Best Hang-Out Places in Manila
Rizal Park: National Park and National 'Tambayan' of Filipinos
The Filipino term ‘tambayan’ means a place to hang out or unwind with a group of families, friends, and acquaintances.
The most common ‘tambayan’ venues in the Philippines are along the street gutters and in front of local ‘sari-sari’ (retail) stores, where most teenage boys squatted and huddled together while exchanging noisy jokes and exaggerated tips for favorite online games. They would also furtively share cigarettes and liquor and contact numbers of girls. Most street hangers-out are called ‘istambay’. How down-to-earth!
The best hanging-out places in Manila are easy to find, reasonably-priced, and -- friendly. So that whenever you have a need to unwind or relax, you can ride anything: a taxi, an electric train, a bus, a jeepney, or even a ‘pedicab’ (bicycle with a carriage attached to the right side).
The best destination to go hanging-out? The Rizal Park! Also affectionately known as Luneta.
Rizal Park - 
Ninoy Aquino International Airport - 
| 1. |  | This map of Manila -- capital city of the Philippines -- is a folded map that looks like a brochure. It has a compact size that can easily fit inside your jeans’ back or jacket pocket, tote bag, or belt bag. This is a must in your travel to Manila. Amazon Price: $4.99 List Price: $8.95 |
| 2. |  | Traveling is enjoyable when you know what exact places to go and how to go there in the least possible time. Exploring the Philippines will become the adventure of a lifetime when you have this complete map on hand. Roads in Manila and other major cities in the Philippines are well-indexed. Amazon Price: $6.50 List Price: $10.95 |
| 3. |  | This map of Manila Philippines can be folded and stick into a travel bag. It can also be spread flat on top of the table or against a wall. This is ideal for a group travelers because everyone can see at one glance for the next destination. Road routes are clearly illustrated. Amazon Price: $14.70 List Price: $14.95 |
| 4. |  | A map that is complete! From detailed descriptions of hot tourist spots to local transportation tips. Climate in Manila and other places in the Philippines are also discussed. Having 4 maps in 1 laminated map is foldable and durable and can be used even when raining. Surrounding areas are also included. Amazon Price: $15.84 |
Low-Cost Hanging-Out Places for the Budget-Conscious
The Rizal Park, or affectionately called ‘Luneta Park’, is located in the heart of Manila. It is free of charge, except for some enclosed areas that offer special attractions and charge minimal entrance fees. Every weekend families would bring the kids to relax and play with. The park named after the Philippines’ National Hero Dr. Jose P. Rizal is a hodge-podge of the old and modern Filipino culture.
Surrounded by financial, commercial, industrial, and institutional establishments, the bustling park is a daily witness to the spectacular and romantic Manila Bay sunset. Couples are recommended to ride the colorful and old-world calesa (a horse-drawn carriage) to intensify the experience of promenading along the sea at dusk.
The Rizal Park is indeed an oasis of fun, recreation, and
history. The place is so big you need several days to explore it!
Rizal Park
| 1. |  | This is ideal for Kindle users because it is in ebook format. Lots of great adventure places in the Philippines are discussed in colorful details. The authors went to a number of places and experienced all exciting stuff offered for tourists and travelers alike. The Philippines is a paradise for adventurers! Amazon Price: $5.99 |
| 2. |  | Are you feeling sentimental? You want to listen to music that will bring you memories of your happy days in Rizal Park? Download this MP3 from Amazon now. You will be instantly transported down memory lane towards Manila’s Best Hang-Out Place – the Luneta Park. Listen to songs like Baywalk, Port Area, and more. Amazon Price: $0.99 |
| 3. |  | Here’s a book about the Philippines ala Discovery Channel… ‘Insight Guide Philippines’ is like an intensive tour all over the Philippines. You will learn about the history, the people, and the culture of the Philippines. You will discover where to find the most beautiful places to visit. A complete guide indeed! Amazon Price: $200.00 List Price: $23.95 |
| 4. |  | Are you fond of old pictures that are taken from another era? The Philippines was a Spanish colony for several centuries. The fusion of Filipino and Spanish culture is still seen in the many structures all over Manila, particularly in Escolta. The compilation book of photos all black and white from archives of Washington D.C. Area Newspaper. Amazon Price: $9.99 |
Change of Guards At Rizal Park in Manila Phillippines
Jose Rizal Execution
There are lots of interesting stuffs are waiting to be gawked at inside and around the Rizal Park. Visitors often need several days to enjoy each and every attraction listed below.
