Mandarin Hotels are bywords among local businessmen, expatriates and even returning tourists to the Philippines. And one of the most occupied in Makati City is Mandarin Hotel Manila, which is located in the heart of the financial center of the country.
Businessmen, United Nations organizations, European, American and even domestic companies hold their meetings, product launchings and conferences at Mandarin Hotel Manila.
Why is this?
One, the service is the best in Asia and even comparable to European standards since the hotel is managed by Europeans.
Second, it is located on Makati Avenue corner Paseo de Roxas in the heart of Makati.
Third, it has a grand ballroom convertible to function rooms when less than a hundred guests are to be accommodated.
Fourth, all your destinations are within walking distance from Mandarin Hotel Manila--church, modern library, shopping center, cinemas, hospitals, fast-food outlets, convenience stores, Japanese or Korean stores, restaurants and even night life entertainment joints.
Even embassies and other consulates are also within walking distance from Mandarin Hotel Manila. Of course you can use the hotel's limo services if you need to travel around Metro Manila.
The Manila Golf & Country Club and the Manila Polo Club are about a three-minute drive away on a Sunday morning, when there's no traffic in Makati.
Also, if you opt to stay at the hotel on a weekend, you can use the hotel's swimming pool, gymnasium and nearby sports clubs at reasonable fees. A mini-golf range is also within walking distance from Mandarin Hotel Manila.
And if you want to commute around Makati, air-conditioned Filipino jeepneys pass by the hotel. Or you may take a ride in one of the two electric-solar powered jeepneys recently launched by the local government and Greenpeace and other groups to reduce gas emission in the area.
But what makes Mandarin Hotel Manila a magnet among businessmen is its menu and music and entertainment at Captain's Bar, which is at the mezzanine of the hotel.
What’s more, the parking fees are very reasonable compared to other hotels in its class in the vicinity.
Mandarin Hotel Manila has won scores of awards given by international organizations for its superb accommodation, fast and courteous service, cleanliness, business centers and other services which are second to none in the industry.
Mandarin Hotel Manila is the usual home in the Philippines for visiting European and Asian dignitaries and even internationally known entertainers. One of the regular clients of Mandarin Hotel Manila is the country's oldest most read magazine in the country, the Philippines Free Press, which will hold its centennial anniversary next year at the hotel.
Another popular client is the local government of Makati City, the richest local government in the Philippines. Every year the city government holds its anniversary bash and beauty pageants at the Mandarin Hotel Manila.
Hundreds of clients would swear that the services offered by Mandarin Hotel Manila are the best in the region and second to none.
In difficult times such as what our country is facing now, it is comforting that there are still a few places where a Filipino can be proud of his patrimony. Yes, as the title says, we won’t be visiting a beach or a ruin. For a change, travel in the Philippines with a relaxed pace. Come with me to a different place of discovery: the museum.
Sprawling lot
Nestled on the sprawling lot of LVN studios on P. Tuazon blvd. in Quezon City is the LVN Museum. Once inside the compound, the visitor has to inform the people at the front desk at the administration building of his purpose, or he can call beforehand and have his name registered so the security guard can let him through. There is an entrance fee of P30.
The museum is still housed in a one-storey building, but don’t be fooled because there is nothing simple about the facade or the front lawn. Both are colorfully decorated with bayonets, shields, coat of arms and old lighting equipment. It’s a prelude to what a visitor can expect to see inside the museum: more than two decades of film legacy!
Before I went to the museum, I read up on the history of LVN from a masteral dissertation of a university professor. I learned that the studio was established in 1938, shortly before the Second World War. The acronym LVN was taken from the first letter of the last names of its partners: Doña Narcisa Buencamino de Leon, Carmen Villongco and Eleuterio Navoa Sr.
Facilities
It was closed down during the war and opened again after the Liberation until 1961, when it finally stopped producing movies. LVN Studios’ facilities were revitalized to cater to post-production needs of its clients.
The museum is packed with surprises. I call them that because from what I’ve learned from my edifying interview with its curator and founder, Bernard Fernandez, the pieces on display were salvaged from a neglected state in storage. A museum was never in the plan of LVN.
Fernandez said that the museum was created by a mere stroke of fate, with a little initiative from him. He recalled seeing boxes and boxes of old costumes and props stacked in a bodega more than 10 years ago. Then in 1989, he had a vacant lot—where old and rotting cars were piled up—leveled down and a sort of open structure was erected. He employed a hired hand and moved the salvaged boxes to that site.
