Whenever
I’m craving for the tastiest ube siopao or siomai, there’s only one place in
Manila where I go – Binondo. Home of the oldest Chinatown in the world, Binondo
is an interesting blend of Filipino and Chinese cultures, spanning across time
and has thus become the ultimate local destination for authentic Chinese food
and walking tours. It may not be the cleanest or the most elegant part of the
city, but perhaps there is one relatively new structure in the area that could entice
day travelers, aside from the wealthy Chinese businessmen, to spend a night.
With
their promise of bringing unparalleled comfort, Ramada Manila Central is
Binondo's first four-star international hotel. It is strategically located
across one of the oldest and most beautiful churches in the Philippines, the
Minor Basilica of St. Lorenzo Ruiz or the Binondo Church. The hotel offers
minimalist Zen-inspired lodging spaces, world class amenities and recreational
facilities (pool na lang ang kulang), Asian dining options at News Café and
Lobby Lounge, and a sweeping view of the city. I swear Binondo looks tidier and
more romantic at night from the hotel’s roof deck.
A
few hours after I checked in, one of the front desk girls called. “Sir how was
your room?” Since brevity is the soul of wit, I calmly replied “It’s great.” But
deep inside I’m going nuts and wanna say “Are you crazy? The dome is staring
right in front of me.”
Of
course I love it!
Ramada Manila Central
Ongpin cor. Quintin Paredes Sts.
Binondo, Manila
Tel. No.: 588-6688
