 | Category: | Restaurants | | Cuisine: | Other | | Location: | Krus na Ligas, Diliman, Quezon City (just beside Sarah's) |
Likha-Diwa sa Gulod Arts, Crafts, and Coffee Shop happens to be one of my favorite hang-outs when I was still studying at UP. The last time I dined there was after this year's Lantern Parade, and I sure did miss the place -- hence, I decided to come up with a little review of the said restaurant. Likha-Diwa then was indispensable for me when it comes to setting up venues where I could prepare for an exam without interruption, conduct brainstorming sessions with classmates and peers, or simply relax, pass the time and chit-chat with comrades while drinking coffee and munching on a light snack. It was also my preferred eatery inside the campus when I am not cost-cutting (hehe).
I happened to chance upon the cafe during the first semester of my freshman year in UP Diliman while I was looking for a place where I could breeze through my notes for an exam while having lunch. From the UP Ikot jeepney I was riding, I got off at Krus na Ligas and decided to have a bite at Sarah's. But because no beef patty was available, I settled for the next restaurant situated just beside Sarah's. And that was the first time I set foot on Likha-Diwa.
Judging the place just by its ambiance, it was perfect. Safe from the noise and heavy pollution of the city's busy streets, far from the influx of students walking hurriedly to and from UP's densely populated buildings, and yet still very much accessible since it lies along the route of the Ikot jeep - it was just the type of place I was looking for. It was indeed a haven where one could seek quiet relaxation, as well as a spot conducive for group discussions, and exam preparations while enjoying scrumptious vegetarian delicacies.
The place exudes an environmental-friendly atmosphere just by its outskirts. It is fenced off from the road by wood and bamboo slats, and an abundance of ornamental plants and herbs can be seen upon entering. A short, stone-lined pathway leads to the cafe's main section. Situated at the right is a wooden shelf and a table adorned with scented candles, beaded bracelets and necklaces, chimes, a few books, and other handicrafts - all for sale. Beside it is another shelf containing veggie meat and organic rice packed in clear plastic bags, which the cafe also sells.
Likha-Diwa offers its customers a wide range of dining atmospheres to choose from. If you are the claustrophobic type of person, you could opt for open-air dining at the area enclosed by plants and fence. This area is shielded from the sun's fierce rays by a colorful canvass with a swirly-dyed design. A major plus to this dining section is the miniature waterfall, which completes its environmental friendly ambiance.
Artsy people would go for the left side of the main dining area whose walls are converted into a gallery open for art and photo exhibits. This roofed section utilizes natural light and ventilation, except for a few penlights on its ceiling and a few electric and ceiling fans. An elevated area with shiny, wooden flooring a few inches higher than the cement floor is also located at the right side of the main dining section. Four low, wooden tables with tiled surfaces, and square pillows for seats complement this section's oriental look.
As for me, I went straight to the left side of the main dining hall when I first went there and had my lunch at the cushioned seat with a low, tiled-table. I was given the menu, and I first checked on the prices of each item. Likha-diwa serves its customers with unique vegetarian treats at reasonable prices. Vegetarian kare-kare, pusitsig (a version of sisig which uses squid instead of pork), pechay balls, scallop and mushroom surprise, fish and vegetable curry, and crabsticks with carrot sauce, are but a few of the cuisines Likha-Diwa dishes up at prices of only 70-90 pesos.
Value meals are also made available for budget-conscious people, such as myself. Veggie tocino, veggie adobo, veggie mechado or omelet, are already served with rice and a glass of juice or iced tea. Sandwiches, pasta preparations, soups, finger foods, and desserts from cakes to crepes are also included in Likha-diwa's menu. Aside from the usual beverages, drinks ranging from fruit juices, sodas, cold flavoured coffee and decaf concoctions, soya drinks, to yogurt drinks, and many others, are musts when dining at Likha-diwa.
So, if not for the good-tasting food Likha-diwa serves, another good reason for you to visit the cafe is because of the place's tranquil ambiance. Likha-diwa is, indeed, a venue so deserving to be called a haven. It frees you from the pressures of university life and relieves you from the stresses caused by fast-paced city living, even for the short span of time you would spend while enjoying the comfort this cafe brings.
On photo is one of Likha-Diwa's value meals: veggie mechado served with mountain rice and a glass of calamansi juice. I will post better pictures next time.   | I adore the place too=) And I feel a Pusitsig craving coming on... |
 | keida wrote on Dec 28, '07 just love the place.
the price is competitive
and the ambience, oh, you could just stay there forever.
hehehe |
 | I go here when I'm in Diliman and have some time to spare before my classes start. I just like to, uh, smoke there. But I do eat, too. I love Pusitsisig haha. |
| Where is Oz?
Believe me, im not just studying, and you need not envy me. Go back and take grad studies. Nakakaaliw, at least for me. |
 | The only time I ate here was you-know-when, hehehe. As in nilamok na kami ni Avendan kakahintay kay Fafa Kevin at sa'yo nun, hahaha! Twas fun naman, as always... ^_^ |
| Onga e... supposedly ngayon pero ang lola Angelo mo di pwede. E bukas sana pero ang lola Char naman ang di pwede... kaya good luck naman. Mukhang tayo2 lang talaga magkikita ng regular. hahah. |
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I adore the place too=) And I feel a Pusitsig craving coming on... 