Articles for Magazine

GROUP 1

Wi-Finding on Makati?
Top places to eat and do work plus Wi-Fi
by Kristelle Marie C. Marquez

Wi-Fi or the Wireless Fidelity is the thing that allows people to access the Internet, the cyber
world. Due to the advancement of technology, the Internet became interactive, features are
getting fascinating, you get a lot of information & entertainment in just one sit and lots of things
which is why people are into the Internet. Speaking of information, people these days especially
students and workers uses Internet to get information they needed. A good ambiance helps
people to study or to focus on accomplishing tasks.
If you are in Makati and you are finding a place to finish your tasks, very good food and coffee.
Of course, a stable Wi-Fi and lots of power outlets for your devices to charge so you do not
have to worry when the battery runs out and won't be usable. Here are the Top 5 places at
Makati that is absolutely worth to go.

1. HABITUAL COFFEE (4.4)

Paseo Heights, Salcedo Village, L.P. Leviste Street, Makati, 1230 Metro Manila
This is one of the popular cafes at Makati. A lot people rate it 5 stars of being excellent
taste of coffee, it does taste real and "better than Starbucks." Espresso is mostly what people
likes in this cafe. People even praise that they also have a very fast Wi-Fi, also outlets to charge
and the workers are skilled and friendly. And yes, a place that is suited for people to do their
task here peacefully.

2. MUDPIE HEAVEN (4.6)

2nd Level, Circuit Lane, Ayala Malls Circuit, Makati, Metro Manila

"Have a cozy ambience."

Their "Mudpie desserts" is what they are famous for that people really loves in this Filipino-
American restaurant. In general, people say their dishes are tasty. Just like Habitual, the staffs
are also friendly.
This is a peaceful restaurant to do your works. Wi-Fi and outlets are in there too! Good for
people who loves tasty foods.
3. REFINERY (4.0)
129 Frabelle Corporate Plaza, Bautista Street, Salcedo Village, Makati City 1227

"Feels like home."

Looking for a place to eat breakfast and brunch? This place is for you! They are famous for
their very good breakfast and brunch! The ambience makes you feel at home and so chill. For
coffee lovers, also try Refinery, their coffee is worth a try maybe it suits your taste. Also a place
for a friend to invite!
Okay so for your needs, this is also good for doing your tasks so yes they do have Wi-Fi, and
outlets!

4. Eight Coffee Bar by UCC (4.4)

8 Rockwell Dr, Makati, 1209 Metro Manila

For people who loves Japanese food, this is for you! In this restaurant it is said to be having
a Japanese-inspired dishes which people really enjoyed (like Chicken Teriyaki Rice etc.).

"Excellent coffee and food."

Of course, Wi-Fi and outlets is also available here! You can watch your favorite animes or read
mangas.

5. Caffebene (3.9)
Multinational Bancorp Center, Valero Access Road 4, Makati, Metro Manila
For people who loves all about Korean dramas, the k-drama The Secret Garden this
restaurant was featured in which some Filipinos knew. This is considered as the “most popular
and largest coffee chain” in Korea! For those who can’t go on Korea, it’s time to experience
because it is on Makati! They are popular on their Korean bingsu and other desserts (waffles,
gelato, sandwiches, smoothies). Nice, cozy place to stay and chat with your colleagues and to
students, perfect for doing your work!
Ayala Triangle Gardens
by Jeremy Kyle Ablaza

Here in the Ayala Triangle Gardens you can relax as much as you want because it is
such a nice place to chill, having a fresh air to breathe and they have a good peaceful ambiance
for people who seek a stress relieving place. If you are always tired of school or work, this is a
worthy place to spend with your spare time, bring yourself here to relax so that you can forget
about your problems. If you are a bookworm like me, this is also good spot for reading. It
doesn’t have much people here on weekends so you can always have a place to sit and eat
your home-packed food or if you don’t prepare yourself a food or maybe you forgot, there’s a lot
of restaurant within the park that you can easily find.
This place is the best for hangouts. You can enjoy the view while chatting to your friends, a
place for picnic of every family and also best spot for photographers who are finding a nature
view to capture because of it is so clean, greenery and beautiful view. Truly this place is
“instagrammable.”
A lot of people especially Filipinos do recommend this place
“Picnic is sooooo possible (this is what we usually do). Jogging, walking your dog. Of
course, food. There are a lot of food options when you stay there. They have a lot of
spots for exercise, for some activities. My friends and I come here a lot and occupy a
spot to eat and just chat. No one will care. There are a lot of cats around, you can pet
most of them. A lot of dog owners comes to the place too, so you can see them (I am just
not sure if you can pet them, depends). Fresh air, a lot of greens. I love that. You can
stay here until 10PM.”
- a review of Rianne Verdad from Google
Some foreigners said it was like the central park in New York but it’s smaller compared to
Central Park. Danyella a foreigner from Australia said this park is a green oasis in the heart of
Makati's Central Business District. Surrounded by skyscrapers and traffic jams, it's like a refuge
where people go exercising, dancing, reading or just relaxing. During the day, we see lots of
children playing around. At night, the park becomes a jogging place. She's amaze how the
Filipinos loves to run. She also loves the slogan set in the middle of the park saying "Make it
Happen, make it Makati” because it will feel the visitors the festive atmosphere on the event that
takes place in the Ayala Gardens, like free concerts and Christmas Festival of Lights.

