Nature is at her most coquettish with every sunset over the Manila Bay. After heating up the skies with her harsh tropical midday yellow, she blazes for attention in brilliant vermillion, slowly fading into a mellow light that casts long, romantic shadows over the objects that it touches. It is a light show that coyly demands your attention, and offers a quiet signal that the day is coming to an end and it is time for Manila’s twinkling lights to compete with the constellations.
One can enjoy that awesome sight every day, along the stretch of the baywalk, together with other nature fans; or one can find a vantage point where one can bask in that sunset glow with a cold beverage in hand. Here, we list down some of the spots where sun worshippers can enjoy a cocktail or two in cozy comfort while indulging in the free sky show that is said to be the most beautiful sunset in the world.
Sofitel Manila’S Sunset Bar
It’s an open-air invitation to enjoy the sunset on a grassy knoll with coconut trees swaying to the wind and a refreshing view of the hotel’s sparkling pool. Aside from the a la carte menu and the cool concoctions that befit the tropical setting, The Sunset Bar has barbecue nights on Fridays and Saturdays from 6:30 to 10:30 p.m., available at P2,700 net per person with grilled favorites and an unlimited serving of a selection of wines, cocktails, local beers, iced tea and soda, along with local cultural shows for an enchanting evening.
Sofitel Manila is located at CCP Complex, Roxas Boulevard, Pasay City. For more information, visit www.sofitelmanila.com.
Conrad Manila’S C Lounge
It’s a carefree, free-flowing concept for the Sunset Sessions at Conrad Manila’s C Lounge. The selection of wines, spirits, and local beers to celebrate the gorgeous sunset is complemented by nightly live music from featured guest artists to perform yesterday and today’s hits, nightly, including esteemed musicians such as Cookie Chua and jazz great Henry Katindig, among others. “Sunset Sessions” is on nightly from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m., and priced at P945 net per person inclusive of drinks and cocktail bites.
Conrad Manila is located at Seaside Boulevard, Coral Way. For inquiries, call 833-9999 or email [email protected].
Hard Rock Manila
The S Maison Mall along the bayside gets the Hard Rock treatment with its live entertainment from some of the country’s top show bands performing the hits that will get you singing along or at the very least tapping your feet. Before the live shows begin, though, it is nature’s turn to entertain. Hard Rock Manila has large picture windows to capture the breathtaking view of the Manila Bay sunset, to go with the burgers, nachos, and smokehouse barbecues to be washed down with the signature cocktails that can be ordered in a collectible Hard Rock Manila Mason Jar for P895.
Hard Rock Café Manila is located at Level 2, S Maison, Conrad Manila, Seaside Boulevard. Call 990-9809 for inquiries.
Solaire Waterside
It’s a gathering place for the hip and fun crowd, with chef Hylton Le Roux firing up his kitchen with Latin-inspired cuisine to go with the breathtaking view of the bay. Waterside at Solaire has a happy hour promo too, where guests can have endless orders of alcoholic brews, and unlimited nachos with an assortment of dips, salsa dressings and toppings in Sunset Hours from 5:30 until 8:30 p.m. followed by another round in Twilight Hours from 10:30 p.m. until 1:00 a.m. Both are priced at P795 and feature imported beers, cocktails choices including white and red sangria, cuba libre, piña colada, rum punch, and margarita, along with choices of white or red wines. Solaire’s happy hours promos extend to their other F&B outlets Oasis and Finestra.
Solaire is located at Entertainment City, 1 ASEANA Avenue, Parañaque. For more details, call 888-8888 or visit www.solaireresort.com.
Microtel MOA’s Roof deck
Probably the best vantage point for the sunset in the whole MOA complex because it is right smack along the bayside, Microtel’s open-air Roofdeck keeps it simple with sandwiches and pastas to go with their juices and sodas. For those who are inclined towards alcoholic drinks to go with the view, they do serve local beer too, along with traditional bar chow appetizers such as gambas, calamares, and beef salpicao.
Microtel Mall of Asia is located at Coral Way Ave. cor. Seaside Boulevard, SM Mall of Asia Complex, Pasay City. More information can be found at their website www.microtel-manila.com.
Tryp Bebedero
The Bebedero Roofdeck Lounge at Tryp by Wyndham has a cozy, welcoming feel, with clean, simple lines that don’t distract from the amazing view of the bay through its large picture windows. It has a menu that includes soups, salads, and mains, along with craft beers, cocktails, and liquors served straight up, to go with the 360-degree view of the sunset and skyline.
Tryp is located at Seaside Boulevard, Corner J.W. Diokno Blvd, Mall of Asia Complex, Pasay. Visit their website at www.tryp-manila.ph.
