by Kenneth Irvin Ong
With plane fares going down, it is now easier for Dabawenyo urbanites to plan weekends away from the Durianburg and head north to Cebu or Manila for a weekend of frolic. This is now a trend among urbanites who wait for seat sales sprouting just about every month to take advantage of the low fares being offered by the many air carries that fly to and from Davao. This weekend habit can be a bit pricey to say the least but it offers a different pace and a different scene for urbanites to frolic.
Shop therapy
I usually like staying where the shopping, restaurants and other places of interest are located to maximize my stay and cut back on transportation costs (Taxis can sometimes be a bother in Manila). And one of my personal favorites is the Mandarin Oriental Makati. Conveniently located at the heart of Makati the Mandarin Oriental has huge rooms and the food at its outlets never fail to satisfy every foodie’s palate. What makes the Mandarin Oriental one of my favorite places to stay in Makati is its complimentary shopper’s shuttle that leaves the hotel every two hours to scoot you right in-front of Greenbelt 3. The Mandarin Oriental Makati is also where you will find The Spa at the Mandarin oriental where shop-weary urbanites can recharge their batteries for another day of shopping.
Sunset strip
Another nice place to stay is at the G Hotel by Waterfront. A boutique hotel located along Roxas Boulevard, the G Hotel is quaint, featuring a nicely decorated lobby that never fails to impress its visitors. The rooms are nicely appointed and some rooms facing the Manila Bay give guests a spectacular view of the famous Manila Bay sunset. The G is probably best hotel to stay at when you plan to go shop crazy at the SM Mall of Asia where just about everything you want and more can be found. Of course the IMAX movies are an added treat, I honestly felt like a child again while watching “Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs” in full glorious 3D on the IMAX screen!
A piece of culture and adventure please
Speaking of feeling like a child again. Nothing beats a visit to the Manila Ocean Park. Although small when compared to other oceanariums, the Manila Ocean Park is thoughtfully laid out showing both endemic and imported fish from the world over. One immediately feels small as compared to fresh water arapaima, catfish, giant groupers, stingrays and sharks. On your way back from Manila Ocean Park, you might want to drop by the Museo Pambata with their many interactive exhibits that challenge and bring out the child in everyone.
If you still have some time left over, try to watch a show at the Cultural Center of the Philippines specially since they are currently celebrating it’s 40th year with a series of concerts, plays, dance performances and exhibits. I suggest you check out the CCP website at http://www.culturalcenter.gov.ph for the latest events and happenings. Those of us who aren’t too fond of the arts though might want to detour to the many clubs and restaurants that dot Malate and club the evening away.
You may say that flying out of the city for the weekend may be a bit extravagant and I would agree but sometimes a nice treat every once in a while is ok in my book. Of course, the best way to get away from everything really is to just turn off your mobile, stay home for the weekend or some deserted island and just chill.
