I must admit that I don't like the idea of staying in a hotel in Metro Manila that's inspired by the culture and tradition of another country. Thus, I wasn't exactly thrilled when I found out that our family will be having a stay-cation at Dusit Thani Manila, a business hotel that's part of the Dusit Hotel and Resorts group which was founded in Thailand. In contrast, my nephew jumped with glee when he found out we will be staying at Dusit for 3 days thanks to his grandmother's treat. So I decided to put aside my bias and see the hotel with the eyes of a child. Here's what I liked about Dusit Thani Manila:
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Yuchengco Museum entrance at the RCBC Courtyard
I took a side trip in my Lakbay Jose Rizal @150 journey and visited the Yuchengco Museum in Makati City to see the special exhibit on Philippine National Hero Dr. Jose P. Rizal. The RIZALizing the Future exhibition, according to the Yuchengo Museum's website, "presents the challenge to cultivate all our good qualities in order to perfect ourselves and, together, build a race proud and strong.Through his writings, Rizal offers a visionary look at what we Filipinos and our country can become."
Ayala Triangle Gardens, once an undeveloped parcel of land in the middle of Ayala Avenue, Paseo de Roxas and Makati Avenue, is now one of Makati's top spots. Thanks to developments made in the area last year in time for the holiday season, urbanites have found a place to relax, dine, jog, or simply hangout.
Even if it's not the holiday season, Ayala Triangle Gardens still draws a lot of visitors. I guess it's because Ayala Triangle is the only oasis of green at the Central Business District. Also, if you're like me, you'd prefer to eat in any restaurant facing an open courtyard (see list of restaurants at Ayala Triangle below). Walking around the area is also a leisure since there are art installations set among the tall trees and shrubs. And for those who can't keep their hands off their laptops and iPads, Ayala Triangle has Wi-Fi hotspots to keep you connected. As for travelers to the Philippines, you'd love the history of the place and the fact that the Filipinas Heritage Library, a repository of materials on Philippine history and culture, is within Ayala Triangle as well (at the Makati Avenue side).
In short, Ayala Triangle is a welcome break from the hustle and bustle of city life. I hope other cities in Metro Manila will develop their open spaces. It's high time for Manila to have more parks than malls.
------------------ Restaurants at Ayala Triangle Gardens
Inside Amici Restaurant
Amici and Cara Mia Gelateria - Italian dishes and gelato
Chef Laudico's Bfast - All-day breakfast meals
Bon Chon Chicken - fried chicken wings cooked Korean style
Banapple - yummy cakes and pies
C.B.D. - steak and burger
Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf - caffeine fix, tea and more
Kanin Club - rice meals
Golden Spoon - frozen yogurt delights for those watching their diet
MoMo Cafe - pricey comfort food
Omakase - Japanese food
Pho 24 - Vietnamese food
Wee Nam Kee - Singaporean/Chinese dishes (Must-try: Cereal prawns and Hainanese chicken rice)
To everyone in Manila, since people will be watching Manny Pacquiao's fight with Mosley, I suggest you bring your mom to any of these places: Intramuros, Rizal Park, or at Ayala Triangle Gardens in Makati. Enough of the malls for now! I'm sure those three places won't be crowded since everyone's at home or in a hotel watching a live telecast of Pacquiao's fight. Now, let's just hope the good weather continues so you can enjoy a good stroll (or bring an umbrella to be safe).
Anyway, Happy mother's Day to all mothers and to everyone who's been a mother to somebody (a nephew, an abandoned child, etc.)
Here's a lovely photo shared to me by Rizalenio which I encourage you to share with others as well.
And if you want to read about a mother's love, here is a touching account from the Philippines National Hero, Jose Rizal (click on the link).
A view of the Central Mall and the Graves Area from the Memorial
Yesterday, I had the privilege of joining the Manila American Cemetery and Memorial tour of Mr. John Silva. It was both an enlightening and a poignant exploration of the largest American cemetery in the Pacific. I say "privilege" because on that same morning, there was a large group of students having a tour of the Manila American Cemetery and Memorial and sadly, there was no one discussing to them the importance of the place or even the story behind its construction.
Drawn by its Corinthian columns and elegant facade, I revisited the National Museum of the Philippines one afternoon on a whim. With no tour guide and no museum brochure, I found myself lost inside the grand museum. Still, I felt an overwhelming sense of nostalgia, pride, and joy as I explored its various collections on Philippine history and culture. Here are some of the wonderful things I've rediscovered:
