Following the award celebrations and gatherings, I had planned a getaway to Siargao. However, unforeseen circumstances disrupted the plans for my friends and me.
Three unexpected incidents occurred consecutively, forcing us to reschedule our flight and adjust our villa booking to January.
Fortunately, one of my friends, PR expert Jingjing Romero, had vouchers for accommodations and experiences at the historic Manila Hotel, a place I had never stayed before!
Unfortunately, her vouchers had expired on July 31, which was 19 days ago. But with a call to her friend, the editor at the Manila Bulletin (which is affiliated with the hotel), we managed to extend them!
After renewing her subscription for another year, her vouchers were valid until the end of October. This opened the door to an exceptional two-night staycation with Ann, another close friend.
Exhausted from our early morning airport troubles, we enjoyed arroz caldo, lumpia, and bibingka at the Lobby Lounge. The large, comfortable chairs arranged beneath the beautiful chandeliers provided a perfect refuge while we waited for the registration process.
Before long, we were shown to a superior deluxe room, which included a generous Welcome Basket filled with fruit. I admired the beautiful wooden lattice on the cabinet doors and the large window, showcasing a distinct Filipino style!
What amazed me the most was the unique TV cabinet, featuring a header that proclaimed the hotel’s pride: “A Historical Landmark Built in 1912,” the year it first opened to the public.
Constructed in 1909, it was intended to match the grandeur and elegance of Malacanang Palace, the official residence of Philippine presidents built initially in 1750, providing top-quality accommodations for the country’s esteemed visitors.
During World War II, the hotel served as the Japanese military headquarters, sustaining significant damage but eventually restored, symbolizing the nation’s resilience.
Notably, there’s the MacArthur Suite, which once housed General Douglas MacArthur; its prestigious Presidential Room has welcomed numerous international artists and dignitaries.
After some relaxation in our cozy room, we awaited the arrival of Gari, another friend, who brought Chinese delicacies from the area, including siopao, hopia, and congee. Room service contributed to our delightful impromptu meal.
That evening transitioned peacefully into a restful night, with one comment echoing what we all felt: “There’s a reason we pay for luxury.”
The next day kept us occupied as we enjoyed breakfast at the Tap Room, a vintage English pub that features live music in the evenings. The wooden lattice dividers that separate it from the Lobby are a design element I have grown fond of.
We then ventured just three kilometers away for another encounter with history. I had attended previous functions at Malacanang Palace and meetings in its staff buildings.
Our first stop was the new Bahay Ugnayan (Malacanang Heritage Museum), which showcases the current president’s ascendancy and the Marcoses’ return to power.
We then hopped on a tricycle to visit nearby stunning mansions: the Laperal Mansion, serving as the President’s Guest House, and the Goldenberg Mansion, which is the Ambassador’s Guest House. Both residences are magnificent architectural examples enveloped by beautiful gardens.
Close by is the Teus Mansion, which serves as the Presidential Museum of the Last 16 Presidents, as well as Emilia, a wonderful restaurant known for its delicious Filipino cuisine. Finally, we visited the National Shrine of St. Michael and the Archangels.
Afterward, we intended to visit Antipolo Church, but lunchtime led us to a friend’s Bistro on the top of his office building in Pasig. Unfortunately, heavy rain brought traffic delays, prompting us to return to the hotel instead.
For our special dinner, we dressed up for an evening at the Champagne Room, famously recognized as Manila’s most romantic dining venue. With a classic European-style ambiance, we enjoyed every dish we ordered, including French onion soup, organic market salad, roast lamb rack with thyme juice, and sous vide beef short ribs.
The following morning, we dined at Café Ilang-Ilang, known for its stunning international buffets. With endless options, I opted for the traditional corned beef breakfast that I had been craving for ages.
However, when it was time to settle the bill, one of our servers said, “Even if there’s no tip, what matters is that we provided service and brought a smile to your face.”
Indeed, the Manila Hotel is celebrated for its historical charm and subtle elegance, but it truly exemplifies Filipino hospitality at its finest!
Two nights felt too brief, though.
The hotel is located at Kilometer 0, the point where the city of Manila begins, right in the heart of the country’s historical foundation. Attractions like Rizal Park, Intramuros, and the National Museum are all within walking distance.
I spotted a vintage “kalesa” across from the Manila Hotel (as seen in the headline photo). I seized the opportunity for a short ride before we relished the beautiful view of Manila Bay from the grounds of the former Army and Navy Club of the United States, now known as the Rizal Hotel.
Attractions such as the Manila Ocean Park, San Agustin Church, and the Manila Cathedral are a short distance away. Further out, Binondo, Malate, and Ermita offer excellent shopping, culinary experiences, and vibrant nightlife. The expansive Mall of Asia and various casinos are also on the horizon.
Due to time constraints, we couldn’t experience all offerings the hotel provides. Another night would have allowed us to enjoy Red Jade, renowned for its authentic Chinese cuisine. Another day could have been spent indulging in the Spa, adult pools, and Health Club.
We still need to explore the Heritage Museum fully. Nevertheless, we were captivated by the art pieces in the Gallery and greatly enjoyed the impressive Japanese Festival display in the lobby.
This stroke of good fortune has led me to a conclusion: the Manila Hotel will be my go-to accommodation whenever I visit Manila!
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