Nuwa Manila: Overvalued Luxury

 

Fraser Place Manila: Holiday Apartment Meets Hotel

Update: As of August 30, Fraser Hospitality has sold all its units across different floors in Forbes Tower Manila, the building that originally housed Fraser Place Manila. These properties will cease to operate as serviced residences.

Choosing a place to stay is usually a challenge for any city break. However, another option that can be considered aside from hotels or Airbnb is a serviced apartment. Usually geared towards business travelers, serviced apartments can be great alternatives for those traveling as a family. It gives you the extras found in hotels like toiletries, room cleaning, and 24-hour front desk while getting more space, savings, and flexibility. 

A place that fits the bill of a holiday apartment meets hotel tag is Fraser Place Manila.

Fraser Place Manila

We stayed there in February and here's what it was like. 
  

Location
Fraser Place Manila is situated in the heart of the central business district of Makati. It is along Valero, a street lined with tall office buildings and commercial establishments. But even being in the bustling downtown, the hotel blocks out the street noise to give guests a quiet space to work and a great night's sleep.

Star City: Tips to Getting the Most Out of Your Day!

Update: Star City was hit by a major fire on October 2, 2019, which burned down about 80% of the park. The management announced plans for rehabilitation in 2020. Stay tuned for announcements on its reopening. 

The good thing about Star City is that it's a theme park for all ages. There is an array of indoor and outdoor attractions to captivate every Juan, from the young to the young at heart. 

The Star City marker

But before you visit, check out some of these tips to help you maximize your day and find the fun as soon as you walk into the park.

Get There Early?

The usual advice we get about visiting popular attractions is to arrive early. Is it a big deal for Star City? 

If you are visiting on a weekend or a holiday, it will be so much better to arrive early than to arrive late and get in line behind everyone else. Stand by times to the rides tend to get longer over time. We suggest arriving at least 15-30 minutes before the park opens. By arriving early, this gives you enough time to make your way to the entrance and buy tickets.

The carousel was surprisingly empty on a weekday visit

If you are visiting on an ordinary weekday, your time of arrival won't really matter since it will be relatively quiet. We arrived late in the afternoon but we were still able to get on and off the rides and experience more of the park in less time.

Star City: A Guide to Exploring the Park

Update: Star City was hit by a major fire on October 2, 2019, which burned down about 80% of the park. The management announced plans for rehabilitation in 2020. Stay tuned for announcements on its reopening. 

If there's a birthday, a free weekend day, or even just a few hours in the afternoon, you'd definitely think of some family-friendly fun activities to do. A theme park visit has no doubt crossed every Juans' mind at some point during these occasions. After all, it strikes a perfect blend of fun, entertainment, and thrill that every Juan seeks on a hangout day. Amongst the most popular hangout places in Metro Manila, Star City takes a spot as an option.  

Star City is one of the hangout places in Metro Manila

Star City is considered as one of the Philippines' pioneer theme parks. It was established in 1991 as an offshoot of the Toys and Gift Fair that was popular in the late 1970s to 1980s. Although it has been almost three decades since it's first opening, the park has expanded through the years and continues to delight millions of visitors. 

Getting Out of Bed for Breakfast at Okada Manila's Medley Buffet

Who doesn't love a delicious and hearty hotel breakfast? Certainly not the Two Juanderers and certainly not a lot of you. In fact, in a survey conducted by Google among travelers, breakfast is the hotel feature most look forward to every time. 

Whenever we travel or go on a staycation, we always make it a point to wake up early for the breakfast. Our second stay at Okada Manila was no different. As soon as we've rolled out of bed at around 6:00AM, we proceeded to Medley Buffet, the hotel's all-day dining restaurant. 

Our usual requirement for breakfast? It doesn't have to be fancy just whipped up fresh and delicious. But the breakfast buffet at Medley is not only delicious, it is fancy with a sumptuous and abundant spread. There is also an innovative open kitchen design showcasing a brigade of chefs preparing the food that adds a marvelous vibe to the morning meal. 

Here are photos of Medley Buffet so you'll have an idea of what to expect when you decide to try this awesome breakfast spot.

The Assorted Cold Cuts, Charcuterie, and Condiments Station.

The Diorama Experience at Ayala Museum: A New Way of Learning Philippine History

Last May, as communities all across the world celebrated the International Museum Day, we seized the opportunity to visit the Ayala Museum. Although the day gets the better-known museums pretty much crowded including this one in Makati, we didn't let the chance to save hundreds of pesos go to waste. We have never been to the museum and it was a great occasion to finally see its permanent exhibits, all for free.

Envisioned around 60 years ago, the Ayala Museum is considered as one of the country's finest museums. It showcases finely curated exhibits on Philippine culture, history, and art. 

The Ayala Museum facade

Arguably the highlight of it's entire exhibition is The Philippine Diorama Experience. Here, sixty dioramas are on display, visually narrating the milestones of Philippine history. The dioramas are handmade from baticulin wood by local master woodcarvers from Paete in Laguna. The dioramas were completed and installed in 1974 but has only been seen by more than a million visitors, or around 1% of the entire Philippine population. A surprise, really, that the museum is not drawing the numbers of people it should.

