Meaningful Travel's Poblacion Heritage, Arts and Food Tour (Day Walking Tour)

A few years back, I worked in a law firm located in Poblacion, Makati City so I assumed that I am quite acquainted with the place.   I'm so glad I joined Meaningful Travel's  Poblacion Heritage, Arts and Food Tour because I got to discover that there's so much of Poblacion that I failed to get to know.

Saints Peter and Paul Cathedral (5539 D.M. Rivera, Makati, Metro Manila)

The Poblacion Tour began at historical site which many fail to notice - the official marker (The Landing of Governor-General of the Spanish East Indies, Don Miguel Lopez de Legazpi and Naming of Makati).  I never thought that there was such an interesting memoir in a public park like the Plaza Casa Hacienda Park.

It was a continuous walking tour so we then proceeded to the Pasig River.  While many would find it a hopeless case, I still observe it whenever I can.  It came to my attention when I had an OJT that had to ride it everyday in order to go home.

Saints Peter and Paul Cathedral

I always stop and appreciate churches whenever I can so Saints Peter and Paul Cathedral is not new for me.  What I didn't know was that it was one of the oldest churches in the Philippines.  It was founded in 1620.  It was only reconstructed 2 times since: 1.) 1849 - after it was destroyed during the British occupation in 1762 and 2.) January 30, 2015.

Just infront of the Saints Peter and Paul Cathedral is Plaza Cristo del Rey which was formerly San Pedro Makati Cemetary.  The conversion of cemetaries for the dead into plazas for the living is a concept adopted all over the world.

Poblacion Market (J. D. Villena St. Makati, Metro Manila)

What I like about Meaningful Travel's tours is the immersion part.  Because it's a walking tour, you don't skip any detail.  You really get the feel of the area.  Poblacion Market has a lot of tailors, canteens and fresh food vendors. 

House of Laurel (Address: 6013 Manalac, Makati, Metro Manila)

Just a few steps away is the House of Laurel.

Here's you can book an appointment with Rajo Laurel, one of the top Filipino fashion designer for a custom clothing or you can also purchase their Ready-to-wear (RTW) collections.  We were shown its seasonal album.

Holy Carabao (6241 R. Palma, St, Makati, Metro Manila)

We passed by this cute shed type store selling organic goods called Holy Carabao.

Glorious Dias (Pineapple Lab, 6053 R Palma, Makati, Metro Manila)

Then, we checked out Glorious Dias selling antique barongs for as low as 500 php!  It's quite interesting that it only started out as a popout concept.

I just love the unique vibe of the place.

Just right beside it is Pineapple Labs. During our visit, it had a Pride Month theme.

As it is my first time to visit Pineapple Labs, I had no idea if this was the usual style of the place.  I sensed a pop art influence with the artists' merchandise being displayed and sold.

There's a door leading to a hidden room which had a bar and...

it offers an empty space that is likened to an empty canvass.  Any one can rent it and transform it to anything they want.

Almacen (Location: 5910 Matilde, Makati, Metro Manila)

As it turns into night, we witnessed as Poblacion tranforms into a lively place.

Agimat Foraging Bar and Kitchen (Address: 5972 Alfonso cor, Fermina, Makati, Metro Manila)

We went in to this heritage stone home which turns out to be the most magical bar I have ever seen.   Agimat Foraging Bar and Kitchen is already popular amongst foreigners and locals. 

I was curious to see what was being cooked outside, turns out it is takoyaki. 

Just walking up its stairs was already an amazing build up to the experience.

The first thing that got my attention is the huge balete tree.  

Next to that is the shelves filled with bottles and jar of rare ingredients and concoctions.

Third, was the baristas performance.

The Annex House (Address: 5856 Alfonso Street, Makati, Metro Manila)

With just a placard sign, The Annex House is really myserious from the outside.

It is so dark that bouncers have to guide you through the staircase with flashlights.  Inside is a typical old home but with a DJ. 

I'm told it used to be known as The Workshop but its now venturing into a creative space, bar and even lodging.

Our last stop was for dinner at Cosmic Vegetarian and Vegan Cafe (Address: 2/F 5057 P. Burgos St. Corner Gen. Luna Brgy. Poblacion, Makati).  It was so packed when we got in despite having no apparent signage from the outside.  Just as expected, it was perfect!

Overall, as you can see it, the Meaningful Travel's Poblacion Heritage, Arts and Food Tour is such a fulfilling tour.  I wold recommend it more to foreigners who want to maximize a day's worth of their trip.