Exploring the Philippines
Within Manila | Outside Manila | Where to Shop | Dining in Manila | Nightlife in Metro Manila
The capital city of the Philippines, Manila definitely makes for a great poker environment. Aside from the various casinos scattered all throughout the area, the city is also home to many poker players and gamblers who will typically not back down from a challenge.
GETTING THERE
Visiting Manila for the first time? Don’t worry, because the city is definitely a tourist friendly location. Eight kilometers, about 20 minutes from the city center, Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) serves Manila, the Metro Manila area and the nearby provinces. Over 40 airlines provide daily service to over 26 cities and 19 countries worldwide.
Upon arriving at the airport, you can easily get help and directions from the friendly, English-speaking staff. Taxis are available at the airport to bring you to your hotel. The prevailing currency in Manila is the Philippine Peso, which is the country’s national monetary unit. Need help with converting your money? There are plenty of money changer shops all around the city. You can also ask your hotel for assistance on converting your currency to Peso.
USEFUL INFORMATION
Time: GMT+8
Language: The vernacular language is Filipino in the form of Tagalog, while English is the language most widely used in education and business throughout the Metro Manila region.
Climate: In late January, the climate is warm and humid with occasional rain.
Currency: Philippine Peso. Click here for the latest currency information.
Visas: Citizens of 145 countries can enter the Philippines without a visa for visits of up to 21 days. Please visit http://www.gov.ph/faqs/visa.asp for more details.
For more information about Manila and the Philippines in general, please visit www.tourism.gov.ph
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Within Manila and nearby cities
SIGHTS TO SEE
The Walled City of Intramuros is located right in the heart of Manila. It was constructed in 1571 during the Spanish Regime in the Philippines, comprised of European buildings and churches that have been replicated in different parts of the archipelago. It had been one of the world’s best preserved medieval cities. Here, dungeons and old churches share space with art galleries, theaters, a nature park. A Walking Tour of Intramuros conducted by Carlos Celdran is the best way to explore the many attractions in this walled city.
Corregidor is known the world over for its role in war, bravery, and history. It is three miles long and 1 ½ miles at its widest point, facing the China Sea and flanked by the provinces of Bataan and Cavite. A rock island remarkably shaped like a tadpole at the entrance of Manila Bay, Corregidor's strategic location was vital in the defense of Manila during World War II. Today, Corregidor's rich history continues to draw Filipinos and foreign tourists alike, making the island one of the most visited tourist spots in the country. For first-time Filipino visitors, Corregidor reacquaints them with the past and helps them discover their national identity. The island is home to many historical treasures.
The only way to get to Corregidor is via a ferry from CCP Complex, Manila Bay. Visitors may opt to do a day tour or stay overnight in the island. Sun Cruises is offering tour packages to Corregidor. You may visit their site for more info: www.corregidorphilippines.com
Tagaytay is an excellent vantage point of Taal Lake and Volcano. Tagaytay offers a breathtaking sight of the famous Taal Lake - a lake within an island within a lake. The City is endowed with a cool and invigorating climate with an average temperature of 22.7 °C. Situated approximately 600 meters above sea level, the city is misty and is relatively cooler during the months of December, January and February.
When doing a trip to Tagaytay, it is a must to stop by Antonio’s, the fine dining destination in Tagaytay. Chef Antonio Escalante offers a wide variety of good food served perfectly, not to mention the nice ambiance. Prior reservations is required though. To experience what this food paradise has to offer, you may contact them at telephone numbers +639178992866; +63464130975; +63464131054.
Just within the vicinity of Tagaytay is the Taal Lake where the Taal Volcano is situated. A tour to Taal volcano is a soft adventure . Morning departure from Manila to a lake shore town called Talisay. The short drive from Tagaytay down to the lake is a breathtaking experience in a descending narrow road that winds to a jump off point to the island volcano.
The tour includes a half an hour motorized boat transfer and an hour hike or a horse ride to the crater. This crater is a phenomenon, where an interior lake and island were formed due to the 1911 eruption. Filipino lunch will be served in a lake shore resort in Talisay.
Pagsanjan Rapids in Laguna is a series of 14 rapids which is punctuated by a mini waterfall before you reach the main waterfall. As one goes through the waterway, the trip becomes wilder. The river is surrounded by towering cliffs with vegetation. The water that flows through Pagsanjan Falls then goes to a certain part of the river which is 150 feet deep. You can rent a raft here and enjoy riding under the falls.
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OUTSIDE MANILA
Click on each link for more information and photos of some of the top tourist attractions in the Philippines!
Want to go on a fantastic vacation to one of the most exclusive and secluded islands in the Philippines? Then try Amanpulo, a private island resort on Pamalican Island in Palawan. A beautiful escape from city life, the resort is brimming with beautiful beaches, water, and nature. You can enjoy their modern amenities, such as tennis, swimming, and even a gym. In addition, there are a variety of watersport activities all around Amanpulo – from fishing and diving to sailing and windsurfing.
If you can snatch away some more time during your visit to this nature-filled country, there are plenty of beautiful places you can visit outside Manila. After the tournament, you can fly straight to Boracay in Kalibo, Aklan where you can enjoy the festive partying at night, feasting on the beach, and the other exciting activities that the island offers during daytime.
