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/

Go Back in Time While Staying at Cherry Blossoms Hotel

If you want to get in touch with your Filipino roots, be closer to some of Manila’s oldest attractions by staying in a cozy hotel in Ermita, Manila. Additional to that, the easy access of the city’s major transportation system will give you the opportunity to understand the streets of Manila better. By being near some of the greatest landmarks, you can learn more about the history of Manila. Here are some of the attractions you would want to explore during your stay in Cherry Blossoms Hotel.

Luneta Park

To understand the background of Luneta Park, take the time to observe a particular sculptural statue and there you’ll discover how it placed a mark on Manila’s historical timeline. By paying a visit to this urban landmark, you will be able to relive Manila’s history by getting to know our national hero and how the park got its name.

The Walled City of Intramuros

Get your cameras ready because you’re going to take the time to embrace the view of this historical monument that was built during the Spanish colonial period. Find out the secrets and the tales of one of our great national heroes who was kept as a prisoner behind these concrete walls, but not to worry, the story behind it will leave a mark in your heart.

Roxas Boulevard

If you’re a fan of sunsets, there’s a place not far from Intramuros where you can take long walks right next to the sea bay. The only historical fact about this place is that it relates to one of the Philippines’ past presidents and the name was given to his honor. Do keep a lookout for restaurants and other places for food trips because you’ll definitely find something that will keep your stomachs full.

So when you’re done exploring these remarkable places, our accommodation in Manila will be available to cater to your needs when it comes to comfort and relaxation. So that at the end of the day, you will be able to fall asleep with memories of your journey in discovering Manila’s historical past.  

For more information, visit www.cherryblossomshotel.com.ph.

Sites to Visit If You Stay in a Hotel in Ermita, Manila, Philippines -- Part 2

In the first half of this series, we've listed for you 5 notable sites that you can visit from your hotel in Ermita, Manila. But because the Philippine capital holds a lot of places that you shouldn't miss, here are 5 more business and leisure attractions that you should include in your travel itinerary:

1. Cultural Center of the Philippines

If you wish to discover more about the culture of the Filipinos, go and make your way to the Cultural Center of the Philippines, or CCP for short. Witness various performances, art exhibits, film showings, and festivals take place in this historic landmark. Surrounding this famous building are other notable structures, such as the Coconut Palace, Folk Arts Theater, Manila Film Institute, and many restaurants and commercial establishments.

2. Casino Filipino

Try your luck in this government-controlled casino and play the slot machine, roulette, or craps tables to pass some time while waiting for your friends or business partners. All earnings from the games here will be used to sponsor charities and other civil works. Also, with a location just 11 minutes from accommodations in the area like BEST WESTERN HotelLa Corona Manila, you will have no problem finding the place.

3. SM Mall of Asia

Speaking of an excellent location, MOA Complex is just 12 minutes or 4.5 km away from some hotels in Ermita, Manila. Considered as one of the biggest malls in Asia, this place has capacious department stores, groceries, cinemas, boutiques, strips of restaurants, arena, and convention halls. If you stay until the evening, you can witness a spectacular fireworks display, which is why you should always have a camera or smart phone with you when visiting this destination.

4. Baclaran

Another part of the metro that you can visit for sightseeing and shopping is the Baclaran area. This place is where you can find one of the most-visited churches in the country and streets filled with establishments offering bargain shopping. You can buy shoes, office and school supplies, clothes, and other cheap products here.

5. Ninoy Aquino International Airport

Lastly, one of the best parts of staying in an accommodation in this district is its easy access to many transport terminals such as ferry, train, and shuttle stations, and even domestic and international airports. Just a 25-minute car ride from your hotelin Ermita, Manila, you can hop on a plane to your local and foreign destinations in no time.

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