Wowowee: The Manila Hotel

Went to Manila Hotel for the first time this morning as part of the tour offerings of the MVP Philippine History Course…

Caption says:
“A historical landmark — Manila Hotel — built in 1912.
A venue of big events and grand aspirations
Beside Intramuros Golf Course Open day and night to all golfers
Overlooking Manila Bay and Rizal National Park
A place like no other in the world”

Hmmm…can’t say the copy works wonders, but just the same, didn’t expect to find such an old school architectural piece like that so accessible (and still being used!) on a daily basis in the city. Built in 1912, that’s almost 100 years old. Our guide, Za, advised us that the Hotel Archives is actually open to the public by appointment c/o the front desk..

Having just come from a tour of the American Embassy a few minutes earlier (where unfortunately taking pictures was prohibited), couldn’t help but compare their American ballroom, which incidentally was the venue for the post-WWII trial that sentenced General Yamashita to death, to the Manila Ballroom at the hotel, which was vast and opulent in its dark, wooden glory.

Grand ballroom with sampaguita-inspired steel railings:

Sarimanok detail on the ballroom staircase


Capiz chandeliers

General Douglas MacArthur was given the whole fifth floor of the Manila Hotel as his primary residence during his term as military consultant to the Philippines.

Today, half of his seven-room suite is still leased out to guests for $2,000/night. Package includes two bedrooms, a study, a formal dining room, a living room/receiving area, and the services of a personal butler.

Also of interest is the fine dining restaurant, Champagne Room, which was purportedly a favorite dining place of Imelda Marcos.

Glass trees and French-inspired interiors