From Malls To Museums: 5 Reasons To Visit Manila.

When traveling to The Philippines, don’t skip a trip to the country’s capital. Manila isn’t just any other city - it features a fascinating mix of old and new and has many different areas each with their unique attractions. Below are just a handful of different reasons to make a visit to Manila.

Photo credit: Kimy Moto on Pexels.

Shopping

Shopaholics are certain to love Manila’s vibrant mix of malls and markets. If you’re looking for luxury stores, make sure to visit Shangri-La Plaza where you’ll find all the high end brands. If you’re looking for more affordable fashion and handmade souvenirs, consider booking a hotel near Greenhills Shopping Center, which features a mixture of shops and market stalls. Then there’s SM City Manila - one of the largest malls in Southeast Asia, where you’ll find a vast range of stores to suit all purposes.

Nightlife

Manila is the nightlife capital of The Philippines. A particularly renowned area for nightlife is Poblacion where you’ll find a mixture of swanky rooftop cocktail bars, buzzing trendy nightclubs and budget-friendly hidden bars. There are many hostels and hotels that you can book in this area if you want to make the most of the nightlife. That said, you’ll find bars and clubs all across the city.

Photo credit: Wilson Ren on Pexels.

History

While Manila sports a lot of modern architecture, it also has a lot of well-preserved history. Visiting Intramuros, the city’s historic walled sector, is like taking a step back in time - the streets are cobblestoned and there are many impressive colonial buildings here dating back centuries. Popular historic sights include San Agustin Church and Fort Santiago. Make sure to also explore some of the city’s museums where you can learn about the history of Manila and The Philippines (some top choices for museums in Manila include San Agustin Museum, Ayala Museum and the National Museum of Natural History).

Photo credit: Cesan Escuadro.

Cuisine

There are thousands of restaurants to choose from in Manila. It’s possible to try cuisines from all around the world. This includes traditional Filipino dishes like adobo, kare-kare and chicken sotanghon. If you’re brave enough, you can also try balut (fertilised duck egg). Pateros in Manila is often referred to as the ‘balut capital of the Phillipines’ and is a good place to try this controversial delicacy. Make sure to also visit the city’s Chinatown, Binondo - the oldest Chinatown in the world - where you can try some incredible Chinese cuisine.

Art

There is also a thriving art scene in Manila. Throughout the city, you will find galleries and cultural centers showcasing works from local and international artists. This includes the National Museum of Fine Arts and Casa Manila Museum. Art In Island is also a unique art-themed attraction that is worth visiting in Manila - it’s an interactive 3D art museum that allows you to become a part of various famous works.

Staycation Ideas in Metro Manila.

It can be said that staycations became prevalent when people became super busy with life. Suddenly, no one has the luxury of time to come up with a full-on itinerary anymore. Add to this the costly airfare and accommodation rates. At least with staycations, all you need is a place to chill and spend the night with loved ones. Where you can rest and experience an extra comfortable home while enjoying fun activities with your favorite people. Especially in this rainy season, when going to the beach doesn’t sound exciting due to the sun’s absence.

Yes to staycations!

Staycations are easy to plan – you can compare prices online and think of indoor activities good for all ages if it’s with the whole family. You can choose the best location depending on the things you look forward to whether it is food, night life, or an event nearby. The whole planning can be done remotely! If you’re about to get onto it, here are some staycation ideas:

The Gramercy Residences.

The Gramercy Residences
An affordable staycation option, The Gramercy Residences features a New York-inspired luxury tower. Young professionals and tourists alike stay here to relax for its Instagram-worthy location. You can enjoy the infinity pool with a great view of the Makati skyline at the 36th floor. Other than this, they also have a kiddie pool, lap pool, and steam room and sauna for men and women. You can book a room via Zen Rooms or Airbnb at 1,800 pesos.

Azumi Boutique Hotel.

