Philippines / Metro Manila / Sightseeing / CCP (Cultural Center of the Phils.)

The buildings of the Cultural Center Com-plex were erected on reclaimed land along Roxas Blvd. To some people the complex is a symbol of the extravagance of former president Ferdinand Marcos and his wife Imelda. For details on cultural activities at the Cultural Center Complex, see chapter on Art and Culture.

The Cultural Center (21) along Roxas Blvd is easily recognized by its gigantic driveway. It houses a large symphony concert hall, a smaller theater and an experimental theater, too. The school and offices of the world famous Ballet Philippines are located in the premises, and there is also a small eth-nological museum, a library, and an exhibi-tion room.

The Exhibition Center (22), also named Philcite is used for trade promotion and commercial exhibits. The Folk Arts Theater (24) has a hall with a capacity of 8000 seats, which can be completely converted to different uses. The Convention Center (25) has large facilities, a plenary hall, small meeting rooms, a restaurant, etc.

The huge Manila Film Center (27) is not used for film-related activities anymore and parts of the building are occupied by the Department of Foreign Affairs. Passports are issued there.

The Philippine Plaza Hotel (26) is, together with the Manila Hotel, the most luxurious in Manila.

The Philtrade (37) provides much informa-tion on local products for those who want to export from the Philippines.

The Design Center (23) exhibits modern design applied to any commercial product.

Two pavilions located in the area are the Coconut Palace (34) (a former luxury town house of Imelda) and the more accessible tourist pavilion, called Fiesta Islands (36). The latter has a beautifully landscaped gar-den, with a view over the bay, a stage for music performances and a luxury dining room.

At the Hovercraft Pier (30), a yacht (not a Hovercraft) leaves every Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday at 7:30 for a package tour to Corregidor Island. The tour costs around 700 pesos per person; Filipinos get a 50% discount. Arrival back in Manila is at 16:00.

The whole area is pleasant for strolling - even though it is not as pleasant as Rizal Park. There is a carnival ground (31) which is very busy during the Christmas season. Parking areas are sometimes converted to tennis courts. There are also bicycles for rent.

Some popular sights: