Revisiting Cubao X

Tess, reading tarot cards

When I was younger, Marikina Shoe Expo showcased Marikina's pride: shoes. The familiar shoe stores are still there but in the past few years, it has changed its name and its ambiance.

Although Bellini's (the Italian restaurant) still stands, other establishments have come and gone. I was there with KC to have a special dinner at Halo Organic Store and Cafe (co-owned by our schoolmates, Halmen and Jaja) for two reasons: the end of Ramadan and World Vegetarian Day. Neither of us are vegeterians nor Muslims but we both promised Halmen we'd visit, and a year later, there we were.

We got there an hour early and decided to wander around Cubao X. The last time I was at Cubao X was for a Lomo Manila event. I was also there to support a friend: Sarah. A band was setting up last night just like the last time in front of Blacksoup Projects Gallery; there's a new film/cafe venue and Datelines is gone - replaced by a store, which technically sells the same thing: old books and photos. There were also more dining areas like this modern two-level cafe in front of Bellini's with neon lights.

What caught our interest though was an organic shop almost across Halo called Geo Cafe. They sold ampalaya tea, malunggay noodles and a lot of other healthy things. Reminded me of that small store in Podebrady, which actually sold the same things - except their products were labelled in Czech.

Anyway, what made us stay in the store was not the products but the tarot reading. Yes, there was a lady named Tess (a very pleasant and accommodating woman) who read tarot cards for PhP 200.00 per session. Suffice to say, her readings were on our minds during and even after dinner.

Halo's interiors

As soon as we entered Halo's quaint premises, Halmen immediately welcomed us - who also pointed out that Jaja was in the kitchen cutting Malungay pastries. I am so proud of what they have accomplished! Their food is innovative, delicious and cheap!

I am not a fan of vegetable substitutes so my favorites would include the singkamas with garlic mayo dressing, and the vermicelli spring roll with peanut sauce. The veggie burger, made of banana hearts came out too strong for my taste. But the dessert, oh the dessert, I like! :)