(SPOT.ph) It’s always fun to hang out with friends and significant others but sometimes, you just need some space to be alone. That, or you really don’t have much of a choice. Whether your friends ditched your plans at the very last minute or you just need a little me-time, head to these solitude-friendly spots in the Metro. Consider these places as judgment-free zones.
Go back in time through music
Take a break from your Maginhawa food trip with a taste of music history. You might feel a little wary when you first see Yesteryears’ worn-out façade, but brave that brown metal gate. This place is a music lover’s dream, from art pieces by Guillermo Tolentino to a wide, fascinating collection of vintage vinyls and cassette tapes that you can browse and even listen to!
Yesteryears Music Gallery and Vinyl Store is at 87 Maginhawa Street corner Magiting Street, Quezon City.
Get some serious work done
Let’s be honest; “group studying” or “group projects” are actually way more distracting than they promise. If it’s serious solo productivity you’re after, head to Coffee Project’s QC branch. Don’t let the eye-catching and quirky décor fool you. Take one look around the room, and you’ll almost feel guilty for wasting time trying to take the right Instagram photo. Bonus: There’s a power outlet available at every table, too!
Coffee Project is at G/F Will Tower, Eugenio Lopez Drive, South Triangle, Tomas Morato, Quezon City.
Kick back (literally) and see a movie
Who says you can’t catch a movie by yourself? In fact, a cinema is the perfect place to unwind because it’s dark, and everyone’s too busy watching a movie to notice you’re alone. But if you really don’t want to accidentally rub elbows with strangers, make a beeline for Director’s Club. Not only are the recliners plush and comfy; there’s also a small table between each seat so you never have to interact with your seatmate if you don’t want to. Need a refill? There’s a button to summon friendly service staff, too.
The Director's Club Cinema is at SM Megamall, SM Aura, SM Mall of Asia, SM City BF Parañaque, and S Maison. Ticket prices are at P350 each.
Have a solo coffee break
Need a respite from the busy Pioneer and Ortigas highways? Or maybe you just need to duck out from behind the four corners of your office cubicle? Mozaic Living is an Instagram-friendly haven for those with a penchant for interior design. After you browse through their interactive showroom, take a seat by the bar and watch your barista whip up a fresh brew from their small but comprehensive menu.
Mozaic Living is at 7 Sheridan Street, Highway Hills, Mandaluyong City.
Catch some live music
There's no need to stay cooped up at home on Friday night—yes, even if your friends ditched you. Conspiracy Garden Café is the perfect spot to nurse a beer while watching live musical performances. The ambience is laidback and inviting, and the music is a great mix of Filipino folk and acoustic. Don't worry about sitting all alone, either; you'll be making friends soon enough in this cozy bar.
Conspiracy Garden Café is at 59 Visayas Avenue, Quezon City.
See an indie movie or two
Tired of the usual offerings at your local cinema? At Cinematheque Centre Manila, their lineup changes every week, ranging from hard-to-find indie and classic flicks to entries from local film festivals. With ticket prices at just P100 (sometimes even free), you can catch as many movies as you want. You can also check out their film museum, join a workshop, or even relax in their café.
Cinematheque Centre Manila is at 855 T.M. Kalaw Street, Ermita, Manila. For movie schedules and more information, visit FDCP’s website or Facebook page.
Treat yourself like a queen
...or a goddess, rather. The newly opened Kallista Nail Pamper Salon is a posh, Grecian-inspired sanctuary, complete with plush seating, high ceilings, and IG-worthy gold and nude interiors that give the space a luxurious feel. Get pampered with a wide array of blissful—and cleverly named—treatments for your hands, nails, and feet (P235 to P2,300), while you sit back with complimentary coffee or iced tea. If you're flying solo, you'll be glad to know they also offer comfortable, solitude-friendly seating.
Kallista Nail Pamper Salon is at 2/F S Maison, Seaside Boulevard corner Coral Way, Mall of Asia Complex, Pasay City.
Have a different kind of retail therapy
There's always something brewing at HUB: Make Lab. Nestled in Escolta's First United Building are stalls after stalls of startup homegrown brands that sell everything from quirky apparel to paper crafts and vintage vinyl records. Keep an eye on their Facebook page, as they play host to special weekend events, such as poetry nights, art exhibits, and musical performances. If you've never witnessed the revitalized sense of community in Old Manila, now is the perfect time to experience it. You definitely won't feel alone.
HUB: Make Lab is at First United Building, 413 Escolta Street, Manila.
Feast your eyes on some art
Say goodbye to Mag:Net Cafe, and hello to the hybrid of 55 Square Cafe and Vongarde Art Gallery. Consider this spot an artsy tambayan for the creative crowd. It's hard to feel alone when you're surrounded by thought-provoking pieces from up-and-coming artists. (We recommend pairing your art experience with 55 Square Cafe's comforting artisanal brews.) If you're feeling inspired, Vongarde also hosts the Maison Art Workshops—one-on-one courses for painting, drawing, acrylic painting, and more.
Vongarde Art Gallery and 55 Square Cafe is at G/F ALCAL Building, 285 Katipunan Avenue, Quezon City.
Step out of your comfort zone and get social
Sometimes, there's nothing more terrifying than entering a room full of people, only to realize you don't know anyone. As its name suggests, Cuore promises to ease your anxiety...though some liquid courage might help (and they have a lot of those). This neighborhood joint's interiors are polished yet cozy and unintimidating, and with owners who encourage visitors to linger and chat with strangers, you'll feel at ease in no time.
Cuore Bistro & Social Lounge is at 20 Jupiter Street, Barangay Bel-Air, Makati City.
