The affordable and value-filled City Garden Suites Manila couldn’t be more ideally located to introduce the Philippine capital’s adventures and charms to tourists. As with its hotel neighbors in the old district of Ermita, this accommodation is within a stone’s throw away from various thrills that give insight into how wonderful and memorable Manila can be.
It is not a hub for ultra-relaxation for sure, but there’s a lot of multifaceted culture to soak in. Try these 5 activities that will make Manila more endearing than you’d expect.
1. Explore career options at Museo Pambata — if you’re still relatively young.
The famed Museo Pambata (Children’s Museum) has opened a new Career Options room that features notable Filipino illustrators and writers for children. The works are friendly and safe for everyone (no subversions here), which should provide a brighter insight into Manila. Iris and Danton from the Filipino-created comic book Private Iris will discuss with visitors every comic book on display, panel by panel, as well as show a behind-the-scenes look at producing stories. Viewing comes inclusive with the museum entrance fee of P100 (P50 for Manila residents with valid IDs).
Museo Pambata is at Roxas Boulevard corner South Drive, Manila. Call 523-1797 to 98 or 536-0595 for museum schedule and shows.
2. Rent a cultural costume or prop at the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP)
If you’re attending a high-profile costume party while in town, head to the CCP for your outfit. The CCP, one of the iconic cultural projects instituted by Madame Imelda Marcos, rents out more than 100,000 costumes and props that were originally used by its resident theater company, Tanghalang Pilipino. You can dress like the Philippine national hero, Dr. Jose Rizal, or be a local folk hero, like Darna (the Philippine version of Wonderwoman). International options are available as well: Dracula, Superman, Cleopatra, and more. To rent, submit a letter of request at least a week before you need the costume.
The Production Design Center rents out the costumes from the CCP, at the CCP Complex, Roxas Blvd, Manila. Call 832-1125 local 1423 or 1424.
3. Attend Cinemalaya, the most prestigious international film festival hosted by the country.
The Cinemalaya Film Festival, also held at the CCP, commences around June or July. Showcasing about 8 to 10 full-length films and more shorts, Cinemalaya gathers the most artistic and groundbreaking filmmakers from the Philippines and abroad. There are also several forums and discussion panels slated for each edition. At a previous Cinemalaya, the auteur Quentin Tarantino graced the entirety of the event.
4. Join a crash course in photography from the best of Filipino lensmen.
The Federation of Philippine Photographers Foundation (FPFF) conducts workshops year-round, spanning the fundamentals to advanced techniques, particularly for food and wedding photography. FPFF also provides classes on cruise ship photography, black and white photography, and digital darkroom technology. Workshops typically last 5 days, priced at around PHP 4,500. The best part about the workshops is that they are held in historic and picturesque Fort Santiago, where Dr. Jose Rizal was kept captive before his execution in 1896.
The office of the Federation of Philippine Photographers Foundation is at Room 302A EMII Bldg, A. Soriano corner Cabildo Streets, Intramuros, Manila. Call 528-0371.
5. Explore the artsy hub in the fringes of Manila and Makati.
Technically, The Collective is located in Makati, but it sits by the border with old Manila just a few blocks away. It is the underground creative center of Makati, a favorite among artistic souls, partyphiles, bikers, gourmands, and true-blue musicians. The Collective plays host to numerous acts throughout the week.
The Collective is at 7274 Malugay Street, Makati City. If you’re booked at an accommodation in Malate or Ermita, say City Garden Suites Manila, hail a cab to drive you through Quirino Avenue, then onto the South Luzon Expressway, exiting at Malugay Street.
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