Destinations

Inside Makati’s immersive book club

Perhaps the most compelling issue in modern Philippine literature is still the gap in representation. Although the country has a range of literary works, there’s still a need for more representation and depth in the books local publishers churn out.

Published

3 years ago

July 5, 2023

ZestMag.com Staff

With the hustle and bustle filling the avenues of Makati, it’s not wrong to assume that the city is a concrete corporate jungle. From high-rise buildings to industrialized stores, Makati is built on corporate ladders and elevator pitches. But explore a bit more and to the east side you’ll find Poblacion, a lively and hip contrast to what’s otherwise a commercial work mill for many.

While the fun and drinks happen at night, The Astbury–a third space for creative human experiences stands in one of Poblacion’s nooks and crannies. There, an intimate and immersive book club called “The Write Side of Bookshelf” gathered to converse and breathe new ideas on how to be a Filipino author and the future of Philippine literature last June 20. This session called “The Journey of a Filipino Writer” was led by author and longtime writer Pancho Dizon, and is just the first of many book club sessions to inject creativity and build a new community at the heart of the Metro.

The gap in representation

For Bookshelf PH, a digital publishing house born at the height of the pandemic, the gap was found in the lack of books that paint the Philippine business landscape and sharing local stories of business leaders. This need was only amplified when people started searching for side hustles and business ventures to cope at that time. Thus, Bookshelf PH started publishing business books like The 50, which featured 50 HR leaders around the country to share their experiences working in different industries.

“Interviewing these leaders over Zoom calls was a great opportunity for writers like myself to dig deeper into stories often overlooked,” Dizon said. “You’d be surprised how easy it is to talk to these leaders by simply asking them over an email or messaging them on social media.”

Another issue in representation is found in many Filipino readers’ patronage of Western literary works over local books, especially for teens and young adults. Fantasy, sci-fi and other young adult Western novels with fandoms and following tend to take center stage in many local bookstores and online reading platforms.

“When you see the youth reading more Western literature, it actually signals a need for more Filipino representation and local books that can narrate stories as grappling as theirs. We have no shortage of inspiring stories, but we really have to search for them and dig deeper.”, Dizon explained.

The best language for local content

When it comes to language, the Philippines has almost 200 different dialects. Filipino readers and authors alike would often postulate on which language should be used in writing modern Filipino literature. One would argue that the rising use of English in many Filipino literary pieces snatches away the Filipino-ness of these works and dilutes the essence of using our Filipino language to enrich our literature.

But for Monette Quiogue, founder and managing partner of Bookshelf PH, language is simply a tool to use in conveying what truly creates the Filipino-ness in a literary work–the message.

“I believe that the message we communicate to our readers is the essence of Philippine literature,” Quiogue explained. “Language should never be a barrier in enriching local literary works. But choosing which language to use, whether that’s English, Filipino or Ilocano, matters most depending on which audience you’d like to get your message across.”

Bookshelf PH’s wide collection of books are mostly written in English. From business books painting the Philippine business landscape to women’s books narrating stories of prominent Filipina figures, the preference for English over Filipino in writing these modern books have a much deeper purpose behind it.

“We choose to write most of our books in English simply because we want to share our local content to a global audience. From the outside looking in, we want other cultures and nationalities to appreciate Philippine literature and reach a wider audience to inspire and share our local stories with,” Quiogue added.

The deeper purpose for writing local stories

After writing so many articles and books, one would ask what’s the deeper purpose to continue honing their craft in storytelling. For Dizon, his passion for writing stems from the people he has encountered and worked with in his story developments.

Fearless Filipinas 2, an anthology featuring 24 inspiring Filipinas who made a big impact in their fields, was an avenue for Dizon to create a spotlight for the Philippine women’s football team. By interviewing and featuring international footballer Cam Rodriguez in the book, Dizon had the opportunity to sit on the bleachers of Rizal Memorial Stadium to watch the team win the AFF Championships last year.

“Moments like the women’s football team winning the championship inspire me to write stories that are often found on the sidelines,” Dizon said. “There’s a lot of work to be done, but telling our own stories lets us take control of the narrative and for once, put a spotlight on us Filipinos.”

Join the next literary movement, intimate conversations, and creative exchange at the Astbury on July 12, Wednesday, 6-8 pm featuring The Write Side of Bookshelf’s latest guest speaker Merlee Jayme, author of Chairmom.

To reserve a spot and learn more about this creative get-together and future events, sign up here – limited slots only!

