Mapping Manila’s Chinese Temples at Yul Servo Nieto’s Directions VI

On January 15, 2025, the Art Gallery of The Manila Hotel hosted the opening reception of Directions VI, a solo exhibition of Filipino contemporary artist and City of Manila Vice Mayor, honorable Yul Servo Nieto. The event celebrated the fusion of artistry and heritage, as Nieto unveiled a collection of works inspired by Filipino-Chinese traditions and culture.

The event commenced with a warm opening remarks delivered by The Manila Hotel vice president for sales and marketing, Marvin Kim Tan, highlighting the institution’s commitment to supporting local art and culture. Following this, the artist delivered a speech sharing his inspiration behind the art pieces and announced that proceeds from the sales will go towards purchasing vital medical equipment—such as wheelchairs, nebulizers, hearing aids, blood pressure monitors, and walkers—to be donated to those in need. Manila City Mayor Honey Lacuna Pangan also delivered a few words before joining Vice Mayor Nieto and Marvin Kim Tan for the ceremonial ribbon cutting, marking the exhibit’s official launch.

Your Curated Weekend Stay at lyf Malate Manila

lyf Malate Manila has curated the perfect weekend getaway for your urban stay. From lyf’s chic accommodation to nearby historical landmarks, delectable true-Filipino cuisine, and vibrant social events, lyf has curated an exciting journey to help you make the most of your stay. Whether you're a local seeking a quick getaway, or a traveler exploring the city, break out of the norm and change up your lyf-style!

Step outside lyf Malate Manila and dive into the vibrant streets of Malate. Begin your journey at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, where the city's rich culture unfolds before your eyes. Explore the historic Rizal Park, where lush landscapes and national heritage converge. Indulge in local experiences like kalesa rides and delicacies such as dirty ice cream for an authentic taste of Manila's charm. Afterwards, venture to Adriatico Street to discover the bohemian side of the city, where quaint cafés like Café Adriatico serve up original flavors perfected over 35 years. From Jim’s Pares Mami to Wok-Inn, and a variety of street food stalls offering isaw and taho, the culinary journey continues to unfold with an array of street food delights that capture the essence of Manila's distinct street culture.

Redefining the Staycation Experience with lyf Malate Manila

As the concept of staycations continues to evolve, lyf Malate Manila, emerges as the ultimate destination for those seeking high-quality yet budget-friendly urban getaways. Nestled in the heart of Manila, lyf Malate Manila introduces a refreshing approach to staycations, combining top-tier amenities, versatile room options, and a vibrant atmosphere to cater to both professionals and travelers.

The property’s commitment to affordability without compromise remains unwavering. Begin your staycation at the budget-friendly price of only PHP 2800, and enjoy lyf’s thoughtfully designed spaces from its cozy lounges, spacious co-working areas, and artful rooms, to its complete set of gym, laundry, and kitchen amenities; You can also dig into a hearty breakfast for two for only an additional P500 with your room. 

The Manila Hotel Celebrates 111 Years of History and Heritage

The Manila Hotel, a symbol of elegance, grandeur, and Filipino hospitality, proudly celebrates its 111th anniversary. Since its founding in 1912, the Grand Dame has been an iconic landmark reflecting the rich history and heritage of the Philippines. To commemorate this significant milestone, The Manila Hotel is delighted to present exciting offers to its valued patrons. 

111 Memories at The Manila Hotel

The Manila Hotel invites guests and patrons to share their cherished memories at the hotel over the years, whether it’s a captivating photograph of their celebration or a memorable keepsake with a heartwarming story. Participants can submit their entries on the hotel’s official website from July 4 to 18. The first 111 entries will each receive a regular Prestige card, while the Top 11 entries,selected by a set of judges, will each receive a staycation voucher and an exclusive The Manila Hotel coffee table book. 

Bahay Pukyutan Playground Is Up In Museo Pambata

In commemoration of Manila Day, the Museo Pambata Foundation Inc. blessed their new playground space last June 24. The Bahay Pukyutan Playground features living and learning spaces for children and adults that emphasize the connection and importance of our environment and the natural world.

Mayor Isko Moreno Domagoso and Vice Mayor Dr. Honey Lacuna graced the event and the Museo Pambata’s President, Bambi Mañosa-Tanjutco, toured the guests around the new playground space.

Cebu Pacific ushers in surfing season with direct Manila-Siargao flights

An island with lush forest covers, trimmed with fine white sand and a crown of gleaming blue waters—Siargao is indeed another gem in the Pearl of the Orient that both surfers and beach bums dream about. And as more travelers chase the breathtaking giant waves of Siargao, this island paradise becomes more within reach with Cebu Pacific’s special additional flights to the Surfing Capital of the Philippines.

