Manila - To Do Exploring the Makati Area Ayala Museum, Green Belt Malls & Church
A four story museum, which houses the
art and history of the Philippines. Despite it being ranked number 3 out of 14,
of the attractions to do in Makati, it fell short of expectations.
Special mention goes to the gold
exhibit on the top floor, crafted into various ornamental/functional/ceremonial
pieces were amazing. With the price of gold that it is today, it was a wonder
why no one had attempted to steal it. The crowning piece was a ceremonial gold
sash of sorts weighing in at near 3kg.
Overall, its alright place to get
away from the heat of the day, however the no photography policy did put a
downer on things. For just the gold section it would be worth 75peso for the exhibit, but not the rest of the museum. ABBAdetails
Also located within the same area as Ayala Museum are the green belt malls and enclosed garden space. All the major brand names are available, but perhaps most welcoming are their wide selection of fine bistros and alfresco dining over looking the garden oasis.
Highly revered amongst the locals as having the best chicken wings in town and other accolades,as being one of the must eats while in Manila and in seen in many other websites as well, we had to give this place a try.
Ordered: A dozen pieces with option of having it done two ways: PHP330 - Buffalo Classic, option of Medium, Hot, Apocalyptic, Pinaka. *Ordered Hot.
Hot was not as spicy as expected. It left no residual heat in the mouth nor did
it burn the lips. If I could have a spicy index, perhaps HOT here is to; even less
heat off a sweet chilli packet over a Mc Donald's counter. You can try
Apocalyptic or even Pinaka(maximum spice)* - Garlic Parmesan *Creamy,
buttery and garlic goodness, the second most popular choice on the menu. Definitely enjoyable, and more crispy.* Other flavors on their menu;
Honey Garlic, Lemon Pepper, Teriyaki, Morrocan Chermoula, Hickory BBQ,
Prairie Fire, Honey Mustard, Asian Invasion, Szechuan Peanut, Mango BBQ
& Jamaican Jerk.
Pulled Pork Burger PHP260 * Really
nice, hickory smoked BBQ sauce with the tender, sweet pulled pork. It was
unfortunate that burger bun wasn't lightly toasted, nor the meat hot.
Essentially a toss up between a cold cut and a hot panini Sandwich. The great
flavors are all there but could be served better.*
Fried Sneakers Bar PHP220 * Sinfully
amazing. Everyone loves sneakers, but even more if you fry it in a heavy, sweet
cake batter with a dollop of ice-cream. Sweet cream nuttiness, with the fried
sweet cake, offset by the cooling creaminess from ice-cream. Extreme decadence,
to be shared by the many.*
Fed 2 PHP810
Overall good wings, with a variety of
home made flavorings, sauces and spices. The place was packed just after
opening time and you can see a lot of patrons having bags of chicken wings
packed to go. Speaks credibility of sorts from the locals.
It would seem prices of delivery
vary, as delivery duties are outsourced to free agents. There doesn't seem to
be a minimum order, but one seems to be subjected to the additional delivery
charges stipulated by the delivery man. Workers say they don't know the cost
but speculate its 5% of the order. ABBA plus points - Wi-Fi available - Disposable Plastic gloves available to eat
with hands but without the mess. - Delivery is available.
This entire area is called Dampa and
is the place for seafood in more ways than one. It is home to a line of
markets, with a lively array of fresh seafood, as well as various restaurants.
The way food is ordered here is a little unique and different.
A noisy, bustling place, with seafood
lining either side of the street. The place accepts cash only, but they also
have on-hand a 24hr money changer. May not be the place for homophobic individuals.
Purchase your own seafood
from the stalls and have the restaurants cook for you in the various styles
listed on the menu. You are charged by the weight categories and type of
seafood for the various styles available. Pros: - You can select the freshest
seafoods, if one posses the know how and haggle for the best price.Cons:
- Haggling for a cheaper price maybe
tiring. - If seafood un-fresh, restaurant
will not be held responsible.
Option 2:
Ordering at the
restaurants, who will select from the seafood market on your behalf and cook
for you in your chosen style. Pros:
- Seafood selection process is done
for you. - Quality and freshness is assured. - Quotation of meal is given prior to
cooking. Cons:
- You don't really know their seafood
selection. I.e type of fish, crab, etc. - Would be slightly more expensive.
ABBA Recommendations to order: - Fried Tuna Jaw. Can be quite large and they usually sell in halves.
Ordered On:13April2016 ABBA Contribution by Kelvin Seet
"Just
did a Manila nightspot and with Sherwin 's recommendations, went to
Dampa together, bought S$90 worth of seafood and ate at Royal Kitchen
Restaurant.
We bought a medium crab, 1+ kg of small bamboo clams, a large packet of
prawns, a humongous sea mantis the size of a 1.5L bottle and a big
Garoupa (lapu lapu) the size of my forearm. The seafood prices are
bargainable! Try to slash 30%.
