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This is what college memories are made out of: All-nighters. Thick books. Blasted papers. Readings from hell. Of course, on the flipside, there’s also bonding with friends, badly-scheduled between-class breaks, and ligaw to the max. And the food. Who can forget the food? It may not have been the best cuisine (far from it, in fact), but food always ends up being one of the more indelible memories of college life.

Spot.ph compiled this list of popular, modern school hangouts from different campuses all over Manila. Thanks to the proximity of many of the institutions, many colleges can share one particular hangout. Spot.ph decided not to include malls (sorry, SM and Robinsons Place Manila), and concentrated more on the smaller eateries that give college life so much flavor.

1. Beach House

Universities That Hang Out Here: University of the Philippines Diliman

What You Can Find: Barbecue and all the fixin’s

Why It’s Famous: Any campus eatery that’s got a spot in our list of Top 10 Barbecues in Manila truly deserves its iconic status. You won’t just find students, teachers, and other academic types here, but even working stiffs as well.

2. Cantunan

Universities That Hang Out Here: Mapua, Lyceum of the Philippines

What You Can Find: Pancit canton and instant noodles

Why It’s Famous: Located beside Mapua, Cantunan is actually a group of stalls that offer a quick fix for students on a budget. Their very friendly servers literally cook instant pancit canton for customers all day long.

3. Chicken Chicken

Universities That Hang Out Here: College of St. Benilde, St. Scholastica’s College

What You Can Find: Fried Chicken, Porkchop, Rice meals (solo meals are all under P100)

Why It’s Famous: People flock to this little corner in Hernandez Street for generous servings of meat and rice. Even without proper ventilation (the place is currently being renovated), students and teachers alike bear the heat for a taste of their best-selling fried chicken dipped in a sweet and salty brown sauce.

4. Cioccolata

Universities That Hang Out Here: Mapua, Lyceum of the Philippines

What You Can Find: Coffee, Tea, Frappucinos, Pastries, Churros

Why It’s Famous: If you’re feeling productive, head to Cioccolata with your books, groupmates or both! The place is very clean and conducive for group meetings and study sessions. Don’t forget to order their famous Churros to munch on while reviewing for that long exam.

5. First Strip

Universities That Hang Out Here: Centro Escolar University, San Beda College, Far Eastern University, College of the Holy Spirit

What You Can Find: Home-cooked Meals, Desserts

Why It’s Famous: The First Strip caters to students all over the university belt and offers a wide array of food choices. From home-cooked meals to commercial fast food chains, first strip is definitely every hungry student’s go to place.

6. GAB Caf

Universities That Hang Out Here: University of the Philippines Manila

What You Can Find: Home-cooked meals, desserts

Why It’s Famous: Otherwise known as the Gusaling Andres Bonifacio Cafeteria, GAB Caf is home to several food stalls, including, most famously, the Crispy Chicken Sisig. Recently, Rodic’s, another iconic eatery originally based in sister school UP Diliman, also opened a branch there.

7. Kubo ni Juan

Universities That Hang Out Here: Far Eastern University, Centro Escolar University

What You Can Find: Filipino Food

Why It’s Famous: At the end of the day, every Filipino student will always worship a good Filipino dish. This is why students keep coming back to Kubo ni Juan for their tapsilog, sizzling meals and famous budbod lechon.

8. Mang Larry’s Isawan

Universities That Hang Out Here: Ateneo, University of the Philippines Diliman

What You Can Find: Isaw, betamax and other assorted body parts

Why It’s Famous: Mang Larry’s Isawan is, quite simply, a UP Diliman landmark. Delicious isaw is complemented by a spicy vinegar sauce that makes the smoky wait and long lines totally worth it. Also, Mang Larry’s touching rags-to-riches story helps elevate this eatery to legendary status.

9. Mang Tootz

Universities That Hang Out Here: University of Santo Tomas

What You Can Find: Grilled and sizzling meals, desserts

Why It’s Famous: A true Thomasian can’t leave Espanya without eating at Mang Tootz and trying their BananaRhumA. Its mouthwatering take on the Filipino’s favorite turon is a mixture of rhum, cinnamon and a little bit of heaven.

10. McDonald’s Katipunan

Universities That Hang Out Here: Ateneo de Manila, University of the Philippines Diliman

What You Can Find: The usual McDo stuff

Why It’s Famous: While there are dozens of eateries and hangouts in the Katipunan area, from long-gone Gayuma to gaming haven Bue Skies to brand-spanking-new Regis Center, nothing is probably more iconic than the famous McDonald’s. Expect students from all Katipunan area schools to hold their meetings here.

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