Azumi Boutique Hotel
Here you can enjoy an infinity pool with a pool bar with the Alabang cityscape in the view. Guests prefer this hotel because interestingly, the pool is salt water and free of chlorine. Definitely good for your skin! Azumi Boutique Hotel is a good choice for those looking for a unique experience.
As for the rooms, Azumi Boutique Hotel is modern and eco-friendly. Its rooms feature floor-to-ceiling glass walls that allow natural light inside. You'll find it at the Madrigal Business Park, close to some of the famous retail & dining options in Alabang. Rates start at 2,300 pesos.

I'M Hotel.

I’M Hotel
Looking for a 5-star hotel in Makati? I’M Hotel has an iconic acrylic-bottomed infinity pool - meaning, you can actually see the bottom of the pool! As a guest, you may also see the lobby area while at the pool, so this is a good thing if you're waiting for someone to arrive. The poolside features murals and lounge chairs. There are also colorful bird cages and sun lounges in the pool area itself. In total, there are 400 rooms and 182 suites in I'm Hotel. Indulge in a club lounge, the Onsen spa (considered the largest spa in Manila), and an upmarket food hall with a variety of dining options for 5, 600 pesos.

Discovery Primea.

Discovery Primea
In search of a good hotel at 7,000 pesos? Discovery Primea is another 5-star hotel in Ayala Avenue, Makati City. It also boasts a beautiful 20-meter infinity pool. After all, it wouldn't be a complete staycation without a nice pool! Discovery Primea has a bar/lounge, in-house restaurant, spa, as well as business and banquet facilities other than the elegant suites. To add, it is walking distance to Glorietta and Greenbelt malls for those who want to stroll, shop and eat in this business district. Worth your money!

Jade Hotel & Suites.

Jade Hotel & Suites
 Have at least 1,500 budget for your upcoming staycation? Jade Hotel & Suites is an affordable option in the expensive city of Makati. But, what are its bestselling points, you may ask? It has a 14-meter infinity pool on the roof deck with a view of the Makati skyline. Jade Hotel & Suites ensures their guests have access to everything they need during their stay.

They have more than 30 well-appointed rooms and sumptuous complimentary breakfast buffet for everyone. This hotel is also the best choice if you want to be 10 minutes away from Glorietta by car. So, you can have a quick trip at the mall, say, you forgot your swimsuit! You can also visit some cheap eateries in the vicinity. Best of both worlds, they say.

Have you ever heard of an unhappy staycation story? Never, right? It is always a happy ending! Quality time and great memories you’d want to go back and do all over again. So, what are you waiting for? Get a pen, paper, calculator, and plan that staycation with your loved ones for the coming weekends and holidays!

9 Parks You Can Visit in Metro Manila.

Do you also think parks are better date places than malls? For one, there’s something about walking with your special someone outdoors and enjoying the view. When you get hungry, for sure there are food stalls around the area that serve unconventional snacks – making your date even cuter. It may not be air-conditioned, but you have the sun, trees, and the climate doesn’t really matter when you like who you’re with, right? Continue reading for a list of parks near your house and around Metro Manila.

There’s this article that says visiting parks make you a better person. Well, even studies claim outdoors make you healthier and happier. You’ll never run out of things to do and enjoy when you’re outside unlike when you choose to spend your weekend just using social media. Good thing, there are many parks in Metro Manila that don’t require you to drive for long hours. Here are some suggestions for you and your family or friends:

Where to go this weekend?

Greenbelt Park
Here’s where to spend quality time once you’re done with errands and shopping. You can certainly relax here and avoid the polluted streets of Manila. There are fans outside to keep you cool as you walk under the sun. Bands play here at night, so you may want to stay to catch some of your favorites.

Intramuros
Feeling nostalgic and missing the old times when days seem to be slow? Head to Intramuros and enjoy the vibe. Funny how as a child, you used to think you can only visit this place in your field trips, right? Intramuros will always be one of the best choices for couples who want an unconventional date place.

Casa Manila in Intramuros.
Photo credit: Jorge Lascar.

