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Manila
HIGHLIGHTS
What's on
Shopping
Eateries
MANILA
ASIAN CITY GUIDE
What’s on
¬ Holy week Holy Week in the Philippines is a significant religious observance for the Roman Catholic majority and most Protestant groups. Beginning Maundy Thursday, businesses in the Philippines either shut down operations until Black Saturday or have later opening and earlier closing times. During the Easter Triduum (usually a public holiday), some local terrestrial television and radio stations go off air. Those that do operate truncate broadcasting hours and feature religious programmes and news coverage of religious ceremonies. Many communities observe Spanish-influenced Catholic rituals such as processions, with many having been syncretised with pre-Hispanic beliefs. This is evident in local practices and the many superstitions associated with the occasion. When: April 12-19 Where: All over the Philippines
¬ Black Nazarene The procession of the Black Nazarene is the largest procession in the country, taking place on January 9 and on Good Friday through the streets of Quiapo, a small part of metro Manila, where thousands parade with a life-sized, black wooden statue of Jesus (the Nazarene) that was brought by a priest from Mexico to Manila in 1606. The story goes that during the 17th century, missionaries from Spain were on their way to the Philippines with the statue, when the ship they were sailing in caught fire. The statue of Jesus, though charred, was saved and restored, and has since been kept at the Saint John the Baptist church in Quiapo, Manila. Devotees believe that miracles happen after touching the statue.
When: January 9 and Good Friday Where: Quiapo
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What’s on
ÂŹ Christmas in the Philippines Christmas in the Philippines, being one of two predominantly Catholic countries in Asia (the other one being East Timor), is one of the biggest holidays in the archipel ago. Christmas carols are heard as early as September and lasting until Epiphany (the feast of the Black Nazarene) on January 9, or the Feast of the Santo Nino de Cebu on the third Sunday of January. The official observance in from December 16 with the beginning of Simbang Gabi (devotional nine-day series of Masses) to Epiphany. While the season is celebrated differently according to the various ethnic groups, common activities include parties, Midnight Mass on Christmas Eve, and the Feast of the Black Nazarene.
When: From December 16 Where: All over the Philippines
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What’s on
ÂŹ Panagbenga Festival The month-long annual flower festival in Baguio, the Philippine's summer capital, sees visitors throng from all over the country and overseas to witness the beautifully decorated flower floats paraded through the streets. Meaning "season of blooming", the festival was started as a tribute to the city's noteworthy blooms, as well as a way to rise up from the devastation of the 1990 Luzon earthquake. Apart from serving to boost the city's tourism industry, the Panagbenga festival also helps the younger generation rediscover their cultural traditions.
When: February 1 to March 1 Where: All over Baguio City, Luzon
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What’s on
¬ Santacruzan (Flores de Mayo) ¬ Sinulog Festival The Sinulog is an annual festival on the third Sunday of January in Cebu City, Maasin City, Southern Leyte, and Balingasag, Misamis Oriental in the Philippines. It is to commemorate the Filipinos' pagan origins, and their embracing of Roman Catholicism. The main feature of the festival is a street parade with participants in bright costumes dancing to the rhythm of drums, trumpets and native gongs. In the warm months of May, when flowers bloom after rain showers, Filipinos celebrate the Flores de Mayo (Spanish for "flowers of May"). During this month-long festival, flowers are offered to the Virgin Mary in churches. The festival usually concludes with the Santacruzan, also known as the Queen of Festivals in the Philippines, where a pageant is held in honour of Helena (or "Reyna Elena") and Constantine finding the True Cross in Jerusalem.
When: May 1 to 31 Where: All over the Philippines
When: Third week of January every year Where: Cebu City, Maasin City, Southern Leyte, and Balingasag, Misamis Oriental
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Shopping
ÂŹ Quiapo Hometown of the Black Nazarene and also a place which offers cheap prices on items ranging from electronics to native handicrafts and pirated DVDs
ÂŹ San Nicolas Home to the Divisoria Flea Market, where adventurous shoppers may go for cheap buys.
