MANILA, PHILIPPINES – The ‘ber months may have already rolled in and people may already be psyching up for the holidays, but what comes as even timelier is the recent World Tourism Day!
Tourism has played a major role in building economies and livelihood opportunities, and occasions like this remind you to appreciate the culture and heritage surrounding you amid your hectic schedule. For example, a fun, coffee- and cultured-filled adventure awaits you in the country’s capital—and you don’t even have to face the traffic when you go around the city on its iconic LRT-1 line!
The cool season can make some feel a little senti, and you know it’s always good to let it out and express it. Hugot Café in Tondo, Manila, just off the Abad Santos LRT-1 station, is the perfect place to stay a while and indulge in your feelings. At the Hugot Café, you can eat, drink, and bask in the feels-heavy ambiance to your heart’s content by writing your hugot out—who knows, your hugot might even be good enough to be put on the walls.
If your vibe is more on the chill side while the temperature drops, or you want to immerse more in the city’s history, Escolta is the place to be in. The famous Manila street, accessible through the Carriedo LRT-1 station, is full of old heritage sites you can browse—and if you need to take a break, hang out at The Den at the First United Building for a shot of good local coffee.
Those looking for museums to drop in during a rainy day definitely have some fine options around the city. The Bahay Tsinoy in Intramuros, a short distance from the Central LRT-1 station, is home to the Kaisa-Angelo King Heritage Center, which is all about the history and way of life of ancestral Chinese-Filipinos.
If your trip is more on the fun side, another museum you could check out is the Upside Down Museum in Pasay. Get down at the Vito Cruz LRT-1 station and make your way to this whimsical place that’s exactly as advertised—everything is upside down, which makes for some awesome and hilarious pictures!
And the best part of going around town on the LRT-1? You can hit all of these spots in just one day—there’s always an adventure waiting for you in Manila!
ikotMNL is a tourism program launched by Light Rail Manila Corporation (LRMC) in 2018 in partnership with the Department of Tourism, tour operators, and local government units. It aims to connect foreign and local travelers to Manila’s rich history, cultural heritage, and top food destinations by riding the LRT-1 to areas such as Intramuros, Binondo, Quiapo, and many more. For more information, visit ikotmnl.com, like ikotMNL on Facebook, and follow @ikotmnl on Instagram and Twitter.
