A Stroke of Luck: A Taste of Manila’s History

 

After the award ceremonies and parties, I planned a trip to Siargao. But the universe conspired against my BFFs and me.

One after the other, three unexpected things happened. We had to rebook our flight and change our villa reservation to January.

As a stroke of luck, one BFF the PR maven Jingjing Romero owned vouchers for stays and other goodies at the historic Manila Hotel. I had never stayed there!

Alas, her vouchers had expired on July 31, 19 days prior! She called her friend, the editor of the Manila Bulletin, the hotel’s sister company. It worked!

After she renewed her subscription for another year, her vouchers were extended until the end of October. That was the key to unlocking a unique two-night staycation together with Ann, another BFF.

Tired from our early morning ordeal at the airport, we had arroz caldo, lumpia, and bibingka at the Lobby Lounge. The large comfy chairs around the tables underneath the exquisite chandeliers were a haven to wait for the paperwork.

Soon we were ushered into a superior deluxe room. There was a large Welcome Basket of fruits. Then my eyes feasted on the lovely wooden lattice on the cabinet doors and the large picture window. Uniquely Filipino! 

What got me most was the unique TV housing whose header board bore the hotel’s bragging rights: “A Historical Landmark Built in 1912.” That was when the hotel was opened to the public.

It was built in 1909 to rival the stateliness and elegance of Malacanang Palace, the official residence of the President of the Philippines originally built in 1750.  It added first-class lodging for the country’s distinguished guests.

During WWII, the Hotel was used as the Japanese military headquarters. It suffered heavy damage but was restored to its former glory as one symbol of the country’s resilience.

Most prominent is the historic MacArthur Suite which became the former home of Gen. Douglas MacArthur. Its premier Presidential Room has hosted many global celebrities and dignitaries.

A much-needed rest kept us in our comfortable room. We waited for Gari, another BFF, to bring Chinese delicacies from around the area: siopao, hopia, and congee. Room service added more to the impromptu feast.

Then the night faded into a deep restful sleep. One remark said what everybody felt: “There’s a reason we pay for luxury.”

But the following day was busy. We had breakfast at the Tap Room, an old English pub outlet which features live music at night. Wall-to-wall dividers that separate it from the Lobby are of the same wooden lattice design I had come to love.  

And off we went to another brush with history, just three kilometers away. I had previously been to the main areas of Malacanang Palace for official functions and the staff buildings for meetings.

So we visited parts that must have inspired the building of the Manila Hotel. But first, we visited the new Bahay Ugnayan (Malacanang Heritage Museum) that exhibits the sitting president’s rise and the return of the Marcoses to the halls of power.

From there, we boarded the ubiquitous tricycle to go from one beautiful mansion to another. The Laperal Mansion is the President’s Guest House and the Goldenberg Mansion is the Ambassador’s Guest House. Both are beautiful architectural pieces surrounded by lovely gardens.

Nearby is the Teus Mansion, the Presidential Museum of the Last 16 Presidents.  You can also find Emilia, a great dining place known as the House of Filipino Food. Finally, there is the National Shrine of St. Michael and the Archangels.   

Then we were on our way for a visit to Antipolo Church. En route, we stopped for lunch at a friend’s Bistro atop his office building in Pasig. But then rains poured, creating traffic, so we returned to the hotel.

We dressed up for our special dinner at the Champagne Room, dubbed the most romantic room in Manila. With Old European-style dining, we savored each dish we ordered: French onion soup, organic market salad, roast lamb rack thyme juice, and sous vide beef short ribs.

The next morning, we tried Café Ilang-Ilang, renowned for its dazzling international buffets. There seemed to be infinite options, but I chose the traditional corned beef breakfast I had missed for so long.

But when we were looking for change at the end of the meal, one of our wait staff said, “Kahit po walang tip, ang mahalaga ay naserbisyuhan at napangiti namin kayo.”

Yes, Manila Hotel is renowned for its historic elements and understated luxury. But it showcases Filipino hospitality at its best!

Two nights is too short, though.

The Hotel is in Km 0 where the city of Manila begins, right at the heart of where the country started. Within walking distance are Rizal Park, Intramuros, and the National Museum.

Across from the Manila Hotel, I found a vintage “kalesa” (see headline photo). So I took a short joy ride before we briefly enjoyed Manila Bay from the grounds of the former Army and Navy Club of the US, now the Rizal Hotel,.

The Manila Ocean Park, San Agustin Church, and the Manila Cathedral are just minutes away. Farther away, Binondo, Malate, and Ermita are great for shopping, food tripping, and nightlife. And then there is the great Mall of Asia, and casinos, too.

We didn’t have the time to experience all the hotel offers. Another night would have been good for Red Jade, known for its authentic Chinese dining. Another day could have been spent luxuriating at the Spa, adult pools, and Health Club.

We still need to set foot in the Heritage Museum. However, we were impressed with the pieces at the Art Gallery and loved the huge Japanese Festival lobby display.

This stroke of luck has led me to a decision. The Manila Hotel is where I will stay whenever I am in Manila!