things to do
Monday, March 30, 2026
Where raw concrete softens under sunlight, and creativity lingers in every corner.
There are places in Iloilo City that don’t just exist—they linger in your mind. The Concrete Jungle Building along Benigno Aquino Highway in Mandurriao is one of them.
For as long as I can remember, it has stood there—quietly enigmatic. Its bare concrete facade looks deliberately unfinished, almost defiant in its rawness. In a city increasingly defined by polished developments, the building feels like an outlier—gritty, industrial, and unapologetically different.
But what truly gives it character is the greenery. Plants spill from its edges as if nature itself decided to soften the structure, creating a striking contrast between hard concrete and organic life. The result is a space that feels both urban and alive—structured, yet free.
At street level, the building opens into one of my personal favorites: Monkey Grounds Coffee. Known for its modern vegan and vegetarian dishes paired with specialty coffee, the café has carved out a niche among Ilonggos who value both flavor and mindful eating.
What I love most is the crowd it draws. On any given day, you’ll find a blend of young creatives, students, and professionals alongside older patrons who seem just as captivated by the café’s unique charm. It’s a reminder that good food, good coffee, and a thoughtfully designed space can bridge generations.
Lately, the Concrete Jungle Building has evolved beyond being just a café destination. Its upper floors have transformed into a creative playground—hosting seasonal and themed pop-up events that celebrate local talent and small businesses.
Last week, I finally gave in to curiosity and visited Day 2 of the Jungle 5000 Summer Social pop-up. What pulled me away from a lazy weekend at home was the promise of something immersive—a mix of fashion, crafts, and community energy that you simply can’t replicate online.
Stepping into the venue, I was immediately greeted by decorative banners made from upcycled flour sacks—simple, sustainable, and undeniably charming. They set the tone for the entire space: relaxed, beachy, and intentionally creative.
Inside, the atmosphere buzzed with life. Rows of merchants showcased everything from handmade crafts to trendy lifestyle finds. I was especially happy to spot familiar favorites like Purr Crafts x Studio, alongside a growing number of homegrown brands that reflect Iloilo’s evolving creative scene.
There was coffee in hand, cookies within reach, and craftsmanship at every corner. Add to that the building’s signature concrete jungle aesthetic, and the experience felt both grounded and inspiring.
It wasn’t just a pop-up—it was a snapshot of a community in motion. A space where creativity thrives, where sustainability quietly takes center stage, and where people come together not just to shop, but to connect.
And as I made my way out into the late afternoon heat, one thought lingered:
Sometimes, the most unforgettable places aren’t the most polished—they’re the ones that dare to stay raw.
Sunday, October 15, 2023
The Big Bad Wolf, the world's biggest book fair has arrived at the City of Love and just like any other Ilonggo bibliophile, I did waste any second as book fairs are akin to premium ukay-ukay at rock bottom prices. You know, early bird catches the best deal or that hidden gem of a book. As fellow shoppers swarm around endless piles of books (2 million of them!), you just wish nobody will pick up that obscure book that you have always wanted and of course you'd wish it would be dirt cheap. Hah!
I didn't have any book title in mind as I wanted the Big Bad Wolf to do a blitzkrieg, surprise me with books that I cannot resist! In Filipino lingo, it's a budol thing. With glazed eyes, you will gladly hand over your wallet with a big smile and not worry if you will subsist on instant noodles for the next 15 days. After all, the Big Bad Wolf visits once in a blue moon. Yeah, right!
Silly me, I spent more than an hour at the Gen Z and millennial book aisles (the young adult/fiction) not knowing that there are other BBW corridors to explore for Gen X like me. My goodness, those Gen Z kids who saved their allowance for this book shindig not knowing if they indeed got their end of the bargain. Save for a few rich kids with the parentals in tow, there were a few kids with trolleys (or shopping baskets for that matter). Damn, where are the Php 20 peso novels??!! Buy a mid-range priced book and checkout as fast as you can, kiddos! Make sure you have enough allowance left for that every other day milk tea.