A trip to the Philippines may never be completed without having a chance to stay or at least have a glance of the main place or capital of the Philippines: The City of Manila. It is one of the cities that composed of the greater Metropolitan area of Manila or Metro Manila. Manila City has been the center of the Philippines in terms of trade and culture. In a sense, Manila is Philippines and the Philippines is Manila.
Being the Philippines main city or the capital, significant events and places had defined Manila City's history. One of the known landmarks of Manila is the Fort Santiago or Fuerza de Santiago (in Spanish). This citadel or stronghold has been the location of the kingdom and the palace of Rajah Suleiman (a Muslim ruler before the Spanish regime). When the Spanish fleet came in the late 1500's, the fortress was destroyed and eventually the new settlers erected the Fuerza de Santiago. The Philippines' national hero, Jose Rizal, was actually detained in Fort Santiago as an enemy of the state (of Spain) before his execution. Both the Spanish and the Japanese armies used the facility as prison dungeons. Another notable place in Metro Manila is the Manila Cathedral or the Minor Basilica of the Immaculate Conception. This almost 500 year-old cathedral has been the seat of the Archbishop of Manila. According to history, the cathedral was made of materials available for natives during that time. Meaning, the first constructed cathedral was made of bamboo and nipa. Unfortunately, these materials did not stand up against a strong typhoon and feisty fire before 1600's. From then on, the cathedral had been reconstructed using stronger materials such as stones. Nonetheless, this did not spare the church from natural calamity like earthquakes and the destructions of wars throughout its history. The latest, event of historical significance that happened in Manila Cathedral is the when it hosted the funeral of the eleventh (11th) President of the Philippine, Corazon Cojuangco Aquino.
The past years of progress in all known fields to humanity has been very drastic and at the same time very dramatic. Changes have been in a constant flux and its movements are getting really faster as time goes by. Information has been the most powerful tool for survival. The late Philosopher Francis Bacon was right, knowledge can give the edge. Certainly, knowledge is power. This development also conquered the way of life in Metropolitan Manila. As the capital of the Philippines, Manila City has to keep up with the pace of this new wave. To promote business and tourism, there are Manila websites that can be accessed using the internet. The local government’s official website (http://www.manila.gov.ph/) provides an easy access regarding the definition of Manila City in a nutshell. This official government website allows individuals to gain information regarding best sites, possible business venues and some current events happening around the Metropolitan Manila. With the help of the internet, in a way or two, Metropolitan Manila is just a few clicks away.
EDSA, Philippines is a main avenue that cuts across cities in Metro Manila. A tourist lodging in this metropolis is likely to encounter vibrant highway EDSA in the course of travel. One might as well get to meet this busiest longitudinal avenue online before being face to face with it.
EDSA, or Epifanio delos Santos Avenue, is some 54 kilometers (or about 25 miles) long. It stretches from the Andres Bonifacio Monument (“Monumento”) in Caloocan to Roxas Boulevard in Manila---about three hours travel. But it is just about an hour in light traffic. EDSA used to be North and South Circumferential Road after its construction in 1940. The Americans later changed it to Highway 54 after World War II. In 1959 it was renamed EDSA.
EDSA cuts across five cities: Pasay, Makati, Mandaluyong, Quezon City, and Caloocan. Aside from public buses and private vehicles, overhead light rail transportation is also available from Taft Avenue in Pasay to North Avenue in Quezon City. Called Metro Rail Transit or MRT, commuters can now enjoy an appreciably shortened travel. From both terminal ends travel can only take some 25 to 30 minutes.
EDSA MRT stations are elevated high by two to three levels (about 6 or 10 meters high) accessible to commuters by escalators, elevators, and stairs. These EDSA MRT stations are highly commercialized with food and accessory stalls and concessions. A lot of them are even connected to major malls. North Station in Quezon City is attached to Tri Noma Mall. Cubao station also in Quezon City is linked to Farmers Plaza. Shaw station in Mandaluyong is joined to Star Mall. Ayala station in Makati is connected to SM Makati.
Maintenance and security are well managed. Exits and entries are manned by trained security personnel and K-9 sniffing dogs. A commuter check point is at these sites. Rest rooms are well kept by building maintenance.
