A few reasons why we concur with the mad liner "it's more fun in the Philippines", one or two reasons why.

There will always be the good side in everything. So forget all of the monotonous bad news from the tv about this country. Instead, grab your own copy of these things we've recently acquired.

1) WanderPH 

"Wander is about savoring the best of what cities can offer through the eyes of its locals" 

- It's one of those things we've been waiting for as we have always been planning to explore more of the city. Both coming from the south of MNL, we wanted to get to know more about the city we have inhabited ever since college, our dear darling that we all love and hate, Manila. Wander PH is the collaborative effort of a few of our local artists, a very novel idea of showcasing the best of the best in each city. Judging from the Manila map, by best we mean, a.) trips that do not take for granted historical sites that are rarely appreciated but can give you the most of the local scene b.) underrated museums c.) where to do your shopping, from clothing to art materials d.) events/ days to look out for in each month. The city guide deviates from your usual "touristy" agenda. Useful for 1.) foreigners who don't have enough hours in the metro, a way to skipping the prelude and hearing the good stuff right away. 2.) Locals who haven't experienced the most out of their own home.

our favorite section in this issue: 24 hours with 98B

We warn you, it's not your ordinary city map. It has a life of it's own. Imagine a friend revealing to you the key to living forever, or anything that you fancy. 

 Indeed this country has a lot more to offer than the usual, and we're convinced with this first issue. We need not say, it's graphic beauty as well, you have to see it for yourself! 

Where to get your city guide?

 Fullybooked: fort and Rockwell

Heima: LRI and Brixton

98b collaboratory

2.) The Best Contemporary Filipino Novelists 

When analog keeps up with the digital, this is what you get. An anthology written for your literary and visual pleasure. A lot cheaper than the ipad but works as good, at some point better. An anthology that one should not dare miss, if you want to get a good taste of the local literature we have these days and the wit we have, by far one of the best covers we've gotten our hands on. Plus the roster of writers in this issue, we assure you you're getting the best of the best in their own genres.

Goodluck hunting! Happy mAAnic monday!

xx,

Aya and Arabella