Destinations

Underground discovery: From Heathrow, commute using the Underground to reach central London

You arrive in Heathrow, the main airport in London, and – like many tourists – you need to head to the center of London for your accommodation. You have many options, like catching a taxi. But you can just take the “regular” train, the so-called Underground.

Published

4 days ago

June 14, 2026

M.D. dela Cruz Tan, MDC

So… you arrive in Heathrow, the main airport in London, and – like many tourists – you need to head to the center of London for your accommodation. There are, of course, a number of transportation options, from grabbing a cab to taking the express train.

There’s an option that isn’t always advertised: that is, for you to just take the “regular” train, the so-called Underground.

Special thanks to Ms Kayla Garcia for this tip, of course.

@outragemag New to #London and traveling from #Heathrow to the city center? No need to overspend via #taxi or #expresstrain; just take the #LGBT #Underground ♬ original sound – Outrage Magazine

Una, the underground is, as the name suggests, underground. From the arrival area, follow the signs leading to the “Underground”, which is around five minutes walk from where you’d exit after collecting your luggage.

Ikalawa, be careful: it’s basically on the same area as the Express trains, so if you erroneously entered their area, you’d be forced to spend more.

Ikatlo, yung bayad, nagbabago depending sa exact location you’re going to, and time, too. But naglalaro lang sa 6 pounds pababa… usually. Which is much cheaper than the Express trains by a lot. Add na lang to shopping ang natipid… unless anak ka ng politician na male-maletang pera ang dala mo while undergoing your tax-funded UK education…

And ika-apat, you may buy tickets from those machines at the entrance of the station. But this is London, cashless is usual. Pay using PayWave; tap mo lang credit or debit card mo, keri ka na.

Kung rich ka and money is not a problem… avail ka ng less local mode of transportation, kaya mo yan. But for those who believe commercialization of service sucks, and – in the case of transportation – bettering public transport makes better sense than shelling out cash to make rich people in the transportation industry even richer, then… here’s how many locals travel to and from Heathrow. Huwag na pretentious and avail na…

And off we go for more LGBTQIA+ rampa…

Destinations

Off to Bulacan only to be underwhelmed (and stressed) at The Beef Deli-Malolos

#LGBT checking #steakhouse The Beef Deli-Malolos in #Bulacan, only to be underwhelmed and stressed.

Published

2 weeks ago

June 3, 2026

M.D. dela Cruz Tan, MDC

Now and then we head outside of Metro Manila to check some of the culinary offerings of wherever we end up at. This is why we know that Silang in Cavite has a LOT to offer (even if it may be considered provincial, and even more than, say, Las Piñas that is part of Metro Manila). And this is why we know that Antipolo has 24-hour venues even if Quezon City or the City of Manila “sleeps”.

The intent to discover affordable yet not-bad steaks – in particular – was what led us to The Beef Deli – Malolos, which claims to offer meats “from Australia to your plate” in Bulacan.

@outragemag #LGBT checking #steakhouse The Beef Deli-Malolos in #Bulacan ♬ original sound – Outrage Magazine

Una, the place is easy to find naman… particularly for those with private vehicles. It is at the vicinity of the entrance to NLEX lang din, so you can access it if you’re getting off or about to enter the expressway (as we did).

Ikalawa, the venue was masikip, tight. Largely, this was because of not-ideal lay-out that seemed to prioritize being able to accommodate more customers than customer comfort. While there, expect ingay, too; you’re seated too closely to other customers you can eavesdrop.

Ikatlo (and I took this down in my notes, too), the service was REALLY slow. We had to remind the waiters to: set our table (we were seated for a while already), provide us with cutlery, and give us some water. It didn’t help that the two servers who approached us did not know what’s in their menu.

Ika-apat, the food was… hit and miss, with more misses than hits.

The Sweet & Beefy Spaghetti (₱650) was… more sweet, less beefy. Imagine Jollibee’s spaghetti, now make it even sweeter, and you’d get an idea of what was given to us. Particularly since there’s less beef here, and more sausage slices. The accompanying bread also tasted burnt, not grilled.

The Absolutely Meatzza Pizza (₱550) was not just not as meaty (considering its name), but was also too sweet, with a tinapay-like dough.

For the steak, we got the two-for-the-price-of-one Premium Ribeye (₱1,560), cooked MR. Here’s the thing: the steak was okay naman, as it seemed properly seasoned and properly grilled. But when served to us, it was already cold, like it waited in the kitchen. So natulog na ang mantika when served, and slight kadiri na in the mouth.

We didn’t finish the food, so we had them wrapped.