Aside from the city skyline and intermittent show of skyscraper clusters, EDSA takes one to several historical places, luxury hotels, and malls. Aside from those already aforementioned, there’s the EDSA Revolution Monument and Shrine, EDSA Hotel, SM Mega Mall, ABS CBN Channel 2, GMA Network Channel 7, Camps Crame and Aguinaldo (sites of the world famous EDSA Revolution), Shangri La Mall, and Ayala Avenue revealing a patch of Makati business centers, among others.
EDSA is a microcosm of the whole metropolis. Once seen, one gets a good idea of how Metro Manila is.
Small place
With all these great movie memorabilia in exhibit in LVN Museum, one can only marvel how such a small place can hold so many pieces. Bernard Fernandez, the museum curator, reveals that there are still more articles he wants to display but can’t due to lack of space. The need for a larger venue has been his main concern for sometime now. People who have visited the museum--film students, movie buffs, workshoppers and tourists--have expressed hope for a bigger place for such a unique museum. Fernandez says they should act fast, because at the age of 80, he is not getting any younger or stronger!
But in spite of the growing popularity and media coverage the museum has been enjoying, it has yet to be officially recognized by authorities. So far, as Fernandez said, the closest working relationship they have had with the National Commission for Culture and the Arts was when the NCCA borrowed Nida’s costumes for an exhibit.
The museum is also not yet featured in tourism brochures but the coverages of TV shows like "Balitang K," "Cityline," "Extra, Extra," "Knowledge Power" and "Wake-up Call" make better advertisements as these reach more people.
Video documentation
In return for the interviews, Fernandez asked for copies of the tapes for video documentation, which can prove valuable in the future.
To prove the museum’s gradual introduction to mainstream popular culture, Fernandez recalls that a multinational food and beverage company attempted to borrow numerous pieces they planned to exhibit at the Glorietta. He declined when he saw the long list of pieces to be borrowed. He was even more adamant when he learned that the pieces would be out of their home for a year. The obvious care Fernandez devotes to the pieces is understandable, considering that any damage done is irreparable as they are all original and have become priceless in their own right. He also admits that one of his driving forces in maintaining the integrity of the museum is his gratitude to Doña Sisang for taking him as her ward. He reminds me that last Oct. 29, they celebrated the 123rd birth anniversary of the LVN matriarch. Indeed, there can be no other greater gift than to preserve her legacy.
National treasure
It is not difficult to see that the LVN Museum has the potential of becoming a national treasure we could be proud of. As such, it needs the care and help of all concerned Filipinos, if we want it to be carried over to the future.
Eliciting memories of the past, not only of departed souls, but vital historic events, is the Himalayan Pilipino in Quezon City. Inspired by themes of Philippine myths and heroism, this beautiful park attracts not only the bereaved but numerous local and foreign tourists who relish in the quiet environs of this tourist spot and delight in capturing nostalgic scenes in the cameras.
Located south of Quezon City near the hilly portions of Diliman and Fairview, this beautiful park is a daily hang out of joggers and visitors from all walks of life. A 15-minute taxi ride from Quezon Memorial Circle to this tourist spot will necessary pass the business district of Visayas Avenue down the commercial area of Tandang Sora Avenue and into interior roads with numerous directional posters unmistakably of Himayan Pilipino. By the way, Tandang Sora area is another historical place where Philippine heroine Tandand Sora in the Katipunan days really lived.
Entering this beautiful park, a long fortress-like wall and gate welcomes the visitor to this tourist spot. The wall is inspired by the historic Wall of Intramuros in Manila and reminds the visitor of a glorious past when Filipinos sacrificed life and limb to liberate the Motherland. Inside this beautiful park are monuments and murals that send the imagination back to the heroic moments of history. Not far in this tourist spot is a monument commemorating the uprising of the Katipunan against Spanish aggression in 1896. The monument is inspired by the monuments in Grace Park and the Bonifacio Monument in Caloocan City. It features the raised bolos of Katipuneros and the waving flag of the Katipunan.
Somewhere in this tourist spot is a concave wall mural of Tandang Sora, the aforementioned Quezon City heroine who risked her aged body for wounded Filipino insurgents. In the concave wall mural are apartment-type niches of Tandang Sora’s descendants, some dated recently. Not far from this is the huge picnic shed inspired by the Ifugao hut. Indeed, it’s like a huge Ifugao shelter with descending steps to it. This awesome structure in this beautiful park permits gentle winds to crisscross in it for a refreshing linger, and overlooking is a lively lagoon of lilies and aquarium fish. In the middle of this man-made pond is a monument depicting the very moment when the mythical Malakas and Maganda, local versions of Adam and Eve, was coming out of a giant bamboo tree split by lightning.