Cooking fees with one large coconut each and a big bottle of Pepsi™ was about S$50. And it was a truly overfilling meal! A must when you are in Manila!" - K.S
Ate at:
Sisrose Seafood
(previously known at Welldone Seafood)
Ordered: Steamed fish
with oyster sauce *The star
dish for the dinner. Freshly steamed grouper, with their semi-sweet oyster
sauce served by the side was excellent. The grouper did not have the strong
fishy smell, often associated with seafood that had been around for a while.* Fried
Calamari *Batter was
light and squid fresh* Fried Chicken *A little
burnt I felt but a simple dish*
Asparagus and
broccoli
Fed 2: Total PHP1530
Other places one could try
Claire de la
Funte (Most Popular with the locals. Located at the entrance as seen from entrance pic above.) or Hongkong Cafe Master Cook (The most crowded we saw for the night)
This
is the place for high-end shopping, to find the latest and trendiest. Soak
in the architectural splendor, as the glass topped shopping crossroads, shields
you from the elements.Bistros
offers refreshments and eats, as well the front row seats to people watch in
this beautiful area.
Taken on 25thJune23
*Three more rounds on 24June2023*
In
the central mosaic there is a depiction of the bull from Turin Coat of Arms.
The tradition tells that if a person put its right heel on the bull's genitals
and turn on himself three times, this will bring good luck. This practice
causes damage to the mosaic: a hole developed on the place of the bull's
genitals. *from Wikipedia.
The
finest materials are used to construct this magnificent structure. Detail over loading from all of the fine craftsmanship. Words cannot describe the awe of hearing the halls echo to the sounds of service. A truly amazing experience.
ABBATIP: - Try
to go on a church on a service day to truly experience, feel the entire space. Listen how
the music from the huge organs echoes through this acoustic space. Even the
video does not do it justice.
Church
Service Chanced Upon, Sun 1730hrs.
07Nov2015
Scale Duomo Di Milano About 170steps counted.
ABBATip:
Take the
stairs over the elevator. It's €8 versus €11(lift) and saves you over an hour queue time for those
taking the lift! (Weekend crowd) Plus, taking the stairs gives you greater
satisfaction when you are finally rewarded with the view up top.
Well
worth the entrance free. A narrow, angular walk way brings you right to the top
of Duomo Di Milano. At absolutely stunning sight to behold, both of the city
and up close to the master craftsmanship that goes into making these
cathedrals. Incredible!
Its awe
inspiring that the roof top and main spine of the massive structure are able to
hold hundreds of visitors daily. Tourist constantly walking over it, and soaking
in stunning views of the city, phenomenal. The interior doesn't loose out in
anyway, now with a €2 entry charge.
Duomo Di Milano Interior
Though it
has been a year since my return to this beautiful cathedral, new sections have
opened up such as the crypt and the back of the cathedral with its massive
stained glass. Somehow the setting sun shining through intricate stained glass
brings a unique beauty and charm to the place. A must revisit if you haven't
seen it since its last restoration.
Santa Maria Delle Grazie (Home of the Last Supper)
*internet source picture*
I
had literally chanced upon this church, which I later came to the realization
that it was the home of the most recognizable and reproduce piece of catholic
art work. Leonardo Davinci's Last Supper. Unfortunately it was closed on a
Monday and only prior appointments allow for entry. ABBA Details below.
There
was however, for, €10 to see
Leonardo Davinci's original sketch designs and scribbles on technological ideas
and human anatomy. In my opinion a severely overpriced tour for a single room
exhibit.
Unassuming from the outside, but like many of european churches, the insides
are always grand to varying degrees.
What
impressed the most was the extreme eye to detail on the marble statue. The artist able to depict the softness of cloth from the robes, and even the intricate lace and its intricate designs. Stunning.Deeper
inside, they had see through caskets of past men of god decked in elaborate
gowns as well as what looked like a mini court. *pictured above*
La
Scala (Italian: Teatro alla Scala), is a world renowned opera house in Milan.
Have a look inside the theater and see various art works, instruments and some
of the costumes used for their various performances.
The
tour would probably be best enjoyed with an audio tour guide, which
would better explain the significance and prominence of the portraits of
the prominent opera singers of the time. Pictured above are two of the big
name rivals in the opera circuit. When asked about the other in an interview.
The response by one, "How can you compare coke to Champaign." *shared with by a fellow traveller, Daniel* Click here for ABBA location of Musei Teatrale Alla Scala
Castello Sforzesco (English:
Sforza Castle)
One
cannot miss this castle which stands prominently in Milan which can viewed all the way from Domo. The
moats have been cleared out, and green grass as well as cats have taken over
the space. The space also houses several museums. (note; Museums in Milan are
generally closed on Mondays)
*In the video, and center picture, you can see scammers whom tie friendship bands and demand a payment. Be aware nothing comes free!* ABBATIP: - Take
care as individuals offering friendship bands targeting. After having tied, a
seemingly 'free' friendship band with a dead knot, they demand payment. As seen
in action in the footage of castle ground above. Friendship doesn't come free.
