Food Trip: Where to eat in Antipolo (updated 2023)

Al fresco dining has really made a comeback in the Philippines because of the pandemic. Since restrictions eased earlier this year and COVID cases are down, families and barkadas are dining out all together again during weekends, but many still prefer to meet up in al fresco spaces for safety. While mall-based restos with open air dining are an option, scenic places near Manila like Tagaytay and Tanay have just boomed with al fresco cafes and pop-up coffee stalls.

But because gas is so expensive these days, nearer destinations are becoming more appealing. For those based in the metro, Antipolo is always a popular destination that has an out-of-town feel and great views, but is still relatively near the metro and easy to drive to if you just wan to to enjoy a quick brunch or coffee with friends. For bikers, Antipolo is also one of the most popular spots near Manila to bike to for coffee or weekend rides.

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Pinto Art Museum in Antipolo 2023 Guide

NOTE: The article below and most photos were taken during various pre-pandemic visits, but I’ve updated the latest guidelines and rates with information available as of January 2023.

Latest Guidelines (updated January 2023)

  • The museum is open from Tuesday – Sunday: 10:00 am – 6:00 pm
  • Closed on Mondays
  • Walk-in only (no reservation required)
  • No pets allowed
  • For photoshoot and event inquiries: Email them at pintoartmuseum@yahoo.com
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Review: BESV JF1 Hybrid E-Bike

In progressive countries around the world, it’s normal for citizens to bike to work. Netherlands, Sweden and Germany are just a few of the countries where cycle usage is high. In Asia, Japan and Taiwan are also ideal for urban cycling, with extensive bike networks and trails along coastal roads, cities and proper bike paths.

The Philippines still has a long way to go, but the pandemic has brought about some good changes in terms of bike mobility, as more people are turning to two-wheeled transport to deal with the high cost of fuel and terrible public transportation.

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Artistic restaurant & pottery studio in Antipolo: Crescent Moon Café

Crescent Moon Café is a long-running establishment in Antipolo. This artistic restaurant known for their Southeast Asian-inspired cuisine and pottery products from the studio of Lanelle Abueva-Fernando has been around since 1997. I’ve written about this place several times before, but with all the travel restrictions these days, there’s been renewed interest in accessible and open-air restaurants near Metro Manila, so I though I’d share more photos and details about the place from visits over the years, before and during the pandemic era.

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Kaulayaw Café: Coffee & craft beer with a view in Antipolo

Antipolo has its fair share of restaurants and cafes that offer stunning views overlooking the city. Kaulayaw Café is one of the newest dining destinations along the Antipolo ridge, specializing in locally sourced coffee. Because of the ongoing pandemic, open-air dining destinations with nature views are much more preferable for dining out rather than enclosed indoor restaurants in malls.

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Romantic sunrise & sunset resto in Antipolo: Maura’s Place

I’m always on the lookout for unique places to eat for road trips. These days, with the restrictions because of the pandemic, we’ve been dining mostly at home, or in accessible spots where we can enjoy fresh air and nature views not far from the city. To kick off the new year, we checked out a new place in Antipolo that’s been getting some buzz online for its rustic and romantic look.

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Klook offers promos on domestic travel

With tourism starting to open up, now may be the right time to start thinking about your next local getaway! Klook is giving Filipinos more ways to re-discover the beauty of their home country with its “Pilipinas, You’re Worth the Wait” campaign. 

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Garden Venue: Jardin de Miramar, Antipolo

A lot of couples have had to postpone their weddings this year because of the ongoing pandemic. Destination weddings have become more difficult with all the hassles of air travel and checkpoints at certain borders. Now that the quarantine restrictions have eased up, events are slowly getting back to normal though celebrations understandably have to be scaled down. Outdoor weddings and receptions in wide open spaces and garden venues are now preferred to prevent the spread of the virus.

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Christmas road trip: Casa Santa Museum in Antipolo

Need a bit of Christmas spirit and cheer in your lives? Or maybe you’re looking for a fun Christmas ride destination for biking or motorcycling near the metro for the weekend? Casa Santa Museum in Antipolo offers a fun Christmas-themed museum for those who want to experience the magic of the season all year-round.

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10 Things to Do in Antipolo

For those who live in the metro looking for a quick day-trip getaway relatively near Manila, Antipolo is a popular choice. The city of Antipolo is approximately just 16 miles east of Manila, making it accessible especially for those who live in the North. Antipolo sits on a plateau at a higher elevation and is best known for offering a scenic overlooking view of the rest of Metro Manila. But that’s not all it has to offer.

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