Where in Manila

It’s been happening these past few weeks now: you go online, scroll down your Instagram feed, and see pictures of your friends posted from all kinds of places – from the US, to Europe, to Japan, to South Korea, and even to local destinations like Boracay. Now don’t you just lay there and sulk! You too can have the fun they’re having, and in places a lot closer than you think. Even if you’ll be staying in Manila for the next few months, The Menagerie has got you covered.

Manila musings

Manila is rich in culture, and what better way to take a glimpse of this culture than to visit the different museums around the area? The city is home to different establishments that preserve the country’s culture and learning over the decades.

If you appreciate art, then head on over to the National Museum, where different paintings, sculptures, letters, and even old uniforms from back in the day are displayed. The National Museum preserves all man-made artwork from centuries ago to keep our history alive. On the first floor, you can see the famous work of Juan Luna, The Spolarium. But your great appreciation shouldn’t stop there. There are many halls and rooms, all containing a certain theme or element, so be sure to check them all out! Plus, entrance is free the entire month of May to celebrate National Heritage Month, and on all regular Sundays!

If you think all the artwork displayed in the National Museum may be too heavy to absorb for some of your younger relatives, then head on over to Museo Pambata. This museum is a hands-on learning experience for the kids and the kids at heart. Everything you learned from way back when you were in elementary school is there! Colorful diagrams, sculptures, and even a playground – featuring replicas of fighter planes – can teach you a new thing or two. From the sciences to the arts, the fun and learning won’t stop. It wouldn’t hurt to walk in your 5-year-old self’s shoes for a day.

Now on the other hand, for those hailing from the different provinces and on vacation in Manila, wouldn’t you like to send a postcard to a loved one from back home? Before we were able to send messages in seconds, generations took their time to write with actual pen and paper, compiled their thoughts in paragraphs, and sent their letters days before the recipient could even read them. The Manila Central Post Office houses the lost art of sending letters and postcards. Back in the day, this building was filled with people wanting to keep in touch with relatives or even pen pals. Well, good news! To this day, they say that not everyone has neglected the art entirely, as they still send letters and postcards to people’s mailboxes. So don’t hesitate to stop by, pick a nice postcard, and write to your friends from all over the country.

Parks and recreation

When the museum hopping is over, and all you want to do is kick back and relax from all the hustle and bustle, Manila still caters to your needs.

Home of the iconic Jose Rizal monuments, Rizal Park, formerly known as Luneta Park, is the place to amp up your sense of nationalism. Like Binondo and Intramuros, you get a chance to hop on one of the Filipino’s first forms of transportation, the kalesa. Come night time, the park holds more in store for you as its statues come to life with lights and sounds. Suddenly, the lifeless fountains are no longer just transparent. Built and cherished by Filipinos, this park is definitely worth more than just onceovers.

Amidst all the restaurants and speakeasies of the urban life, Manila offers the calm surroundings of Roxas Boulevard’s main attraction: Baywalk. The seafront stretches far and wide for wanderers, both old and young, who tread its path. It’s where people jog for a few miles at the crack of dawn, or ride their bikes in the light of day, or work out and even take selfies as the skies mesh into pink and tangerine. Meanwhile, random art performances enthrall visitors, as our local mimes take the stage – not in black and white stripes, like in the movies, but in shining gold and silver. Finally, when the moon decides to come up, it turns into a location for families who opt to spend their night dining at the Baywalk. Also, a few night strolls never hurt anybody (at least when you’re responsible and have the right company with you).

They say that a picture is worth a thousand words. Those stuck in the city for the summer, though, don’t even have to travel too far to capture them. So don’t allow yourself to get too bummed about not being able to go on some Europe trip for the vacation, as the Manila we have all known and loved has a variety of hot spots for you to rediscover and appreciate.