Himlayan Pilipino is indeed a beautiful park worthy of becoming an official tourist spot in the very heart of Quezon City.
One of the newest cities in the Philippines, Quezon City is a vibrant, modern city hosting diverse business establishments, major government offices, and parks and tourist destinations. Yet this bustling city was once a vast and quiet rice field interspersed with hills and forests, looking close to something one found in nearby provinces. What “big bang” event made it into the pulsating, modern city it now is?
Not like old cities of the country rich in history, Quezon City was a sleeping giant north east of historical Manila. Commonwealth President Manuel L. Quezon, out to carve a niche in history for himself, sought to build a new, modern city in his name. Once an immense 160 square kilometer private estate, it was primed and groomed by Quezon in 1937 as the next capital of the Philippines. Finally in 1947 the land was named after him and became the capital city of the country until 1976.
The real estate sector developed prime lands like Sta. Mesa Heights (or La Loma), Diliman, and some parts of New Manila. Much later development was in what are now the Project Areas in Quezon City; Projects 2and 3, 4, 6, 7, and 8. Most people ask what happened to project 5? The local joke is that Projects 2 and 3 equal to 5.
When people started buying properties in the city, the business establishments followed. Quezon Avenue (a major link to Manila), having been newly opened, connected with other interior roads. These smaller road networks accessed remote areas in Quezon City for development. Soon other subdivisions sprouted and more establishments popped up. The government put up offices in Diliman. More people transferred to the Promise Land. Housing projects in Quezon City were raffled to government employees. Soon, TV networks like ABS CBN 2, GMA 7, and RPN 9 scrambled for huge slices. And soon a modern city was rising from the gravels of rice paddies, overtaking other metro cities, until it reached status as a premier city of the metropolis and the country.
Quezon City’s progress from being a farm estate to a modern city is symbolic of its people. Original city residents also have a knack for growing grand from humble beginnings. Most of them are residents of other countries and rent out their properties here. And like the big bang that birthed Quezon City---Quezon’s dream of the next capital city---city residents also start with big dreams and end up with their fulfillment.
Makati is center of commerce, trade and economy in Manila and probably the entire Philippines. Makati has the most stylish, most expensive and newest places in the entire Philippines and it is the only city where you can get all the designer labels that you need. Part of stylish living in the Philippines is also stylish sleeping and where else can you sleep in than a luxury hotel in Makati? We will introduce the best hotels with this Makati Hotel Guide to you so that you will never settle for less in Makati, Philippines.
The most popular hotel in the Philippines is also the most popular hotel in the Makati Hotel Guide, namely the Makati Shangri-La Manila. The Makati Shangri-La Manila is a five star hotel that has the best service, more than 600 rooms and many amenities such as clubs, malls and spas. This hotel is located right in the middle of Makati, Philippines and the average room price ranges at around $230.
The next hotel in our Makati Hotel Guide is the Renaissance Makati Hotel. This hotel once again reflects world class in the Philippines. This place is located along the Greenbelt shopping mall which is known for its designer labels in the Philippines. The Renaissance Makati Hotel has a total of 598 available rooms and the service is fast and good. The average room rate for this hotel is $150 and the hotel has several amenities including a pool and business area.
The Makati Hotel Guide continues with the City Garden Hotel Makati. This smaller hotel has a total of 160 rooms and the service is very good and friendly. This hotel is perfect for travelling young people who like to stay in places for a short while. You can make use of the fitness rooms or simply marvel at the sight from your bedroom window out towards the entire Makati City. Makati is the upscale district in the Philippines and the City Garden Hotel Makati reflects exactly that. The average room rate is $75 and this is a great price for its value.
The last location of the Makati Hotel Guide in the Philippines is the Oxford Suites Makati Hotel. They have a total of 232 rooms and this hotel has great views from the rooms. Although it is located in the red light district of the Philippines, it still is a good business hotel to stay in. With an average price of $65 per night you cannot complain much.
The Makati Hotel Guide concludes here, but do not hesitate to venture out to find more hotels in Makati, Philippines that you can stay in.
