A Weekend In The City: Manila, Philippines Edition

Manila, Philippines – Summer is just around the corner. Book a weekend stay at Century Park Hotel (or any hotel with swimming pool in Manila) to start a fun and frenzy adventure. Even with all the noise, pollution, and overpopulation, the historic City of Manila can still charm and endear its way into anyone’s heart. Valentine’s Day is over, but there still always time to plan a weekend in the Philippines’ capital. Here are some ideas how to spend your time during your visit:

Patio Pilar 

You must be hungry. Check out this Castilian-inspired courtyard café that also doubles as an events venue. It features a pair of heritage structures with an appealing blend of the traditional and the trendy. It basically captures what is quintessentially Ermita—an area once graced by the mansions of elite Filipino families in the 1900’s and then later known for its artsy, bohemian flair.

Arroceros Forest Park

Also known as ‘Manila’s last lung,’ this urban park built along the Pasig River in 1993 now houses at least 60 indigenous tree varieties, 8,000 plants, and 10 bird species. Sadly, the previous admins have failed to maintain the area, but there are reports that the new admin will restore it to its former glory. Despite all that, Arroceros Forest Park still offers a serene setting for afternoon strolls and sunsets.

Cinematheque Centre Manila

‘Netflix and chill’ might be the popular thing to do, but you can never go wrong with tickets to a culturally relevant movie for two. Aside from film screenings, you can also learn about film history, production, and all things related to cinema and filmmaking. There’s also an in-house cafe inside where you can sit down and discuss films with like-minded fellows after.

National Museum of Fine Arts

Juan Luna’s Spoliarium. Nuff said.

National Library

The National Library of the Philippines is also known as “the repository of printed and recorded cultural heritage”.  All they require is a valid ID to get access to all the titles and references you need. Before your visit, you can also check their Online Public Access Catalog to see if they have what you need. The National Library also offers services for copyright registration.

Binondo

The World’s Oldest Chinatown is home to various spots offering cuisine heaven. The fried dumplings at Dong Bei, the xiao long bao at Cafe Mezzanine, and the fried chicken at Sincerity Cafe. You could also try the fresh lumpia at New Po Heng. Vegetarian delights at Quan Yin Chay, and the steaming, hot mami at Masuki.

Escolta

In the daytime, Escolta is a busy strip with interesting shops and old buildings. At night, it turns into a hip block party where you can buy stuff from local artisans, eat gourmet street food, and drink cheap booze while dancing in the street all night long.

ABOUT CENTURY PARK HOTEL

Situated at the center of the Philippines’ vibrant capital city, Century Park Hotel Manila is accessible to the business, shopping, and entertainment districts of the metro. Its convenient location invites you to a relaxing stay in the heart of Manila, even as you try to combine business and pleasure.

Its 500 well-appointed rooms are designed for your comfortable and leisurely stay. True to our brand of warm Filipino hospitality, our courteous and friendly staff will always assist you with a smile and help you unwind at the end of the day.

For your corporate needs, the hotel offers 14 function rooms and a business center. These venues are perfect for your meetings, events, and significant celebrations.

If you are looking for a vacation within the city, this hotel in the Manila area is a fantastic choice for staycations. Our modern facilities include internet access and a fitness center with state-of-the-art equipment.

There’s also three outdoor swimming pools and a poolside bar. For the lovers of food, Century Park Hotel Manila have 5 dining outlets. We provide a wide range of options and flavorful cuisines to please your gastronomic cravings.

For more information on Century Park Hotel rates, log on to www.centurypark.com.