What a pleasant weekend it was. It was my first time to try to drive and I was so excited but our driving lessons as my friend Reuel said, turned into a fun adventure! :)
Since it was my first time to try driving, we needed to go somewhere where there are long roads and not so much cars, Marikina seemed like the best place. We got there and apparently got lost several times (I din't notice) but it made the trip enjoyable because we got the chance to explore the city, and that it has so many hidden hole in the wall restaurants that piqued my interest. One of the more popular places there is Pan de Amerikana, where we had our lunch. They serve local dishes at a relatively cheap price, their Bicol Express is so darn delicious! And being a lover of all things beautiful and antiques, I absolutely adore the interior of their restaurant.
 |
| Pan de Amerikana facade |
 |
| Can you see the vines/branches hanging from the ceiling? Their lamps are so pretty too! |
 |
| Colorful pots / Wash area |
Every detail and each display had so much personality that made the place almost enigmatic. It seemed like there was a story behind everything in that place and I think that besides the delicious dishes that the serve, it's what makes this restaurant special.
Another thing I like about Pan de Amerikana is that it seems like such a humble place, nothing too extravagant (and they even practice self-service). I find that the most beautiful things are those that are in it's simplest form and maybe that's why I have so much appreciation for their place.
They have a tree house and a bridge connects the two areas on the roof top. I would love to see it again when the vines have completely covered the chains that hold bridge.
 |
| Tree house |
 |
| Floor details |
 |
| Rules! |
While driving, we came across a place called Greg and Sally Tree Garden Cafe. It was closed but I couldn't help but peek inside and when I did, I saw herbs (which I believe they are selling) and I wanted to buy, we actually peeked a couple of times again later on but unfortunately they never opened. From their gate, the garden looked nice though it didn't seem like anything out of the ordinary. However, after I saw their facebook page, I noticed how pretty their garden is. I copied the photos below and posted it here. I definitely need to eat here in the near future! Is there anyone who wants to go with me? (preferably someone who can drive, or else we're never getting there haha)
 |
| Dining area inside |
That was pretty much my Sunday, but going back to Saturday, I met with some friends for some drinks and dessert after work. We ate at this place called Pipino Vegetarian Food by Pino. It was my first time (so many first times!) to eat at a vegetarian restaurant and interestingly enough, not only did the place look nice, and smelled great, their dessert was really really good (well I just had a Lemon grass+Lime+Ginger cupcake and juice with the same name, but they were good!). I also copied photos of the restaurant off of their facebook page haha
So that was my weekend. And sadly, today was another manic Monday. Mondays are the worst, I'm telling you. It has a way of bursting your bubble and slapping you back to reality. haha, it's an exaggeration but you know what I mean :) Work is great though, so much to do, so little time!