Now, to add drama: when we arrived home, we found that the steak we asked to wrap wasn’t in the take-home bag. I, personally, was annoyed; we didn’t exactly have a good experience there, and then… they didn’t even pack what we already paid.

I contacted the number of the company that’s listed online, and – this is a great part – I received a proper response. I was told that, after some tracing, the leftover food was found. I was also told that, without charging me, they will have the leftover delivered to us the next day.

Yes, after reheating the leftover steak, they had it delivered to us… without charging us (as if I should be thankful for that, LOL). And NOT that I was expecting anything else, but the meat was all they sent; overcooked (due to reheating) stale steak that we didn’t get to enjoy anymore because of The Beef Deli – Malolos. No apology for the bad experience via some kind of compensation like… a serving of French fries man lang.

The place is okay-appearing naman, TBH. But Bulacan has a lot of venues to check, so we’re giving this a hard pass for revisiting na muna. And so off we go in search of more lafangan venues…

The Beef Deli – Malolos is located at G/F Unit 7-10, Andan Enterprises, Inc, 3598 MacArthur Hwy, Malolos, 3000 Bulacan Province. For more information, contact 0905 283 8461 or email beefdelimalolos@gmail.com.

Destinations

Checking the historic Charlie wanton resto in Mandaluyong

For those craving noodle soups, tambak ang options in Metro Manila. But one of the old faves is Charlie Wanton Special in Mandaluyong City. We #LGBT checked if it’s worth visiting.

Published

3 weeks ago

May 29, 2026

M.D. dela Cruz Tan, MDC

For those craving noodle soups, tambak ang options natin, truth be told. From David’s to Noodle Park to Wann Mann to Tim Ho Wan… the options are now endless. But – let this be said – the olden ones continue to charm. And among these is Charlie Wanton Special in Mandaluyong City.

When driving from Sta. Ana in the City of Manila to Greenhills in San Juan City, we always pass by this resto in Mandaluyong City that was established in 1958, though the original location was in Florentino Torres Street in Santa Cruz, Manila. That it is widely known is an understatement – e.g. good luck getting a table if you go there during rush hour (usually during lunch, or early dinner).

Anyway, we headed there when an opportunity presented itself. And… how was Charlie for us?

@outragemag #Wanton with nostalgia at #charliewantonspecial in #Mandaluyong during this #LGBT ♬ original sound – Outrage Magazine

Una, the place is in the middle of nowhere… in a manner of speaking. It is one of an extremely small number of restos in a long road that’s mostly residential, and there’s no public transportation there. But – exactly because the resto is known – it isn’t hard to find, as it’s very Google-able and Waze-able.

Ikalawa, the place is – in a word – unpretentious. Don’t expect fancy when there. The place is “divided” into sections – i.e. the glass-enclosed kitchen where the noodles are being made (you can watch the making, by the way); the dining area (which can accommodate over 70 pax); and the small events place. You get old wooden furniture, old cutlery, aged plates, and so on.

Ikatlo, the workers looked haggard when we were there… though this may be because they’re overwhelmed with the number of customers. I’d say don’t expect to be given special attention; this place is an order-eat-pay-go venue.

Ika-apat, how’s the food?

As served, the Chicken Mami (₱235) and the Beef Wanton Mami (₱305) looked abundant. We received extra bowls of sabaw, which were necessary because the noodles per bowl were a lot. Oh… the chicken sabaw was thicker, while the beef sabaw tasted like humba, complete with that star anise taste.

We had concerns taste-wise:

the beef strips were soft, yes, but the mami with the beef didn’t taste beefy at all;
the wanton in the same mami was okay-tasting, but didn’t taste fresh; and
the chicken strips weren’t malansa, but the mami with the chicken was tasteless.

The Bola-bola Siopao (₱130 for special) was aesthetically nice to look at, mainly because of its size. Sadly, that’s that. Taste-wise, it was weird. The dough was dry, and the meat was, aside from also being dry, had a malansa taste. It was hard to finish, sorry.

For the Siomai (₱120), we got three gigantic pieces. It was forgettable, but – after the siopao – at least the meat used here didn’t taste malansa.

Many people come, and will continue to head to Charlie. No surprise there since this can be a comfort zone for some. Kami, however, we don’t believe nostalgia alone makes any place deserving of being blindly supported. And so off we go in search of more lafangan venues…

Charlie Wanton Special is located at 265 Haig St. Daang Bakal, Mandaluyong City, Metro Manila. For more information, contact (02) 7718 1880.