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ASIAN CITY GUIDE
Eateries
¬ Mesa Whether you’re acquainting someone with Filipino food or want to indulge in the familiar (like a home-cooked meal, with a modern twist), Mesa is the place to go. Its distinctly Filipino accents will make you feel right at home. Its best known appetiser, the Crispy Hito Flakes (pulled catfish) with mango salad, is thoughtfully presented on a series of spoons. Imaginative as it is delicious, this dish is a must-try.
Where: Ground floor, Greenbelt 5 Mall, Makati
¬ Paseo Uno Paseo Uno, on the ground floor of the Mandarin Hotel, is the farthest thing from a hotel coffee shop you can think of. The decor is ultramodern with Oriental accents. There is a full a la carte menu, starting with a choice of Western, Chinese, Japanese or local breakfast dishes. For later in the day, there is a variety of salads, soups and snacks.
Where: Ground floor, Mandarin Oriental Manila, Paseo de Roxas, Makati
¬ Veneto A visit to Veneto (other branches carry the name Napoli) is a journey of discovery into a world of very affordable pasta and pizza sensibilities. The 5-Nut Pesto is a must. Among the other dishes include Buffalo Wings, Bacon Cheeseburger Pizza and Roast Beef and Cheese Hero Sandwich. Inspired by American-Italian restaurants coming out of New Jersey.
Where: 2nd floor, Triquetra Building, E. Rodriguez Jr. Avenue, Libis, Quezon City
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Eateries
¬ Tsoko Nut Batirol Tsoko Nut Batirol is known for its Tsoko Nut Batirol and Tsokolate Ah Batirol (chocolate drinks) and classic Filipino desserts. Every visit translates to a "homecoming"—a return to good ol' days of good blends, good eats and good recollection.
Where: 3rd Level, Podium 3, RCBC Plaza, 6819 Ayala Ave. corner Sen. Gil Puyat Ave., Salcedo Village, Makati
At Bistro Remedios, popular Filipino dishes are given platings and presentations that give them a whole new spin, although prepared following heirloom recipes that highlight fresh flavours. That is the reason why Bistro Remedios has become a favourite of foreigners who are adventurous to try Filipino food but at a loss just where to start. Its cozy ambiance and homecooked meals assure guests of an authentic Filipino dining experience.
¬ Agave Mexican Cantina At Agave Mexican Cantina, have a taste of authentic Mexican dishes made from the finest ingredients available. Join us for a meal you won't forget! From the classics like our piled high Nacho Grande and sizzling combo fajitas with steak, chicken and shrimp to our famous bottomless fresh fruit Margaritas, Agave satisfies your cravings!
¬ Bistro Remedios
Where: Unit 2, CKB Center, Scout Rallos cor. Tomas Morato, Quezon City
Where: 1911 M. Adriatico St., Remedios Circle, Malate, Manila
MANILA
ASIAN CITY GUIDE
Eateries
¬ Cafe Adriatico Cafe Adriatico serves a full menu of Filipino, Spanish and Continental fare. Its menu also includes a variety of light options such as salads, sandwiches, omelets and fondues. Among the Cafe's specialties are a mix of Filipino and Spanish dishes like Spareribs Adobo, Lengua Estufada, and authentic Spanish hot chocolate "Chocolate Eh”.
¬ Cabalen Cabalen, a Capampangan word which literally means “kababayan”, is a fine dining restaurant with strategic branches around Metro Manila. With the conceptualisation of eat-all-you-can, eat-all-you-want and cravings of Pampango dishes, Cabalen expanded more outlets in the next 22 years caterings to its customer's appetising tastebuds.
Where: Ground Level, Padre Faura Wing, Robinsons Place Manila, Pedro Gil cor. Adriatico Sts., Ermita, Manila
Where: 1790 M. Adriatico St., Remedios Circle, Malate, Manila