Summer in the Big City

We all dream of the cool waters of the beach and the quiet escape from the big city. But with people flying out of the country or making their way to the nearby beaches, many of us aren’t too thrilled at the idea of joining the carmageddon that’s bound to hold NAIA, NLEX and SLEX at a standstill. But there is a way to enjoy the summer in the comforts of the city, while fulfilling your thrill for adventure. Here are a few fun and unique activities that will make you say “Yes!” to staying in the metro. LET ME OUTTA HERE! Test your skills in solving mysteries With 210 opened rooms worldwide, Escape Hunt Manila lets you practice your deductive skills in order to escape a “fun” room. It’s a “choose-your-own-adventure” type of night as you are given choices from among three mysteries: a jewel heist at the resort, murder at home, or trapped in a spa. Bring your closest friends and family, and learn to work together as you solve clues and piece together puzzles in order to escape within 60 minutes. Fees are P650 per if five persons are booked, P750 for four persons, P850 for three persons, and P1000 for only two. Escape Hunt Manila is at 5773 Ebro Street, Barangay Poblacion, Makati City. Contact +63 (2) 751 9124 or +63 915 596 8989 or manila@escapehunt.com for more information. UNDER THE SEA: Be a mermaid for a day Dip and dive, and sign up for classes at the Philippine Mermaid Swimming Academy (PMSA).  Not only do they have branches in Manila, PMSA can also be found in Cebu, Boracay, and Anilao, Batangas. Depending on which branch you choose, PMSA can offer a 90-minute introductory class for P2,500, a four-hour scuba session for the more advanced, and a 30-minute photoshoot with your mermaid tail. This is an awesome treat for your family especially if you have young kids. Delighting your daughters further, PMSA also has an array of colors and designs for you to choose from. They even offer a mermaid makeover, so that kids will truly feel and be part of Ariel’s world. Visit Philippine Mermaid Swimming Academy at Makati Sports Club, Leviste Street, Salcedo Village, Makati; or at Celebrity Sports Club, Quezon City. For inquiries and other information, contact: +63 917 845 2752 or +63 922 845 2752 or karlaf@mozcom.com. LEAP OF FAITH: Jump and fly Get your kids off the couch and have them leap for joy at Jump Yard, the first indoor trampoline park in the Philippines. Jump Yard offers many activities made more fun because of the trampolines, such as Dodge Ball, Cage Ball, and Slam Dunk Basketball. They also have a foam pit where you can try climbing, crossing balance beams and monkey bars, and swinging from one foam bag to another.

Rates are P250 an hour per jumper from Monday to Thursday (except holidays); and P350 an hour per jumper from Friday to Sunday including holidays. Jump Yard (beside Fun Ranch) is located at Frontera Verde Complex, Ortigas Ave. cor. C5, Pasig City. For more details, call (02) 544 0703. The Write Way: Learn CalligraPhy For something less physical and more creative, Ink Scribbler offers a good alternative to while away the time. Not just for kids, the calligraphy workshop helps you hone your decorative skills, and learn the lost art of lettering.

Be inspired and try your hand at making stylish monograms, personalized notecards, and decorative wall quotes, which will keep you entertained for hours. The basic workshop costs P2,000, inclusive of a nib, holder, bottle of ink, worksheets, clipboard and some snacks. Check out the Ink Scribbler at 408 Henrys Building, Greenhills, San Juan City with telephone number (02) 721 083. You may also email hello@inkscribbler.com. REDISCOVER THE CITY: Eat your way around the world Culture Shock PH promises to take you on a culinary journey around the world in one city. And guess which (surprising) city that is – Makati! Gain a new appreciation for the business district as the hip and young guides of Culture Shock PH allow you to savor the flavors of India, the Mediterranean, Africa, Korea, Mexico and many more countries as you hop from one food district to another.

The walking tour takes around four hours, and the price is P1,200 per head. Eat your way to happiness and enlightenment through Culture Shock PH. For more information, visit www.cultureshockph.com. CAMP IN STYLE: Glamping Just a few hours away from Metro Manila, tucked in a quiet corner of Tagaytay is the Nurture Wellness Village. Already known for its beautiful accommodations and superb massage offerings, Nurture Wellness Village offers something even more unique for individuals who want to go camping without giving up the comforts of good food and great ambience.

Sleep in a well-ventilated tent while you gaze up at the stars or the beautiful canopy of trees. For your convenience, butlers are on standby to help you light your bonfire and to teach your family old-school games. For a 22-hour overnight stay, the rate is P3,190 per person, minimum of two persons. Nurture Wellness Village is in Pulong Sagingan, Barangay Maitim II West Cavite, Tagaytay with contact numbers +63 918 888 8772 or +63 2 710 9786. You may also email info@nurture.com.ph. GET READ-Y: Bring out the bookworm in you Tuck away your gadgets, feel the satisfaction of turning a crisp page with your fingers, and settle down for a good read in this library-concept cafe. Unfortunately, reading has become a lost art, what with our cell phones and smart tablets that have made it almost impossible for us to pry ourselves from our social media accounts. Here, take a step forward in re-learning to sit back, relax, and travel to worlds hidden in the pages of a book.

Take a pick from a wide selection of recent releases, bestsellers and many other books which are waiting on the shelves. Book & Borders Cafe serves hot teas and signature coffee blends, as well as some refreshing juices and shakes. If you’re in want for something more satisfying, their menu offers an array of delicious sandwiches, pastas, and even rice meals. With colorful comfortable seating, enjoy the day immersed in your book, whether you’re alone or with someone else. Book & Borders Café is located at 281 Tomas Morato Street, Diliman, Quezon City. Call telephone number (02) 375 1213. You may also visit Unit RC-RCM, RD-RDM, BLDG. 5, Tuscany, Mckinley Hill, Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City or dial (02) 835 5451 for additional information.