The Diorama Experience, located at the second level of the museum building

Manila Ocean Park: Tips to Getting the Most Out of Your Day!

The great thing about Manila Ocean Park is that it's an attraction for all ages. There is always something for every Juan, from adults to teens, and to the young ones. 

Manila Ocean Park

But before your visit, check out some of these tips to help you maximize your day and find the fun as soon as you walk into the park.

Get There Early?
The usual advice given to get the most out of popular attractions and theme parks is to arrive early. Unless you bought the all-attraction pass, this advice does not apply to Manila Ocean Park. We arrived past noon but we were still able to enjoy and maximize our time in all the attractions we visited. 

Here's our tip: As soon as you enter the park, grab a photo of the park map to know the locations of various attractions. Then ask for a snapshot of the show schedules and attraction hours so you can plan out your time inside. 

Park Guide Map

Snapshot

Manila Ocean Park: Uncovering the World of Creepy Crawlies

Reptiles, amphibians, insects, and arachnids, also referred to as creepy crawlies, are often feared or ignored creatures. But for what they lack in adorableness, they make up for their survival skills. These creatures have been around for more than 300 million years and they thrive in almost every habitat known to man. 

MOP's World of Creepy Crawlies

Going beyond the usual portrayal of crawlies as stuff of fears and nightmares, Manila Ocean Park's World of Creepy Crawlies celebrates the diversity, beauty, character, and peculiarity of these amazing creatures. 

Legless Lizard enclosure

Snake enclosures

Turtles' watery realm

Skink's enclosure mimicking their natural
habitat

Through the exhibit, visitors will discover colorful and interesting specimens found in many parts of the world. The animals' enclosures are designed to mimic their natural habitat. The Dart Frogs, for example, live in enclosures with soil, foliage, plants, and tree branches, while the Turtles spend time swimming in their pools.  

Manila Ocean Park: A Look Into the Dancing Sea Fairies

One of the best attractions of Manila Ocean Park is the Jellies: Dancing Sea Fairies Exhibit. The exhibit may only be spread into two sections but it will definitely provide a whole new experience for visitors. 

The Sea Jellies Exhibit

The look and feel of the attraction is inspired by the jellies' translucent bodies and their ability to catch light in fascinating and beautiful ways. The cylindrical and wall mounted aquariums are equipped with lighting effects and breathtaking music. This design captures the majestic beauty of the jellies as they gracefully drift in circles within the tanks. Moreover, these tanks are housed in two dark rooms installed with infinity mirrors. The reflections create the effect of being swarmed by these colorful and fragile sea fairies. 

Here are photos of the exhibit that will make you head off to the Manila Ocean Park and marvel at the cool creatures of the Jellies Exhibit. 

Manila Ocean Park: A Guide to Exploring the Oceanarium

Given how crowded it can be during the weekends and holidays, having an occasion that falls in the middle of the week is a great opportunity to celebrate and to take a day trip to one of the metro's most sought after attractions - the Manila Ocean Park.

Manila Ocean Park is the Philippines' first world-class marine theme park and an all-year all-weather destination for tourists and locals alike. Although it has been almost a decade since it's first opening, the park has expanded greatly over the years and continues to delight even the seasoned travelers. 

If you're planning a trip to the park any time soon, here are photos and videos to help you navigate through its fascinating features and attractions. This first part will focus on the main attraction of the park, the Oceanarium. 

Oceanarium Entrance

Manila Ocean Park's Oceanarium is home to 14,000 marine animals from around 277 species. Most creatures housed here are indigenous to the Philippines and Southeast Asia. It offers a stunning walk through of the watery depths featuring five zones - the Jungle Trek, The Reef, Lost Atlantis, Living Ocean, and Deep Sea. 

Jungle Trek
The journey inside the Oceanarium begins at the freshwater zone called the Jungle Trek, where a variety of freshwater fish mostly found in Amazon and African rivers are featured.

Jungle Trek Zone

"Rainforest" look and feel

Some of the fish species seen here are the Koi Fish, Catfish, Pink Danio, Tetra, Freshwater Angelfish, Red-Tailed Tinfoil Barb, Indo-Pacific Tarpon, Clown Knifefish, Giant Gourami, Black and Red-Bellied Pacu, Janitor Fish, Cichlids, Arapaima, and Alligator Gar.

Okada Manila: A Sneak Peek

Okada Manila is the city's newest integrated resort complex with luxury hotel, fine dining, gaming, and entertainment facilities. It is envisioned to be Manila's grandest and foremost iconic landmark rivaling the best of the world. 

So for those who have not yet experienced what Okada Manila has to offer, here's a preview of a few things  you can look forward to when you visit this game-changing property.

The Stunning Lobby
The moment you enter Okada Manila you will be mesmerized by the property's grandeur. The lobby is decorated with vibrant colors, rich textures, extravagant furnishings, and unique installations.

