Global villages

MANILA, Philippines - You won’t go to Paris to hang out with other tourists. Nor would you go to Milan just to know what exactly Dan Brown was harping about in his bestseller. When the monumental attractions and the churches — and the tourbus crowd that surround it — become too much of a strenuous experience, these local hangouts might just be a welcome reprieve.

Paris By Bianca Salonga

1. Le Marais. I love that this area is not as commercial or pretentious as Champs-Élysées, nor is it as crowded and touristy as Montmarte. It’s a quaint district where one can discover local designer shops, book stores, contemporary art galleries that are housed in beautiful buildings otherwise referred to as hotel particuliers, which have been preserved since the 15th century.

2. Le Relais dela Huchette and Aux Troes Mailletz on St. Michel. Speakeasy bars on St. Michel make one feel like you’ve traveled through time. Here, you will catch some of the most talented jazz artists in Paris jamming out or just hanging out with other fellow artists. Billy Holiday, Ella Fitzgerald and Nina Simone used to hang out here, too.

3. Les Bulles in Bastille. The idea behind Les Bulles is to democratize champagne. Here you find a very wide selection, served by the glass, bottle or mixed into a cocktail.

4. Prescription Cocktail Club in Odeon. Along with Curio Parlor and Experimental Cocktail Club, this is one of the few bars in Paris that truly serves a killer cocktail. They have the most interesting concoctions (you must try their Mazarini Rosa), thematic yet cozy interiors and a friendly staff.

5. Palais de Tokyo and Musee du Moderne. I simply love the structure that houses these institutions. It’s perfect for sunning while reading a book or getting some work done while taking in the view of the Seine and Eiffel Tower.

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Bianca Salonga, former editor for Mega magazine, is now taking her MBA, specializing in luxury goods and fashion industries, at the Mod’Art International in Paris.

Milan By Maureen Disini

1. 10 Corso Como. I love 10 Corso Como because it has the best selection of men’s and women’s clothing and accessories from all over the world. It also has a photography and design gallery, as well as a bookstore that sells a wide range of design books.

2. Duomo. Every day after school, I sit on the footsteps of Duomo and marvel at my surroundings. This area attracts many tourists as it is the second largest cathedral in the world and the greatest late gothic architecture in Italy.

3. Via Montenapoleonne. I love walking in this street as I get all my inspiration from the window displays of upscale stores like Pucci, Valentino, Prada and Alberta Ferretti, among many others.

4. Iguana Restaurant. For me, this restaurant serves the best apperitivo in Milan. For only eight euros, my night is made complete with a glass of Cuba Libre and a wide assortment of Italian entrees and dishes.

5. Navigli. I frequent this area for the antique and vintage stores which sell garments, hats, books, jewelry and furniture. This long and narrow street, with a canal in the center, comes alive in the summer when people dine in restaurants al fresco.

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Former Philippine Tatler editor Maureen Disini is now a fashion design student at Milan’s Istituto di Moda Burgo.

Honolulu, Oahu By Jared Dillinger

1. The beach, for sure. Sunset Beach at the North Shore is a great place for picnics, laying out to get some sun, having alone time (very serene), and romance (the sunsets are breathtaking). You park along the roadside, walk down on to the mile-long stretch of white sand, pick a spot, and I guarantee you won’t want to leave. Depending on the surf, all beaches on the North Shore are for experienced surfers/swimmers.

2. Dukes Bar and Grill in Waikiki. This is an authentic indoor/outdoor restaurant that sits right on Waikiki’s shoreline. Here, you can dress up in your best shirt and slacks or dress casual for comfort.

3. Mai Tai Bar located in the Ala Moana Shopping Center. Every Friday night Mai Tai Bar features live Hawaiian/reggae music performed by local bands. Get there a little early if you want a seat because this outdoor bar gets busy!

 4. Hanauma Bay located in Hawaii Kai. In the bay, you can snorkel and swim with tropical fish local to the Hawaiian islands. This is a great place to visit if you appreciate the underwater world.

5. The Makapu’u Light House. This is one hike worth taking. The crisp and clean ocean breeze is encouraging and the view along the way, hypnotizing. When you reach the top, you can see the entire east shore, stretching from your left to light.

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Jared Dillinger plays in the PBA for the Talk n’ Text Tropang Texters. He went to Oahu for college and goes back to surf every so often.