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FEATURE STORY

Starbucks Domicillo Design Hotel

"A cup of coffee shared with a friend is happiness tasted and time well spent." While there's a lot of Starbucks out there each offering the same coffee, as far as location and view are concerned, no one offers a view so panoramic, heavenly, dreamy and divine that is Starbucks Domicillo Hotel. Imagine sipping your favorite Chocolate Cream Chip Frappucino overlooking the ethereal Taal Volcano, how dope must that be? Today me and my friend decided to have a quick one-day-only getaway to escape stress in the nearby Tagaytay City. Adulting can be very tiring so we both needed to replenish before we get consumed by exhaustion. A friend of mine recommended this new Starbucks and upon seeing pictures online, I died. The superb view is something poets would draw inspiration! The exterior looks so mundane and quite appalling at some point. Inside is just another Starbucks with tables and chairs and couches and as go further, Taal is already waving at you and i...
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The Last Lung of Manila | Arroceros Forest Park

"What we are doing to the forests of the world is but a mirror reflection of what we are doing to ourselves and to one another" -Chris Maser


       Few days ago, a video in YouTube popped out in my recommendation about one forest park in Manila that is said to be under threat of commercialization. At first I asked myself where and couldn't really believe there is one. Luckily, there is, and it's called Arroceros Forest Park and it's right in the heart of the city. Now as a sentient human being who was involved to environment-related activities, I strongly oppose the alleged deforestation and decided to take an stroll before it's gone.

About Arroceros Forest Park

       This patch of green is so-called "Manila's Last Lung". Why? Because it's the only forest in the city, 2.2 hectares in size, where Manila can breathe. In bustling and super crowded metropolis and with all the carbon emissions in the air, one can imagine how daunting is the task this forest is doing.

       Arroceros Forest is environmentally significant to say the least. It is interesting enough to find out that behind the tree canopies and deep-seated roots, a rich history is to be found. During the 17th century, it was known as the Parian de Arroceros, a settlement outside Intramuros. It is said Chinese vendors store and sold rice or arroz (Spanish for rice) in the area, hence the name. In addition, once there was a tobacco factory until it became a military garrison during the American colonial period.


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Why save Manila's Last Lung?

       The atmosphere inside is very different and it feels like you're escaping the hustle and bustle of the city when geographically you're not. Just the sound of the trees swaying is all I need to deem this place a haven. Seriously, this must be preserved!

       It will only take a year or two to create a commercial space but creating a forest can take up years. And the fact that this is the last of its kind in Manila, how it possible to create a new one? Can a couple of buildings be trimmed down and turn the space into a new forest? Impossible isn't it?

     Global warming is just around the corner and its adverse effects are already felt. Now adding more carbon footprint to the air and eliminating green spaces will only worsen the already bad situation we are all in.


   
     With the tranquility of the place, it can only promise you to calm your body and mind if you want to free yourself from all the negative vibes imaginable. From nature lovers to people who wants to unwind, Arroceros is waving at you.  There are benches available to sit on.



       There are pavements or walkways  making it easy to get around the forest.


     Wandering around the forest for several minutes, I'm amazed that such kind forest exists in Manila and can't quite understand why it should be converted into a commercial space at all.

Quezon Bridge



How to get there?
     Located in Anton Villegas St. Ermita, Manila, the forest is few steps away from the Manila City Hall. It is right beside the Central Station (LRT 1).

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