Summer in the Philippines can mean having to bear with 38 degrees Celsius weather on a daily basis but it doesn’t mean you can’t avoid it. If you can’t fly off to a cooler climate, don’t despair! Here are quick spots to let you enjoy summer in the city:
1. Swim laps in the pool
The simplest way to beat the heat would be to find a pool! At the corner of Ayala Avenue and Senator Gil Puyat Avenue, you can find Fitness First Platinum RCBC, which has an indoor pool to help you cool down on hot summer days. There’s also an outdoor pool at Makati Aqua Sports Arena on J.P. Rizal Ext., West Rembo. Whether indoors or outdoors, a few laps in the pool midday might just be what you need to rejuvenate yourself from the summer heat, before you engage in that late night conference call.
2. Try hydrotherapy
A 15-minute drive from the MRT-Boni Station, Ace Water Spa offers spa treatments and hydrotherapy. Instead of stressing over the summer heat, go for their hydrotherapy which is said to have the same relaxing and healing benefits as being massaged by hand. The therapeutic massage from regulated water jets gives you the freedom to focus on the parts of your body which need healing.
3. Break a sweat
If you want to stay fit and need indoor physical activity during the summer, there’s Climb Central Manila, located in The Portal, Greenfield District, Mandaluyong City. It is said to be the largest air-conditioned indoor rock climbing gym in Metro Manila. For a more laid-back but fun afternoon with a date, go ice skating at Megamall’s Skating Rink. Or head over to Pinnacle Performance Gym tucked inside Centuria Medical Makati for a personalized strength and conditioning program – nothing beats a good old workout to get your blood pumping.
4. Visit a museum
If you have a friend or two visiting you midweek, a walking tour in Intramuros would be impossible considering the heat. It might be more comfortable for you all to visit Ayala Museum in Makati, where they have permanent exhibits of dioramas of Philippine history, the gold of ancestors before the 16th century, and indigenous Philippine textiles. If you have more time, a visit to the National Museum, the Museum of Natural History, and the Money Museum, all in the City of Manila, will be worth it.
5. Hunt for fresh and healthy food
Work demands can limit your chances to go to the market. Right in the heart of Salcedo Village, Makati, you’ll find the Salcedo Community Market every Saturday, from 7 a.m. until 2 p.m. They sell cooked food, fresh produce, plus other food and plant-related products.
6. Wine and dine
Whether you’re craving for international cuisine from back home or you’d to explore the taste of Filipino dishes, you’ll find several restaurants at Century City Mall to satisfy your summer appetite. There’s XO 46 Heritage Bistro for turn of the century Spanish-Filipino dishes, Le Petit Souffle for some French cuisine to end with a perfect souffle for dessert, Pizzeria Mozza & Mercato for classic Italian fare, and All4U Unlimited Grill & Shabu-Shabu for an all-you-can-eat meat, seafood and soup buffet.
You could also check out Poblacion, Makati for Fig, The Mediterranean Organic Restaurant, or The Common Good Food Playground, I’M Hotel Buffet for international fusion cuisine. You’re sure to have your tummy and heart’s fill at all these places. To end your night, you might want to hang out at Firefly Roofdeck in City Garden Grand Hotel, Makati.
7. Shop for summer essentials
Manila has some of the biggest and most exciting (not to mention, fully air-conditioned) malls and exploring malls is a national pastime. So why not indulge in some retail therapy while you do some cardio? Find the swimsuit or swim trunks you want to wear to the beach and a matching summer dress or shirt and sandals as you look forward to your next trip to Boracay. Restock your supply of sunblock lotion and lip sunscreen as well.
8. Have fun indoors
Whether you’re with family or friends, exploring fun indoor activities like those at Art in Island for Instagrammable photos or at Mind Museum for interesting and educational exhibits are great options to consider.
9. Watch a concert or musical
For summer Friday nights, check out scheduled performances of Ballet Philippines, the resident classical and contemporary dance company of the Cultural Center of the Philippines. The Theatre at Solaire Resort has been the venue for concerts, theater plays, and Broadway shows. Their scheduled shows include world-renowned musicals. Don’t forget to bring a date!
10. Have a staycation at Acqua Private Residences
At the end of the week, escape the urban jungle and relax with a staycation at Acqua Private Residences, which is conveniently located between the cities of Makati and Mandaluyong. Take a plunge in the lagoon pool with waterfalls and walk quietly in the Eden garden, where you can chill and clear your mind of the week’s stress. Find comfort, re-energize, and check in with Siglo Suites in Acqua Private Residences. You can also opt to stay at other luxurious residences by Century Properties such as The Gramercy Residences, The Milano Residences, and The Knightsbridge Residences in Century City, Makati or Azure Urban Resort Residences in Parañaque City. Enjoy the summer!
