Aquarium.
The word “Aquarium” hardly conveys the scope of this new attraction in Manila, because we are talking about the largest aquarium in the Philippines, a huge water park – a real ocean in the heart of the city! Opened in 2008, with a fantastic view of Manila Bay, it provides a unique opportunity to experience the rich underwater world of the Philippines.
Waterfront in Manila.
The spacious boulevard that runs along the bay between the city’s yacht club and the American embassy at sunset becomes the main meeting place for romantics who want to see how the huge red sun descends into the South China Sea. Walking along the stone-paved promenade is a pastime beloved by locals and tourists alike.
Old Gag City.
The Quiapo area, part of Manila City, is famous for the fact that in its many shops it is especially profitable to buy electronics and creations of local artisans. The heart of Chiapo is Plaza Miranda, the ancient square in front of the church of Chiapo, the site of various cultural, social and political events. Also known as the Church of St. John the Baptist, it became famous for the figure of the “Black Christ”, a 400-year-old ebony crucifix. Many Catholics come here every day to read prayers, which culminate in the spectacular processions held here annually in honor of the Black Nazarene.
Proud Makati
The glitter of Makati, a city southeast of Manila City, is especially bright at night when its silhouette is illuminated by thousands of lights. Makati is a rapidly growing business center of the metropolis, a window to the world of big business, with futuristic glass and steel skyscrapers flaunting its ambitions. Most of the most important national and international companies are headquartered here. The heart of the city vigorously pumps financial flows and attracts investors from all over the world. There are six five-star hotels and almost 300 bars and restaurants here. Both locals and tourists come here to wander around the huge shopping centers, of which there are six in the city. The most famous of them – Ayala and Rockwell Center, commercial centers of international class, capable of satisfying the most demanding customers. One of the most fashionable quarters of the city – Forbes Park, an area of luxurious villas, the sight of which makes even Western millionaires turn pale. Another gem of the city is the Ayala Museum, a place of exhibitions dedicated to the history of the Philippines, which in itself is an interesting architectural monument.
Pasai Cultural Capital
Pasay City is the center of the Philippine art world – here is an unusual Philippine Cultural Center (Cultural Center of the Philippines, SSR), which is a symbol of the country’s cultural development. Its main task is to preserve the cultural heritage of the Philippines. Each exhibition, display or show is an extravagant spectacle that involves all the senses. The theater of the SSR is poetry, drama and experiment, as well as media shows, ballet, orchestra and art-house cinema, regularly presented to the audience in a gigantic temple of art. Those who are interested in the multi-layered history and culture of the Philippine peoples are recommended to visit the Philippine Ethnological Museum. In it, among other things, you can see objects of culture and art of the
Muslim minorities of the islands.
Shopping
Manila City is a shopper’s paradise. Those who like to wander around the oriental bazaars, inhaling exotic aromas and sorting through the bright fabrics of scarves, will feel at home here. At almost every corner, bustling market squares invite you to stroll down the aisles and stare. Treasure seekers, curiosity hunters and just travelers looking for unusual souvenirs should head to the Divisoria Market in Manila City and Baclaran in the Pasay area. The best and most beautiful fruit market – San Andree – is located in the Malate quarter. Leaders and main catwalks in the field of chic, fashion trends and lifestyle are the giant shopping malls of Makati. Top-of-the-line malls offering entertainment for all tastes, they provide a striking contrast to the cozy bazaars and shops of Manila City. Ayala Center, With over 2,000 shops, restaurants, as well as theatres, cinemas, banks and traditional stalls, it is truly a Mecca for shoppers. Spacious, brightly lit halls offer luxury goods, cosmetics and perfumes, designer clothes and much more.
Restaurants
Whether you’re a vegetarian, a fan of exotic fish dishes, or a fan of trendy culinary trends such as Arabic finger food, Manila fulfills any culinary desire. The choice of restaurants, their number and specialization are endless and cater to every need, from fast food and
mid-range restaurants and cafes to exclusive gourmet abodes. All the cuisines of the world are represented here, with many Japanese, Korean, Australian, Indian, American and European restaurants side by side with establishments serving traditional Filipino dishes in a brilliant performance. Fans of Chinese cuisine, of course, should opt for Chinatown.
From dusk to dawn
For night owls, music lovers and discos, Manila has prepared entire streets consisting exclusively of bistros, bars and pubs, cozy cafes and trendy coffee shops. Here, under the open sky, you can enjoy exotic cocktails and lively conversations, breathing in the heady air of the southern night. Famous pop, techno and hip-hop DJs work in trendy clubs, and, of course, incendiary salsa rhythms sound. A popular meeting point for nightlife lovers is the Green Belt, Makati Lifestyle Center, which has several bistros and cafes with a friendly, relaxed atmosphere. Every night this and many other streets of the sleepless metropolis shine no less brightly than the starry sky above them.