Part 1:
- National Museum of the Filipino People (and Department of Tourism) Building
- Philippine Flagpole (also referred to as ‘kilometer zero’)
- Rizal Monument
- Quirino Grandstand
- Manila Bay
- Manila Hotel
- Army Navy Club
- Gallery of National Heroes
- San Lorenzo Ruiz Plaza (the first Filipino saint)
- Lights and Sound of Rizal
- The Martyrdom of Dr. Jose Rizal
- Lights and Sound Complex (consists of Rizal’s mural, Gomburza marker, and Rizal fountain)
- Artists’ Haven
- National Historical Institute
- National Library
Part 2:
- Central Lagoon
- Chinese Garden
- Open-Air Auditorium, Planetarium
- Rizal Park Library
- Masscom Library
- Chess Plaza
- Flower Clock
- Japanese Garden
- 27-foot Cascade
- Orchidarium
- Butterfly Pavilion
Part 3:
- National Museum
- Skating Rink
- Plaza Olivia Salamanca (first Filipino woman physician)
- Children’s Playground
- Relief Map
- Halamanang Pilipino (Filipino Garden)
| 1. |  | Tropical countries like the Philippines require everyone to wear a hat for protection against the sun’s heat. Children are super sensitive to skin-damaging ultraviolet rays so they should be protected by wide-brimmed hats. The iPlay Babywear Brim Hat comes in different colors. Each has strings that can be tied under the chin. Amazon Price: $11.50 |
| 2. |  | Women travelers need a hat that is lightweight and fashionable, that will fit into their bags, and that will cover the face and neck adequately. Coolibar Women’s Hat is made from durable polyester but looks like real straw. It is easy to carry but hard to destroy. This hat is a must when you explore Manila. Amazon Price: $35.00 |
| 3. |  | This sun hat is deliberately styled to look mean and to perform under extreme conditions. When the sun is at its hottest, a hat that covers the most space of the face, neck and shoulders is very welcome. Who wants a sunburn when playing tourist in Manila? Not you with the ‘Extreme Condition Sun Hat STONE’! Amazon Price: $18.50 List Price: $34.95 |
| 1. |  | Adidas is almost always the name that comes to mind when thinking of a footwear. Why not when Adidas is known as sturdy and trendy all over the world? For travelers, men or women, The ‘Adidas Original Unisex Adilette Sandals’ is more than adequate travel companion for the adventurous feet. Amazon Price: $25.00 |
| 2. |  | Neutrogena is a trusted name for excellent skin protection. When exploring the many hang-out places in Manila Philippines, both men and women travelers should wear the Neutrogena sunblock to avoid getting sun-damaged skin on the face, the hands, and the arms. A top-up of this low-allergy sunblock every couple of hours is also very wise. Amazon Price: $12.99 List Price: $21.62 |
| 3. |  | Keep in mind that your personal well-being is not the only thing that needs attention when traveling in other countries like the Philippines. You have expensive gadgets like the mobile phones, laptop, cameras that need electricity to recharge. They also need power adapters to fit them into different electrical outlets. This ‘World Travel Adapter’ kit is a must. Amazon Price: $33.00 List Price: $39.00 |
Bags for Travelers
| 1. |  | Here’s a belt bag that is as soft as your skin, which you can carry around next to your skin. The ‘Maxam Italian Stone Design Belt Bag’ is made from genuine lambskin leather. Good thing, lambs are not among the endangered species! Playing tourist is always comfortable when you have several pockets that hold stuff separately. Amazon Price: $4.59 List Price: $21.95 |
| 2. |  | You want something light but unforgettable. Here’s one travel bag for you: the ‘Ripstop Small Hip Bag’ by Swiss Travel Products. It is made of nylon and colored black that can go with any color of clothes you wear. Waterproof and extremely organized, this hip bag is really dependable for carrying personal things. Amazon Price: $12.99 List Price: $17.99 |
| 3. |  | Are you ravin’ to travel light and still stayin’ green? The Julie Apple Wrapper Belt Bag is the perfect choice to go with you! Made from recycled water bottles and other organic and environment-friendly materials, these belt bags are sturdy but lightweight. The many colors and printed designs to choose from will make a fashionable accessory. Amazon Price: $88.00 |
| 4. |  | Who says plaid is plain? No one can say that this sling bag perfect as outdoor daypack bag, or even as messenger backpack, is not sexy because it is made from pink plaid polyester material. With its compact size and several pockets for accessories, this cross body sling bag is definitely feminine. Amazon Price: $17.99 |
Comments
Thank you for such a warm comment, DjBryle :D
Your Majesty, you have posted some great pictures. I am sure the Tourism Industry in the Phillipines will benefit a great deal via your promotional efforts.
Good luck and many thanks to you!
Thank you, quicksand :D The promotional aspect is quite incidental. This hub was a peek to my happy childhood when I and my family still had time to hang-out in the Luneta Park. I guess, I just missed being a child. lol. Many thanks, too!
I viewed the video of our National Hero-Jose P. Rizal's execution. The players played the reenactment well especially actor, Cesar Montano.
I only have one comment- some of our history books described Rizal to have moved around and faced his executioners at the sound of "fuego" to receive the fatal shots to bring to his grave his plea of innocence- He was NOT A TRAITOR. I was once a teacher and that's what I emphasized in my
history class. Good work. Our young must know this part of our shining history. Thank you for sharing this.
Hi Lita,
Thank you for a very articulate comment. Jose Rizal's two novels "Noli Me Tangere" and "El Filibusterismo" had enlightened my way of thinking after reading them. Obviously, our national hero is my favorite hero. :)
It's been a long time since I last visited Luneta. Your hub reminded me of fun memories. Maybe I should visit again one of these days!
Thanks for this!
Thank you for visiting here, jill of alltrades! :D
DjBryle 20 months ago
Nice one... this hub has warmed my heart! Great pics and videos too! Manila, Manila... there's no place like Manila! Voted up! Thanks for sharing! =)