You can also enjoy the beauty of the underwater world without going too far in Anilao, Batangas, where the country boasts one of the most beautiful diving spots in the world. Batangas is just 3 hours away from Manila.
This country will never run out of paradise where one can relax and experience the best things in life. In the heart of Visayas you can find Bohol, an island province that has a lot to offer to its guests. It indeed deserves to be tagged as the top tourism destination in the Philippines. The Bohol experience is not only limited to the awesome beauty of the famous Chocolate Hills and the unique native creature- Tarsier. Its guests can also enjoy scuba diving, dolphin and whale watching, or simply take pleasure in the white sandy beaches and crystal blue sea waters of Bohol under the sun.
Another wonderful tourist spot that is worth your while to pay a visit to is Palawan. The famous underground river and plenty of beach resorts and diving sites can be found in this paradise. Among the activities that can be enjoyed in this island are snorkeling, diving, city tours, and a host of other water activities.
If you are looking for a breath-taking experience that you surely would not want to miss, Sorsogon, the whale shark capital of the world, is the place to be. Swimming with a Whale Shark, locally known as Butanding, is an experience of a lifetime. Sorsogon is located in the Bicol Region, which you can reach by land, approximately 13 hours from Manila. You can also catch a plane which is an easier way to get to this province.
Another must-see place outside Manila is Cebu. It is not just a paradise for nature lovers, but a historical site as well. Centuries ago, way back in 1521, the Spanish era was marked with the landing of Fernando de Magallanes and the baptismal to Christianity of Datu Humabon and Queen Juana and their followers in this very island. One of the most visited sites in Cebu is the Magellan’s Cross which is housed in a small chapel next to the Basilica Minore del Santo Niño on Magallanes Street, just in front of the city hall of Cebu City. Aside from the historical sites, Cebu is also blessed with nature’s beauty. You can choose among the beach resorts in the island, together with the diving sites that will surely take your breath away.
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WHERE TO SHOP
GLORIETTA
A large shopping mall located in the heart of the Makati Business District. The mall is divided into four sections (named Glorietta 1, 2, 3, and 4) and contains a wide variety of shops and restaurants, as well as cinema screens, a gym, arcades and a large central atrium often used to stage special events. It has an activity center, located at the heart of the mall. It is also integrated between Greenbelt Mall, SM Makati, Rustan's Makati and The Landmark, a department store.
GREENBELT 4 AND 5
If you are looking for high-end and branded items, then Greenbelt 4 and 5 are the places to be. You will find the boutiques of Louis Vuitton, Michael and Kors, Furla, and Prada, to name a few. There are also specialty boutiques from Filipino designers such as Kate Torralba, and Aranaz. In addition, there is a department store in Greenbelt 5 that carries a wide selection of well-known European and American brands.
GREENHILLS SHOPPING CENTER
The Greenhills Shopping Center, located in San Juan, Manila is known for its night markets and bazaar-style of shopping. Shoppers can really get a good bargain for a wide selection of clothes, shoes, bags, electronics, and home furniture. It’s usually packed with a throng of shoppers but if you are looking for value for your money, this is the place to shop. The center also houses a number of shops selling pearls, trinkets, and novelty items.
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DINING IN METRO MANILA
Filipino food is an exotic, tasteful blend of Oriental, European, and American culinary influences. There is a wide variety of fresh and delectable fruits. First class restaurants offer gourmet specialties as well as Filipino cuisine.
PEOPLE’S PALACE
The restaurant is located at the ground floor, garden area of Greenbelt 3 Ayala Centre, Makati City. People’s Palace offers a wide selection of modern thai dishes served in a chic, artsy, fine-dining ambiance. In the kitchen at People's Palace, the principal of creating a balance of the four key flavours of Thai cuisine are strictly adhered to at all times. The use of hot, salty, sour and sweet flavours is key to the authenticity of the food. Traditional methods of preparation are used everyday to make fresh curry pastes, sauces and a large supply of coconut milk pressed by hand. Dedicated growers of organic herbs and vegetables deliver regularly to the restaurant.
The garden dining area fronting the restaurant can accommodate another 50 guests. The unique al fresco area features huge leatherette day beds where guests can order cocktails or dine casually at low bench tables. Prior reservation is suggested for this restaurant. For inquiries and reservation, you may contact them at telephone number (632) 7292888.
FELY J’S
Fely J’s Kitchen is located at the second level of Greenbelt 5 Ayala Center, Makati City. It specializes in Filipino and Asian home cooking, yet another forerunner of the LJC group who never runs out of ideas for a restaurant.
SUGI
Sugi, located on the Ground Floor of Greenbelt 2 (fronting Renaissance Hotel) Ayala Center, Makati, is by far one of the best fine-dining Japanese restaurants in the metro. Sugi offers delectable Japanese dishes that are sure to hit a Japanese food lover right on the money. For reservations, you may contact them at telephone number (632)7573678 to 79.
