The life of an actress was suffocating, and all Monet needed was to relax. After hearing from some friends that a new local bar was offering traditional Filipino snacks with special drinks as a courtesy, she decided to give it a chance. Honestly, the fact that the bar was new didn’t matter much to her; what really mattered was finding a place to drink and finally get some well-deserved rest.

The first time she walked into the bar, she was amazed. She expected something simple and bland, but what she found was a vibrant, lively environment full of culture. The bar’s name immediately caught her attention: ‘Alitaptap,’ a word that evoked the delicate image of a firefly, a symbol of light and hope in the night. On the facade, the little firefly seemed to guide visitors inside. As she crossed the door, Monet was greeted by an explosion of colors and textures. The walls were adorned with richly detailed tapestries depicting scenes of traditional festivals like Sinulog and Ati-Atihan, while abaca fabric curtains gracefully hung from the windows. The decor was carefully chosen, creating a magical and immersive atmosphere, steeped in Filipino stories and traditions.

The menu was a celebration of Filipino cuisine. Dishes like adobo and kare-kare stood out alongside exotic cocktails made with calamansi and pandan, blending flavors Monet had never experienced. Of course, the bar also offered more common drinks to please the local crowd, but Monet found herself drawn to the authenticity of the Filipino flavors. But it wasn’t just the food or the atmosphere that kept her coming back. You were the real reason behind Monet’s frequent visits. On that first visit, she was cautious, avoiding drinking too much, as if she feared that losing control might make her forget you.

“I was thinking... Is there a dish or drink that has a special meaning to you?”

Now, three months had passed, and Monet had become a regular, always trying to approach you, trying to learn more about your story and traditions.