlight. …

273 – On A Birthday Haul For Christmas

Not even a pandemic that has claimed millions of lives can stop people from celebrating the most wonderful time of the year. Today’s festivities remind us of HOPE, despite the sadness and fear that gripped the whole world since March 2020. There may be cold, dark winters – but the sun rises again with the …

272 – On Post-Lockdown Lunches: Triptych 47

Now that Metro Manila is on a second general community quarantine from mid-August until the end of the year as per the president's Nov. 30 announcement, I have had the chance to return to places I formerly tried out before the pandemic struck. I frequently feature some of these spots here at The Monching's Guide …

271 – On Mid-Pandemic Meals: Triptych 46

I thought I would run out of new posts to write prior to publishing this entry. Thankfully, I now have more than enough materials to last me until the end of the year – up to early 2021! This year has been shitty for most here in Manila: From a dormant volcano reawakening after three …

270 – On Pandemic Breakfasts: UCC Park Café, Eastwood Mall

I have been able to leave the house ever since Metro Manila was placed under the more relaxed general community quarantine (GCQ) following a tighter fortnight lockdown in August. I also got a new job after a short tour of duty in Ortigas – and now I’m back in Eastwood! However, my current work is …