Why Go
In a dazzling city such as Manila, finding the perfect spot for a romantic getaway is a breeze. From contemporary resorts designed for lazing away the afternoon in style to more quaint offerings, finding a way to get away with that special someone has never been better. And as Manila is the capital of the Philippines, a myriad of different cultural influences await those ready to do some exploring, whether dining at local haunts or taking in a festive street parade. With a rich history and plenty of dimly-lit restaurants, there is something for everyone here in Manila: if you want a classic romantic vacation or if you would rather spend an unforgettable adventure with your significant other, you will not run out of options.
Because of the delightful mix of old and new. Ancient-looking establishments owe their old world appeal to colonial-inspired architecture from when the Philippines was still under Spain’s power, while contemporary restaurants offer the perfect location for fancy dates after evening falls. A walk along Manila Bay during sunset is the perfect end—or beginning—to a day of romantic exploration, too. And this balance between the now and the then means being able to combine both in the same day, which can be a real delight.
Whether your idea of romance involves a fancy date in a chic new spot or an intimate stroll through a quiet park, Manila will not disappoint.
Insider Tips
- If you have to ask for directions, ask jeepney, tricycle, or cab drivers. A jeepney, which looks like a truck, is a common means of public transportation in the Philippines. The tricycle is a small vehicle made of a passenger section attached to a motorcycle.
- Traffic is rather heavy during peak hours, usually from five in the afternoon until 10 pm. Schedule your trips either before five or after 10 to avoid getting stuck in traffic.
- Always carry small change with you. Vendors and drivers will find it hard to give exact change if you give them a 100 peso bill for a piece of candy that costs two pesos.
- When it comes to people asking you for help, firmly say you can’t help and walk away. Foreigners and tourists, especially those who open their wallets in public to give to street children, are often the victim of swindling operations. Unfortunately, it’s better to be rude yet safe.
- If you get lost, hail a cab. Unlike jeepneys and buses, which have fixed routes, cabs can take you anywhere you want within the city. However, ask the driver first if he knows where your destination is. If the driver says he is not familiar with where you’re headed, take another cab or you might be taken for an unexpected – and rather expensive – joy ride.
- When it rains, it’s bound to flood in some areas of Manila. If you are planning on taking a vacation, do so during summer (around March to May) instead of during the rainy months (June to October). Floods may get out of hand when the rain doesn’t stop, so if it’s been pouring for the past few days, stay in your hotel.
- Always carry insect repellant with you. Dengue fever is rampant, especially during the rainy seasons. This condition, which may cause fatal bleeding problems, is caused by mosquito bites.
Where to Stay
If money is not an issue, Sofitel is a great place to stay. It is located right beside Manila Bay, so you can gaze at the gorgeous sunset in one of the lounge chairs located outdoors. Like many other five-star hotels, Sofitel has an English-speaking crew and impeccable service. They also have a delicious buffet in the morning, which serves both American and Filipino breakfast meals. At night, you can enjoy your favorite cocktail in their outdoor barbecue area while listening to an acoustic band.
For a more authentic local experience in romance, try Hotel Victoria de Malate. Hotel Victoria de Malate, located at 2184 Madre Ignacia Street, Malate, is not a typical place to rest, but rather, a love motel. Motels in this country are different from motels anywhere else; they are where couples go for an intimate night together. Expect to be given rooms that scream romance. Most have themes, such as the Arabian-inspired “Aruba” suite, and you can choose accordingly to get in the mood. If you want to experience how Filipinos put a primer on romance, staying in a motel is something you should definitely put on your to-do list. For shyer travelers, maintaining anonymity is as easy as asking a cab to drive you straight to a room, since there is no need to check in at the front desk and payment is made at checkout.
What to Eat
If you would like to snuggle in bed longer with your special someone, you can always have breakfast delivered to your room, whether you’re staying in Hotel Victoria de Malate or the Sofitel. It’s the perfect low-key and luxurious start to a day.
For lunch, try the buffet at Sofitel’s Spiral Restaurant. An exciting choice in dining, Spiral Restaurant is an interactive kitchen: you get to ask the chefs to cook your food according to your specifications. The chefs whip up a number of international cuisines, from Japanese to Chinese and Mediterranean to Thai. I recommend their laksa; it’s the best I’ve ever tasted in the entire country. As they serve more than three hundred fifty dishes, it’s a perfect choice for picky eaters—but not so great for the indecisive!
You may also want to visit Chinatown’s President Grand Palace Restaurant, located at 746-750 Ongpin Street, Binondo. My recommendations: dimsum, Peking duck, and fried rice. However, if you’re on a tight budget try Jollibee, a popular national fast food restaurant. Jollibee is like the Philippines’ version of McDonalds, except for items like the Palabok Fiesta, which uses rice noodles mixed with a delicious thick golden sauce. It’s topped with hard boiled eggs and chicharon (fried pork rinds), and is a nice treat in the middle of a frenetic day of sightseeing.
If you’re looking for dessert, try the bibingka at Aristocrat Restaurant (432 San Andres St. cor. Roxas Blvd., Malate). Bibingka is a local cake topped with cheese and salted eggs. Some prefer eating their bibingka with grated coconuts, but I personally recommend enjoying it with butter instead.
For dinner, try Max’s Restaurant, located at 1123 M .Y. Orosa St. , corner U.N. Ave., Ermita, Manila. Max’s Restaurant has been around for 65 years, arguably serving the best chicken in the country. They use a special secret recipe for their fried chicken – and don’t be surprised if you find yourself devouring yours and leaving just the bones! You may also try their kare-kare, a Filipino dish of meat and vegetables in peanut soup, enjoyed best with shrimp paste and rice.
What to Do
Divisoria is the shopaholic’s spot of choice, with tons of different malls and shops to choose from in one expansive space. 168 is a popular mall in Divisoria where you can find cheap wholesale items, clothes, bags, shoes, toys, and gifts to bring home. When buying at Divisoria’s 168 Mall or at the many shops out in the streets, don’t forget to haggle to get the most bang for your buck.
At night, try exploring Ermita, Malate. This is the nightlife district of Manila and is the perfect spot for a few drinks with your partner. Some bars serve food and drinks on tables out in the streets, and while an open-air experience might sound nice, indoors is better for those who want to avoid fog and beggars. Spirits Malate Bar, located at the corner of Nakpil Street and Bacobo Street, is a popular nightlife destination. It may get crowded during the weekends, which is not entirely a bad thing if you want to experience a real night out in Manila. There are frequent street parties in Malate as well.
Another exciting part of walking the streets of Malate is encountering the many street food vendors. Exploring the many types of street food while visiting is a must. Try fish balls, which are deep-fried and delicious, or enjoy some tokneneng, breaded hard-boiled quail eggs dipped in vinegar and sweet sauce. A more adventurous pick is isaw, chicken or pig intestines that have been grilled and dipped in delicious sauces. This unusual street food is well loved by Filipinos – try it if you dare.
What to See
There are many tourist spots in Manila that travelers shouldn’t miss. The historic landmark Luneta Park is often bustling with tourists, but its classic status as a must-see spot is well deserved. In the center of the park is a monument of Jose Rizal, the national hero of the Philippines, with at least one sentry standing guard day and night, rain or shine. Inside Luneta, you will also find a Chinese Garden and a Japanese Garden. The structures and foliage in both are fashioned according to the culture they represent, and provide a lovely and peaceful retreat from the city bustle.
For lovers of architecture and culture, San Sebastian Church is another crucial landmark to visit. Located at Recto Street, Quiapo, the church is popular because of its unique architectural features. San Sebastian Church is the only all-steel church in all of Asia. The original church was burnt to the ground in 1651. After the fire, the parish priest asked an architect to build an establishment made completely of steel as to prevent damage from both earthquakes and fire. The engineer behind Eiffel Tower was allegedly involved in designing this church, but even if that’s not the case, it’s a delightful building to visit.
Intramuros is another popular tourist spot well worth visiting. Also known as the Walled City, it is located in the heart of Manila. It owes its claim to fame to the thick wall enclosure surrounding the entire area. Inside, there is a mix of the old and the new. It’s a fun surreal experience to see modern chain establishments like McDonald’s and Starbucks housed in old-fashioned brick buildings as to keep with the Spanish architecture.
Whether it’s a peek at the old or a chance to explore the new, in Manila, couples will never run out of things to do. Given the many historic landmarks and superb restaurants in the city, those visiting will find Manila the perfect destination for a getaway. And even if you visit the city on your own, take heart: Filipinos are known to be romantics, so who knows? During your stay in Manila, you just might find someone special with whom to enjoy the city!
Photos: Nozomiiqel