GROUP 2
Travelling into The Financial Capital of the Philippines
What Is Makati City?

Makati is the financial center of the Philippines where the Philippine Stock Exchange and the
Makati Business Club is situated. [https://philippinescities.com/makati-city/]
Notable for its multicultural lifestyle, Makati became known not only in the country but also
abroad. The city is a home for many Makati hotels, shopping centers, condominiums, financial
and entertainment hubs – most of them being owned, managed and frequently visited by the
successful foreign businessmen – which is the major factor that made this city very prosperous.
[https://philippinescities.com/makati-city/]
Widespread condominiums and malls are prominent in Makati City, as many tourists gather
here for the variety of the services - notably the Ayala Mall, and The Rise with a built-in mall.

Does It Live Up to Its Name?

Exploring Makati City

When you hear someone mention “Makati,” the first thing, probably, that comes to mind would
be the tall buildings standing from left to right, thus comprising the “urban jungle” we call today.
Known to be Metro Manila’s Central Business District, Makati houses the offices for both the
local and the multinational companies. [https://primer.com.ph/travel/2016/11/29/makati-what-its-
know-for/]
Around Makati City, being a highly urbanized city - the nickname "Financial Capital of the
Philippines" will be right in front of your eyes as the city provides the services of countless
shopping centers, condominiums/hotels, restaurants, and parks... yet, the cost of living there is
significantly higher due to the commercial value of the city is higher, hence the nickname.
There is a wide possibility for business in Makati. Call centers, hotels, condo units, shopping
centers and resto bars are some of the businesses that are being flocked by the customers.
Since there is a growing number of people visiting the place almost everyday, putting up a
business that could fit in the urban, is a good idea. [https://philippinescities.com/makati-city/]

Featured Places Within the Financial Capital of the Philippines

How to Make Your Time Worth?

When visiting the Financial Capital of the Philippines, be sure to bring enough money when
exploring and making your time worth within the city, despite the amount of entertainment
centers and notable quality of services, it is no doubt that the services and products will be more
expensive than the neighboring cities.

And when referring to enough money, money that will provide you shelter (such as
condominiums and hotels), food, transportation, clothes, and other services - better plan ahead
before going to Makati city, in order for your time spent within the city to be worth it.
Beautiful Scenery of the Makati City

[Makati City Collage Pictures]

The City Where Paro-Paro Festival Shines

Knowing Dasmarinas City of Cavite

Dasmariñas City was known to be the wealthiest local government unit in the province of Cavite
according to the 2006 Commission on Audit report. It was also the only municipality in the entire
Philippines that had both SM and Robinsons Mall, before it became a city.
[https://philippinescities.com/dasmarinas-city-cavite/]
Paro-Paro Festival on the day of 26th of every November, as the symbol for the "Paro-Paro", or
Butterfly in English, represents the City's transformation throughout the years - which is referring
to the metamorphosis process that takes place during the larval stage of a butterfly.
The city of Dasmariñas is one of the fastest growing local government units in the province of
Cavite. Numerous commercial establishments, which include major shopping malls, fast foods,
groceries, convenient stores, restaurants and other service-oriented businesses, are mostly
concentrated in the City Centre and the Central Business District. Industrial establishments are
located in the outskirts of the city. It has the greatest number of universities in the province.
[https://philippinescities.com/dasmarinas-city-cavite/]

Around the Wonders of Dasmarinas City

[Dasmarinas City Collage Pictures]

GROUP 3

11 Tips for Capturing Amazing Cityscapes

By Danica Dela Cruz
Photographing cityscapes is an absolute thrill and I’ve learned a lot about how to capture the
best photo possible, by revisiting places I’ve gone to and doing things differently the second
time.

To help both beginners and professionals, I’ve composed 11 tips I think will be helpful to capture
better cityscape/skyline images.

1. Determine your vantage point, then choose your lens

Wherever you plan to shoot helps abundantly in choosing your lens(es). Cityscapes are typically
great with a wide-angle shot, but this can come from a wide-angle lens or even a telephoto lens,
based on how far away you are from a scene. Sometimes using a wide-angle lens of a scene
from a faraway vantage point will not bring viewers into your image if it seems too far away to
get a feel for what you captured in your photo.

Many like to plan out what they are going to take with them to cut down on unnecessary gear.
Figure out where you’re shooting from and map out the distance. If you don’t care to do that
then, of course, bring all of your lenses! You never know what will be the right lens for a given
situation. That 85mm lens you have could be the bread and butter choice, but yet you left home
with only a 35mm and you’re screwed out of getting a good image when you could have had a
winner! Hopefully, you have a super-high-megapixel camera and can crop heavily to try and
make that work.

