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Check the ‘underground’ at The Collective

Introducing The Collective, this (somewhat) “underground” venue in Makati City that is worryingly starting to be swallowed by condo developments all around it. Offering venues appealing to various (and not always) mainstream preferences, it’s time to head to this place to check out what it has to offer in case it starts to disappear.

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Who was it who said that the only thing permanent in this world is change? Yeah, yeah… you may want to go pilosopo and argue against that point; but it still highlights how – arguably particularly nowadays, with the highlighting of the world’s pre-occupation with quickly-achieved fame and fortune (e.g. look at the fame delivered at the feet of those who made “leaked” sex videos) – humanity’s fickle-mindedness has never been most apparent. Now add to that list of impermanence our pre-occupation with what’s “in” and what’s “out”. And here, we need only go to various parts of the Philippines to see scattered examples.

The Collective

Think of Torres St. in Davao City, which once hosted a thriving party scene that seemed to go on forever. But after various venues closed, it now makes for an ideal location to shoot a horror movie (think of a ghost town and you’d get the point). Closer to home, there’s the “demise” of Malate in the City of Manila as the (somewhat) bohemian capital of Metro Manila, with the “in” places closing or moving out, so that what’s left are tacky (and sleazy) hanging out venues, or multinational corporation (MNC) junks. And then there was Cubao’s Mogwai, which just… ceased to exist.

What this temporariness highlighted are two (interconnected) key lessons as far as “in” versus “out” venues are concerned. On the one hand, what’s “in” now will not be “in” forever. On the other hand, be sure to head to the “in” places at some point – particularly while they’re still the “most happening” places; and not only because you want to be part of the “in” crowd (though for many this matters), but because you can really only experience a place’s vibe when you drop by while it was at its peak.

The Collective3That’s a (somewhat) lengthy intro to discuss The Collective – this (somewhat) “underground” venue in Makati City that is (worryingly) starting to be swallowed by condo developments all around it.

The “underground” culture, by the way, continues to be hard to “capture” in the Philippines. Yes, YES, I know that sounds… oxymoronic – after all, it is “underground”, so getting “captured” is not its intention. But, heck, we don’t even have a skate park in the Philippines that we can be proud of (!). It is, therefore, more common seeing skateboarding happening in front of KFC (in Buendia in Makati); or Rajah Sulayman Park (in Manila); or some of SM’s car parks. Often, too, the skateboarders are chased away by security guards (if not the police themselves).

Yes, having a place where one can be “different” is important. And finding such a place is just as important.

In so many ways, The Collective attempts to be such a venue.

The Collective is actually a gathering of venues in one place, so that just about everyone’s preference is readily serviced.

You want to go vegetarian, but know (for a fact) that vegetarianism is NOT cheap? Head to Wabi Sabi.
You are into organic stuff, but don’t know where to start? Head to The Ritual.
You believe that art galleries do not always represent the best, and wonder if there are other galleries where the not-so-popular yet better-than-mainstream-shit are exhibited? Try Kanto Artist Run Space.
Wanna learn a new musical instrument? Lessons are offered Ukulele Philippines.
Wanna satisfy the comics craving? Head to Castle Geek.

And I have not even scratched the surface.

There are restos, bars, fashion stores… you get the point.

I fear that this place may not last for long.
The venue sits on a prime real estate location.
And that condo that was only recently finished beside is already being advertised by (gasp!) Kris Aquino-filled posters that serve as come-ons.

And when it folds, it’s gonna be sad, indeed.
After all, we call can’t just pack our bags to head to Sagada or Puerto Princesa to check the non-mainstream.

But while it’s there, head to The Collective.

You may just find something to tickle your fancy.

And if that “something” celebrates what’s “different” in you, so much the better.

The Collective is located at 7274 Malugay St., San Antonio Village, Makati City, Metro Manila.

"If someone asked you about me, about what I do for a living, it's to 'weave words'," says Kiki Tan, who has been a writer "for as long as I care to remember." This one writes about... anything and everything.

Destinations

Going Chinese in Pulilan, Bulacan

Craving for #chinesefood in #Bulacan? We tried the offerings of Lee Foo Panciteria #Pulilan, and we’re on the fence here (yes if no choice, no if you can go elsewhere).

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We happened to be in Pulilan in Bulacan, and I had pancit craving. As if on cue, we passed by Lee Foo Panciteria Pulilan, which – after we Google-checked – is supposedly one of the more frequently-visited Chinese restos in these parts of the province, so… of course we checked.

@outragemag Craving for #chinesefood in #Bulacan? We tried the offerings of Lee Foo Panciteria #Pulilan ♬ original sound – Outrage Magazine

Una, this place is really, REALLY easy to find. Located along the Pulilan Regional Road in Barangay Cut-cot in Pulilan, this is right in the middle of the municipality.

Ikalawa, the resto is actually divided into three parts: one side is for those with reservations, another part is for walk-in diners, and another part is for events. If/when the resto isn’t full, only the main part (middle one) is kept open.

No, this isn’t some fancy resto. More like an airconditioned karinderya, complete with wooden tables and plastic chairs. Look-wise, it wasn’t dirty naman when we were there, so that’s a plus.

