Exploring CHIJMES: A Midday Adventure Beyond the Office Desk

There was a time when my lunchtime routine was the typical break of someone in a 9-to-5 job—grab a bite, take a quick nap, and head back to the desk. Although I’m still working a traditional office job, which can be quite boring, things have gotten more exciting thanks to my activities on Hive. My content posting here has turned my lunch breaks into productive and enjoyable moments.

What used to be a simple lunch and nap routine has transformed into a mini adventure, especially with my contributions to the Travelfeed and Worldmappin communities. Sometimes, I even skip my meal entirely, so caught up in exploring new places that I barely have time to eat and get back to work on time. Occasionally, I return to my desk half an hour late, feeling a bit guilty but also accomplished for contributing more to the platform.

Today, I managed to squeeze in a quick stroll to visit CHIJMES; an acronym for Convent of the Holy Infant Jesus Middle Education School.

This complex used to be a Catholic convent, but it’s now a bustling commercial area. The church itself still functions as a venue for events, including weddings and corporate gatherings. It’s a bit surreal to walk through the cathedral and feel the vibe of a modern hangout spot, with plenty of restaurants, pubs, and shopping stalls surrounding the church.

The whole complex has turned into a lovely commercial area that’s open for everyone to visit and experience.

In fact, when I arrived, I noticed a few tourists taking selfies with the cathedral as their backdrop. It feels strange that, despite the lively atmosphere, people are calm and quiet, possibly because they still associate the area with its religious past.

Compared to my previous visit, it seems they’ve added more displays around the area.

One notable spot is a photo booth set up for those who love capturing moments to share on social media. It’s a charming addition, perfect for creating shareable memories.

I was also fascinated by the eagle sculptures showcased in the courtyard of the complex. They made for great photo subjects, so I took a few shots.

Going out during lunch has become a refreshing experience for me, especially during the downtimes at work. Exploring the city not only keeps me active but also provides content to share with others about my city’s hidden gems.

I hope you enjoyed my photos, have a great day!