Chill Night at Yaka, Malaybalay

Planning to have a trip to Malaybalay City? Then, put YAKA on your itinerary. It's a local restaurant which offers good (and affordable) food, live music and beer. 

It is located at the center of the city, at the Capitol Grounds and since it is well-lighted, you'll find it easily. Or just ask the locals and they will tell you where it is.

Note: As you enter, you will have to leave your shoes at the shoe rack. Barefoot on the bamboo floor, yes.

Let me divide this blog post into the three parts:

1. FOOD

The prices of their food ranges from 90 pesos to 195 pesos.  Their best-seller's are burgers: Jamaican Bud Burger (Beef or Pork) and Cheeseburger. Mouthwatering and scrumptious. They also offer chicken wings, fries, nachos, rice toppings and dishes good for sharing. (Beep me for the menu!)

I ordered Cheese burger (130 pesos) and Fries (100 pesos)

Then, we ordered nachos (130 pesos) and paired it with some cold beer.

2. MUSIC

The bands who were invited to sing that night were from Cagayan de Oro.  I am amazed at how this resto promotes and supports local artists. Most of them sang original songs. Although most of us were not familiar to it, we still enjoyed banging our heads to the beat. They also recorded the performances on the spot, and I guess it's for the purpose of playing it when the musicians are not around.

3. PLACE

Very comfortable. You don't have to be pressured on how to sit. It's not fine dining anyways. 

The resto has a second floor which can cater like 4 groups and upstairs, you can see a better view.

Its unique feature is you have to YAKA (bisaya term for sit on the ground). No chairs at all. Have a seat on the bamboo floor. Or lay your back on the bean bags. Or swing yourself on the swings.

We did not just come here to chill but to celebrate my sister's birthday. She likes gig's and I can conclude her wish was granted. We stayed here from 6 pm until almost midnight. By the way, it is open from 4 pm until midnight. 

A night different from all the other nights: being at a bamboo house surrounded by the cold weather, seeing the foggy view from the Capitol Grounds, enjoying the live music with my cousins, and of course, nothing beats good food and drinks.

I would like to share what I've thought about when we were here. Looking around, I could say that aside from recommending it for group gatherings or dates, it's also a go-to-place if you'd like  to unwind or "maoy" over someone who broke your heart, or when you failed over something. Overall, if you want a chill night life in MC, then come to YAKA.

For the Kagay-anon's, if you're looking for this kind of night life, then hop on the bus or your car, and take the 2-hour drive. Surely, you will not regret.

Radiating sunshine,

Hannah Borja