Ikatlo, the workers were friendly naman… and they moved fast – e.g. while waiting for our orders, we were given must-check peanuts, and since we finished what we got fast, our waitress was more than happy to accommodate us.

Ika-apat, now… how was the food?

The house specialty, the Lee Foo Chicken (₱265 for half, ₱495 for whole), looked like fried chicken with ketchup. Okay… the breading was okay since it didn’t overpower the meat. The chicken, too, was properly cooked, and it wasn’t dry. But it was tasteless overall; so the ketchup taste is what stays with you.

The Pancit Canton Bihon (₱255) had thin pancit noodles, almost as thin as the bihon. It didn’t have lots of sahog; instead, you’d notice the extenders (like kikiam, and so on). I like good pancit, I swear… but this isn’t one of them, sorry.

The weirdly-wrapped Hakaw (₱155) was small, so it was bitin.

And then there’s the Siomai Steam (₱155), which was, in a word, weird. The size was good, similar to those ₱10 siomais. But the way this was prepared was weird for us – e.g. like the meat was overwatered, and having a hard time staying solid, so that it was smudgy, and disintegrated in the mouth even without chewing. I suppose that, at least, it wasn’t disgusting taste-wise.

Lee Foo Panciteria Pulilan is, we believe, popular. Like President in Chinatown, or a branch of David’s in some mall. To each his or her own nga naman. But for us, we’re off to look for other Chinese restos na muna as we head out in search of more lafangan venues.

Lee Foo Panciteria Pulilan is located at 159 Barangay Cut-cot, Pulilan, 3005 Bulacan Province. For more information, contact 0925 800 0168, or email leefoopanciteria@yahoo.com.

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Travel

Treacherous beauty: Hiking at South Stack Lighthouse in Wales

#Lighthouse fever in #Holyhead, #anglesey via the #SouthStackLighthouse, as checked during this #LGBT trip to #Wales.

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Yes, tech has made many lighthouses redundant. Not that they’re no longer relevant. But navigation-wise, we know we have more advanced solutions. Which, perhaps not surprisingly, led to the reconfiguration of many of them.

In Holyhead, Anglesey in Wales, introducing the South Stack Lighthouse.

@outragemag #Lighthouse fever in #Holyhead, #anglesey via the #SouthStackLighthouse, as checked during this #LGBT trip to #Wales ♬ original sound – Outrage Magazine

Una, you’d need a ride to be there. Some use private cars, as we did; others join tours; and others cycle to the place.

Ikalawa, what’s there?

The lighthouse itself is located on a small, rocky island off Holyhead. From afar, it looks like someone’s grand home; mansion-like. Accessible siya after you descend down 400 steep steps. 

What will you see while there?

  • the former lighthouse engine room
  • the top of the lighthouse
  • South Stack is also home to breeding seabirds including guillemots, razorbills and puffins

Here’s an FYI: seasonal lang siya bukas.

This is a must-check for lighthouse lovers, of course. Historic, it was built in 1809 by Trinity House from the design of Daniel Alexander. 91-foot tall, it used to allow safe passage for ships on the Dublin–Holyhead–Liverpool sea route. 

Another FYI: It is  allegedly haunted, and has been visited by a team from “Most Haunted”.

The area housing the lighthouse is, itself, worth checking. There are trails for hikers or joggers or cyclists; though the same could be enjoyed by those who are there only to look for good shots.

Check when you’re in the area… even if you just pass by. Nice siya, promise.

But off we go for more LGBTQIA+ rampa

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Travel

Enjoying nature via trail hiking in Wales

Enjoying nature via #trail #hiking at #Snowdonia #SnowdoniaSlateTrail during one #LGBT visit in #Gwynedd, #Wales.

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When in Bangor, you’d be told often that among the best things to do is to hike. And among the must-check is the Snowdonia Slate Trail, which links the old slate-quarrying communities of Eryri/Snowdonia.

So… ayan na nga, even without the right outfit for hiking, but ayaw ma-miss ang chance to check the area, off we went.

@outragemag Enjoying nature via #trail #hiking at #Snowdonia #SnowdoniaSlateTrail during one #LGBT visit in #Gwynedd, #Wales ♬ original sound – Outrage Magazine

Una, the circular route starts near Bangor/Porth Penrhyn. And you need a car or whatever to get to the starting point.

Ikalawa, the trail isn’t just for hiking. It’s also for biking or walking dogs. So you’d be sharing the 133-kilometer long trail with others.

Ikatlo, what’s there?

Mountains built by remnants from quarry sites, to start.

So… Gwynedd used to be known for slate quarrying, and among the biggest players is Penrhyn Quarry which is near Gwynedd, part of The Slate Landscape of Northwest Wales, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Now… with slate quarrying, around 75% of extracted material are inferior in quality, called overburden, and so becoming mineral waste. Here, they’re now mountains.

But the trail also shows views typically associated with Wales – e.g. rolling hills that go on forever, rock fences, sheep farms, canals with flowing water… and more.

Usually, sa matatag, people hike the Snowdonia Slate Trail for up to seven days, passing through Bethesda, Llanberis, and so on. But for others… it’s but an opportunity to commune with nature, in a way, while taking those must-have shots.

But we’re off for more LGBTQIA+ discoveries…

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