Many students from UP Manila know him and would pass by him especially if you're taking subjects at…read moreCAS in P. Faura St. You'd know his name instantly because his name is written on the small table where he conducts his services. I would often see him conducting numerology and predictions while sitting down with his client under the shade of a tree by the busy streets of Faura. I always see him writing several things, mostly numbers, on a one-fourth sheet of paper. I've always been fascinated with his works and I've always wanted to conduct an interview with him for once but I never had the courage to do so. What I did in the end was to Google him. I've never believed in psychic abilities partly because of religion and part of it was because it ruins the thrill of guessing what would happen tomorrow or the coming days. It's also cheating by knowing ahead what's planned for you. Anyway, despite my belief, I do think that Sir Geno is a fascinating Filipino. According to my research, he is a person with a very interesting background. He's a native T'boli endowed with the knowledge, wisdom, and spirituality he got him his tribe or group. What also struck me apart from his astral powers and psychic abilities, is the fact that he has been taking only a few milliliters of water since 1997. I obviously couldn't do that because eating is my number one hobby of all time. I wish that more Filipinos like him get known because there are only a few of them in Manila nowadays who could represent the culture of their native tribes and tell stories of the old to the new generation. If only I could gobble up the courage to approach strangers like him.

Do you believe in fortune tellers? That they can see into the future and tell you of what's to…read morecome. I can honestly say that I do and at the same time I don't, well I'm not quite clear on that one yet. From experience though, I've had mine told out of curiosity and wanting to prove them wrong. And I was told my fortune in detail like there were really specifics and the order of events and kinds of people, etc etc. To my surprise they did happen, in that order with those people and all of them specifics were there too. Still I remain a cynic, I just think of it as my mind being more aware of those things and would register it as that like how a person would when you're asking for a sign. It's just me though, I need things to have an explanation. Though that'd be some other discussion. Whether you believe or not, it's a fun experience. And if not for having your future told then at least for some clarity. That's what the purpose of the tarot is, to open up your mind and give you guidance. Yes, try it at least once and maybe you'll find yourself coming back every now and then.

Have you ever experienced not knowing what gift to give a friend so you just end up running around…read morethe mall frantically searching for something suitable? Yeah, that's a common enough occurrence for me which is why Tickles is such a delight. It's already saved me countless times from panicking about a gift. I just get a little wary of their prices sometimes, but I tend to find something that eventually overpowers that wariness. They have all these cute baubles and knick-knacks such as door signages, throw pillows, and stuff toys. They also have some useful stuff such as notebooks, bags, aprons, pens, doggie beds, and so much more! So whether you're shopping for yourself or for a friend, something's bound to tickle your fancy!

Don't look at me like that. I have a reputation to keep but ugh everything in Tickles is so…read morestinking cute. Even the name is enough to give you a toothache from its sweetness. Tickles has stuff that's both adorable and functional. From keychains to notebooks to plush toys to bags to... well... everything. Anything and everything under the sun. It... er... tickles... that need in me for cute stuff. I may have also spent a good twenty minutes laughing at this sign that read "You are in danger of being monitored" with the picture of a person about to hit another person with a computer monitor. Sure it's a little pricey but I suppose it depends on what you're getting. But I suppose it's the perfect little something store. There's bound to be something in there you need or at least something you'd want to give a friend when Christmas or a birthday comes around. It was a popular gift place when I was in gradeschool and it's still popular (and relevant) today.

I'm glad I came here for souvenirs before heading home. This store in the Mall of Asia (MOA) has…read moreFilipino food, art, clothing, history, and culture. It's thoughtfully designed and clean. I think it's valuable to visit a unique place like this as there's lots of rare finds. It was pretty busy. I had to maneuver around a lot of people while browsing. They had a lot of merch that I wanted but I knew I didn't have a lot of space in my luggage. When you check out, just know green shopping bags are sturdy and good quality. I regret buying the brown shopping bags. I noticed they smelled funny when I unpacked my luggage when I got home. I ended up recycling them. I wish I had more luggage space. I wish I had more time in this store. I guess it gives me a reason to come back here on my next vacation.

Bought a pair of 12.5 mm South Sea Pearls earrings and was charged $720 US dollars for an imperfect…read morepearl earring. They took advantage of the fact that I am in US purchasing the item. Even their website shows 15mm priced less for a round white pearl.

First time at this Kultura Butik right next to Taal Vista Hotel. So many great things to find and…read morepurchase as souvenirs for yourself, family and friends. You can find plenty of Filipino culture items and local made merchandise. If you're a guest and staying at Taal Vista Hotel you will receive 10% off your purchase. This Kutura Butik if fully stocked and replenished. Everyone is so helpful and friendly. I was able to purchase the Tagaytay tote bags in green and red, fans, shirts, coasters and keychains as souvenirs not only for myself but for family and friends back home. I also received 10% off my total purchase so definitely was a great buy and great deal. Thank you Kultura Butik. We will be back in Tagaytay next year when we come vacation in the Philippines. Mabuhay!

I have always been a fan and have always tried to promote buying local products in support of our…read moreeconomy. Swear. This is why it was such a delight to discover Kultura Butik during my latest trip to Taal Vista Hotel. I found souvenir items that were specifically made for Taal Vista and Tagaytay, which were obviously geared towards tourists. For a frequent visitor like me, I was particularly delighted by their selection of bags and pouches that had beautiful and funky graphic prints, resembling and inspired by traditional weave patterns of indigenous tribes form all over the Philippines. Despite having several pouches and coin purses that haven't been used in my cabinet, I couldn't resist getting one. Well, not for myself, but as a "gift on reserve" for those times when I'm suddenly invited to a birthday party and I have no time to buy a gift. Again, pushing for "our very own" with every chance I get. Hooray for patriotism! Hooray for local talent! Hooray for me and you!

Kultura Filipino is conveniently located in the Mall of Asia. The Mall of Asia gets a lot of…read moretourists each day (especially those who might be flying back home soon), so that was a brilliant idea to put this store inside the mall. Kultura Filipino has a wide variety of pasalubong (souvenirs) to bring back as gifts for loved ones or as keepsakes for yourself. The prices aren't the cheapest, in fact you can for sure find cheaper souvenirs elsewhere throughout the Philippines, however, the items here shouldn't break the bank (especially if you are on a budget). I for one like Kultura Filipino and their items due to the variety and the convenience, since I can make last-minute pasalubong purchases before going home. I look forward to visiting the store again on my next trip back to the Philippines.

For anyone coming to the Philippines and don't have time to go to other places for souvenir things,…read morethis is the store to go to! They have all the native items to buy from clothes including barong, shelled dishes to frames, pasol (lighted stars), jewelry to sweets. Very surprised there was a store like this in the SM Megamall (mega A side). I liked everything but only limited funds to buy a lot at the time for me. The prices of course is a little expensive here but if you have no time and still have to travel to get to the cheaper store, I would just buy from here. It's organized and clean. [121/100]