Hunger pangs eventually gnawed on my book hungry brain and I decided to refuel at a nearby restaurant. The restaurant was situated next to the Graphic Design/Photography/Home and Garden BBW section which was absolutely my thang! So many art and architecture books that I wanted to bring home! Afraid that I might blow a month's salary on those books, I hastily bought (but thoughtfully considered) a few interior design and cat related books (mostly cute and useless but nevertheless will look nice on my shelf) and quickly ran to the nearest exit door. Will probably visit again (the history and biography section) when the book fair comes to a close (praying there will be more books in the A-E price range). To tell you the truth, I have not seen any Php 20-40 peso books. The VIPs/select buyers (the criteria of how they were selected will always be dubious to me) who were given the chance to shop before the grand opening probably carted the ultra-barato books before regular customers had the chance. I definitely got red riding hoodwinked on this part!
That being said, let the budol games begin!
Thursday, October 12, 2023
Concept cafes or multi-use retail spaces have become a trend of sorts lately. Shoppers can relax and unwind while shopping for their favorite products. It gives fresh meaning to the word "retail therapy". NaVhaCu Concept Store and Cafe (named after the owner’s three daughters) located just across Robinson's Place Iloilo (Ledesma Street side) offers that delightful, therapeutic experience to customers and pet lovers. Stop for a cup of coffee or milk tea while you stock up on healthy goodies like trail nuts, freeze dried veggies and fruits and other products. The pet-friendly shop also has a cozy corner for handmade trinkets and crafts, stationery, cosmetics, skin care and decor items. There is also a section for kids and babies where you can find unique and hard-to-find products and accessories.
Books also also available for sale and free to browse if you stay for a cup of coffee or drinks! Definitely a good place to visit during the weekend or after work.
See you at NaVhaCu!
NaVhaCu Concept Store + Cafe + Pabilin Station
Ledesma St., Iloilo City (Beside 168 mall)
Wednesday, October 11, 2023
Adapting to a vegan lifestyle is easier now than ever if you live in Iloilo City. Whole food stores like Simple and Whole and vegan restaurants like Buhay Ermitanyo promote a gentler,more conscious approach to consumption and self-care. You can now find various vegan cheeses produced by Buhay Ermitanyo, purveyor of vegan lifestyle at Simple and Whole at SM City Iloilo.You can create your recipes at home or try my version. Happy airfrying!
Thursday, October 5, 2023
It will be utterly useless to hold on to your wallet when the Big Bad Wolf comes to Iloilo City on October 13-22, 2023 at SM City North Point. Touted as the World's Biggest Book Sale, Big Bad Wolf Books is a Malaysian based enterprise that is on a mission to make books affordable and accessible to everyone.
I've been wanting to go to a Big Bad Wolf Book fair since it launched in Manila a few years ago and did a circuit in cities like Cebu and Davao (and other places I failed to mention). In 2021 when the pandemic happened, BBW held an online sale and of course being a bookworm and a sucker for great deals I did not pass the chance to get hold of amazing books at heavily discounted prices. Due to logistical challenges posed by the pandemic, the books arrived later than expected. But boy, the books were worth waiting for! It felt like Christmas when my BBW books arrived. I can't wait to relive that Christmas morning feeling when I go to my first BBW book fair in the City of Love!
For more information and updates on the BBW Iloilo Book Fair bookmark and visit the BBW Philippines Facebook page. See you there baddies!
Sunday, April 30, 2023
Fancy a quiet pajama party or self-care chill time?
An Airbnb is a good alternative to pricey hotels if you want a staycation or just a change of scenery. And why would we want a change of scenery when we are already in our comfort zones? Sometimes we need to focus on completing a personal project like an art or craft project, a space to meditate or contemplate or just to work or study without any distractions. Sliding into your comfortable bed and falling asleep is the last thing you need.
There are lots of good Airbnb accommodations in Iloilo City (mostly condominium studios) to choose from depending on your budget and mood. There is one Superhost Airbnb accommodation worth checking out. Cozy Homestay in an Attic Studio is the perfect millennial boho style room that is wonderfully spacious, super clean and comfortable. I booked a stay several months ago and truly enjoyed the cozy setting and natural wood aesthetic. There were plenty of self-help books to read so my stay was very chill, relaxing and good for the soul. I need to start writing the first few pages of my novel so another booking at the Attic Studio should be in order soon.
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