ZIGGURAT
Serendipitously, the first letters of the four exotic cuisines spell I.M.A.M., Islam's archetypal holy man, leader of prayers, teacher and sage. Fortuitously, the architecture of the building which houses this sanctuary of cuisine perfection suggests the step pyramid of ancient Mesopotamia, the ziggurat, acknowledged to be a temple, a place of worship. Thus the name.
Here, traditions observed in the creation of selected dishes from the Indian sub-continent, the Mediterranean Region, Africa and around the Middle East, from such far places as Afghanistan, Pakistan, Morocco, Turkey, Lebanon and Ethiopia, are intact, religiously preserved and performed.
Here as well, the Egyptian pipe shisha or hookah is to be had, to take the Ziggurat experience even further.>
Ziggurat Cuisine is located at the Sunette Tower, Tigris St. cor Euphrates St., Barangay Poblacion, Makati City. It is directly behind I-Bank and Tiananmen Bar. You can contact them at telephone number (632) 8975179.
BISTRO FILIPINO BY CHEF LAUDICO
Bistro Filipino serves Filipino food with a twist. The place is run by seasoned Chef Laudico and his wife Jackie, who’s responsible for the tempting desserts. The place offers a cozy and intimate ambiance for diners. The restaurant is adorned with woven tapestries, drapes, and uniquely designed light fixtures. Dining at Bistro Filipino will surely be a delightful experience.
Bistro Filipino is located on the Ground Level Net 2 Bldng 3rd Ave. Fort Global City, Taguig. For reservations, you may contact them at telephone number (632) 8560451.
ABE
Carrying the tagline, “Where good friends dine,” Serendra Circle’s Pinoy food lover’s place has people lined-up to experience the underlying love of good food and good company that they have to offer. From the theme to the food and service, your money is worth every minute spent in this elegant yet homey creation. Abe’s menu reflects a selection of the owner’s father’s, respected artist and writer Emiliano Aguilar “Abe” Cruz”, Filipino favorites, from old Binondo to his favorite Capampangan dishes and other regional recipes as well.
Abe Restaurant is located at the Ground Level, Serendra Circle at the Fort Global City, Taguig. For reservations and inquiries, please contact them at (632) 856-0526.
LE SOUFFLE
With an interior design emphatically manifesting an aristocratic flair, familiar in Paris fine dining restaurants, it provides a diner an impression of elegance and uniqueness of the place. At Le Souffle the art of fine dining means savoring modern French-Mediterranean cuisine with eye-catching contemporary works of art. An extensive selection of delectable and genuine creation of special dishes can be prepared in a dash and yes! it tastes aristocratic too. Whether it will be a corporate dinner, special functions or just an intimate dinner with a loved-one, Le Souffle at The Fort Strip, Fort Global City, Taguig is the place to be. For inquiries and reservation, you may contact them at telephone number (632) 8875108 to 09.
CUISINE
The Cuisine has a number of chef-driven offerings of creative new dishes which will surely appeal to the diner’s demanding taste buds. As the night matures, the restaurant segues into a resto-bar mode, which serves as a complementary venue to the Embassy Super Club which is located next door. The Cuisine is located at the Fort Strip, Global City, Taguig.
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Nightlife in Metro Manila
EMBASSY CLUB
Following its launch in February 2005, the Embassy Club has redefined Manila’s night life scene. There is a throng of loyal attendees every week who flock to the Club to enjoy whatever genre your heart desires, whether it be House or Techno, R&B/Mash Up (which the Embassy claims to be the first to use the term), or the next big sound to crash on the scene. The Embassy Club also boast of having the best sound, video, and lighting systems in the country.
The Embassy Club is located in Fort Global City, Taguig, next to Bonifacio High Street, Serendra, and Market!Market!. Dress to impress, the Club is a classy place where style dress code is strictly enforced.
The Embassy Club is open from Wednesday to Saturdays. For inquiries on event schedule and table reservation, you may call +6328195481 to 85 or visit their website at www.embassyclub.ph.
CAFÉ HAVANA
If you're up for some salsa music plus drinks or cocktails on the side, then Café Havana is your place. The resto-bar is located at the Ground Level of Greenbelt 3, Esperanza St. Ayala Center, Makati City. Earlier in the night, the restaurant serves Mexican and Cuban dishes.
FIESTA SAN MIGUEL
Fiesta San Miguel, located at the ground floor of Dusti Thani Manila Hotel is known to be the only place in Manila who has their own brewery of beer, Fiesta San Miguel offers more to its guest aside from the booze. Diners will have a most distinct experience in savoring the freshest beer they can get as well as the exemplary dishes that its master chefs can whip up. Samplers in the interesting appetizers list are-kilawing tanigue and Lapu-Lapu Carpaccio.
RED BOX
Filipinos have a penchant for singing thus the thriving business of karaoke bars. One of the many karaoke bars in the metro is Red Box located at the 3rd level of Greenbelt 3 Esperanza Street Ayala Center, Makati City. The place boasts of its state-of-the-art sound system and modern facilities. It has a number of private rooms able to accommodate groups of 5 to as many as 30 people. For inquiries and reservations, you may contact them at telephone number (632) 7576188.
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