History plays a big part on how one place is shaped over time – and this is true everywhere. The events that transpire in our communities play a big role in the development of an area and the character of its people.
Being a journalist has opened my eyes to a lot of things, including the belief that the people we meet, in a way, are connected to us. Some may come and go, but there are those who become part of our lives.
Such is the relationship of the Pampanga Press Club (PPC) to the people and organizations we meet over time.
The Invitation
The PPC was once again invited by our friends from the Marco Polo Ortigas Manila to spend a few days with them for “a thoughtfully curated destination experience”.
Dubbed “Discovering Pasig City’s Heritage with Marco Polo Ortigas Manila,” they want guests to discover, through PPC, that Pasig City is not just synonymous to Megamall, Ultra, The Podium or even their famous Mayor Vico Sotto.
For a day, we were able to experience the rich culture, heritage, and local flavors of the city.
More than a place to stay
Francis David, Marco Polo’s Sales and Marketing Director, said it himself: it’s the people who make a difference.
David, a Kapampangan, was referring to what travelers value most about a hotel stay. The Marco Polo Ortigas Manila, he said, is continuously evolving to cope with the ever-changing landscape of the hotel industry.
The 3-day, 2-night stay at the Marco Polo was not just a “staycation” for the PPC, but a chance to encounter something special and entirely different.
Was that a wedding?
As soon as we arrived at the hotel around lunchtime, we were escorted to a spacious and elegant room that was set up like a wedding reception, complete with white flowers adorning a long table.
General Manager Fredrik Johansson welcomed the group, and shared that the hotel not only offers sumptuous dining experiences, but thoughtfully curated spaces and experiences complemented by warm hospitality and panoramic views of the city.
Marco Polo, he said, makes sure that their meetings and events venues are designed to make every celebration more memorable.
Director of Catering Christine Rosell also shared with the group Marco Polo’s Premium Bespoke Event Packages which include a thoughtfully curated menu, customized 3-layer cake, complimentary 2-night stay in a suite room with breakfast for two, direct access to the Continental Club Lounge, and a Marco Polo Signature Bridal Amenity, among other offerings.
Lunch was sumptuous, of course. We were given a taste of the hotel’s signature menu they only serve during special events.
Meanwhile, dinner at Cucina was a different story altogether – a crafted table experience which is a combination of their buffet offerings and signature dishes.
Marco Polo has other dining destinations which likewise offer distinct culinary experiences that reflect both local and global influences – Lung Hin, Connect Lounge, Café Pronto, and Vu’s Sky Bar and Lounge.
Cultural Immersion
First stop the next morning was the Maybunga Rainforest Park. The vast green space had a Picnic Area, Kiddie Playland, A Senior Citizen’s Park, a lagoon, pool and a vegetable patch.
Next stop was the Pasig Revolving Tower, which was built in 1974 primarily as a restaurant. It takes an hour and 15 minutes for the structure to fully revolve, offering diners back in the day a panoramic view of the city. It now serves as space for private and government offices, and can be rented for events.
Lunch was at Ados Panciteria, known for its different versions of pansit, which is an iconic dining spot in Pasig. The ambience was very homey.
Just a few minutes and we were at the Panaderia Dimas-Alang, said to have been built in the early 1900s and whose biscuit “Hindi Ko Akalain” has a funny back story.
The Bahay na Tisa was an eye opener on Pasig’s rich history and how the house eerily reminds us of the heritage houses in Pampanga. I felt I was back in Poblacion, Floridablanca, in my Apu Pilang’s house.
Last stop was the Pasig City Museum. The tour guide gave us detailed stories and an interactive experience as to how the city evolved to what it is today.
Destination-driven experiences
Kudos to the Cultural Affairs and Tourism Office of Pasig City for being with us all throughout the experience. And along with Marco Polo Ortigas Manila, may the Pasig LGU continue to champion destination-driven experiences.
A big thank you also goes out to Julianne Daryl Mendoza and Ken Shamrock H. Valentin, staff of Sir Francis, for being our guides, from departure to arrival.
This is Marco Polo’s goal – to encourage guests to stay, celebrate, and explore the vibrant culture and urban charm of Pasig City.
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For more information and reservations, please call (+632) 7720 7777 or email manila@marcopolohotels.com or restaurant.mnl@marcopolohotels.com
The post Exploring Pasig City’s vibrant culture and urban charm first appeared on Pampanga News Now.