MANILA PAVILION - A Place for Casino Lovers

Advantages: It has a Casino and also near Manila attractions
Disadvantages: The location is not very nice

...A lot of people, mostly foreign tourists, flock to the Manila Pavilion because of the Casino (there are only two casinos in Metro Manila) but other than that, I do not find the hotel to be outstanding. There are always a lot of people in the lobby, thus, making it feel a bit crowded. It could use more elegance in its design and decorations especially for the lobby. However, it has such a homey atmosphere and won?t make one feel intimidated. My family and I stayed at Manila Pavilion one weekend but we may not be back in the near future. It?s not that we don?t like the hotel but I think I?d rather try other accommodations in the area. The rooms are of standard size with the usual amenities - coffee/tea making facilities, bathrobes and slippers, and various toiletries. The staff is okay although they offer nothing out of the ordinary...

24kgold 11.09.2009 · Read review
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Review of Manila Pavilion Hotel and Casino, Manila

Manila Ocean Park - my wonderful oceanarium experience

Advantages: eye candy
Disadvantages: you can't bring a camera with flash inside the oceanarium - it will scare the fishes away!

...Manila Ocean Park (MOP) is a state-of-the-art oceanarium, open water marine habitat, boutique mall, hotel, restaurant row and function facilities all located in one complex. It is located at the back of Quirino Grandstand and near Rizal Park - the most historic place in the Philippines. It is strategically located in Manila Bay - the perfect place in the Philippines for the most romantic sunset. It is just around 30 minutes away from Ninoy Aquino International Airport. It is owned by China Oceanis Philippines Inc., which also owns the Ocean Park Hong Kong. MOP's oceanarium had its soft opening on March 01, 2008. Soon to open are the marine-themed mall and the H20 hotel, theme park, outdoor pools and restaurants. Because of it's many features aside from the oceanarium itself, it is larger than the Sentosa Underwater World...

hyaeth 29.09.2009 · Read review
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Review of Manila Ocean Park, Manila

Manila Oozes With Life

Advantages: Vibrant. Warm.hospitable people. Cheap
Disadvantages: Considerable poverty

...I have been to Manila four times and I like the city. More specifically I like the Fillipinos who are warm and friendly,very hospitable and have a thoroughly infectious love of life. They have been described as the Latin Americans of South East Asia and most certainly they are markedly different from Malays,Thais,Vietnamese or Indonesians. Manila,the capital and chief city of the Philippines is also very much the artistic and commercial capital. It is located in Central Luzon Island and enjoys good air communications with the US, Europe, Australia and regional centres in Asia. Night life is alive and well in Manila and it is comparatively cheap; much cheaper,for example,than Singapore, Kuala Lumpur or Hong Kong.The favourite beer in town in San Miguel which is owned by a company based in the Philippines. Makati is...

ashford 24.10.2001 · Read review
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Review of The Philippines - Manila

Manila - capital experience

Advantages: Friendlyness and that unusual twist on life
Disadvantages: Not on the standard "around the world" stops

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SuperBright 12.08.2000 · Read review
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Review of The Philippines - Manila

EDSA SHANGRI-LA HOTEL - A Garden Oasis in the middle of the City

Advantages: near malls and MRT station, within the Ortigas business complex
Disadvantages: none

...If there is one word to describe this hotel, it would be ?lovely?. EDSA Shangri-la Hotel is like an oasis in the middle of the city. The beautifully-landscaped garden with the flower-shaped pool, jogging path and tennis courts, is a wonderful spot to unwind. Within the area is the Chi? Spa, a relaxing place to be pampered and to soothe one?s tired muscles though the prices of spa services are quite high based on Manila standards. Well, I guess, one has to pay for ambiance. My family once spent a weekend in EDSA Shangri-la to celebrate my birthday which coincided with Mothers? Day. The rooms are exactly what you can expect from a five-star hotel. Well, EDSA Shangri-la is part of the Shangri-la chain so it is not surprising that the rooms and services are of high standard. It has two wings. We stayed in the cosmopolitan wing...

24kgold 10.09.2009 (11.09.2009) · Read review
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Review of Edsa Shangri-La, Manila

RENAISSANCE HOTEL - LOCATION AT ITS BEST

Advantages: Prime location - near malls and within the financial district
Disadvantages: none

...Every year during summer vacation, my family makes it a point to stay in one of the hotels in Makati City for a short weekend break. Thus, we have checked-in at practically all the nice hotels in the area since 2001. I must say that Renaissance Hotel, which is now being run by Marriott, has become a favorite especially of the kids. In fact, we have checked in there three times already since the children simply love the place. Renaissance is considered as a five-star hotel in Manila although based on what I saw online, it is only given a four-star rating. Well, admittedly, it is not of the Shangri-la or Peninsula caliber but it is has warmth. The hotel lobby is nice and big enough but not the kind that would make one gape. The staff is accommodating and courteous. Restaurants in the hotel underwent renovation about a year ago. M2...

24kgold 10.09.2009 (11.09.2009) · Read review
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Review of Renaissance Hotel Makati, Manila

MAKATI SHANGRI-LA HOTEL - A Place for those with Discerning Taste

Advantages: location, wonderful accommodations, delicious food
Disadvantages: expensive

...Makati Shangri-la Hotel is classy. And expensive. Staying there is a luxury which my family and I indulged in one weekend using the discount vouchers included in my Shangri-la Senses card. Makati Shangri-la is one of the most popular hotels in Metro Manila and is often chosen as the preferred residence of most foreign dignitaries and executives visiting the country. The moment you step into the lobby, you could already feel why it is given a five-star status. The lobby itself is impressive with its spiral staircase and huge chandelier hanging on top of a beautifully-designed floral centerpiece. However, some may find it a bit imposing. As to the service, it is prompt, impeccable and very professional although somehow I long for the more intimate service that I get from hotels of a lesser caliber. The room we occupied is...

24kgold 15.09.2009 · Read review
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Review of Makati Shangri-La Hotel, Manila

Cultures, a country that is so different.

Advantages: The people are one of the friendliest in the world
Disadvantages: The long flight to get their 16-20 hours from London

...On first arrival in the Philippines. You will most likely enter via NAIA, Ninoy Aquino International Airport, (Manila international airport). The first thing that you will notice is there is a group of three men with instruments welcoming you. Not suprising considering that music and singing is so much the part of filipino life. The customs area can be very busy at times, but is always in constant movement, it may take about an hour to get through customs, but then it does in most busy airports now. The filipinos make it easy for people to get around and find your destination with ease, as there are so many staff waitng to help you. nothing is to much for them, they will do all they can to help you. Just make sure that you approch someone that is wearing a name badge and who works at the airport. if you know where you are going...

lordmatthews 05.04.2006 (06.04.2006) · Read review
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Review of The Philippines - Manila

Manila, Luzon island - The Capital

Advantages: shopping, night life
Disadvantages: polluted,

...Manila, a city full of contrasts, from the rich beautiful buildings of its colonial past to the present day corrugated roofed patched wooden dwellings. Where child beggars turn up their dirty palms to shiny black Mercedes benz cars waiting at the traffic lights.Where it takes six months to get a phone line but one day to make a best friend. This is Manila, the capital city of the Philippines located on the island of Luzon. No review of Manila is complete without mention of Manila's traffic jams. If you think you have seen the worst of jams, visit Manila and you will change your mind. The city has had to come up with ingenious ways of reducing traffic, including barring odd and even numbered registered vehicles from entering the city on different days of the week. So, if your car registration began with a '6' for instance...

willow 21.03.2001 · Read review
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Review of General: Luzon (The Philippines)

A church in its antiquity

Advantages: Located within ancient busy street and free to visit or take pictures
Disadvantages: few vendors outside the church

...The Catholic church is located in Intramuros, Manila where one has to pass by the Spanish-built bricked road before entering its parking area. Inside the church, one can see and feel the antiquity of its artistic designs and paintings. Sitting in its solemnity, one could easily notice an antiquely made terrace-like mezzanine which is round and built just beside a post facing the audience or churchgoers. This was where the priest or "friar" stood before the believers to preach. This church is also one of popular choices of many Filipina brides due to its long aisle, where brides walks down donning their signatured gowns. Lightings were in chandeliers accompanied by sun's rays coming in from translucent side window panes. More so, other tourists ride in 'Calesa', a horse-driven cart to go around intramuros before ending up in this...

cubix8 02.05.2008 · Read review
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Review of San Agustin Church, Manila