La Mesa Eco Park
Everyone who lives in Quezon City has been here for sure. This park has been improved and renovated after being neglected, thanks to Bantay Kalikasan and the Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewage System or MWSS. Some activities you can enjoy include hiking, rapelling, fishing, ziplining, and mountain-biking.

Rizal Park
Still, Rizal Park also known as Luneta, is top-of-mind when people talk about parks. This iconic central park features paved walks, gardens, open lawns, and pantheon of Filipino heroes. Good for a Sunday Instagram post, right? You can also find a dancing musical fountain, open-air auditorium, and chess plaza.

Quezon Memorial Circle
Who’s up for a memorial shrine, museum, recreation spaces, and gardens? Quezon Memorial Circle has all of these. You’ll find it inside a large, ellipse-shaped traffic circle. Locals call it ‘Circle’ and it is being renovated and beautified to attract more local and foreign tourists.

Photo credit: Valenzuela City People's Park.

Valenzuela City People’s Park
Quite a drive for some, but surely worth it. Some people even celebrate their birthday in this park. It’s clean, IG-worthy, and kid-friendly – what more can you ask for? Your little ones would surely enjoy the playground while you grown-ups have fun giggling, sharing stories in your seats.

Marikina Chinese Temple Park
Marikenos come here early in the morning to exercise. You may also bring your bike along Marikina Riverpark. The Chinese temple or simply gazebo with two dragon statues can give you some shade when the sun starts to go too hot.

Arroceros Forest Park
This one is located in Antonio Villegas St. in the central district of Ermita, Manila. Developed in 1993, this park consists of secondary growth forest with 61 tree varieties that serve as habitat for different bird species. It may be small in size, but visitors don’t seem to mind.

Photo credit: Philippine Primer.

Ninoy Aquino Park and Wildlife Center
Back to Diliman, Quezon City. Among the facilities and attractions you can find here are wildlife and research center, biodiversity museum, lagoon area, and public art. Interestingly, the Ninoy Aquino Parks and Wildlife Center hosts around 3,000 species of trees.

Now that you have this list, the next thing to do is ask who among your friends wants to come with you this coming weekend. However, it also isn’t a problem if you’d have to go by yourself. After all, one of the great things about parks is that you can enjoy it alone! Take the time you need to reflect, just relax, and take a step back from your fast, everyday life. Remember to bring water so you can walk to wherever, as far and as long you want.

Brandon Vera set for One FC debut in Manila.

For the first time in his mixed martial arts career, Filipino-American Brandon Vera will get a chance to fight in Manila as he makes his debut in One FC. This was announced yesterday, September 3, at the press conference held at the NBA Cafe in Taguig City. Joining Brandon Vera in the press conference was Rich Franklin, former UFC Middleweight Champion and now Vice President of One FC.

Brandon Vera, looking very down-to-earth in a pair of 'tsinelas'. :)

NBA Cafe, Manila.

"I am so excited to compete in Manila for the first time for ONE FC,” said Brandon Vera, who used to fight with the UFC. “The fans in the Philippines have been behind me my entire career, and I want to repay their faith by giving them an exciting performance and bringing my best into the ONE FC cage for a victorious debut this December."

Brandon Vera's debut happens on December 5, 2014 at the SM Mall of Asia Arena. The event, dubbed as 'One FC 22: Warrior's Way', will be One FC's fifth card in the Philippines. Vera will be fighting at 265 pounds (heavyweight division) for the first time in his mixed martial arts career. His opponent for the said event has yet to be announced.

Whipped out his phone...

Brandon Vera parted ways with the UFC last June, and signed with One FC in July. He said the opportunity to fight in front of his hometown crowd (ergo, Manila) was the decisive force in signing with One FC.

"Pusong Pinoy talaga ako," said Vera, who surprised the crowd with his proficiency in Tagalog, albeit with a slang."Nung lumalaki ako, sinusubuan ako ng lola ko ng nakakamay, tanggal ang sapatos ganyan... Filipino talaga ako." (I'm a Filipino by heart. Growing up, my grandmother would feed me using her hands. We'd take off our shoes inside the house... I'm a real Filipino.)

