EMBOA: Showcases the best places in Ermita Malate
The Ermita Malate Business
Owners Association is a conglomeration of key business owners and managers
representing established Manila hotels, poplar restaurants and entertainment
hubs in the area. One notable objective of EMBOA is to promote a healthy
environment for the businesses and patrons of the Ermita-Malate area. It
involves improving safety standards, sanitation, cleanliness and designing
activities that will promote Ermita and Malate.
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| EMBOA Manila Tour with fellow bloggers and hotel staff |
Last December 17 a
scheduled tour of Manila was initiated by EMBOA wherein selected bloggers are
invited. Lucky me, I was one of the chosen few. Our first stop was the Handog
Pasasalamat Christmas Thanksgiving presentation of EMBOA appropriately held at
the nostalgic Remedios Circle Park. This event was one way of giving thanks to
the communities by EMBOA. Selected 500 children benefited from this event and
were able to take home valuable gifts. Manila mayor Joseph Estrada also graced
the thanksgiving festivities.
Moving on with the
Manila Tour, EMBOA assigned a list of hotels in Ermita Malate area to each
group of bloggers. Our group was ushered in a comfy cool van with our very own
tour guide. Our Manila tour went on as follows:
Mabini
Pension House is located along the busy street of
A. Mabini which is lined with many hotels, restaurants and other businesses.
Mabini Pension House is an old inn that is suitable for budget conscious travelers
like backpackers in Manila.
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| Mabini Pension House vintage looking signage at front |
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| Mabini Pension House affordable room rates are displayed at the door |
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| posing on an old stairway |
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| Mabini Pension House reception area |
Room rates are pretty affordable with prices ranging from Php 600. to Php 1500. per night. There is an option to choose from a fan room or room with AC but what is nice about this place is its location and old world charm.
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| Long wooden stairs of Mabini Pension House reliving the good ole Manila days |
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| Mabini Pension House hallway |
Lotus Garden Hotel Manila
Next stop is Lotus Garden Hotel. This Ermita hotel boasts exceptional
customer service that embodies the hospitable Filipino culture. Staff here is
very attentive and values guests. The rooms are quite spacious and at the same
time functional.
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| Promo price for Lotus Garden Hotel Manila is posted on entrance |
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| Reception counter and lobby |
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| Cozy Christmas nook at Lotus Garden Hotel |
What makes Lotus Garden one of the best hotels in Manila is
the unassuming décor. Each room has hardwood flooring and with touches of
Filipino design. Even some of the corridors and side stairway have hardwood
floors with a newly added wing that features suites perfect for groups and
families.
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| Hallway of Lotus Garden Hotel Ermita reminiscence of old Manila |
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| Impressive hardwood flooring of the stairs of Lotus Garden Manila |
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| A functional meeting/ boardroom at Lotus Garden Hotel Ermita Manila |
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| Jacuzzi in black marble stone at the basement of Lotus Garden Hotel- area is open for mini party |
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| Billiard table at the lower ground floor |
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| Exercise equipment for the guests |
I find Lotus Garden Hotel somewhat special because it reminds me of
home where I grew up. Walking the corridors and being in one of the 116 rooms
in this hotel feels like home. I am sure guests will love the homey atmosphere.
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| Twin single bed room at Lotus Garden Hotel Manila |
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| A workable counter with modern LED TV |
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| Huge comfy bed with lounging chair at Lotus Garden Hotel Ermita |
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| Spacious standard bathroom with shower at Lotus Garden Hotel Manila |
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| Cozy ambiance in each Lotus Garden hotel room |
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| Closet space |
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| Old wooden hotel room doors |
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| Common sitting area |
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| Lotus Garden Hotel restaurant at the ground floor- displayed on the wall is a collection of international dolls |
City Garden Suites Hotel Manila
City
Garden Suites Hotel in Ermita Manila comes next on our
list in our awesome EMBOA Manila tour. The lobby and main restaurant Café
Miranda exude simple elegance.
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| Colorful reception counter of City Garden Hotel Ermita |
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| City Garden very own restaurant Cafe Miranda offers a wide variety of yummy dishes |
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| The dining area of elegant Cafe Miranda at City Garden Hotel Manila |
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| Full bar service is available at City Garden Hotel Ermita |
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| Main lobby of City Garden Hotel Manila |
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| Elevator of City Garden Hotel Ermita |
The rooms are all cozy, spacious and efficient.
There’s even a full kitchen on some rooms where guests can cook and enjoy
meals.
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| A full kitchen and dining area in some rooms in City Garden Hotel Manila |
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| Living room area in the room |
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| Receive guests and still find privacy in one of the rooms in City Garden Ermita |
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| LED TV in the living and dining area in some rooms |
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| Large area to entertain guests |
Some rooms have private balconies and separate receiving/living room
area. This is great for casual travelers and even perfect for families on
staycation. Price wise, City Garden Hotel Manila offers good value for
money.
Ibarra’s Garden Party Venue & Catering
Last stop is a
popular events place called Ibarra’s
Garden located in Ermita Manila and it offers the perfect venue for
every occasion.
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| Impressive colonial Spanish style exterior of Ibarra's Party Venue Ermita |
The building that houses Ibarra’s party venue and catering is
an architectural gem that exudes the charms of old Manila era.
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| Ceiling draperies fit for a princess! |
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| A table setting perfect for a royal wedding only at Ibarra's Garden Ermita |
There are
several party rooms that have various guest capacity. The charming garden
setting is a total plus with fancy ceiling that perfectly fits any memorable
event. Ibarra’s is now a pioneer in events places in Manila.
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| Fun and elegant decor surrounds Ibarra's party venue Manila |
Whether it’s for
small birthday celebration or for a big wedding reception, Ibarra’s Ermita
knows how to throw in an unforgettable experience plus they provide great food
too.
The four places
that we visited in our Manila tour only revalidated my notion that the Ermita
Malate area still has that old Manila charm.
The warm people that we met and
the establishments that we visited made me realized that EMBOA is doing a
significant job in uplifting and reviving the vibrant tourist scene in this
side of the city with emphasis on Filipino culture and genuine hospitality that
visitors can enjoy.
The Ermita Malate
Business Owners Association or EMBOA has over 130 members such as Manila
hotels, restaurants, entertainment venues, cafes and shops including Robinsons
Place Manila.
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