Destinations

Trying to be artsy in CDO

If you like the feeling you get when you’re in a Papemelroti branch, then you’d definitely like Chingkeetea. It’s rustic; it’s artsy; it’s hip; it’s… cool. But if your idea of having fun isn’t to sit on chairs whose owners may have long died, then this isn’t the place for you – go somewhere, instead, that’s more generic, like Starbucks or McCafé or CBTL or something.

Published

11 years ago

September 22, 2015

Kiki Tan

Yes, we’ve heard about the so-called “milktea panic” that emerged after at least two people (one was a customer, and the other the owner of the shop where the milktea was bought after he also tried the milktea that the customer said tasted weird) who consumed milktea concoctions died only a few minutes after they consumed the ubiquitous drink. Chingkeetea2 With the bad press milktea got (Heck, even local government units made the rounds and had milktea shops closed!), it almost seemed like it was on the way out.

Alas, the drink’s here to stay – arguably best exemplified by milktea’s continuing appeal in so many places, e.g. in Cagayan de Oro City in Northern Mindanao, where one brand continues to make a mark because of the milktea offerings, largely abetted by a blast-from-the-past, hippy, and even artsy-fartsy appeal of the brand’s branches.

And so welcome to Chingkeetea.

WHAT’S THERE

First – and definitely worth highlighting – Chingkeetea’s major, major appeal is the vibe of its venues. Here, you see everything from the olden times – e.g. ditched desks from public schools, repurposed into retro seats; mismatched furniture pieces that, weirdly, work together; empty bottles of softdrinks and wines serving as decorative pieces; et cetera. The only “new” pieces there are these artworks/drawings atop tables or clipped a la sinampay/laundry, so that they, too, become decorative pieces.

There are some variations – e.g. the branch closer to Xavier University, for instance, is way bigger than the other one located a few blocks away (though on the same street). But the “feel” of the place remains the same, what with all these knickknacks scattered around to give Chingkeetea this “lola’s homey place” appeal.

Of course, it helps that the food isn’t bad (even if it isn’t world-shattering), and – to top that – they’re cheap. Korean ramen, for instance, only sells for P75 a bowl. The drinks aren’t bad either. No, don’t expect kapeng barako, but with the coffees (Java Chip, Butterworth, Mocha, Cappuccino) selling from P70, they suffice. Particularly considering that with Starbucks and CBTL charging double that, this place’s offerings aren’t too bad at all.

And then of course we have the milktea drinks (e.g. wintermelon, strawberry, chocolate, vanilla, taro, honeydew, Oreo, and vanilla), selling from P60. Not as sugary as, say, Zagu; but not watery either. They more than suffice…

WHY GO THERE

It can’t be stated enough – if you want that artsy feel, come over. Here, there’s this sense of being laid back, as if everything isn’t rushed. Great, therefore, if you’re out to catch up with friends on lazy afternoons/dusk…

Not surprisingly, largely because the venues aren’t too far from the city’s biggest university, the crowd tends to be young (and yeah, the owner – nicknamed Chingkee – is still in her 20s) . And they vary, too – from the katkat (literally, “climb”, though locally used to refer to social climbers), to the yuppies, to the government employees, to the comparatively better-off students, and to the LGBT crowd (though most of them cisgender). So if you wanna be with the relatively younger crowd, check this out.

For catching up without having to kick your pockets hard (check the prices mentioned above), this is worth considering, too.

WHY AVOID

This is not to say this place is perfect – no, sir/ma’am, it’s far from that. In fact, there are things that, well, get to me. For one, many of the offerings aren’t always available – I, personally, had to change orders thrice on the first visit, twice on the second visit, and thrice again on the third visit because the ingredients of what I wanted to have weren’t available. A ruder customer would say: “Magsara na lang kayo (Just close shop, will you)!”; but let’s not…

The venues can get full – good for business, but bad for customers (particularly those arriving in groups). It doesn’t help, too, that the branch closest to Xavier University has a non-airconditioned space; meaning, you put up with the humidity or raindrops (depending on the season) when there…

There’s no Internet connection, too. The selling point of the place – as this drawing states – is for people not to get lost virtually when they’re in Chingkeetea, and instead start talking with each other. For a telecommuter like me, the word that comes to mind is “bullcrap”.

And then there are the… religious writings on the walls, showcasing the owner’s religious beliefs, which may not necessarily be shared by everyone visiting the place. If you don’t want other people’s beliefs shoved down your throat, you can choose to ignore; or just don’t visit at all.

IN THE END…

If you like the feeling you get when you’re in a Papemelroti branch, then you’d definitely like Chingkeetea. It’s rustic; it’s artsy; it’s hip; it’s… cool.

But if your idea of having fun isn’t to sit on chairs whose owners may have long died, then this isn’t the place for you – go somewhere, instead, that’s more generic, like Starbucks or McCafé or CBTL or something.

Chingkeetea branches are located along Pabayo/Corrales (near Xavier University).

CHINGKEETEA BRANCH NEAR XAVIER UNIVERSITY

CHINGKEETEA BRANCH AT GRAND CENTRAL

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Kiki Tan

"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).

Published

11 hours ago

July 28, 2026

M.D. dela Cruz Tan, MDC

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.

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.

Published

4 weeks ago

July 2, 2026

M.D. dela Cruz Tan, MDC

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…

Travel

Enjoying nature via trail hiking in Wales

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

Published

4 weeks ago

July 1, 2026

M.D. dela Cruz Tan, MDC

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…