Arousing Haven 

“tambay ta!” the most common word you can hear from a student, after their long and tiring class. “Diin bi? “ the usual response of a friend that gives them a hard time thinking were to go and chill. So guys, here are some suggested tambayan that would help you decide where to spend your most valuable time. ;)

Madge café is located in the heart of La Paz public market, which made it special and unique, compared to other “tambayan” in the city. Madge Cafe is a carinderia-style in appearance and very neat, the venue is quite windy because it is an open place and one of the few establishments with a no Wi-Fi zone for the customers to maintain their social life.  Upon entering the café, a smell of freshly brewed coffee will give a mellow sensation to the customers and other passers-by inside the market. Madge is one of the authentic and well preserved coffee shops in Iloilo that gives a homey feeling in all the costumers, and sells affordable food and refreshments for different types of customers.

 Madge Café opened its 2nd branch at Butlak Wellness Spa D'Salon at Diversion Rd., Mandurriao, Iloilo City last December 2012.The shop opens 11:00 am every Friday -Saturday and 10:00 am on the remaining days. This coffee shop will always be the best “tambayan” suited for all type of people like students and office workers. They could choose different strengths of coffee either with milk in Mild, Regular and Strong coffee blend in Media Tabang, Media Regular and Media Cafe or savour the richness of coffee without milk by ordering Puro Regular, Puro Tabang and Media Puro for mild, medium and strong blends. Though the place and location changed, the taste and aroma of their brewed coffee is still the same. Their native hot and cold coffee together with their soft and tasty “pandesyosa” will be their trade mark to all their loyal and new customers.

The newly opened branch of Madge café is a living legacy that even though this type of industry competes neck to neck, there’s still a place we’re we could say “daw sa balay lang ko”.  

The esplanade was officially made open to the public on August 18, 2012, and became an attraction as well as a form of recreation for the locals and visitor; it promotes different advocacies including fitness programs like Zumba, Taebo and fun run. Since then, esplanade became the nature haven in the city. 

 Many tourist and bloggers promote and write something about it. Because of its relaxing and attractive façade it became the most visited “tambayan”.But before entering the entrance there is a signage that says “no food and pets allowed”, a friendly remainder to maintain the cleanliness and orderliness of the bridge.  After a long day of hard work you could visit and walk in the 1.2km length bridge of esplanade and watch the nightfall while experiencing the cool breeze coming from the Iloilo River. This “tambayan” is also one of the romantic places for lovers, the street lights along the bridge gives it a monochromatic feel that emphasizes the beauty of Esplanade.

Near the end of the 1.2km length of the esplanade, you can find Cholabite, a newly established recreational place, situated beside the go-kart ride, where kids and kids at heart would really love to play, it is located at Tabucan, Mandurriao .

After a tiresome walking or jogging, you can take a seat and replenish your energy with their smoothest and delicious milk tea. The fragrance from the tea and milk invites the people to relax while watching the sunset and the calm Iloilo River, but remember to ask for a less sweet version if you're on a diet! This coolest “tambayan” is not only for friends or lovers, but also for family and for those who are of solo flight.

 Beside the café is a go-kart ride, a small four-wheeled vehicle that comes in all shapes and forms, from motorless models to high-powered racing machines, it is safe and a fun experience for all. The price is also affordable, customers can choose 

from Buddy (php 40) to Chopper (php 80). 

Those are some coolest, authentic and affordable “tambayan” in the heart of metro Iloilo. So guys, tamabay ta! ;)