These 5 Reasons Will Make You Want to Visit Manila

Manila is the capital city of the Philippines, and aptly so. Here is a city where the old seamlessly blends in with the new, where history and the present live side by side. Cars race down a busy highway, while horse-drawn kalesas amble slowly on the other side of the road. Intramuros, the Walled City, stands proud and tall while nearby, modern establishments like SM City Manila greet travelers with their stony facades.

With one visit to Manila, you might think you’ve seen everything there is to see in the city. However, there are some interesting reasons you might want to go back to the Pearl of the Orient.

1. Saturday X Future Market: Escolta was once known as the shopping haven of Manila. To revive this reputation, a collective called 98B set up a monthly artists’ assembly called Saturday X Future Market. Up and coming artists sell their artworks, zines, clothes, and stickers in the First United Building. Most market-goers are of the hip and artsy type but even if you’re not one of them, don’t worry – with the sheer number of items on sale, you won’t run out of things to check out and buy.
2. Admire the architecture of the Capitol Theatre: The Capitol Theatre is one of the biggest theatres in Metro Manila. Designed by National Artist Juan Nakpil, its exterior and interiors are something to behold. There are carvings of the Muses of Tragedy and Comedy made by Francesco Riccardo Monti, and the top of the building is modeled after a ziggurat in the art deco style.
3. Bambike around Manila: One of the old houses in Intramuros is called Casa Manila. On the ground floor is the small shop of Bambike Ecotours, a socio-ecological enterprise that creates bikes out of bamboo. For only PHP 200 an hour, you can rent one of their cool bikes and go zipping through Manila’s highways. Alternatively, you can go on one of their guided tours, starting at PHP 800 per package.
4. Organize a picnic at the Chinese Garden: Luneta Park is a sprawling field all in itself, but within it is a small piece of land called the Chinese Garden. Built to promote friendship between the Philippines and China, the Garden features red and white lanterns strung along overhead, small buildings with a temple-like structure, and a lagoon where you can rest and meditate.
5. Visit the National Museum: Of course, you cannot leave any city without visiting its main museum, especially when the entrance is free for everybody. The National Museum is home to some of our best local artists’ obra maestras such as Spoliarium by Juan Luna and Guillermo E. Tolentino’s towering sculptures. There are so many works of art on display that you simply cannot finish the whole museum in one day. Plot at least two days to fully explore everything.

After touring Manila’s hidden gems, you must rest in a quiet place and find yourself a hotel in Ermita, Manila. Cherry Blossoms Hotel is one such option, being a good choice due to its proximity to most of Manila’s major tourist destinations. This hotel Manila serves comfort and convenience at affordable rates, so check them out any time you’re in town for a visit.

A Tourist Wonderland in Manila

Intramuros happens to be one of the oldest and historic districts of Manila. They are also known as the Walled City that was built during the Spanish Colonial period and the sight of it takes you way back to our Philippine history. If you’re going to pay a visit in a place like this, you might want to stay an overnight or two in a city hotel nearby. One of the nearest ones would be Cherry Blossoms Hotel Ermita, Manila. In order to get around the place, here are some activities you might want to consider.

Bamboo Bike – Be a hipster and take a biking tour around some parts of the historical landmark. The most well known one is the Bambike Ecotours so you might want to check online to inquire. Before all those trendy and flashy cars, you’ll be riding bikes made out of bamboo and see things you might not know about your heritage. The feel of it would be like you’re living in the past.

Speedy Segway – Hope you know how to maintain your balance on this advanced transportation. With its adjustable mobility, you can just go about anywhere as long as it is on a smooth pavement. While you’re in control of going around, you can still appreciate the surroundings of Intramuros and enjoy a slight windy breeze.

Walking Tour – Nothing feels better as taking a walk outside. While most of us have jobs that involve sitting down and facing the computer, a stroll around a place like Intramuros can give us a breather. Due to our unpredictable weather, make sure to bring a bottle of water, sun block, or an umbrella because you’ll be doing a lot of walking for this tour.

After doing all or at least one of these activities, you will definitely be tired out. Find yourself a decent place to retreat and book yourself a stay at the nearest convenient and comfortable Manila accommodation around. We would recommend Cherry Blossoms Hotel because of its ideal location and gratifying room experience. For instant confirmation and guaranteed room rates, book directly through their website at http://www.cherryblossomshotel.com.ph/