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■ Population: 11,289,368
■ Currency: Peso (PHP)
■ Country and city code: +63, +2
■ Tourist info: Tourist Information Centre, DOT Building, Agrifina Circle, Rizal Park, Manila, 1000, tel: +63 (0)2 523 8411, website: www.wowphilippines.com.ph, www.cityofmanila.com.ph
FUN FACT
After the British introduced the English language to the Philippines in 1762, it has become the world’s third largest English-speaking nation, after USA and UK.
Lopez Memorial Museum (Benpres Building, Exchange Road, Ortigas Centre, Pasig City, tel: +63 (0)2 631 2417)
Art lovers will enjoy this museum’s impressive collection of classic and contemporary Filipino art, including works of revered master Juan Luna and national artists like Botong Francisco. Also on display is memorabilia from national hero Jose Rizal. Admission fee costs PHP80 (SGD2.60) for students and PHP100 (SGD3.30) for adults.
Rustan’s Department Store (Ayala Center, Ayala Avenue, Makati City, tel: +63
(0)2 813 3739)
Popular designer brands and hip labels call Rustan’s home. This massive department store attracts the fashionable and stylish set for their fill of trendy apparel, cosmetics, bags and accessories.
Star Mall EDSA (EDSA corner of Shaw Boulevard, Mandaluyong City, tel: +63 (0)2 724 4992)
Over 100 shops offer an amazing array of clothes, mobile phones, gadgets and computers, all at bargain prices. It also houses restaurants, cinemas, bingo hall and stage.
Kozui Green Tea Cafe (258 Tomas Morato Street, Quezon City, tel: +63 (0)2 413 2705)
Kozui puts a yummy twist on green tea with its fruit tea blends and creamy korichio or green tea frappuccino. Also try their cold soba, takoyaki balls and Anmitsu, a dessert made with beans, green tea jelly and fruit over shaved ice. $
Pivo Beers and Brats (Ortigas Home Depot Compound, Ortigas Centre, Pasig City)
The yuppie crowd adores this homey watering hole for its laid-back atmosphere, pizzas and beer, especially authentic Czech beer.
Harbor Square (CCP Complex, Roxas Boulevard, Manila)
Come to dine and bay-watch at Harbor Square. Near the Cultural Centre of the Philippines, Harbor Square is lined with restaurants and cafes, with a promenade that lends a view of Manila Bay’s spectacular sunset.
Manila Hotel (One Rizal Park, 1099, Manila)
Business and leisure travellers can relive the glory of Old Manila in this four-star historical hotel. It fronts Rizal National Park and Manila Bay and is just blocks away from the walled city of Intramuros and party central Malate. Room rates start from PHP5,600 (SGD188). $$$
Best Western Astor (7835 Eduque Street, Makati City) *
Best for business travellers because of its proximity to Makati’s business and entertainment district, it has common amenities like a business centre, function areas, conference rooms and a restaurant. Room rates start from PHP2,700 (SGD 89.50). $$
BY SHARON L FLORES
* FOR EXCLUSIVE DEALS, BOOK HOTELS AT www.TIGERAIRWAYS.COM
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