Weekday in Manila: Discovering the National Art Gallery

One good thing about having a rare weekday off is being able to take a day trip on a typically much less crowded and less busy day in Manila. This means that we can visit and discover the Art Gallery of the National Museum, which now has hellish queue on weekends thanks to its latest free admission policy.

Visiting a museum may not be everyone’s idea of a fun time but it has its own benefits. According to studies, it reduces stress and makes us less anxious. This is because museums offer a restorative environment where we can relax, unwind, and be inspired.

So here are photos of various artworks that will make you want to take that weekday rest day and head off to the National Art Gallery.

Hall of Masters 

This historic hall of the National Museum was the old House of Representative Session Hall. Also known as the Hall of Masters, it houses artworks of Filipino greats, Juan Luna and Felix Resurreccion Hidalgo.

Bulwagang Luna at Hidalgo

El Asesinato del Gobernador Bustamante y su Hijo
by Felix Resurreccion Hidalgo

Spoliarium by Juan Luna

Spoliarium by Juan Luna

Gallery I 

Also called the Luis Ablaza Hall, this gallery features religious art which was prevalent during the Spanish colonial times in the 17th to 19th Century.

An 18th century retablo from the Church of San Nicolas de Tolentino

Friars

Wooden santos

Note: We missed to take photos of the exhibits in Gallery II and III.

Gallery IV

Also called the Fundacion Santiago, this hall boasts sculpture collection of Filipino great sculptors such as Isabelo Tampinco.

Mother Nature by Vidal Tampinco

     

The Child Jesus Bearing His Sacred Heart
by Graciano Nepomuceno

Lady with Cherubs by Isabelo Tampinco

Mujer al Lado del Batis
by Isabelo Tampinco

Soldier unsheathing his sword
by Isabelo Tampinco

Gallery V 

This gallery pays homage to Dr. Jose Rizal. Displayed here are art works featuring the Filipino national hero and his own artworks.

Gallery Description

Jose Rizal by Felix Gonzales

Rizal bust

Rizal portrait

Rizal the Reformist by Martino Abellana

Mother's Revenge by Jose Rizal

Ermitano by Jose Rizal

Oyang Dapitana by Guillermo Tolentino, Jose Rizal and Isabelo Tampinco

Gallery VI 

This hall showcases classical art in the 20th century from the artistic successors of Luna and Hidalgo. Some of which are Fernando Amorsolo and Fabian de la Rosa.

University of the Philippines by Dominador Castaneda

Bather with a Red Jar by Jose Perreira and
Bathers by Cesar Amorsolo

Paintings by A. Escuin, Dominador Castaneda, Miguel Galvez, etc.

Old Bureau of Science, Barrio Scene and Intramuros by Tomas Bernardo

Espanola by Fabian de la Rosa

Tausug Princess by Ireneo Miranda

Portrait of a Lady by Ireneo Miranda

Unfinished painting by Fernando Amorsolo

Gallery VIII 

Also known as the Silvina and Juan Laya Hall, the gallery contains art depicting the Philippines during World War II. Since the works here depict conflict and suffering, they might be disturbing to some visitors.

A Tragic Lesson by Gene Cabrera

The Leyte Landing by Romeo Tabuena and
Landing of Liberation Forces at Lingayen by Eduardo Perrenoud

Capas by Demetrio Diego

Sculptural pieces depicting the images of war

Rape and Massacre in Ermita
by Diosdado Lorenzo

Death March by Dominador Castaneda

Bataan Death Marcher by Gene Cabrera

Gallery IX

Man with a Hoe by Juvenal Sanso

Planting of the First Cross
by Vicente Manansala

Hills of Nikko by Jose Joya

Ethereal Aura by Jose Joya

Gallery X

The MFP Hall is dedicated to set of four large paintings of Carlos Francisco entitled The Progress of Medicine in the Philippines. This originally welcomed visitors at the Philippine General Hospital, the painting is currently being preserved by the National Museum.

The Progress of Medicine in the Philippines

Gallery XI 

The SPPC Hall features drawings of the first Filipino National Artist, Fernando Amorsolo.

Various drawings, studies and notes of
Fernando Amorsolo

Various drawings, studies and notes of
Fernando Amorsolo

Various drawings, studies and notes of
Fernando Amorsolo

Gallery XII 

Also known as the Security Bank Hall, this gallery showcases the works and memorabilia of Guillermo Tolentino, the national artist who dominated Filipino sculpture for decades.

Gallery Description

The exhibition hall

Child Scuplture

Portrait of a Matriarch

Bust of Lapu Lapu

Bust of Manuel Quezon

Oblation Drawings

Filipinos Ilustres

Tolentino's Annual Exhibition Certificates

We did not have enough time to view the galleries on the 3rd level of the museum which feature modern and contemporary Philippine art as well as temporary exhibitions. But that is enough reason to go back. 

If you'd also like to explore the museum and discover the rich Filipino art heritage, you may visit the National Museum Visitor Information site here for more details.