... for a groufie with Rich Franklin!

Known for his aggressive Muay Thai style and skills in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (he holds a black belt, fyi), Brandon Vera had a combined record of 8-7, 1 no-contest in his 9-year stint in the UFC. He kicked off his UFC career with a 4-0 run, which included a 69-second destruction of ex-champion Frank Mir.  

The Truth and The Ace.

Vera, who once described his MMA career as 'peaks and valleys' said that his fight in Manila this December 'will be the highest peak ever'. Winning his first ever match in One FC will make Vera the inaugural One FC Heavyweight Champion.

Mark your calendars!

“It’s a dream to become a champion in this organization," Vera stated. "From the very start of my career, I never handpicked my opponents I will fight anyone just to be the first One FC heavyweight champion and reign as long as possible."

McDonald’s Philippines teams up with KidZania Manila!

Heads up, moms, dads, and kids! McDonald’s Philippines is happy to announce its partnership with KidZania Manila, an educational play city for kids that will open in 2015.

KidZania Manila will feature McDonald’s Burger Shop where kids age 4 to 12 years old will learn the ingredients that go into every McDonald’s Cheeseburger and each step of the process in making it. The training that kids will undergo is the same standard procedure that ensures Quality, Service and Cleanliness delivered to every customer and each meal enjoyed in any McDonald’s around the world. It’s definitely a fun experience where kids develop their skills and teach them the values of responsibility, hard work and discipline.

Kidzania and McDonald's Philippines MOA signing.

This partnership strengthens McDonald’s commitment to children’s wellbeing as it continuously paves ways to provide enjoyable and enriching experience for families, the McDonald’s way.

 “We are definitely excited about this partnership as it strongly adheres to our commitment to Filipino families especially kids, " said McDonald's Philippines President and CEO Kenneth S. Yang. "We have existing programs that are especially designed for our youngest customers such as Kiddie Crew, a summer program wherein kids are trained like a McDonald’s crew and enjoy fun activities and creative workshops. We have Family Fun Days that we regularly hold in-store and the annual McHappy Day that encourages families to go out, play and enjoy a morning of fun run and various activities. Now that McDonald’s Burger Shop will open at KidZania Manila, it is yet another innovative way to have a fun activity for kids which at the same time teach them essential life skills and values. We are looking forward to hear their good stories as they enjoy their experience at the Burger Shop.”

Kidzania Manila - where kids can be anything!

“Like KidZania, McDonald’s is a brand that loves and is loved by kids around the world,” said Maricel Pangilinan-Arenas, Governor of KidZania Manila and President and CEO of Play Innovations Inc. “We’re very excited to have them as an ally in giving children a truly realistic, immersive experience. Our goal is to empower kids in a fun way, by letting them experience how a community works, how to make and manage money, and how to cooperate and work with other people—all of which are necessary for success in the adult world.”

Be sure to watch out for the opening of McDonald’s Burger Shop at KidZania Manila where kids can develop their skills, learn important values and meet new friends while having an awesome time!

The Mauler Takes Over | Alexander Gustafsson in Manila!

The Philippines has had its fair share of visits from UFC (Ultimate Fighting Championship) stars. Hall of Famer Chuck Liddell has been here, current (and still, even after UFC 167, hehe) Welterweight Champion Georges St-Pierre has been here, BJ Penn has also paid a visit, and of course our very own Filipino Wrecking Machine Mark Munoz has been here, too.

This time around, Alexander 'The Mauler' Gustafsson, the man who gave Jon Jones the fight of his life, will be coming to Manila for a Public Open Training. The event, dubbed as 'The Mauler Takes Over' will take place at the Trinoma Activity Center on November 10, 2013.

Alexander Gustafsson in Manila!

One hundred (100) lucky fans will be given the chance to meet and greet the Swedish mixed martial artist on the said day, and they will also be given the opportunity to take photos with 'The Mauler'. Promo details and mechanics can be found on the Balls Channel official website.

