Just a five-minute walk from the bustling and often-clogged city artery that is EDSA is what looks like a simple, nondescript unassuming compound from the outside. Upon entering and taking a few steps, I felt I had stumbled into an oasis. The very air around me seemed to change. In this place of towering old trees and well-preserved colonial houses, EDSA’s noise and pollution seemed so far away.
The 2680 compound is an oasis in the metro with its charming pre-World War II houses and trees. All photos by Rem Tanauan
I only found out about this place when Rem and I were invited by our friends for a film screening. With its wall and with its location on a busy side street from EDSA, who would guess that there is another world inside?
The houses and other structures are well-maintained, too. They have been converted to furniture shops, art galleries, a boutique hotel and restaurant, and more.
The afternoon sunlight and the shade from the trees as well as the occasional breeze made our walk a pleasant one.
Most noticeable to us upon entering is the Henry Hotel and the fountain beside it.
There was even a pool nearby
Frog fountain!
I love how the houses seem to be in harmony with the trees.
One of the compound’s cats
Towards the end of the compound is Artelano 11, a shop selling furniture that looks more like art. Later, I found out that it also hosts art exhibits.
Artelano 11, a furniture shop and art gallery
Bright colors inside Artelano
Wood crafts for sale
The glassware is also beautiful
A cabinet from India. We saw this at the film screening venue.
This chandelier reminds me of the red pipe organ coral that colors the sand in pink beaches.
A simple yet elegant chandelier
Metal art
We would have looked inside all the furniture shops of Artelano had we had more time.
Artelano 11’s creative director Eric Paras, who we met during the film screening, is also the interior designer of the Henry Hotel. He also runs an architecture and design firm inside the compound.
At night, 2680 compound is also magical.
The Henry Hotel and restaurant at night
We had an Italian dinner at the Henry Hotel’s restaurant. Budget here for a meal is usually around P500 and up, but for a light meal you can share a pasta.
The fountain at night
The 2680 compound is a place worth visiting if only for a temporary respite from EDSA. If you love heritage, art, and nature, you can spend a few hours just exploring here. If you want to stay longer, you can eat at the Henry Hotel’s restaurant or even check in at the hotel.
Address:
2680 Compound, FB Harrison Street, Pasay, Metro Manila (The “2680” is clear on the compound’s wall)
How to get there: From MRT EDSA Taft, ride a jeep to Mall of Asia or a bus to SM Southmall/BF Pilar. Get off at EDSA corner FB Harrison Street. Turn right to the street. The entrance of the compound around five minutes away.
Alternatively, from Baclaran you can ride a jeep to MRT Nichols or any bus passing by EDSA and get off at the nearest foot bridge to FB Harrison corner EDSA. Go up the footbridge then enter FB Harrison Street to find the entrance to 2680 Compound.
Traveling Light 