Ride on a jetplane, leave your hometown Manila, and live in a foreign country for more than 5 years.

What would you feel? Have you ever thought of coming back to Manila? Have you ever felt the homesick flu chasing you? Or have you ever felt the need to reunite yourself with your favorite Filipino ‘ulam’ and rice of all time? Or maybe thinking of going back to Manila where you used to hangout and reminisce with some old friends?

Many Filipinos left our beloved Manila to work abroad, get a higher pay and earn more dollars for the benefit of their families. At the same time, many of them chose to stay in that foreign land for good and become citizens. Whether anyone you know belong to the first or second category, coming back to Manila is special.

I never felt the way balikbayans feel about Manila. All I understand is that there is longing to be back and feel the Manila love once again after so long.

Recently, I discovered a new balikbayan spot in Manila called Mabuhay Restop.

Mabuhay Restop Travel Cafe and Museum in Rizal Park aims to promote Philippine cultural heritage and love of God and country through food, tours, shows, art and other attractions. It is one of the projects of Gawad Kalinga that introduces a sustainable business model that supports GK in nation-building.

As I entered Mabuhay Restop, we were asked to wait at the lobby for a while together with other ‘balikbayans’. At exactly 7pm, they asked each group to go upstairs and sit on our tables assigned. If you’re in a big group, you’d probably get one long table exclusively for your group. However, if you’re just 2-3, you might be asked to share your table with other small groups.

 Filipino buffet dinner for about an hour before the show starts.

We used these coconut cups for our soup.

My favorite from their buffet – Mango Salad with homemade vinaigrette.

Soon after everyone’s plates were empty, Manila Vanilla lighted up the stage to entertain us.

Teenagers who performed traditional Filipino dances came from Gawad Kalinga.

This lady’s voice is too powerful! A standout each time she performs solo.

Music to my ears, oh their voices are amazing! Talk about high performance level, artists of Manila Vanilla kept the audience alive and entertained.

On the other hand, the jokes didn’t really crack me up. I guess the jokes are too focused on ‘balikbayans’ and those who understand the ‘old Manila’. The script concentrated on balikbayans who left the country 10 to 20 years ago. I guess the script is really ideal for balikbayans who want to be remembered of how unique and homey Manila was before our city was too commercialized. Don’t get me wrong, their comedy made me smile but I didn’t totally laugh out that gave my belly an ache.

Part of the show is that they ask selected ladies and gentlemen from the audience to participate on stage.  There were about 10 of them who danced Tinikling on stage to experience the use of feet and body with the long bamboo sticks.

Filipino Art Exhibit on the side to showcase the artsy side of Pinoys. Know any balikbayans coming back anytime this year? 

I suggest you add to their itinerary to drop by Mabuhay Restop and be entertained.

Cheers,