During my childhood, my perception of Marikina is that of a faraway place from metropolitan Manila.  One of our neighbors in Pasay, Tita Linda and her family, were actually from this bucolic county.  And every time our family is invited by Tita Linda (one Nengkoy’s ‘mejor amiga’) to go to their place in Marikina for some party or gathering, the travel and journey seem so arduous and tiring.  I can still remember the exhausting hours it took for us to reach this green and tree-filled but faraway suburb.

During adulthood, the only time I got to Marikina (now a city and part of metropolitan Manila) was after the deadly flooding and wreckage brought about by the most devastating storm to hit Metro Manila known as tropical storm Ondoy in 2009.  I got the chance to go to Marikina then because the company I am working for did some charitable activity.  Our company prepared and distributed away hundreds of boxes of hot cooked food to the affected residents of Marikina, which was the most hardly hit area of that year’s deadly typhoon.  That memory was not a good one because Marikina that time was all mud, sludge and debris.

But just last Wednesday, I had a beautiful morning in rustic Marikina.  I was actually at awe because my childhood perception that it takes ages to get there has been erased.  It only took us 45 minutes to get there (from Malate in Manila).   And the ugly clutter brought about by the deadly Ondoy of course are all gone.  What’s present is a highly urbanized zone with remarkably clean roads and civilized communities.

The reason this time why I was able to get to Marikina is because of breakfast.  I and my colleagues decided to have breakfast at Rustic Mornings.

the menu

lovely interiors

outdoor dining area…

greens and shells at the patio area

This restaurant can be considered one precious gem of Marikina.  The ambience is one-of-a-kind.  It makes you feel like you are not in crazy, hectic and stressful metropolitan Manila.  Once you entered their gate you’ll feel a sudden change in impression.  It’s quiet, calm and relaxed.  The restaurant is actually decorated with beautiful pieces of art and décor.  You would actually feel like being in a vicinity full of stunning and charming clutter.

But what is most important for me that morning was the food.  Rustic Mornings serve heartwarming and mouthwatering breakfast dishes in a suburban-like setting.  And from among the breakfast dishes that we ordered, I had two personal favorites.  The Crispy Waffle Churros and the Banana-flavored Pancakes.  These dishes are simply bliss!  The waffle churros was crispy outside yet heavenly soft inside!  While the pancakes I would say would be one hell of a pancake!  It was insanely delicious!

the smell and taste of heaven!

those coffee cups were like pieces of art

hearty filipino breakfast dishes

Because of Rustic Mornings, I can now say that I have a beautiful experience in Marikina.  This restaurant definitely gave me a reason to return back on a rustic morning in this rustic city.

Parang ako lang yung wapol nila… masarap!