I would love, love, love to see The Mauler in person, but alas, I'll still be out of the country by that time. Oh well, guess I'll just keep my fingers crossed that Manila will really be hosting a UFC tilt in 2014. :)

Super Junior | Super Show 5 Manila!

Oh yes. It's real. And it's finally gonna happen. The boys are coming back to Manila for Super Show 5, and I wouldn't miss it for the world.

Especially since there was no Manila leg of Super Show 4 last year. Made me even more eager (perhaps even dying) with anticipation to see my most favorite Kpop group of all time back in Philippine soil. And I'm sure all Filipino ELFs feel the same way.

Siwon, front and center. :)

Happening on October 24, 7pm at the SM Mall of Asia Arena, the Kings of Kpop will return for a one-night only concert that will leave every ELF spellbound and wanting for more. This will be the group's third visit to Manila. Their 2010 and 2011 concerts (Supershow 2 and 3, respectively) were hugely successful, with the fans showing all-out support for the boys.

And now, here's the moment every Filipino ELF has been waiting for... seat plan and ticket prices! :)

VIP Standing - Php 8,800

Lower Box A - Php 8,800

Lower Box B - Php 8,000

Upper Box - Php 3,400

General Admission - Php 2,000

(exclusive of ticket service charge)

Tickets will go on sale starting September 6, and can be bought at SM Tickets nationwide. This event is made possible by Pulp Live World Productions.

See you at the concert, ELFs! :)

KPop Invades the Philippine Concert Scene.

Music breaks language barriers - so goes an old saying. And this timeless adage holds true even in this modern day and age. Case in point, Korean pop music.

Language is certainly no impediment for Kpop fans. Idol groups, idol stars, and the music that they create continue to be in the spotlight, with their fame extending throughout Southeast Asia and across the globe.

The Philippines is no privy to the Kpop phenomenon. There are legions upon legions of Filipino Kpop fans who share the same passion as I do. Sure, not every fan can speak Korean fluently or has a good grasp of the Korean language, but these fans know how to enjoy good music and appreciate musical performances.

And with all these personalities coming to the Philippines this month and the next, there is no doubt that the Kpop music scene will once again be the rage in the country.

YouTube sensation and guitar wonderboy Sungha Jung will hold a two-day concert for his Philippine Tour. He will be performing at the J Centre Convention Hall in Cebu City on June 14, while on June 15 he will be serenading fans at the Resorts World Manila.

CNBlue will be coming to Manila for the first time, as part of their Blue Moon 2013 World Tour. This event will be held on June 15 at the Araneta Coliseum.

Former UKISS member Xander, aka Alexander Lee Eusebio, will be celebrating his birthday in the Philippines! His fan party in Manila will happen on July 27 - the same day he turns 25!

And then there's our City Hunter, Boys over Flowers star Lee Min Ho, who will return to Manila on July 6 for a one-night only concert. The Manila leg of Lee Min Ho's 'My Everything World Tour' will take place in the Mall of Asia Arena.

If you're a Kpop fan, be sure to catch these performances. And I'm certain all the die-hard fans out there wouldn't miss out on these events for the world!

Lee Min Ho | My Everything World Tour Updates.

By now, most of you Kpop fans know that Lee Min Ho will be in town for a concert come July 6. It's a one-night-only event, and it will be held at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.

Now just to keep you all updated, here are the ticket prices for the concert:

VIP - Php 7,500

Patron - Php 5,400

Lower Box A - Php 5,400

Lower Box B - Php 3,675

Upper Box - Php 1,575

General Admission - Php 525

And here's the seat plan: (Click on the image to enlarge.)

Lower Box A will cover seats 201-202/221-222 and rows A-E OF 203-207/216-220. Lower Box B, on the other hand will cover the 6th row onwards of 203-207/216-220.

Tickets can now be purchased at SM Tickets. For VIP seats, you may contact (02) 374 9999.

