Manila: More Than Meets the Eye

The Malate Pensionne is perfect for that old Manila charm, with it's antique furniture and art. It's perfectly situated right at the heart of the bustling Malate district. Day one is arriving from the airport and getting acquainted with your abode. Come nightfall, check out the bohemian lifestyle of Malate, with it's eclectic charm, old style houses, and it's bustling night life. Check out Adriatico and Nakpil streets, and eat at the popular Cafe Adriatico. Day two is where the city tour officially begins. Visit Malacanan Palace, the home of the Philippine president. Malacanan has beautiful scenery, and a worthwhile museum to visit. From Malacanan, make your way to San Sebastian church, one of the only Gothic churches in Asia. San Sebastian is one of three minor basilicas in the Philippines. From San Sebastian, visit the National Museum, which has an extensive collection of artifacts and artworks from all ages of Philippine History. From the National Museum, go over to Rizal Park, a somewhat gaudy, yet interesting park, with mini parks to explore, all within the larger park. The famous monument to the Philippine's national hero, and many other smaller monuments line the park, also a huge sculpture-map of the Philippine archipelago. After your long journey, go to Harbor View, a floating restaurant situated on Manila Bay, a stone's throw away from the park. Day 3 is a tour around Intramuros, the famous walled city. A whole day is needed, with many museums you have to tour, viewing the different Spanish fortifications, visiting the old Spanish Fort Santiago, seeing the Manila Cathedral, which is another minor basilica, and the San Agustin Church, and museum, which is a UNESCO world heritage site, with its lavish Spanish and Catholic historical memorabilia. San Agustin church also houses the remains of Juan de Salcedo and Miguel Lopez de Legaspi, two of the Philippine's most influential Spanish Conquistadors. Dinner would be at Barbara's which is right in front of San Agustin Church. Day 4 is heavy, with a visit not only to the Binondo church, which is the third minor basilica, and the Quiapo church, with the miraculous Black Nazarene, but also to the areas surrounding them. Binondo church is the heart of Manila's chinatown, with all it's interesting shops and restaurants, and Quiapo church is adjacent to the Quiapo area, which boasts of some of the cheapest prices for goods around. Dinner would be back near the Malate Penssionne in the Aristocrat restaurant, one of the Philippine's most popular restaurants. Day 5 is a relaxing day, with a short walk to Manila Bay side and the adjacent Raja Sulayman Park and the Malate church. This is so you can ready yourself in the afternoon for a play, or a ballet in the Cultural Center of the Philippines that night. There are also Philippine folk performances in CCP park on saturday nights. After CCP, you may want to return to Malate to take in a bit more of the night life, and then finally retire or pack for your departure the next day. Notes: souvenirs may be bought in handicraft shops, which there are a multitude of in the Malate area. You can also find many things to buy as souvenirs in the Quiapo (ask for islatuls) and Binondo areas. Transportation is via Jeepney, a famous form of public transport in the Philippines, or by Taxi, all routes are Jeepney friendly.