Manila from Dusk till Dawn

The last time that I was in Manila, Philippines was in November 1997. Recently I visited Manila again and the first thing that struck me was how much had changed. Standard of living has definitely gone up and many of the slums have been redeveloped.

One thing that has not changed too much though, is the beautiful sunset at Manila Bay.

During this trip, I specially made an effort to spend time to walk along the Manila Bay promenade at dusk trying to catch the spectacular sunset. Unfortunately, the weather was not too kind and storm clouds covered most of the sky. Still through gaps in the dark clouds, I could see what could have been a true spectacle.

As the sun disappeared below the horizon, the beautiful lights came on, giving the promenade such a romantic feel, it's no wonder that so many people still hung around late into the night.

On the weekends, after dark, Manila really comes alive. Especially in the Malate area surrounded by the Hyatt Hotel & Casino Manila, Robinsons's Place Manila and Pres.Quirino Avenue where you can find upscale restaurants, night clubs, girlie and gay bars, discotheques and much more. We had dinner at a Persian restaurant which was beautifully decorated, though the food was expensive and not very good.

After dinner, we walked around to look at the clubbing scene. Unfortunately, on the Sunday evening, most clubs were either closed or almost empty of patrons. But I hear that on Friday and Saturday nights they are packed with people.

And if you get hungry or bored after midnight, you can visit MetroWalk which is located in Pasig near the Ortigas Center. This is the place where locals hang out, dine-in, party, club and socialize with family, friends and loved ones into the earlier hours of the morning. It also has a main stage where you get to watch and listen to some popular local singers, dancers and bands.

We were there early Saturday morning around 1am and the place was still buzzing with people. Quite a happening place that deserves another visit the next time I am in Manila.

Then there is the Banchetto, which is a very happening street night market, but unfortunately I could not find even after going round in circles in the taxi. The taxi driver and several other people on the streets that we stopped to ask were no help either. I made a promise to myself that the next time I am in Manila, I will definitely find this place.