Lately, I’ve found the Zeiss Batis FE 85mm f/1.8 Sonnar and Sony Sonnar T* FE 55mm f/1.8 ZA
lens. as favorites with my Sony Alpha cameras, for my cityscape images. Most wouldn’t think of
these lenses as first choices, but they’ve actually been amazing at capturing some of my recent
cityscapes in New York City and Chicago.

2. Look for Reflections

These can really make for some incredible looking images. Having a mirrored image that wasn’t
photoshopped can really add character to a photo and also allow your viewers to view your
image longer and concentrate on just how you captured it.

Reflections from one building that reflect back to another building or what’s happening in the sky
is a very cool capture. It’s better if you’re able to really get close up on the building of focus and
reflect off of it, vs. being a distance away. That closer perspective gives you an illusion that, if
captured perfectly, can throw off your viewers – which is always fun to do!
3. Pay Attention to Light
This is SO important! I have many photographers who come to me needing help on this,
especially those who rarely, if ever, shoot with natural light. Sunlight is unpredictable and you
have to follow its lead and be attentive to how the light falls off of buildings and reflects from
them.

You can do so many things with the sunlight and you have to really be creative here. Time of
day is important too as the colors and conditions are changing every minute, especially during
sunrise and sunset. You can do things such as adjusting your aperture to obtain the
sunburst/star effect from the sun or even adjusting your metering mode to center to account for
the sun in your image, which creates a gorgeous silhouette on buildings or anything that may be
in your frame.

4. Use a Tripod when Needed

Depending on when and where you’re shooting, having a tripod can really make for a more
impressive image. As light trails from highways and roadways in the foreground, it can add a
more dramatic feel to your photo over a frozen still image.

I’ve been to locations that may not allow tripods, but in some cases, they’ll have ledges you may
be able to prop up on or even be able to use a small tabletop tripod (which most places typically
will allow, as opposed to full-size tripods.) A hand-held shot vs. a long exposure one can be the
difference between having a good image and a great one. Click here for my recommended list
of tripods. Remember, when using a tripod be sure to DISABLE your camera/lenses
stabilization. Even though you’re on a tripod the camera/lens will still be accounting for motion
and your image may turn out with a blur because of this.

5. Capture Different Angles

Sometimes we become so stuck in our routine way of doing things that we forget to think
outside the box and be more creative.

Notice your surroundings. With cityscapes/skylines, you have a lot that’s around you and you
must look out to see what’s near or far and how you can capture as many different angles as
possible. Just looking straight up can have a great perspective or having the clouds above be
seen reflecting off of a building to give a dramatic look, or even trying some funky angles that
someone may think you’re crazy for taking but it ends up being a unique image.

Don’t be afraid to try a variety of different things. It may even help to go to an area you want to
photograph a few times beforehand to scout out the location. This helps in making sure when
you’re ready to capture the perfect scene there’s little thinking needed to be done and you
won’t.

Capture Memories in Makati

by Rio Ochoa

Makati is the financial hub of Manila with lots of banks, business, and bosses. This city has a
western urban feel to it with all of the 1st world amenities you would find back home. For being a
big city so close to the capitol, Makati is regarded as a pretty safe, clean, and friendly city where
you can feel free to roam around, bouncing from one park to another with plenty of food and
shopping in between.

One of the nice points about living high up in a residential skyscraper is the view that comes
with it. A view, around 150 meters and nearly seventy floors above the streets of Makati, is also
perfect for some tilt-shift photography. Tilt–shift photography is a technique that can be used to
create a miniature look with real life objects. This works best from certain angles, such as high
up.

The effect can be achieved by using a proper perspective control lens (or tilt–shift lens), or more
commonly these days by using digital effects. Some photographers enjoy portraiture, capturing
the essence of a person; others enjoy capturing a fast moment in a football game, or a delicate
moment of a newlywed couple but Tilt-shift photography is a photographic genre that have been
gaining popularity in the last few years.

GROUP 4

Cheers to the Coffee We Share

by Jace Monzon

There are thousand reasons why we travel. “To find myself” “soul searching” are the two most
common reasons we tell our friends when we became broken hearted. Well, traveling is a must
in each and every one of us whether your reason is to move on or to just enjoy life. According
to research, traveling can make your life better and happier in several ways. Traveling alone is
the best definition of travel, how come? because there is coffee to accompany you that will
complete your day. Starbucks Iced coffee and Frappuccino’s will always fit your mood. Sunny or
rainy, there’s any iced coffee for you. You can also try hot drinks together with Starbucks
dessert — blueberry scone while thinking your next destination. Starbucks coffee will surely
leave a precious moment while you are traveling, its ambience will give you the comfortability
you needed one’s you are new to a place. The aroma of the coffee will make you calm and
appreciate the place even more. Traveling alone is not a really hard thing to do, cheers to the
Starbucks coffee that saves us!

(sa gilid ilalagay)

TRIVIA ABOUT STARBUCKS
The meaning behind our logo

She’s at the center of your Starbucks cup. That green mythological creature who’s staring into
your soul as you drink your latte. But seriously, who is she? The mythological creature is not a
mermaid. It is a siren that looks like a super mermaid because of its two tails.