Castello SForzesco Musuem
€8 grants you entry to all the
Museums as well as entry to the upper levels and the rest of the castle.
Pretty
good actually. You get a birds eye view of the square and access to the rest of
the castle. They have a pretty impressive collection and section with in depth
video explanations do bring to light the significance of the pieces you see.
For
example Michaelangelo's, considered to be his last, yet-to-be finished
masterpiece of Mother Mary and Jesus piece is built atop anti-seismic platform.
Extensive efforts and prep were put into it before its final display.
Exhibits
are pretty varied and the all encompassing ticket is very reasonably priced to
see more of the castle.
The
huge park, the castle, and the 'gate to Milan'. A laid back space
with youths either basking in the sun, having a game of basketball ball, or young families
strolling the grounds. Their ponds are filled with coy and ducks waddling a carefree life.
Talking
to locals, the park is relatively safe, with everyone sorta looking out for one
another. I was fortunate enough to get to join in a game of basketball
with the locals there, only to told later, that one of the players played
professionally. Thank goodness he was on our team.
Have
a day trip to the beautiful and lovely Lake Como, located to the North of Milan, home of
stars like George Clooney, Sylvester Stallone, Richard Branson and many more.
Como stop itself is quite quiet and the view from there is nice. However, it is highly, highly recommended to take the extra jounrney up to Bellagio, where, literally 'just around the river bend, there's so much more'. Mind blowing scenery and amazing place to go visit. You can get there via bus/boat as we tried both ways. Bellagio and Varenna are both picturesque townships which are similar but with
their slight individuality and charm. Bellagio being the more commericailized as opposed to the more quiet township of Varenna.
Train tickets to Como can be bought insdie Cadorna F.N.Triensale station and the change of railway station is outsidejust outside. > At F.N Triensale Station, change over to above ground rail station. (start
station) Milano N Cadorna ----> Como Nord Lago (last stop) aprox €10 round
trip ticket. Journey takes about 1hr. ABBATip: - Trains timing, and how to get there available at hotel concierge. Return journey timing aproximately 30mins apart. - X on Marks Indicates hotel and highlighted stations to take to get to Lake Como.
* Ways to Explore Lake Como* *Detailed description of routes chosen, time taken and pricing below*
> Bus ride Aprox €3 Pros: Fast, convinent and see the homes and villas up close. Cons: Not ideal for photography. High growing shrbubery covers a lot of the view that you would either wise see the alps.
> Slow boat Aprox €4-11 Pros: A really relaxing view of all the villas up close. Cons: Potential sea sickness. Too slow. Takes about 2/1/2hrs from Vareena to Bellagio.
> Private fast Boat Aprox €20/paxPros: Private tour for up to a group of 8 depending on boat sizes and be shown the home of the stars and the beautiful villas.
Bellagio
is the more commercialized of the two township. It houses lots of boutique
shops and bistros, lining either side of the walkways. An incredibly rustic
township with open villas, dining, framed by glistening waters and snow-capped
mountains. ABBAPoint: - Boat featured pictured right above. For €20 Euro you can get a boat ride to view stars of the homes and a guided tour of the beautiful villas. - Alternatively, for €300, have the boat take you all the way back to Como.
People
watch and soak in the sights as the occasional seaplane does a fly-by and
touchdown.
Varenna(Lake Como) Getting from Bellagio To Varenna (Via
Boat)
Boating schedules are available from the board as well as ticket station.
- Approximately 15mins at €4
Varenna is a smaller township, with narrow side walks and cobble stone paths. Very quaint
township, and framed in the same natural splendor of lake Como.
Return journey to Como Vellagio -> Como (Scenic
Route Back Via Boat)
- Approximately 2hrs 30min €11+ *Boat
is the way to get beautiful pictures of lake Como, the various villas as
well as the surrounding alps. However, a long journey on boat may result in sea
sickness due to the heavy rocking upon docking as each of the various stops.*
ABBATip: - Be aware that not all,
boat scheduled service can bring you all the way back to COMO and the wait in between maybe an hour apart. - Sitting
at the back of the boat or more centered, as well being on the lower deck, greatly reduces the chances of motion sickness. It does sway quite violently on the upper deck.
Also located within the same area as Ayala Museum are the green belt malls and enclosed garden space. All the major brand names are available, but perhaps most welcoming are their wide selection of fine bistros and alfresco dining over looking the garden oasis.
Also located within the same area as Ayala Museum are the green belt malls and enclosed garden space. All the major brand names are available, but perhaps most welcoming are their wide selection of fine bistros and alfresco dining over looking the garden oasis.
If you are looking for home furniture/retro sound speakers or misc decorative items for the house hold, you could visit this establishment which was chanced upon after having had a seafood dinner at Dampa Macapagal(click for ABBA details)
