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:
Rizal
Park
Paco
Park
Intramuros
Fort
Santiago
San
Agustin Church
The
Manila Cathedral
Quiapo
Church
Malacanang
Palace
CCP
(Cultural Center of the Phils. )
Nayong
Pilipino
Chinese
Cemetery
Bamboo
Organ
Hobbit
House