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Sights to enjoy in Malate, one of old Manila’s most historic districts.
Malate is best known as one of Manila’s liveliest places for tourists because of the excellent dining experience it offers, along with its vibrant nightlife and rich history. The district, oneof the 16 that comprise the Philippine capital, is just a few minutes away from Ninoy Aquino International Airport. Its streets are dotted with authentic Japanese and Korean restaurants (among many specialty restaurants) and hole-in-the-wall bars that students from the surrounding universities frequent after school hours.
Hotels (for relaxing staycations) and residential developments abound in this continuously growing center for entertainment basically giving you everything you want in one place—the only thing you have to worry about is choosing among its dizzying array of wonderful places where you can spend your time.
In case you want to maximize your stay in this charming old district, luxury real estate developer Anchorland Holdings did the liberty of cooking up a short list of sites and places you may want visit in Malate.
Historical Landmarks and Tourist Spots
1. Malate Church
Malate Church is the most popular landmark in Malate that may just be the oldest physical proof of the old district’s rich history. Notable for its patroness, Our Lady of Remedy, devotees flock its shrine periodically, while tourists marvel at how this beautiful Baroque-style church has survived for four centuries.
2. Manila Zoological and Botanical Garden
“Manila Zoo,” as it is fondly called by locals, has got to be the oldest one around with over 90 species of animals. Ask a local about it and for sure he or she has been to it on either a school field trip or a family outing. Make it a point to build memories here, too.
3. Plaza Rajah Sulayman
Plaza Rajah Sulayman is the perfect place to appreciate the breathtaking Manila Bay Sunset. Right in front of the Malate Church, this is said to be the center of Malate, as well as the center of the renowned Malate nightlife.
Popular Restaurants and Watering Holes
1. Café Adriatico
This tried-and-tested restaurant has been an established dining spot in Malate and has earned the reputation as one of the finest Spanish-Mediterranean restaurants around. Café Adriatico boasts a wide menu that includes everything from the best callos (tripe stew) to authentic Spanish chocolate known as “tsokolate eh.” If you’re craving for a taste of local cuisine, try their best-selling pancit palabok.
2. Bedrock
Bedrock is truly a place that has withstood the test of time. Bars around Malate close down periodically, but what sets this place apart from just any regular bar aside from its Flintstones-inspired theme, are the friendly crew, the authentic stone grill from which they prepare their specialties, and their live bands’ music repertoire.
3. Casa Armas Tapas Bar Y Restorante
Craving for authentic Spanish tapas or paella? Casa Armas has the perfect selections for you. It has been the ultimate foodie haven since its establishment 17 years ago, and prides itself of serving only quality food that uses the finest ingredients, prepared in the traditional Spanish way. Drop by J. Nakpil Street to enjoy its cozy ambience and its lip-smacking delicacies.
4. Tanabe Japanese Restaurant
Malate may be peppered with the best Japanese restaurants but Tanabe is definitely a stand out. It’s no wonder why its patrons make it their go-to Japanese restaurant for their sushi cravings as they are known to use only the freshest ingredients. Its service is top quality, too.
5. Aristocrat Restaurant
Aristocrat Restaurant probably does not need that much introduction since it has been around long enough for everyone to know about it—why, it even has its own formal acknowledgment as a Manila landmark. Known to serve the best in local cuisine at reasonable prices, this Filipino restaurant has outlived all those who sought to compete with it, while maintaining their traditional lutong-bahay (home-cooked) goodness throughout those years. Try the perennial crowd favorite, Aristocrat-style chicken barbecue with Java rice, paired with atchara (pickled green papaya).
The Finest Up-and-coming Residential Development: Admiral Baysuites
Now already in its turnover phase, Admiral Baysuites is an Anchor Land Holdings Inc. property that will give way to the rebirth of the renowned elite social hub from the pre-war era: the famed Admiral Hotel. This European-esque luxury residential condo truly complements the grand Manila cityscape. Along with Admiral Baysuites, Anchor Land in partnership with Accor Hotels will also open in 2016 the Admiral Suite Hotel McCollection, a boutique hotel that promises not only an awe-inspiring edifice but also world-class, white-glove service from the world-renown Accor Hotels.
As for its residential condominium building, two wings are laid out. The west wing, which is touted to be the next “it” property in Manila, offers opulent residential suites, some big enough to house their own pools! The east wing, on the other hand, has more practical offerings like its one-bedroom and two-bedroom condo units if one is into smaller spaces but do not skimp on luxury. Lastly, Admiral Baysuites also offers amenities that is said to make a resident here feel like living in an exclusive club at the comforts of your very own condo.
Anchor Land Holdings, Inc., is one of the fastest growing real estate developers in the Philippines. Initially finding its niche within the affluent Filipino-Chinese community, Anchor Land has brought modern condo living to Old Manila through a fusion of current trends and traditional comforts and practices.