This event is made possible by Bench and Wilbros Live.

Big Bang, thank you (and you)!

Twelve countries, fifteen cities, and millions and millions of screaming fans. This is the tale of the Big Bang Alive Galaxy Tour, and the story came to an end yesterday, with Day 3 of 'The Final in Seoul'. Thinking about it leaves a bittersweet feeling, which I'm sure most VIPs can empathize with.

Photo credit: Big Bang Official Facebook Page

And because I still have a hangover from the Manila leg some three months back, I'd like to share with you this interview of G-Dragon which appeared in his Star Column. He talks about his Dara noona so fondly (that's Dara of 2ne1 aka Sandara Park), which I find really endearing. Read on:

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The first thing that comes to my memory was hanging out with Dara-noona in the Philippines. 2NE1′s Dara-noona went to the Philippines by herself to watch the Philippine concert. ^^ (Noona~Thank you!!^^)

Dara in Manila!

Because noona was active in the Philippines in the past, we knew that she’d be the person to know the Philippines best, so the members and I all started to ask her, in an insistent and constant manner, to take us out to a nice place. Finally, Dara-noona said that she knows a great restaurant  and suggested that we go out to eat there. So for the first time in a foreign country, all 5 members decided to eat together! Out! So that’s what we did. Not just the members, but other members of the staff as well, managers and security!! As it was the first time for all of us to eat out in a foreign country, all of us were really excited as we all got ready, and finally left with Dara-noona. ^^

At first, we were talking each other and getting more and more excited, and at the same time, we were enjoying the scenery from our window, with the thought of having a picnic in mind. Dara-noona has said that the place we were going to was a bit far, quite outside of town, but still we wanted to go~ go~ go, and so we went.

Then people were starting to get tired and fall asleep, as the sun was setting and  it started to get dark. (I only knew of this later, but they said that at this time, Dara-noona was getting worried. I didn’t know because I was in a different car.. ㅠㅠ)

After two hours, we finally arrived at this great outdoor restaurant, it was a really cool restaurant because you can eat while having a terrific view, specially if you come in the afternoon and can enjoy the sunset. B.U.T. Since we left late, we arrived late in the evening when it was already dark… It became a situation when we had to eat in the dark. Pparabam~! (Dara-noona version ^^) However, it was still a famous restaurant, so we ate the food that Dara-noona had suggested, we had a meaningful time together as we all talked with each other. (This is where I took this photo ~ With this long beer bottle~ You know this, right??)

GD + SMB :)

One more fact that is absolutely shocking, which we found out almost while we were done eating! This same restaurant was, in fact, also found just 5 minutes away from the hotel where we were staying… Pparabam…..ㅋㅋ

But I didn’t regret anything; we all had a great time, eating delicious food and talking with great people.
If only… We could take out the part where we had to go through the entire 2-hour ride.. ^^

Dara-noona!! I’m very grateful for the good memories! Thank you~!!! ^^

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Ah, Jiyong! What I wouldn't give to see you and Seunghyun again. :)

Source: Naver
As seen on: DKPopNews

Spazz Saturday #9 | Big Bang Alive Galaxy Tour Manila!

More than a week has passed since this year's ultimate Kpop event took place, but the sound of Taeyang's "Manila, Baby! Manila, Baaaa-by!" still resonates in my ears. This my friends, is what we call the Beautiful Hangover. I'm pretty sure majority, if not all of those present during the Alive Galaxy Tour Manila, feel the same way as I do.

Samsung Galaxy Booth.

My girls and I arrived at the MOA Arena around 5:30 pm. It had been announced via Facebook and Twitter that gates will open at 6pm, and by the time we got there, a huge crowd was already piled up at ONE side of the MOA Arena. We were expecting a smaller crowd and shorter queue by the time we've finished dinner and done taking photos at the Samsung and Jeju Air booths (that was a little before 7pm), but NOOOOO - the crowd became even more ginormous and rambunctious because the gates didn't open as scheduled.

More photos after the jump!