Yes, there are scenice spots in Metro Manila!

Just recently, a European blogged about how disappointed he was that he couldn’t write about one single positive thing about Manila.  This blog bothered me for a couple of reasons.  Yes, it bothered me that there was yet one more negative press about the Philippines.  But I couldn’t fault him for his comments.  I actually agree with almost all his points, especially since a lot of it was about the lousy Terminal 1 of NAIA.  What bothered me the most though was that he specifically said that he couldn’t find even just one good thing to say about Manila.  Not one?!? But, believe it or not, there are a lot of good and nice things about Manila, like some really good restaurants, and even some scenic spots!

Yes, I said there are scenic spots in Metro Manila.  Jaded residents of Manila sometimes forget that the setting sun on Manila Bay, on a clear afternoon/evening, can be a spectacular sight.  The sky ablaze in hues of red and orange, the sea reflecting back the colors of the sky, and boats of different shapes and sizes silhouetted against the fading light as they float along in the bay.  It is sublime.  Where is the best place to see this magnificent view? I’d recommend the White Moon Bar, or any hotel room or condominium with a view of Manila Bay.

The park and plaza in the middle of the Greenbelt malls, especially when it’s all lit up for the Christmas season, is another one of my favorite scenic spots.  The idea of the lush, artfully landscaped greenery nestled between the modern architecture of the malls that are in the midst of the business district, is a welcome respite in the concrete jungle of Makati.

Another more quaint and intimate sanctuary from the urban sprawl is a tiny park in Legaspi Village, Makati.  It may not compare to the more famous city parks of the world, but this is still one of my favorites. I guess that’s mostly because finding it felt like a discovering a hidden garden. A garden with a mini waterfall, a pond, and contemporary sculptures strategically placed in the garden.  I had driven by it so often and had not noticed that it was there.  And for once, I wasn’t the last of my friends to find out about it.

This is but a short list of the scenic spots in Metro Manila. I hope that both Filipinos and foreigners will be able to witness some of them at some point in their visit to this city.  And then, there are the scenic spots in other parts of the Philippines.  But that is for another blog, or rather, a series of blogs….