Elections Stressing You Out? Here Are 10 Places You Can Chill After Voting

It’s finally election day. Did you get up early to cast your vote? Or are you going to do it later so there’s less people and probably to avoid the heat? Whatever it is, the voting process is quite stressful from deciding who to choose and navigating through a crowded precinct.

That said, spending some down time at café or restaurant after (and even before) voting is just what you need to cool down from all the stress. So, we’ve eight listed  places you can go to today to maybe celebrate the fact that you voted this year—after you post a photo of your inked finger on social media, of course. Who knows? You might even get a free coffee while you’re at it.

#1 The Halal Guys

Photo courtesy of The Halal Guys Philippines’ Instagram

It’s bad to vote with an empty stomach, so The Halal Guys is offering their small gyro and chicken combo plate for a discounted price of P199. But you better be quick because the lines might become longer than usual today.

The Halal Guys. 5/F Mega Food Hall, SM Mega Fashion Hall, EDSA Avenue, Mandaluyong City. (02) 941 4158. Open from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. For more information, visit their website and Facebook page.

#2 Starbucks

Photo courtesy of Starbucks Philippines’ Facebook page

Who doesn’t want a good iced coffee  after a long day in the precinct? Starbucks currently has a promo until 5 p.m. where you and your friend can get a Roasted Caramel or Hazelnut Macchiato just by showing your finger with indelible ink. This is perfect if you haven’t had your caffeine fix for today.

Starbucks. For a complete list of branches and more information, visit their website and Facebook page.

#3 Bo’s Coffee

Photo courtesy of Bo’s Coffee’s Instagram

If Starbucks is too crowded, you can also get your coffee at Bo’s Coffee by availing of their Cold White Brew for 50 percent off. Simply show proof that you voted and show their Facebook post to get this brew.

Bo’s Coffee. For a complete list of branches and more information, visit their website and Facebook page.

#4 Cara Mia

Photo courtesy of Cara Mia’s Facebook page

Go beat the heat with some yummy gelato. Cara Mia is offering a free scoop of gelato today if you show your inked index finger there.

Cara Mia. Ayala Triangle Gardens, Makati Avenue, Makati City. (02) 621 6128. Open from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. For a complete list of branches and more information, visit their website and Facebook page.

#5 Dairy Queen

Photo courtesy of Dairy Queen Philippines’ Instagram

Continue your sugar rush with a free Blizzard upsize at Dairy Queen.

Dairy Queen. For a complete list of branches and more information, visit their website and Facebook page.

#6 Early Bird Breakfast Club

Photo courtesy of Early Bird Breakfast Club’s Instagram

Yup, this summer heat is obviously unforgiving so we’re giving you more cold dessert options. Early Bird Breakfast Club has a buy one, take one offer on their yummy-looking halo-halo.

Early Bird Breakfast Club. G/F Fort Pointe 2 Building, The Fort Complex, 28th Street, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig City. (02) 808 9269. (0916) 539 3678. Open 24 hours. For a complete list of branches and more information, visit their website and Facebook page.

#7 Nanbantei of Tokyo

Photo courtesy of Nanbantei’s Instagram

Enjoy a table full of Japanese food after voting with Nanbantei’s 10 percent off promo on all their food items. So go on and eat all the sushi that you can afford!

Nanbantei of Tokyo. Bonifacio High Street Central, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig City. (02) 246 9069 ext. 273. Open from 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. and 5:30 p.m. to 10 p.m. For a complete list of branches and more information, visit their website and Facebook page.

#8 Books and Borders Café

Photo by Queenie Cabarles

Reading a good book can always help calm your senses, and Books and Borders offers a bunch of different titles you can enjoy while eating. Plus, they’re also offering a free glass of iced tea if you order some pasta dishes for the whole month of May.

Books and Borders. 281 Tomas Morato Street, Diliman, Quezon City. (02) 375 1213. Open from 9 a.m. to 12 m.n. For more information, visit their Facebook page.

#9 Cat Café Manila

Photo courtesy of Cat Café Manila’s Instagram

We already know that cats (or rather, videos of them) can reduce stress levels. So why not go straight to Cat Café Manila after voting to bring back some positive energy? They may not have any promos for today, but who could say no to hanging out with cats while getting a bite to eat? Unless you’re allergic to them, that is.

Cat Café Manila. 2/F Maginhawa Building, 189 Maginhawa Street corner Makadios Street, Sikatuna Village, Quezon City. (0922) 836 4441. Open from 12 n.n. to 10 p.m. For more information, visit their website and Facebook page.

#10 Barkin’ Blends Dog Café

Photo courtesy of Barkin’ Blends Dog Café’s Facebook page

If cats aren’t your thing, then you can spend your afternoon at Barkin’ Blends and play with their friendly dogs to relieve some of your stress.

Barkin’ Blends Dog Café. 91 Rosa Alvero Street, Loyola Heights, Quezon City. (02) 533 7290. Open from 12 n.n. to 9 p.m. For more information, visit their website and Facebook page.

Jacqueline Arias: