Manila Information Guide
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Transcript of Manila Information Guide
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Airport ........................................................................................................................................................... 1
Weather ........................................................................................................................................................ 2
Languages ..................................................................................................................................................... 2
Exchange rate ................................................................................................. Error! Bookmark not defined.
Technology and Communications ................................................................................................................. 3
Hotels ............................................................................................................................................................ 4
Places to visit within the Metro .................................................................................................................. 11
Food to try................................................................................................................................................... 18
Places outside Metro Manila ...................................................................................................................... 21
The Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA), also known as Manila International Airport (MIA) is
the main entry point of international travellers to the Philippines in Manila as it serves as a hub to
various international and local airlines. It is managed by the Manila International Airport Authority
which is under the Philippine Department of Transportation and Communications. Located south of the
countrys capital, it is about 30 minutes to 1 hour from Makati City, depending on the traffic situation.
It is likely that you will pass through NAIA Terminal 1, based on the airline directory.
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The Philippines is a tropical country with two pronounced rainfall-dependent seasons, wet and dry. Dry
season begins in November and ends in April. Generally, Manila experiences cloudy weather with some
showers in July with temperatures between 29 C-32 C. You can wear light clothes because its still hot
even though there are occasional showers.
There are two official languages in the Philippines: Filipino and English. Filipino is the national language
of the country. English is the medium of instruction in schools and is also widely used in government and
media.
As of October 2015, $1=46.02 Philippine Peso
You may find the bills below.
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Mobile Phones. Mobile phone carriers in the Philippines are Smart, Globe, and Sun Cellular. These
service providers have GSM, 3G 4G-LTE networks. Prepaid SIM cards are sold at all convenience stores
and information kiosks in falls at USD 1.00-2.00.
Electricity. Electricity in the Philippines is 220V with 60Hz frequency. Power plugs are usually 2-flat
pronged/American-type with or without grounder. It is advisable to bring universal adapters for
equipment.
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I suggest you to stay in Makati City, which is one of Manilas Central Business Districts (CBD). The other
CBD is called Ortigas City, but I think Makati is closer to the more upscale shopping malls like Greenbelt
and Powerplant Mall in Rockwell Center. You can also find supermarkets here for your needs like SM
Makati (ShoeMart, which is owned by a Chinese-Filipino businessman Henry Sy. I think he also built SM
Malls in Xiamen, Jinjiang, Chengdu, Suzhou and Chongqing. ) and Landmark. The environment in
Makati appears to be safer and more convenient for walking, dining, and relaxation compared to
Ortigas.
Here are some hotels in Makati City:
1. Holiday Inn & Suites Makati (website)
Enjoy the warmth of the Filipino hospitality as you check-in at the Holiday Inn & Suites Makati,
Metro Manila's newest international hotel which is situated at the heart of Ayala Center in the
Central Business District of Makati City. The hotel is approximately 30 minutes away from the
Ninoy Aquino International Airport, a 10-minute ride to nearby Bonifacio Global City & a short
walk to the Makati Philippine Stock Exchange. It has direct access to Glorietta Mall, Ayala
Centers world-class hub for shopping, dining and entertainment. Be delighted with our genuine
service when you stay in any of our 348 guest rooms which are all fully equipped with coffee &
tea making facilities, high-definition 40" LED TV, IDD/NDD telephone, mini-bar, work desk with
high-speed Internet access and a multimedia panel. Moreover, Holiday Inn & Suites Makati
offers excellent dining and entertainment through its smart casual all day dining, a hip and
happening bar and a sky lounge. For guests' business needs, o ther facilities include meeting &
function rooms, a boardroom, a business center, and an executive lounge. Have a relaxing time
and soak up the sun by the hotel's roof deck swimming pool overlooking the cityscape.
Experience the warmth, wealth and wonders of the Philippines with our close proximity to local
cultural attractions. Relax and feel at home in a family friendly environment where Kids Stay
Free, Kids Eat Free.
Address: Glorietta 1, Palm Drive | Ayala Center, Makati, Luzon 1224, Philippines
Phone Number: 00 1 877-859-5095
Price range (per night): 6,001 PHP - 9,807 PHP / 833.82 CNY - 1362.65 CNY
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Hotel Class: 4 star Holiday Inn & Suites Makati 4*
Hotel Style:
#5 Romantic Hotel in Makati
#6 Spa Hotel in Makati
#6 Family Hotel in Makati
#7 Business Hotel in Makati
#7 Luxury Hotel in Makati
2. New World Hotel (website)
A luxury retreat and destination in the heart of the city, New World Makati Hotel is at the center
of "The Wall Street of the Philippines" -- the financial district of Makati City. Right across the
street from the Greenbelt Lifestyle Center, the 595 stylishly appointed guestrooms and suites
combine stunning city views with comfort.
Address: Esperanza Street corner Makati Avenue | Ayala Center, Makati, Luzon 1228, Philippines
Location: Philippines > Luzon > Metro Manila > Makati
Price range (per night): 6,538 PHP - 11,285 PHP / 908.43 - 1568.01 CNY
Hotel Class:5 star New World Makati Hotel 5*
Number of rooms: 595
Also Known As:
Renaissance Makati
Makati Renaissance
Hotel Style:
#5 Business Hotel in Makati
#5 Spa Hotel in Makati
#5 Family Hotel in Makati
#6 Luxury Hotel in Makati
#6 Romantic Hotel in Makati
3. Fairmont Makati (website)
Situated in Makati's prestigious commercial business, the luxurious Fairmont Makati is a hotel
with 280 elegantly appointed guest rooms and suites including Fairmont Gold - our exclusive
lifestyle hotel experience. This luxury Makati City hotel features six restaurants and lounges,
over 1,700 sq m of versatile meeting and function space, including a 859 square meter ballroom
accommodating up to 720 diners. Relax and re-energize in hotel's Willow Stream Spa, one of the
city's most luxurious retreats, or the adjacent fitness center and outdoor swimming pool.
Address: 1 Raffles Drive, Makati Avenue | Corner Arnaiz Street, Makati, Luzon, Philippines
Phone Number: (02) 555 9888
Location: Philippines > Luzon > Metro Manila > Makati
Price range (per night): 8,508 PHP - 13,748 PHP / 1182.16 - 1910.24 CNY
Hotel Class:5 star Fairmont Makati 5*
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Number of rooms: 280
Hotel Style:
#1 Family Hotel in Makati
#2 Romantic Hotel in Makati
#2 Luxury Hotel in Makati
#3 Business Hotel in Makati
4. Makati Shangri-La (website)
Makati Shangri-La, Manila is located at the center of Manila's most prestigious business,
shopping and entertainment district. Just 20 minutes away from the international airport, this
award-winning hotel offers exquisite comfort and world class luxury. From its exceptionally
spacious and beautifully appointed rooms to its lavish restaurants and exciting bars, its high-
speed internet access to its full-service Spa and Fitness Center, Makati Shangri-La lives up to its
reputation as Manilas leading hotel.
Address: Ayala Avenue Corner Makati Avenue, Makati, Luzon 1200, Philippines
Location: Philippines > Luzon > Metro Manila > Makati
Price range (per night): 10,703 PHP - 17,106 PHP / 1487.14-2376.82 CNY
Hotel Class:5 star Makati Shangri-La Manila 5*
Number of rooms: 696
Also Known As:
Makati Shangri-La Manila Hotel Makati
Shangri La Manila Makati
Shangri La Makati
Shangrila Makati
Makati Shangri La Hotel
Hotel Style:
#2 Spa Hotel in Makati
#2 Business Hotel in Makati
#3 Romantic Hotel in Makati
#3 Luxury Hotel in Makati
#4 Family Hotel in Makati
5. Dusit Thani Manila (website)
Dusit Thani Manila is situated in the heart of the Philippines premiere financial district located
25 minutes from the Ninoy Aquino International Airport, 15 minutes away from the countrys
major convention centers, right-at-the-doorstep shopping malls and entertainment centers.
With 538 guest rooms and suites, 11 meeting and banqueting rooms for up to 1,000 persons,
seven bars and restaurants Basix, Benjarong, Dusit Gourmet, Pool Bar, Lobby Lounge, Tosca
and Umu; DFiT Fitness Center and Devarana Spa.
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Additional Information about Dusit Thani Manila
Address: Ayala Center, Makati, Luzon 1223, Philippines
Location: Philippines > Luzon > Metro Manila > Makati
Price range (per night): 6,717 PHP - 12,315 PHP/ 933.3 - 1711.13 CNY
Hotel Class:4.5 star Dusit Thani Manila 4.5*
Number of rooms: 538
Also Known As:
Dusit Thani Manila Hotel Makati
Dusit Thani Hotel Manila
Dusit Makati
Manila Dusit Thani Hotel
Dusit Hotel Makati
Hotel Style:
#8 Business Hotel in Makati
#10 Luxury Hotel in Makati
#10 Family Hotel in Makati
6. Raffles Makati (website)
Unrivalled charm, endlessly enchanting with unparalleled grace, understated refined and
contemporary luxury. Raffles Makati is a legendary oasis of calm and elegance nestled in the
most prestigious address of Makati Avenue, in the financial and cultural hub of the Makati
district.
Address: 1 Raffles Drive, Makati Avenue, Makati, Luzon 1224, Philippines
Phone Number: (02) 555 9777
Location: Philippines > Luzon > Metro Manila > Makati
Price range (per night): 14,061 PHP - 20,554 PHP/ 1953.73-2855.91 CNY
Hotel Class:5 star Raffles Makati 5*
Number of rooms: 32
Reservation Options:
TripAdvisor is proud to partner with Booking.com, Expedia and Despegar.com so you can book
your Raffles Makati reservations with confidence. We help millions of travelers each month to
find the perfect hotel for both vacation and business trips, always with the best discounts and
special offers.
Hotel Style:
#1 Business Hotel in Makati
#1 Spa Hotel in Makati
#1 Romantic Hotel in Makati
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#1 Luxury Hotel in Makati
#2 Family Hotel in Makati
7. The Peninsula Manila (website)
Address: Corner of Ayala and Makati Avenues, Metro Manila, Makati, Luzon 1226, Philippines
Phone Number: (02) 887 2888
Location: Philippines > Luzon > Metro Manila > Makati
Price range (per night): 8,150 PHP - 13,479 PHP/ 1132.41-1872.86 CNY
Hotel Class:5 star The Peninsula Manila 5*
Number of rooms: 493
Reservation Options:
TripAdvisor is proud to partner with Booking.com, Expedia, Agoda, Ctrip TA and Despegar.com
so you can book your The Peninsula Manila reservations with confidence. We help millions of
travelers each month to find the perfect hotel for both vacation and business trips, always with
the best discounts and special offers.
Also Known As:
The Peninsula Manila Hotel Makati
Peninsula Hotel Makati
Peninsula Makati
Manila Peninsula
Hotel Style:
#3 Family Hotel in Makati
#4 Romantic Hotel in Makati
#4 Business Hotel in Makati
#4 Luxury Hotel in Makati
8. InterContinental Manila (website)
Designed by National Artist Leandro Locsin, InterContinental Manila is a symbol of pride in the
Philippines' premier financial and commercial hub-Makati City. The hotel is across the Greenbelt
and Glorietta shopping and entertainment districts and is easily accessible from Ninoy Aquino
International Airport. Our 332 guestrooms and suites boast every comfort for an enjoyable and
unforgettable visit. The latest technology including in-room high speed Internet access and Wi-Fi
in public spaces is sure to please business or leisure travellers. For guests looking for extra space
and added comfort, our Club InterContinental rooms are available and offer special privileges
such as a Club Lounge for private check-in and check-out, sumptuous breakfast, afternoon tea
service, evening cocktails and a selection of international newspapers and magazines. The Club
InterContinental Lounge at the top floor offers a breathtaking view of Makati and the nearby
Bonifacio Global City. InterContinental Mani ... more
Additional Information about InterContinental Manila
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Address: 1 Ayala Avenue | Ayala Center, Makati, Luzon 1226, Philippines
Phone Number: 00 1 877-859-5095
Location: Philippines > Luzon > Metro Manila > Makati
Price range (per night): 7,254 PHP - 11,643 PHP/ 1007.92-1617.75 CNY
Hotel Class:4.5 star InterContinental Manila 4.5*
Number of rooms: 332
Reservation Options:
TripAdvisor is proud to partner with IHG, Booking.com and Despegar.com so you can book
your InterContinental Manila reservations with confidence. We help millions of travelers each
month to find the perfect hotel for both vacation and business trips, always with the best
discounts and special offers.
Also Known As:
Intercontinental Manila Hotel Makati
Intercontinental Hotel Manila
Intercontinental Hotel Makati
Intercon Manila
Hotel Style:
#10 Business Hotel in Makati
#11 Spa Hotel in Makati
#11 Luxury Hotel in Makati
9. Ascott Makati (website)
Indulge in one of the most luxurious of Manilas serviced apartments designed exclusively for
international executives and their families. Tailored to meet your every need, the services and
facilities are well-appointed, extensive and personalized, complementing the elegance and
sophistication of the spacious residences. With wireless Internet (WiFi) zones, modern business
facilities and high speed broadband Internet services, business can be conducted with ease and
efficiency while you live in the comfort and security of an exclusive city resort, so that you may
enjoy your overseas assignment, leisure vacation or relocation with a peace of mind.
Conveniently located within Makati's prime business district and surrounded by restaurants,
entertainment and shopping complexes, you can relax and recharge in the exclusive Ascott
lifestyle amidst the vivacious culture of this dynamic city
Additional Information about Ascott Makati
Address: Glorietta 4, Ayala Centre, Makati, Luzon 1224, Philippines
Phone Number: (632) 729-8888
Location: Philippines > Luzon > Metro Manila > Makati
Price range (per night): 7,926 PHP - 9,986 PHP/ 1101.29- 1387.52 CNY
Hotel Class:4.5 star Ascott Makati 4.5*
Number of rooms: 306
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Reservation Options:
TripAdvisor is proud to partner with Booking.com, Expedia, Asiatravel.com Holdings, Agoda
and Despegar.com so you can book your Ascott Makati reservations with confidence. We help
millions of travelers each month to find the perfect hotel for both vacation and business trips,
always with the best discounts and special offers.
Also Known As:
Ascott Makati Hotel Makati
Hotel Style:
#8 Spa Hotel in Makati
#8 Family Hotel in Makati
#8 Luxury Hotel in Makati
#11 Business Hotel in Makati
#11 Romantic Hotel in Makati
10. BSA Tower Makati (website)
Guests of BSA Tower are often pleasantly surprised to find the cozy comfort of home in Makati,
the Philippines' most vibrant business and financial hub. The serviced suites of BSA tower are
designed to provide the ultimate in comfort and convenience. These self-contained units are
fully equipped with quintessential home comforts amenities like cable television, internet,
NDD/IDD phones, kitchen utilities, cookware and much more.
Additional Information about BSA Tower
Address: 108 Legaspi | Legaspi Village, Makati, Luzon 1223, Philippines
Location: Philippines > Luzon > Metro Manila > Makati
Price range (per night): 2,418 PHP - 3,762 PHP/ 335.97-522.72 CNY
Hotel Class:3.5 star BSA Tower 3.5*
Number of rooms: 60
Reservation Options:
TripAdvisor is proud to partner with Otel, Expedia, Asiatravel.com Holdings and Despegar.com
so you can book your BSA Tower reservations with confidence. We help millions of travelers
each month to find the perfect hotel for both vacation and business trips, always with the best
discounts and special offers.
Also Known As:
Bsa Tower Hotel Makati
Bsa Hotel Makati
Bsa Tower Makati
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These are some places that are worth seeing within Metro Manila.
1. The Mind Museum
http://www.themindmuseum.org/
Address: JY Campos Park, 3rd Avenue, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig
What to expect: The Mind Museum is a learning venue where you can satisfy your thirst for
science discovery. Whether it is by joining MindBurst weekends or taking part in educational
programs or by visiting travelling exhibitions, The Mind Museum is sure to inspire and provoke
you to continue exploring and asking questions.
Cost: PhP 950 / CNY 131.7
2. Ayala Museum
http://www.ayalamuseum.org/
Address: Makati Avenue corner De La Rosa Street, Greenbelt Park, Makati City 1224
What to expect: Ayala Museum, located at the heart of the Makati Central Business District,
Philippines, is a breathing space amidst the hustle and bustle of Metropolitan Manila. Whenever
visiting the country, the museum is surely one of the best places to lose yourself in amazing
contemporary art and uplift your spirit through the Philippines inspiring history.
Cost: Php 300-425 / CNY 48.53-58.93
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3. Shopping at Greenbelt Mall, Glorietta Mall, SM Makati
http://www.makaticity.com/shopping/
4. Intramuros tour with Carlos Celdran
http://celdrantours.blogspot.com/
What to expect: Carlos Celdran (tour guide) is on a mission to educate and help locals and
foreigners alike understand the city of Manila. Touted as one of the best and funniest guides in
the city, he incorporates performance art, comedy, and sensational trivia in his bold and
animated spiels about his favorite city. He would take you around Intramuros' Fort Santiago and
Plaza San Luis while providing you with insights on Philippine architecture, culture, and history.
The duration of the tour is approximately 3 hours.
Cost: Rates: P1,100 - adult; P600 - student (updated as of May 2014), to be paid at the tours
meeting place (Fort Santiago gate) / Adult - 152.84 Student - 83.37
Sadly, the only tour dates for July are July 25 - Saturday - 3:00 PM and July 26 - Sunday - 3:00
PM. However, the places are still open and can be visited even without a tour guide. You can
ride a horse carriage called caleza for a certain fee.
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5. Old Manila Walks
http://www.oldmanilawalks.com/
What to expect: Because the other tour guide is not available, we can try Old Manila Walks.
Unless otherwise specified, all tours are done in English. Tagalog and Mandarin () guided
walks available upon request because the founder of Old Manila Walks is part Chinese
(http://oldmanilawalks.com/tourguides.htm).
There are many tours available. I would suggest Intramuros (also known as the Walled City
which was the seat of power during the Spanish colonial times) and Manila Chinatown-Binondo
tour (http://oldmanilawalks.com/binondotour.htm). There is even a tour of the Chinese
cemetery (http://oldmanilawalks.com/chinesecemeterytour.htm).
Cost: P650-P1200 per person/ CNY 90.16-166.45
6. National Museum
http://www.nationalmuseum.gov.ph/#page=page-1
Address: P. Burgos Drive, Rizal Park, Manila Schedule: Tuesdays-Sundays, 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
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What to expect: The National Museum of the Philippines is the official repository established in
1901 as a natural history and ethnography museum of the Philippines. The museum complex is
located next to Rizal Park and near Intramuros in Manila. It is the National Gallery and Museum
of the Filipino People.
Cost: P50-P150/CNY 6.94-20.81
7. Presidential Museum and Library in the Malacaang Palace (http://malacanang.gov.ph/)
Address: 2/F Kalayaan Hall Malacaang J.P. Laurel St. San Miguel Manila
What to expect: Discover a trove of national treasure that includes an exclusive collection of
keepsakes owned by the presidents, past and present. Photocopies of your passports must be
attached to the reservation form.
Cost: P50 for adults and P30 for students / CNY 6.95 for adults and CNY 4.17 for students
This tour can be done on our own or availed through Old Manila Walks
(http://oldmanilawalks.com/malacanangtour.htm).
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8. Manila Ocean Park and Seri Fantasy Land Museum (Trick Art Museum)
https://www.manilaoceanpark.com/main/attractions/page/attraction
You can take funny pictures after viewing the ocean wonders. There will be a musical lights
show to cap the night.
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9. University of the Philippines (The Philippines Premier State University)
Address: Quezon City, Philippines
What to expect: Vargas Museum, jogging along the Academic Oval, neo-classical architecture
from the American Colonial Period, modern architecture, Filipino street food
10. Maginhawa Street and Matalino Street
What to expect: These are famous food hubs in Teachers Village, Quezon City.
11. Kapitolyo, Pasig City
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What to expect: This is a food hub situated in Pasig City.
12. Sip and Gogh (http://www.sipandgogh.com)
Address: 1 Capitol Hills Drive, 1119 Quezon City, Philippines
What to expect: This is a place where both children and adults can enjoy painting over snacks
and drinks. Adults may opt to have alcoholic drinks such as wine, beer or cocktails. Those below
18 will be served non-alcoholic beverages.