Starting December 17, 2017, up until March 24, 2018, the Philippines’ leading carrier will be flying direct between Manila and Siargao, six times a week. For as low as PHP2,370, vacationers from the country’s capital may leave the hustle and bustle of the Metro and fly in to Siargao’s haven of cozy resorts and warm and hospital locals.

My Quick Summer Getaway at Hotel Jen!

I just finished with my graduation rites last Friday which I also squeezed in a meeting in the morning and an event at night. I believe I deserve a little rest and recreation before I go back to work on Monday and also face the upcoming holy week.

It was just in time that I decided to take an overnight stay at Hotel Jen located along Roxas boulevard and also just across CCP. Hotel Jen is formerly Traders Hotel which is now under a new brand Hotel Jen which is part of the Shangri La Hotels and Resorts. The building was renovated with a more modern look with some of the classic design preserved that actually works.

Experience The Special Celebration of Chinese New Year At Chinatown Lai Lai Hotel

Herald the Lunar Year with joyous celebrations, traditional festive goodies and sumptuous feasts at Chinatown Lai Lai Hotel, set to take place on February 7, 2016, 6:00 pm to 12:00 mn.

To celebrate the year of the Fire Monkey, Chinatown Lai Lai Hotel has prepared an array of traditional Chinese activities. The celebration will kick off with a Lion Dance and Taoist Blessing to bring good luck to the whole Filipino and Chinese community. There will also be snippets of Feng Shui forecasts and predictions for the upcoming year. 

In addition, the hotel will also host its first ever Search for Little Emperor and Empress of Chinatown Lai Lai Hotel. The contest is open to all children around the country from age 5-9 years old, who will compete in Chinese New Year costume, talent showdown and question and answer portion. The winners will be the face of Chinatown Lai Lai Hotel’s print and online advertisements.

Royal Heritage Tour and Intramuros Pasyal!

It was another time of the month for a trip down old Manila and experience it from different angles, and I never get tired of joining them. Last year I was part of the Royal Heritage Tour in January 2013, now after the busy schedules and hell weeks, I got the chance to join the FREE tour conducted by Rence Chan (http://renz15.wordpress.com/), who loves collection (especially stamps) and Philippine heritage. 

The Royal Heritage Tour is conducted every 3rd Sunday of the month with attendees comprising of history lovers, bloggers, students, and even professionals who are into exploring Manila at its roots and its famed places. The tour itinerary would comprise of the Post Office Building in Lawton, The Maestranza (The Royal Warehouses), Pasig Riverside, Intramuros and finally the Manila Metropolitan Theater.

Manila Bay Resorts to rise in 2015

The Tiger Resort, Leisure and Entertainment, Inc., (a subsidiary of Universal Entertainment Corporation, led by Japanese tycoon Mr. Okada, Kazuo) developer of the ambitious Manila Bay Resorts project, proudly shared its lofty goals in line with the ongoing construction of the 44-hectare facility to rise within the Entertainment City complex in Paranaque City come 2015. Top honchos president Masahiro Terada and vice president Kenji Sugiyama met with members of the press to share their ultimate vision for a huge and integrated resort with the three-hotel property (each a 15-storey-structure) bound to be home to the biggest casino in the country. The said Resort is touted as a natural, desirable addition to Manila Bay's cultural and commercial venues, with expectations of two plush hotels, a six-star and a five-star at that, and around 20 food and beverage destinations, retail and spa facilities, and residential properties.

SNAP SHOTS: Metropolitan Theater

It has been decades since the public has been inside the Metropolitan Theater in Manila which used to be the grandest place for performing in the metro. But even after restoration after the war, the building goes down to more ruins and even up to now the building is still not open to the public, however there are some exceptions wherein some have performed in the still-renovating building. One of them is my theater organization in PLM called Marulaya when they staged "Ehipto". The place does have good seats however there is no electricity so a generator must be provided.

SNAP SHOTS: Luneta Hotel

Here In LakBayan, we do appreciate heritage and culture through architectural jewels found around us, and even in Manila there are countless places where you can see places of great interest. And for our first feature we have Luneta Hotel which is found in Ermita, considered as a  vintage architectural wonder in manila which was left in ruin until recently it was renovated and planned to be opened as new hotel.

I hope we will also restore more places in the metro that has been left in ruins to preserve our rich history.  They already have a website (http://www.lunetahotel.com.ph/) and hope to see more of its interiors as it is finished.