your travel concierge to Philippine holidays...
your travel concierge to Philippine holidays...
The energy, the upbeat vibe, the festive chaos, there's no place like Manila! The capital of the Philippines is one of the most vibrant cities in Southeast Asia. Simply a pleasant 15-minute journey from the International Airport, you can be at the centre of excitement in no time. Manila's cultural variety and art is throbbing alongside its distinct Spanish past. It is the stronghold of Filipino hospitality and warm smiles. It's your welcome dose of cheer and celebration. Daily flights in and out of the Philippines pass through the city of Pasay, making it a favoured location of top accommodation providers, shopping centres, and tourism entertainment hubs. Pasay City is definitely a place of awesome surprise once you step off your plane.
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This historic walled city is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Intramuros was the seat of the Spanish government dating back in the 16th century. Its walls were built for protection against attacks from the Dutch, Chinese, and British forces. Today, Intramuros covers an area of 64 hectares, 8 feet-thick and 22 feet high walls. Within its walls lie some of the oldest buildings that were former pre-war government offices, Fort Santiago, and the oldest Catholic churches in the country. The Fort Santiago is a Spanish-era prison where the national hero, Jose Rizal was detained. Being a predominantly Catholic country, Manila is where you will find the oldest church in the Philippines - the San Agustin Church. Within a few stops you will also find the Manila Cathedral where the Archdiocese of Manila is based.
Rizal Park, also known as “Luneta Park” - This is where the country’s national hero, Jose Rizal was executed by the Spaniards through firing squad. He is believed to have inflamed the revolutionary and patriotic spirit of his people to fight for Philippine independence. Jose Rizal belongs to the ilustrado class which is a Spanish term for educated people during these times. He was well-travelled and completed his higher education in Europe. Rizal was an ophthalmologist, an artist, a novelist, and a staunch Spanish critic who blatantly wrote about the abuses of the Spaniards against his countrymen. Today, a well-guarded statue has been erected in the honour of Jose Rizal at the Luneta Park. The Filipino martyr is popular as well in various parts of the world, as several Rizal monuments are present outside the country. These can be found in Seattle, Chicago, Hawaii, Germany, Spain, and Australia.
Among the important museums include the Metropolitan Museum and the Money Museum both located at the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas Complex. Collections of paintings by internationally renowned Filipino artists are on exhibit at the Metropolitan Museum or MET. The money museum, on the other hand, traces back the history of trade and money including a collection of revolutionary notes gold pieces and other interesting monetary items. For aficionado of performing arts, the Cultural Centre of the Philippines (CCP) establishes itself as the center for Philippine performing opening its doors to several cultural plays and performances for both local and international artists including the musical Miss Saigon with lead character played by Filipino artist Ms. Lea Salonga which earned her a Tony award. The most recent is musical is Mamma Mia played by the original Broadway cast until this year.
Resorts World Manila which is technically located in Pasay City is just a five-minute drive from the international airport and 15 minutes from Manila. It is an integrated resort following the concept of Resorts World’s earlier chains in Malaysia and Singapore. Resorts World is positioning itself as the Philippine’s premier integrated tourist destination with its casino, five-star hotels, upscale mall, and good variety of dining outlets as well as upbeat night life.
Its interconnected four buildings and astounding globe sculpture would definitely catch your attention as you look out your plane’s window on its descent. Built with massive indoor shopping and dining areas the SM Mall of Asia is Asia’s third largest shopping mall, and the fourth largest mall in the world. The Manila Bay located beside it offers a refreshing walk and breathtaking view of Manila’s sunset.
It would take 1-2 days to explore and enjoy Manila in a leisurely pace. One day could be used for historical exploration of Manila's museums, Intramuros and Rizal Park. A day could also be used for observing Manila shopping and dining including an optional tour of Chinatown and some pampering massage after a tiring day.
Your entrance to the Philippine's cosmopolitan capital of Manila begins at Pasay City where the three terminals of the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA), domestic airport and other exclusive airport and private hangars are located.
Brief info on public transportation
Metered cabs are available from the airport and the whole of Manila. Nevertheless, Maogma can make the arrangements of a private transport for a more comfortable and safe ride within Metro Manila and beyond.
List of recommended accommodations
Manila is proud to be home to five-star hotels in the country to treat you on your vacation to the Philippines. Some of these luxury accommodation providers include The Sofitel Philippine and the historic Manila Hotel where Gen. Douglas Mac Arthur resided for 6 years. The Resorts Word nearby also has Marriott hotel and an all suite Maxims luxury hotel.
Dining options
The are various of dining options in Metro Manila that offers both International and Filipino cuisines. In Intramuros, Cafe Illustrado is a popular fine dining restaurant. Barbaras restaurant offer a Filipino buffet dinner while watching a cultural performance featuring Philippine folk dances including the impressive tinkling for which guests are encouraged to join the fun. The line of restaurants in Resorts World Manila in are also great dining destinations as they offer classy and modern dining options of Asian and International gourmet dishes.
Recommended activities
When in Manila, it is recommended to visit the museums, Rizal Park and Intramuros to have a peak of Philippine culture, arts, and history. The Manila Bay sunset is a must for a captivating view of colors and cloud formation that makes it a magical experience especially for those romantic at heart.
For fun and leisure, Resorts World Manila is the complete recreational destination for dining, shopping, casino and nightlife.
What to buy?
There is a wide range of Philippine-made products, souvenirs, and novelty items you can bring back to your family and friends. These include iconic figures of the Philippine Jeepney, local handicrafts, novelty art and home decors, delicacies, and local wines. For numismatics, the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas sells uncut bills, commemorative coins, old bills as well as coffee table books on its gold and art collection.
ATMs are accessible in the airport, malls, and all over Metro Manila. Debit cards allow cash withdrawal with bank charges but may not be used in same way as credit card for direct payments of purchases. Credit cards are widely accepted however, those that has chips may not be as widely accepted. Bring your passport and identification cards as some places of interest like the Money Museum may ask for some identification. Tipping for appreciated good service is usually given at 10% of the bill. Nevertheless, many establishments usually add a 10% service fee to your bill where a tip may not be necessary. There are also certain establishments where you will be advised that tipping is discouraged.
Electricity in Makati and the rest of the Philippines uses 220 volts at 60 Hz with U.S. style flat blade. Power adaptors could usually be provided by hotels during their stay.
Dress comfortably as weather in Manila can reach up to 30 degrees in the summer months of March to mid-May.
Manila is best visited between mid-December until mid-May for best weather conditions.