Cost: PhP 900-1000 per person / CNY 125.04-138.93
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These are the traditional Filipino dishes you should try:
1. Lechon (roasted pig) and lechn de leche (roasted suckling pig or piglet)
2. Sisig
- a popular pulutan (usually eaten with beer but this can also be eaten as a main dish) made
from the pig's cheek skin, ears and liver that is initially boiled, then charcoal grilled and
afterwards minced and cooked with chopped onions, chillies, and spices.
3. Sinigang
- a popular dish in this category distinguished by its sourness that often vies with adobo for
consideration as the national dish. It is typically made with either pork, beef, chicken or seafood
and made sour with tamarind or other suitable souring ingredients.
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4. Adobo
- a popular dish and cooking process in Philippine cuisine that involves meat, seafood, or
vegetables marinated in vinegar, soy sauce, and garlic, which is browned in oil, and simmered in
the marinade.
5. Kare-kare
- oxtail and vegetables cooked in peanut sauce
6. Laing
- The dish's main ingredients are taro leaves (at times including stems) cooked in coconut milk,
and salted with fermented shrimp or fish bagoong. It is sometimes heavily spiced with red hot
chilies called siling labuyo.
7. Bulalo
- a beef dish from the Philippines. It is a light colored soup that is made by cooking beef shanks
and marrow bones until the collagen and fat has melted into the clear broth.
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8. Pancit Malabon
- a Filipino dish that is a type of pancit, or stir-fried noodle dish, which originated in Malabon
City, Metro Manila, Philippines. It has a yellow-orange color owing to a sauce that includes patis
(fish sauce) and crab fat. Its toppings draw heavily from the fresh seafood that is available in the
area and may include fresh shrimp, squid, oysters, and hard-boiled duck or hen eggs, as well as
pork.
Restaurants that serve Filipino cuisine:
Sentro 1771 in Greenbelt 3 http://sentro1771.com/
Mesa Filipino Moderne in Greenbelt 5 Http://mesa.ph/
ARACAMA FILIPINO CUISINE in Bonifacio Global City, Taguig City
http://www.aracamamanila.com/
VIA MARE in Landmark, Makati City http://www.viamare.com.ph/index.html
KROCODILE GRILLE in Greenbelt 3, Makati City https://www.zomato.com/manila/krocodile-
grille-greenbelt-makati-city/menu
Filipino Fast food:
1. Jollibee (American food adapted to the Filipino taste)
2. Chow King (Chinese food adapted to the Filipino taste)
3. Mang Inasal (Filipino food)
4. Yellow Cab Pizza (Italian food)
5. Manangs Chicken (Filipino food, the chicken skin is crispy and sweet)
Buffet restaurants:
1. Sambo Kojin (Japanese/Korean)
2. Vikings (Filipino and International)
3. Cabalen (Filipino)
4. Kamay Kainan (Filipino)
5. Barrio Fiesta (Filipino)
6. Spiral (Filipino and International)
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Here are some places which are 2-6 hours away from Manila by car, van, or bus.
1. Tagaytay City
-The weather is cool here because this is an elevated area.
-what to expect: dining at the Tagaytay Ridge with a view of the Taal volcano, outdoor activities,
visit the Sky ranch, a small amusement park with the tallest Ferris wheel in the Philippines
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2. Baguio City (The Summer Capital of the Philippines)
-Many families go here every summer because of the cool weather. This city is on top of a
mountain.
-what to expect: parks, BenCab museum, outdoor activities like horseback-riding and zip-line,
strawberry picking, butterfly farm
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3. Batangas
-There are numerous beaches in Batangas.
4. Bataan
-Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar is an open-air museum and heritage park in Bagac, Bataan. Feel
like you are transported back in time. You can have either a day tour or an overnight stay in the
old reconstructed houses
http://lascasasfilipinas.com/lc/
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5. Laguna
-Villa Escudero (2.5 hour drive from Manila): Experience rural life in a coconut plantation and
hacienda. You can eat at the Waterfall restaurant! (www.villaescudero.com/) The day tour rates
are about PhP 625-700 (CNY 86.69-97.1) for children and PhP 1,250-1400 (CNY 173.39-194.2) for
adults (The rate is higher on weekends). You can also choose to stay here overnight.
End