| Manila
Bay—the very name brings forth images of stunning sunsets on a tranquil harbor and
the sight of people sitting by the breakwater watching the end to another day in the
nation’s capital.
If you think that’s all there is to Manila Bay, you
have got to be kidding.
Come night time, "Baywalk" as the Manila Bay
boardwalk has come to be known, comes alive with the sound of music both live and recorded
from the various bistros and cafes lining the boardwalk of Manila Bay on Roxas Boulevard.
Night revelers can dine to the ambiance of salty sea air and the music of live performers
playing every night at the Baywalk restos.
Living statues who perform dances or simply move and greet
spectators for the price of a few pesos placed in the box at his feet thrill children and
sightseers with their costumes and antics.
Every night, an eclectic mix of people can be seen enjoying
the music or just having dinner and a few drinks under the stars.
For those who have had a stressful day at the office,
masseurs specializing in reflexology and shiatsu are seen plying their trade along
clusters of chairs where customers can settle in while their tension is kneaded away by
the masseur’s soothing hands.
Kissing Up A Storm At The Lovapalooza
Filipinos have long been known to be passionate people.
This they especially proved as with more than 5,122 couples kissing simultaneously in the
"Lovapalooza" festival held midnight of February 13, 2004 breaking Chile’s
record of 4,445 in the Guinness Book for World Records.
Since then, it has kicked off a tradition with the
Lovapalooza 2 held midnight of February 13, 2005 where couples from four major cities from
Cebu, Davao, Angeles, and Manila smooched simultaneously in a live telecast aired over the
local networks.
Hotel Row and Malate
Roxas Boulevard is host to a lot of hotels where tourists
can bunk up after a night of revelry or for more sightseeing in the area. The Westin
Philippine Plaza, Trader’s Hotel, Bayview Park and the Grand Boulevard are just a few
of the hotels lining up the boulevard running the length of Baywalk. Most of the tourist
spots in Manila are generally just a few minutes away from Roxas Boulevard.
Tourists can opt to have dinner at the Baywalk and
afterwards head on to Remedios Circle in Malate, Manila’s hottest nightspot just 10
minutes away.
Bars, theme restaurants, coffee shops, and the dance clubs
found round Remedios Circle are the favorite night haunts among Manila’s younger
crowd. Among the most notable spots are Hobbit House, The Library comedy bar, Café
Havana, and Bistro Remedios.
Getting Around
Lightweight clothes and comfortable shoes are all you need
in getting around. It may be wise to wear sneakers instead of sandals though as some
places specify that patrons should wear closed shoes. Otherwise, casual clothing will do
fine.
A safe budget for a night on the town will usually cost
anywhere from PhP 1000 (about $22) to PhP5,000 (round $100) depending on the type of
entertainment you are planning on. Credit cards are accepted in most restaurants though it
is recommended that visitors carry a small amount of cash just in case. Most hotels have
safe deposit boxes where valuables may be kept for when you go out.
Taxis, jeepneys and buses can readily be had in Manila.
Tourists may also opt for hotel service cars for convenience. Trips to other sights in
Manila like Intramuros and Rizal Park may usually be arranged with the hotel concierge
Visit the Beautiful Philippine Islands today! A great vacation for the entire
family... |
