5 things to do in Metro Manila on Good Friday

True-blue Manileños know that the best time to enjoy the city is on Holy Week — it’s when we have the city all to ourselves

1. Don’t feed the animals. But feel free to watch them on their feeding times at the Manila Zoological and Botanical Garden. Located in a 5.5-hectare property and opened in 1959, the zoo may be looking the worse for wear, and the entrance fee has more than doubled in 10 years, but they have someone new who wants to say hello: a baby lion. Hear him roar. Manila Zoological and Botanical Garden, M. Adriatico St cor Pres Quirino Avenue, Malate, Manila. Fri 7am-6pm. Manila residents: PHP50 adult and children above 4ft, PHP30 children below 4ft. Non-Manila residents: PHP100 adult and children above 4ft, PHP60 children beflow 4ft. 

2. Swim with sharks. They say temperatures rise the highest during Holy Week, so here’s a thought: dive into Manila Ocean Park’s outdoor pool. While you’re there, say hi to friendly sharks, stingrays or starfishes. Skip the Aquanaut package (PHP1,500) because the sharks there are wee small. Instead, go for the Sharks and Rays Full Body Encounter and surround yourself with around 10 six-feet sharks and 15 three-feet stingrays — all of them friendly. The swim takes 45 minutes including changing into a wet suit and listening to a 15-minute briefing, and can accommodate a small family. Children under five feet are not allowed. Manila Ocean Park, behind Quirino Grandstand, Luneta, Manila; +63 2 567777 loc 104. 10:15am-11am & 2pm-2:45pm pm only. Advanced reservation is recommended; if you can’t get a schedule, try the Aquanaut package instead.

3. Watch the sunset. This promenade overlooking still-beautiful Manila Bay has undergone several name changes — from Cavite Boulevard to American period Dewey Boulevard to Japanese Occupation Heiwa to what it’s called now, Roxas Boulevard — but its main draw has remained the same: spectacular orange-tinged skies as the sun sets. Take a 30-minute walk from the US Embassy near Rizal Park to the Manila Yacht Club near the CCP complex, make a U-turn, and cross the road when you see The Aristocrat Restaurant (432 San Andres St, Malate, Manila; +63 2 5247671. Daily 24 hours) and treat yourself to a bibingka snack.

4. Enjoy a sangria. Spanish people from the 16th century taught us Catholicism. Isn’t it time to learn something new from a new batch of peninsulares? Named after Barcelona’s famous party strip, this Spanish-Mediterranean restaurant is headed by chef Pepe Lopez and serves beautifully plated dishes to pick on while you take advantage of the long weekend with affordable Spanish wine, imported beer and cocktails. Rambla Philippines, G/F Joya Bldg, Joya Drive, Rockwell, Makati; +63 2 8236468. Fri 11:30am-2am.

5. Jazz things up. “GOD and the High Creator of all things great and meek is always with us. So why bother to be stuck in traffic to search some semblance and soul, when you can, almost always, and everyday talk to your creator,” asks our favorite hidden gem in Cubao. There’s no live music performance on Good Friday but feel free to hang at this jazz hotspot in Bgy Mariposa — included in our 10 Spots For Live Music list. This is where music students come to chat, jam and, yes, tuck into the owner’s “bachelor cooking 101” menu. We recommend the kebab (PHP175). Tago Jazz Club, 14 Justice Lourdes Paredes San Diego Ave cor Real Ave, Cubao, QC; www.www.facebook.com/tagojazzcafe. Fri 8pm-2am.

Photo: Oscar Nava

Do you have Good Friday activities to promote? Post them below! 



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