Brian’s Place at Cosel, Poblacion

I love an AirBnb home with a special, unexpected surprise. Like that of Brian’s Place at Cosel Center Condominium in Poblacion, Makati.

From the outside, the building looks modest and weathered by time. But inside? Brian’s two studio apartment units hold a remarkable secret - an amazing upscale interiors straight out of the pages of Country Homes magazine! Somehow, they exemplify the saying that “True beauty lies within.” Brian by the way is an AirBnb Superhost and teaches middle school band music at an International School in Manila. He’s one of the foreigners who fell in love with the Philippines and decided to stay for good.

Situated in the heart of the Poblacion Restaurant District, Brian’s Place is an ideal city staycation place, perfect for couples, solo adventurers or business travellers.

Guests have the option to stay in a “Spectacular 1 bedroom Penthouse” or the “Fabulous and Funky 1 bedroom Studio with Jacuzzi”. I had the chance to stay in these two units, which are just a few floors apart. Both have queen-size bed with orthopedic mattress, clean and fully stocked restroom, comfortable living area, wood and bamboo furnishings, mismatched and eclectic furniture (with modern, antique, artworks and retro elements harmoniously combined), fully equipped kitchen, spacious balcony to enjoy the spectacular skyline views, lightning fast 64/mbps Wi-Fi and Smart TV with Netflix. They are both charming based on their own design and amenities.

I love the bamboo up on the high and vaulted ceiling, and elegance of the Penthouse.

But I also love the Jacuzzi Unit for its spunk, artsy freedom wall and the Jacuzzi and Water Jet Massage. The latter is really a stress-buster.  

It’s really hard to choose which one is better.

The hospitality of the owner is evident in the nice little welcoming touches, like bottle of freshly brewed iced tea and coffee beans ready for grinding and brewing. Though cooking is recommended because of the complete kitchen utensils in both units, I recommend to just order take-away food for those who have no luxury of time for cooking. There’s a nearby Thai restaurant offering delectable chili crabs and spicy prawn curry. It is included in the “food and sightseeing bible around Poblacion area” prepared for guests by Brian.  

Because of Netflix, I was forced to just stay indoor most of the time and just watch Narcos. Imagine you were born in a poor family, in a poor city, in a poor country, and by the time you were 28 years old, you have so much money you can’t even count it. What do you do? You make your dreams come true. Wish I could also have even 1% of all the resources Pablo Escobar had when he was still alive hehe.

From the balcony and roofdeck, I was amazed with the stunning nightscape views of the Makati and Century City skylines and the residential community of Mandaluyong.

Brian’s lovely Asian-inspired units are hidden gems right smack in the middle of a busy and bustling Poblacion, perfect for a brief staycation or long term stay. Truly, he put his heart and soul into these units.

Brian’s Place at Cosel

Cosel Center Condo, Poblacion Makati

#5426 General Luna cor Aungier St.

Poblacion, Makati City