Permanent display
It was during museum curator Bernard Fernandez’ birthday celebration that the idea of a permanent display was conceived. He was talking to the De Leons, and they recognized his effort and ordered the release of some money to begin the construction of a building to house the old costumes and props.
Having worked in the wardrobe department of LVN Studios since 1950, Fernandez has preserved the costumes quite remarkably. The colors are still bright, the lines distinct and the designs accurate. It’s a shame though that only a few are modeled by mannequins, such as costumes worn by Nida, Delia, Charito Solis and Manuel Conde.
Not equipped with modern means of preserving fabrics, Fernandez opts for naphthalene or mothballs, with an occasional sunning to dry out residual moisture and the fungi growth that accumulates. The air-conditioning helps to stabilize the temperature, the fluctuation of which can easily ruin delicate fabrics.
Photographs
Aside from the costumes ranging from flamboyant evening gowns and ornate armored suits, the museum also boasts of photographs of the studio’s stars, like Mila del Sol and Lou Salvador Jr., which line the walls. More photographs of directors and those showcasing scenes from movies fill up the nooks and crannies of the place, along with a few old movie posters and props like cameras.
Fernandez also showed me the old Max Factor makeup kits which include a formula they used for fake blood which was more realistic than what makeup artists use today. There are also worn-out shoes and boots and rusty military insignias. Encased in a glass cabinet is Charito Solis’ elaborate jewelry which she used in her movies. They were personally delivered by Charito’s sister after the actress’ death.
But it’s not only Charito Solis who gave pieces for display at the museum. Nida Blanca and Delia Razon also donated some of their dresses and photographs, though both women prefer to keep their own collections, perhaps for sentimental reasons. In fact, Nida has boxes of costumes and albums of photographs in her library.
Portrait
Museum curator Bernard Fernandez said that there are other potential acquisitions, but so far none has materialized yet. One is the life-size portrait of Leopoldo Salcedo done by an American painter. The painter was looking for an individual or an institution as the recipient, and the LVN Museum was one of those considered. But the plan was foiled by Salcedo’s death. Fernandez last saw the portrait at the star’s wake and didn’t dare ask for it, out of respect for the grieving family.
Another batch was made up of trunks of old stuff belonging to Rogelio de la Rosa, as promised by his wife. Unfortunately, Fernandez lost contact with her. Still another possible acquisition is the suitcase full of scripts currently in the possession of someone who worked as assistant director for actor-turned-director Gregorio Fernandez.
When scouting for good hotels in Manila, Philippines, there are several things tourists ought to remember always. This Manila hotel guide ought to help them with very important tips.
Prior to reaching Manila, Philippines an arrangement can be done to have oneself picked up by a shuttle vehicle (in some cases a limousine or similar posh cars) of the hotel one has made reservations in. An important Manila hotel guide reminder is make sure to have a ready safe vehicle for pick up at the airport big enough to accommodate all one’s luggage. Unless a tourist is to be picked up by family or friends, a hotel shuttle is the next best thing.
This Manila hotel guide recommends hotels and lodgings located in the Mabini, Ermita, and Malate areas. These locations are very strategic because they are near the airport and the sea port located just at the back of the Manila Hotel, the most historic in the Philippines. A lot of public transport vehicles ply the Taft Avenue route near these vicinities going north to Caloocan and south to Makati. These areas are also dotted with money changers.
Hotels in Mabini, Ermita, and Malate are mostly near restaurants and small departments stores and shops many of which are open 24 hours a day. The Ermita district, among several in the Philippines, is especially known as a lively area affording quality night life for tourists. And it’s easy going around this locality by merely walking or taking cabs from one’s hotel. And a Manila hotel guide reminder to seriously consider while going around here is keep all cash in one’s front pant pockets and take no valuables.
The long stretch of Roxas Boulevard in Manila, Philippines, running across the western tips of Malate, Ermita, and Mabini, is lined with big and world-class hotels that offer panoramic views of Manila Bay. They are also adjacent the famous Bay Walk area, the Cultural Center of the Philippines Complex or CCP Complex where the Mall of Asia is, and quite accessible to Luneta Park and the US Embassy. This Manila hotel guide thinks it very pleasant for foreign tourists to have a hotel room booked here.
Finally, hotels in Manila, Philippines belong to a locality with a culture that tolerates both very formal and very casual attires; something that would help tourists relax more while on vacation and at the same time do serious business. Tourists here are either seen in shorts and rubber slippers or suits and shoes roaming around streets and hotel premises.