Fun, Family-Friendly Things To Do If You’re Stuck in Manila This Christmas and New Year’s
Being left in Manila while others fly out for the holidays need not be boring. The metro isn’t all that bad and when you consider the ease of getting around without the traffic, you’ll find that there’s so much to look forward to. Here are some of the best options for you and your family:
Book a Home Away From Home
Who says you have to stay at home? The holidays have brought with it a number of special offers from the metro’s finest accommodations
Shangri-La Residences
The Shangri-La at the Fort is offering a staycation package that marries the pleasures of hotel stays with the conveniences of being at home. For guests of its Home For Christmas package, a daily buffet breakfast, unlimited use of the hotel amenities such as the Adventure Zone and Kerry Sports, along with a food credit and complimentary housekeeping services make exciting developments for the holidays. You won’t need to lift a finger or worry about hosting any guests.
BOOK HERE: Shangri-La at the Fort, November 18 to January 12
Discovery Primea
Discovery Primea’s decadent suites are up for grabs at a discounted rate of 15 percent off for the holiday season for stays from November 29 until January 12. For the festive season, the hotel has an array of goodies, special services, and dining events that will help you celebrate the yuletide right.
BOOK HERE: Discovery Primea, November 29 to January 12
Have a Christmas Feast
Pack on the pounds with a special holiday treat
Raging Bull Chophouse & Bar
Have a hearty meal of meat at this beloved Shangri-La at the Fort dining destination. Chef de Cuisine Nathan Griffin and his team will be set to serve diners the juiciest and finest dry-aged beef from Australia, fresh seafood, and more grilled delights for dinner on Christmas Eve, Christmas day, and New Year’s Eve.
BOOK NOW: Raging Bull Chophouse, Shangri-La at the Fort, December 24 to 25, December 31 to January 1
Solaire Resort Restaurants
Each of Solaire’s homegrown restaurants, from Finestra, Yakumi, Red Lantern, to Waterside all have special set menus prepared for Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and New Year’s Eve to pick from. Leave the degustation up to their professional chefs, while all you need to do is choose which cuisine to feast on.
BOOK NOW: Solaire Resort & Casino
Enbu
If you’re up for something without the frills, Okada’s newest dining destination, Enbu, gives you a fresh take on Japanese cuisine by introducing the robatayaki experience. Diners get to watch as chefs prepare their meal with the use of traditional Japanese cooking and slow-grilling meat on a fire. From today until December 29, there’s also a reasonably priced all-you-can-eat Kushiyaki promotion for dinner.
BOOK HERE: Okada Manila
Do Something Different
Spend time with those who matter most and enrich yourselves with a little culture
Postal Heritage Tour and Talks
Walking tours in Manila are usually fully booked but this free guided tour is open to many. It will take you around the historic Manila Central Post Office for the morning. This was designed by architect Juan M. Arellano in the neoclassical style. Before the tour, there will be hosted talks on the Philatelic section and the Pilipinas Philately.
Manila Central Post Office, December 21, 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. Register here.
The Gift, A Christmas Special Concert
Get a chance to witness Tony Award-winning theater actress and songstress Lea Salonga belt out festive tunes along with special guests from The Voice Kids and together with the ABS-CBN Philharmonic Orchestra, conducted by none other than Gerard Salonga. It’s an ideal family affair off- and on-stage.
BOOK HERE: Newport Performing Arts Theater, December 21 to 22, 8 p.m.
Party Till It’s 2020
Ring in the New Year with a ball, a fireworks display, and endless flutes of champagne
Goodbye Yellow Brick Road New Year’s Eve Ball
The Lobby at Peninsula Manila is celebrating the upcoming year in style and is taking cues from none other than Elton John in its Goodbye Yellow Brick Road ball. Prep your velvet suits and sequined gowns for this stylish affair and put on your dancing shoes, too. If you’re staying at the five-star hotel under the New Year’s Eve package, you can score free tickets to the ball and just pop downstairs whenever you’re ready.
BOOK HERE: Peninsula Manila, December 31, 9 p.m.
An Evening in Paris New Year’s Party
No one parties like the French do, at least that’s what Sofitel Philippines maintains. This year, the French hotel is throwing a Parisian-themed bash, complete with bottomless booze, performances by Burlesque dancers, and other musical acts. It’s like being in France without having to hop on a plane.
BOOK HERE: Sofitel Philippine Plaza Manila, December 31, 6 p.m.
Wild Flour Rockwell
If it’s a dance floor and free-flowing drinks you’re after, Wild Flour at Rockwell is hosting is welcoming the New Year with a happy hour that lasts all night long and some of the best DJs in town.
Wild Flour Rockwell, December 31, 2019, 9 p.m., for reservations, call 0917.705.3329
Vu Sky Bar
Toast to 2020 with a glass of bubbly and sweeping views of the city, which is what Marco Polo’s Vu Sky Bar has to offer. The party is accompanied by live musical performances to set the mood. Tables must be booked in advance.
Vu Sky Bar, Marco Polo Ortigas Manila, December 31, 8 p.m., for reservations
