Passport to Metro Manila

Passport to Metro Manila

An independent travelers guide

wing to the many unique sights, sounds and eats that have proven to be irresistible to tourists, thousands of people every year visit Metro Manila, the Philippines center of government, trade, culture and education. But the view through the window of an airconditioned vehicle and the carefully crafted itineraries of a tour group can only reveal so much. To truly experience this urban jungle, you need a sense of adventure that is, the willingness to dive headfirst into the culture and explore as a local would. The real Metro Manila awaits. Tara na! (Lets go!)

Introduction to the MRT

pened in 1999, the Metro Rail Transit (MRT-3 or MRT) is located along Epifanio de los Santos Avenue (EDSA) and passes through Quezon City, San Juan, Mandaluyong, Makati and Pasay. You can buy a single-journey ticket or a stored value card worth P100. The stored value card is valid for three months from the date of purchase and one month from the date it was first used. The MRT is colored blue on rail maps and intersects with Manila Light Rail Transit's (LRT) Purple and Yellow lines at the Araneta Center-Cubao and Taft stations, respectively. However, separate tickets must be bought if switching lines. The MRT is open from 5:30 AM11:00 PM all days of the week. It is closed on Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, Black Saturday and Easter Sunday. Rush Hours: 7:00 AM9:00 AM 5:00 PM7:30 PM

Beyond the railways: A guide to getting around

Jeepney Originally made from US military jeeps left over from World War II, the colorful jeepney is a symbol of Philippine culture and ingenuity. They operate on main roads and smaller alleys. Bus Despite being known for their cramped interiors and generally reckless drivers, buses remain a major means of Metro Manila transportation. Tricycle A sidecar driven by a motorcycle, the tricycle is prohibited from operating on main roads. Rates vary depending on distance and economic landscape of the area. Pedicab If a tricycle is powered by a motorcycle, a pedicab is a sidecar attached to a bicycle. As such, it is available for short distances only. Again, rates vary. Taxi The flag-down rate as of 2011 is P40 to which P2.50 is added every 250 meters. If a driver asks if he can turn off the meter in favor of a flat rate, you should get a different cab. Tip: Always carry loose change, especially when traveling in the morning.

The Stations
1 2 3 4 5 6 7
North Ave. Quezon Ave. Kamuning Cubao Santolan Ortigas Shaw Blvd.

8 9 10 11 12 13

Boni Guadalupe Buendia Ayala Magallanes Taft

North Avenue

part from two large malls and a few commercial strips, the area surrounding North Avenue station is mostly residential, developed in the 1960s. The Tandang Sora district takes its name from that of Filipina revolutionary Melchora Aquino and is home to Pugad Lawin, where the Katipunan began their revolt against Spanish rule. Despite recent commercialization, the area keeps a low profile. Youll enjoy malling and eating along the strip of restaurants along West Avenue. If youre looking for extra adventure, expressways like North Luzon Expressway (NLEX) and Subic- ClarkTarlac Expressway (SCTEX) are gateways to the north of the Philippines.
North Avenue

SM City North EDSA

pened in 1985, SM City North EDSA was the first of entrepreneur Henry Sy, Sr.s supermalls that established malling as a pastime of Filipinos. Since then, it has expanded to seven buildings, making it the largest mall in the Philippines. In the malls main building, you can shop in boutiques, watch a movie in the IMAX Theater, or shop for Filipino souvenirs and handicrafts at the Kultura store. The main dining establishments are on the second level, most of which have been renovated to be accessible via the Sky Garden, an elevated park with a small man-made river and open-air bars. SM City North EDSA EDSA cor. North Avenue, Quezon City +63-2-9296686 to 89 http://smsupermalls.com/ Mall Hours: Monday to Thursday, Sunday 10:00 AM9:00 PM Friday to Saturday 10:00 AM10:00 PM How to get there 1 Get down at the North Avenue station 2 Exit into TriNoma Mall and walk towards the main atrium 3 Turn left into the passageway between Kenny Rogers and Tokyo Tokyo 4 Exit the building and take the pedestrian footbridge to SM City North EDSA 10
North Avenue

SCTex

ranching off from the NLEX, the SCTEx is the countrys longest tollway, directly passing through the provinces of Bulacan, Pampanga and Tarlac. Popular destinations reachable through the scenic SCTEx include the Subic Bay and Clark Freeport Zones, the countrys summer capital Baguio City and the Hundred Islands National Park in Pangasinan. How to get there 1 Via rental or personal car Get down at the North Avenue station (north exit) Drive north on Mindanao Avenue Follow signs to SCTEx. 2 Via bus Get down at any MRT station Locate the bus terminal Catch a provincial bus that travels north

North Avenue

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Quezon Avenue

Quezon Avenue

uezon Avenue is named after Manuel L. Quezon, the first president of the Commonwealth period. At one end of Quezon Avenue is the Quezon Memorial Circle, a national park where the his remains are interred in a central shrine over 200 feet tall. Families often visit the park to have picnics, fly kites and ride rental bicycles. Many government offices are located around the area of the Circle, as well as health centers and schools. The remaining areas are semi-commercial, like Maginhawa Street, the home of small concept restaurants like Burger Project, where you can have burgers made exactly the way they want it.
Quezon Avenue

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University of the Philippines and Ateneo de Manila University

wo of the top universities in the Philippines, the University of the Philippines (UP) and the Ateneo de Manila University (ADMU) are located barely three kilometers apart. Every December 16, the fraternity Alpha Phi Omega stages the annual Oblation Run, where 24 members of the fraternity run naked to protest national issues. A few hours later, UP holds a Lantern Parade to mark the start of the holidays. While ADMU is a smaller community, it nonetheless has its own distinct culture. The pride of the school is its collegiate basketball team, which won back-to-back championships from 2008-2010. The university faces Katipunan Avenue, where fast food chains and tea shops cater to the hungry students. University of the Philippines Diliman, Quezon City +63-2-9818500 http://upd.edu.ph/ Ateneo de Manila University Katipunan Avenue, Loyola Heights, Quezon City +63-2-4266001 http://ateneo.edu/ How to get there 1 To UP Get down at the Quezon Avenue station (north exit) Take the jeep labeled UP Campus Take a jeep on the Ikot (going around) route and feel free to explore To AdMU (via UP) Take a jeep labeled Katipunan You wont be able to enter ADMU unless you have official business, but Katipunan is a destination in itself!
Quezon Avenue

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Adarna Food & Culture Restaurant

darna Food & Culture Restaurant is like a smorgasbord of memories from a childhood spent in Manila. Named after the magical bird in the Filipino epic Ibong Adarna, the restaurant serves dishes made from recipes passed down through the generations, but with new and exciting twists. Its interesting ambiance makes it different from other local restaurants, with collages of old movie stars, vintage vinyl records, Filipino comic books and even a makeshift sari-sari store (convenience store) decorating its interior. Adarna Food & Culture Restaurant 119 Kalayaan Avenue, Diliman Quezon City +63-2-9268712 Restaurant Hours: Monday to Saturday 11:30 AM10:30 PM Sunday 11:30 AM10:00 PM How to get there 1 2 3 Get down at Quezon Avenue (north exit) Take a jeep to Quezon Memorial Circle Take a jeep to Kalayaan Avenue
Quezon Avenue

15

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GMA Kamuning

GMA Kamuning

prominent landmark in the Kamuning station is the headquarters of GMA Network, one of the countrys leading multimedia entertainment companies. Tomas Morato Avenue, a popular entertainment and dining area, is also accessible through this station. Here, there is a hodgepodge of restaurants that can satisfy the palette and wallet of any discriminating visitor, as well as numerous comedy bars, karaoke joints, and gay clubs.

GMA Kamuning

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Araneta Center-Cubao

ith its accessibility to the Araneta Center complex and as a transfer point to another train line (the LRT), it is unsurprising that this station draws a youthful crowd. The proximity of shopping malls, restaurants, cinemas and event venues makes it a logical destination for college students and young professionals to unwind.

Araneta Center-Cubao

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Araneta Center-Cubao

Araneta Coliseum

he Big Dome, the countrys most famous stadium, first opened on March 16, 1960. It is perhaps most famous for hosting the 1975 boxing match between Muhammad Ali and Joe Frazier in a spectacle dubbed Thrilla in Manila. The Coliseum is home to local mens basketball leagues, both collegiate (the University Athletic Association of the Philippines and the National Collegiate Athletic Association) and professional (the Philippine Basketball Association). International singing sensations Westlife, Super Junior and Lady Gaga have also performed to thousands in this venue. Araneta Coliseum General Araneta Avenue cor. General Roxas Avenue, Cubao, Quezon City http://www.aranetacoliseum.com/

How to get there 1 2 3 4 Get down at the Araneta Center-Cubao station Exit to Farmers Plaza Go to the ground floor Cross the street

Araneta Center-Cubao

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Santolan

Santolan

estled in the center of Metro Manila is San Juan, the smallest city in the country. But dont let its size fool you San Juan is rich with culture and history. Here, new and old come together to bridge the gap between past and present, the influences of Filipino, Spanish, Chinese, Muslim and Korean cultures combining to create the citys unique character.

Santolan

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Pinaglabanan Shrine

n August 30, 1896, members of the Katipunan (a revolutionary society comprised of anti-Spanish Filipinos) stormed a military depot in San Juan. The Pinaglabanan Shrine marks the site of the opening salvo of the 1896 Philippine Revolution against the Spanish colonial government. The sculpture, featuring three brass figures created by Eduardo Castrillo, is also known as The Spirit of Pinaglabanan. Less than a kilometer away is a statue of a woman holding a machete, supported by two children on either side. Called the Pinaglabanan Monument, it also commemorates the first battle of the Katipuneros. Pinaglabanan Shrine Pinaglabanan Street, San Juan Pinaglabanan Monument N. Domingo Street cor. Pinaglabanan Street, San Juan How to get there 1 2 3 4 Get down at the Santolan station (south exit) Walk southwards and turn right onto Annapolis St. Take the green jeepney to Greenhills Shopping Center Ride any jeep on the San Juan route

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Santolan

Greenhills Shopping Center

reenhills Shopping Center perhaps captures San Juans multicultural character best. Its tiangge (bazaar) features bargains from all over the country, such as export overrun clothing, pearls, furniture and electronics. The many Chinese-Filipino residents in the area explain why Greenhills is home to the best Chinese restaurants (such as Crystal Jade La Mian Xiao Long Bao and Lugang Caf) outside of Chinatown. Korean grocery stores have also started popping up just outside the complex to cater to their growing population in the Philippines. And as a testament to how religious Filipinos are, the shopping center houses a Roman Catholic chapel and a Muslim prayer room as well. Greenhills Shopping Center Ortigas Avenue, San Juan +63-2-7210572 http://www.greenhills.com.ph/ Mall Hours: Monday to Thursday, Sunday 10:00 AM8:00 PM Friday to Saturday 10:00 AM9:00 PM How to get there 1 2 3 Get down at the Santolan station (south exit) Walk southwards and turn right onto Annapolis St. Take the green jeepney to Greenhills Shopping Center

Santolan

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Ortigas

Ortigas

rtigas is one of Metro Manilas most important commercial and business districts, second only to Makati. It is home to some of the countrys biggest companies (such as Viva Entertainment and Jollibee Foods Corporation), hotels (Crowne Plaza Hotel Galleria Manila and EDSA Shangri-La in particular) and shopping malls (like SM Megamall and Robinsons Galleria). Owing to the large number of yuppies in the area, Ortigas has a vibrant nightlife scene as well.

Ortigas

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People Power Monument

he People Power Monument was erected in tribute to the thousands of Filipinos who staged a series of non-violent demonstrations against dictator Ferdinand Marcos from February 22-25, 1986. The People Power Revolution led to the successful installation of Corazon Aquino, the widow of Marcos staunchest critic Benigno Aquino Jr., as the countrys first female president. This Eduardo Castrillo sculpture can also be seen while riding the MRT. People Power Monument White Plains Avenue cor. EDSA, Quezon City

How to get there 1 2 3 4 5 Get down at the Ortigas station (north exit) Ride any jeep on the Ortigas route Get down at Robinsons Galleria/EDSA Shrine Use the footbridge to cross Ortigas Ave. Walk northwards to White Plains Avenue

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Ortigas

EDSA Shrine

uilt in 1989 to commemorate the 1986 People Power Revolution, the Shrine of Mary, Queen of Peace, Our Lady of EDSA (EDSA Shrine) features a large golden statue of the Virgin Mary. It has also served as the gathering point for the 2001 EDSA Revolution, another peaceful revolution that ousted then-president Joseph Estrada, placing his vicepresident Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo into power. Located on the intersection of EDSA and Ortigas Avenue, the EDSA Shrine is also a Roman Catholic church with a devoted congregation. EDSA Shrine Ortigas Avenue cor. EDSA, Quezon City How to get there 1 2 3 Get down at the Ortigas station (north exit) Ride any jeep on the Ortigas route Get down at Robinsons Galleria/EDSA Shrine

Ortigas

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Shaw Boulevard

Shaw Boulevard

espite the heavy traffic and disorganized hustle and bustle, part of the charm of the station and its surrounding areas stems from its being more urban than sophisticated. It draws a varied crowd because of its easy access to Mandaluyong, the shopping mall capital of the Philippines. Art and film festivals are also often held in the area for that very same reason.

Shaw Boulevard

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Boni

Boni

he Boni station is mostly surrounded by residential areas and office buildings. Notable among these are the Globe Telecom company headquarters and Summit Media, a popular magazine publisher that puts out local editions of Cosmopolitan, FHM and Good Housekeeping, among others.

Boni

33

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Guadalupe

Guadalupe

he Guadalupe station is an ideal stop for urban adventures. Located near two seminaries, it is named after a Catholic icon, Our Lady of Guadalupe. It is usually an access point to the nearby cities of Pateros and Pasay, as well as the nearest to the Guadalupe Pasig River ferry station. For those who are tired of the usual tourist fare, this place offers a look beyond Makatis usual glamour. On the other side of the spectrum, Guadalupe is also the station nearest the Rockwell Center, an affluent land development that houses the Ateneo Law School and the PowerPlant Mall.

Guadalupe

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Buendia

Buendia

ue to the clusters of residential villages and office buildings, Buendia is more low-key compared to the excitement offered by other areas in Makati. But once explored further, it reveals its own version of entertainment and leisure, with a number of restaurants, bars, nightclubs and shops that are decidedly less mainstream than those found at the usual shopping complexes.

Buendia

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Ayala

Ayala

ucked in an elevated landing near SM Makati, the Ayala station is an access point to one of the more affluent areas in the metro. It is in close proximity to the Ayala Center, a commercial complex that includes multiple shopping malls and Makatis central business district. It is also the station closest to the equally upscale development Bonifacio Global City in Taguig. With the pedestrian-friendly walkways, art installations, light show spectacles, and al fresco shopping and dining, the resulting cosmopolitan and modern atmosphere makes for an ideal destination for tourists and locals alike.

Ayala

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Greenbelt

onsisting of five interconnecting sections, Greenbelt is considered as one of Makatis more upscale shopping malls, housing a number of high-end retailers (particularly the local flagship stores of Balenciaga, Marc Jacobs and Herms), restaurants and numerous movie theaters. With its unique architecture, landscaped gardens, and man-made waterfalls and ponds, the areas thematic design manages to successfully blend a busy mall area with a natural outdoor setting. Greenbelt Makati Avenue, Makati City +63-2-7574853 http://www.ayalamalls.com.ph/ Mall Hours: Greenbelt 1 Sunday to Thursday 10:00 AM8:00PM Friday to Saturday 10:00 AM9:00PM Greenbelt 2, 3 and 5 Sunday to Thursday 11:00 AM9:00PM Friday to Saturday 11:00 AM10:00PM Greenbelt 4 Monday to Thursday 11:00 AM9:00PM Friday to Saturday 11:00 AM10:00PM Sunday 10:00 AM9:00PM How to get there 1 2 3 4 Get down at the Ayala station (south exit) Walk past SM Makati and into Glorietta 4 Follow the second floor walkway into The Landmark Mall Exit onto a footbridge and stay on path to Greenbelt 3

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Ayala

Ayala Museum

stablished in 1967, the Ayala Museum is an excellently curated haven of fine arts and history. Aside from works from pioneer Filipino artists Juan Luna, Fernando Amorsolo and Fernando Zobel, the museum charts Philippine history from the pre- colonial days to the present through sixty handcrafted dioramas. A multimedia exhibit commemorates the 1986 People Power Revolution. The highlight of the museum is the exhibition called Crossroads of Civilations. Over a thousand pieces of archaeological gold offers insight into the rich culture of precolonial Philippine civilization. Ayala Museum Makati Avenue cor. De La Rosa Street, Makati City +63-2-7577117 to 21 http://www.ayalamuseum.org/ Museum Hours: Monday CLOSED Tuesday to Friday 9:00 AM 6:00 PM Saturday to Sunday 10:00 AM 7:00 PM How to get there 1 2 3 4 Get down at the Ayala station (south exit) Walk past SM Makati and into Glorietta 4 Follow the second floor walkway into The Landmark Mall Exit onto a footbridge and stay on path to Greenbelt 3 Take the escalator to the ground floor

Ayala

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Ayala Triangle Gardens

n a city known for its fast-paced lifestyle, the Ayala Triangle Gardens is a breath of fresh air in the heart of Makatis central business district. The outdoor parks cluster of restaurants and space for outdoor activity make it an ideal place for people to converge and take a break from the demands of the corporate world, a theme drawn from parks and plazas in other parts of the world, such as New York Citys Central Park. Ayala Triangle Gardens Paseo de Roxas, Makati City http://ayalatrianglegardens.com/ How to get there 1 2 3 4 Get down at the Ayala station (south exit) Ride a jeepney in McKinley Street service road Get dropped off at Paseo de Roxas Use the pedestrian underpass and exit at Paseo de Roxas

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Ayala

Mercato Centrale

ocated at Bonifacio Global City in Taguig, Mercato Centrale is the metros newest weekend lifestyle market, where budding chefs and home bakers can share their wares in an organized setting. Based on the outdoor markets of Florence, it caters to Manilas more upscale set, with its wide selection of organic products and unique gourmet finds. Bestsellers include Mochikos mochi-covered ice cream balls, adventurous ice cream flavors like Candied Bacon and Earl Grey Tea at Merry Moo, and Bale Dutungs pan de bagnet (Italian porchetta on ciabatta made uniquely Pinoy with native shrimp paste, onion, tomato and a vinaigrette from the Ilocos province). Mercato Centrale 34th Street cor. 8th Street, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig http://www.mercatocentrale.ph/ Operating Hours: Monday to Thursday CLOSED Friday 10:00 PM3:00 AM Saturday 7:00 AM2:00 PM, 10:00 PM3:00 AM Sunday 7:00 AM2:00 PM

How to get there 1 2 3 4 Get down at the Ayala station (north exit) Take the Fort shuttle bus to Bonifacio Global City Alight at 3nd Street Walk a few blocks to 3th Street 43

Ayala

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Magallanes

Magallanes

ecause of its surroundings, the Magallanes station is an interesting one. It sits at the corner of one of the busiest streets in the metro, yet there is a clear distinction from its more restless and urban counterparts. Due to the nearby residential areas and schools, its corporate atmosphere is downplayed, despite the presence of prominent business headquarters such as Levis and Volvo. As a result, a new culture evolved. With places such as Little Tokyo, a small slice of authentic Japanese cuisine running parallel to Makati Cinema Square, a site known for unconventional shopping, it is an offbeat mix of big city and suburbia.

Magallanes

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Little Tokyo

nother testament to Metro Manilas multiculturalism is Little Tokyo, a small block of authentic Japanese restaurants in Makati City. Prices are a bit steep, especially in the larger restaurants like Shinjuku Ramen House and Seryna, but if you can afford to splurge, the experience is worth the price. Cheaper restaurants are located in the inner courtyard. Visit Oishinbo for bento meals, Urameshi-ya for yakiniku and Hana for takoyaki. Little Tokyo 2277 Pasong Tamo cor. Amorsolo Street, Makati City

How to get there 1 2 3 Get down at the Magallanes station (north exit) into Alphaland Southgate Mall Exit at the ground floor near Chowking Take a jeepney with any of the following routes: Ayala-Mantrade, Washington-Mantrade or PRC Mantrade Kayamanan C Ask to get down near Little Tokyo or Makati Cinema Square

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Magallanes

SLEx

he South Luzon Expressway (SLEx) is comprised of three expressways that begin in Paco, Manila and end in the province of Batangas. It includes the Metro Manila Skyway System, the South Luzon Tollways and the Star Tollway. Manila, Makati, Pasay, Paranaque, Taguig, and Muntinlupa are some of the cities passed by the route. Popular vacation destinations reachable by SLEx are Laguna and Tagaytay, known for the hot springs and its cool climate, respectively. How to get there 1 2 Via rental or personal car 1a Get down at the Ayala station (south exit) 1b Drive south on EDSA Via bus 2a Get down at any MRT station 2b Locate the bus terminal 2c Catch provincial bus that travels south

Magallanes

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Taft

Taft

ecause of its surroundings, the Magallanes station is an interesting one. It sits at the corner of one of the busiest streets in the metro, yet there is a clear distinction from its more restless and urban counterparts. Due to the nearby residential areas and schools, its corporate atmosphere is downplayed, despite the presence of prominent business headquarters such as Levis and Volvo. As a result, a new culture evolved. With places such as Little Tokyo, a small slice of authentic Japanese cuisine running parallel to Makati Cinema Square, a site known for unconventional shopping, it is an offbeat mix of big city and suburbia.

Taft

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Intramuros

nown as The Walled City, Intramuros is the oldest district in Manila and has thus witnessed many events that shaped the Philippines. It was the seat of power for the areas rulers, all the way from the period of Spanish colonization to the American Occupation. In World War II, it was devastated by American bombs aimed at driving out the Japanese forces. Since the 1980s, Intramuros has been rebuilt to restore its beauty and unique Spanish-influenced style. Today, you can pay to partake of the popular walking tours by guide Carlos Celdran (you have to reserve in advance at http://celdrantours. blogspot.com/) and ride the calesa (horse-drawn carriage). Within the grounds is Ilustrado Caf; try their sampaguita ice cream, a dessert flavored with the Philippines national flower. How to get there 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 50 Get down at the Taft station Walk through the connecting footbridge to LRT-1 EDSA station (be careful not to enter Metropoint Mall, which is also connected to the station) Take the LR-1 to the Central Terminal station Take the south exit and follow the LRT tracks Walk southward for two blocks until Natividad Almed-Lopez Turn right and walk one block past Manila City Hall towards Padre Burgos Cross Padre Burgos into Intramuros
Taft

Manila Bay

part from being one of the best natural harbors in the world, Manila Bay is famous for its view of the sunset. The best place to view the sunset is along the Manila Baywalk, a two-kilometer stretch that runs alongside Roxas Boulevard. You can enjoy the sunset from an outdoor table at one of the many bars and restaurants lining the street, or simply by sitting on the stone wall with a date. Nearby are the Manila Ocean Park, Cultural Center of the Philippines, Manila Hotel and Manila Yacht Club. You can also book a ferry in advance to Corregidor Island, the largest of the islands that form Manilas harbor defense. The ruins of Corregidor are a memorial to the Filipino, American and Japanese soldiers who served and lost their lives on the island during World War II. There, you can visit Malinta Tunnel (the islands last stronghold of the Filipinos and Americans against the Japanese forces) and experience the audio-visual presentation narrated by National Artist Lamberto V. Avellana.

How to get there 1 2 3 4 5 6 Get down at the Taft station Walk through the connecting footbridge to LRT-1 EDSA station (be careful not to enter Metropoint Mall, which is also connected to the station) Take the LRT-1 to the United Nations station Take the south exit Take a jeepney bound for Manila Hotel Tell the driver your destination is Manila Bay Get down at Roxas Boulevard
Taft

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Travelers notes

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Travelers Notes

Travelers Notes

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Editor Alexis Dy Logistics Aziel Mendoza Photography Cristina Tantengco Layout and Graphic Design Den Fajardo Additional Photos Alexis Dy, Joseph Angan, Miguel Sanchez, Kevin Tatco, Jessie Roasa, Pia Guballa Created by Alexis Dy, Aziel Mendoza and Cristina Tantengco Adviser Mark Escaler In partial fulfillment of requirements for Communication Thesis & Defense Ateneo de Manila University 2011 Allons-y, Alonso Publishing