Lenten Specials now available at The Manila Hotel

The Manila Hotel welcomes guests to gather over meat-free, comforting dishes thoughtfully prepared for this Lenten season. Across its dining outlets, a selection of Lenten specialties joins the hotel’s well-loved vegan and vegetarian offerings, creating menus that feel both meaningful and satisfying.

Lenten Specials at the Lobby Lounge
At the Lobby Lounge, the Lenten menu leans into bright flavors and wholesome comfort. Guests can try the Spring Citrus Salad, a refreshing mix of mesclun greens, orange, and pomelo in olive oil-raspberry dressing, or the Green Lentil Soup infused with fresh herb pistou. Heartier options include Linguine in Walnut Sauce with cherry tomato and fresh basil, White Cheese and Spinach Pizza with roasted garlic and ricotta, and Tandoori Pompano served with tomato-cucumber salad and freshly baked naan.

Spring Citrus Salad

Green Lentil Soup

Linguine in Walnut Sauce

White Cheese and Spinach Pizza

Beyond these Lenten specials, the hotel continues to offer an extensive selection of vegan and vegetarian dishes year-round, from salads to vegetable entrees and meat-free dishes, reflecting its commitment to inclusive and mindful dining.

Vegan a la Carte at Lobby Lounge and In-Room Dining 
For plant-based diners, the vegan a la carte menu offers comforting favorites with a wholesome twist. Highlights include the Buddha Bowl Salad with seasonal greens, chickpeas, couscous, tofu, and lemon-honey-herb vinaigrette, Sweet & Sour Vegan Meatballs; and Whole Wheat Penne a la Bolognese made with lentils, smoked tofu, and vegetables. These dishes are also available for in-room dining, allowing guests to enjoy nourishing meals in the privacy and comfort of their rooms.

Buddha Salad Bowl

Sweet and Sour Vegan Meatballs

Whole Wheat Penne

Vegan Degustation at the Champagne Room
For those seeking a more refined culinary journey, Champagne Room presents its Vegan Degustation menu, a multi-course dining experience that evolves monthly. Thoughtfully plated and flavor-driven, the degustation offers a light yet indulgent options for those observing abstinence while still savoring the pleasures of fine dining.

Vegetarian Options at Red Jade
At Red Jade, the Vegetarian Set Menu brings the classic Chinese flavors to the forefront. The set includes Vegetarian Peking Duck, Hot and Sour Soup with Vegetable Dumpling, Gong Bao Tofu, Vegetarian Fortune Bao, to name a few. A la carte dishes like Vegetable with Bean Curd Soup and Stir-Fried Vegetables and Mushroom in Crispy Taro Ring further expand the meat-free repertoire.

Vegetarian Peking Duck

Hot and Sour Soup

Gong Bao Tofu

Vegetarian Fortune Bao

M Takeout Vegan Selection
M Takeout completes the meat-free offerings with well-balanced solo meals, comforting rice and noodle bowls with its vegan options such as the Vegan Pasta Bowl and Bento Boxes featuring Green Thai Vegetable Curry, Crispy Tofu Nuggets, and Indian Chickpeas Cauliflower Curry.

“The Lenten season is a meaningful time for many, and our goal is to create dishes that respect tradition while delivering the signature refinement guests expect of The Manila Hotel. We also continue to update our meat-free selections, ensuring everyone at the table can enjoy a memorable dining experience,” shares Marvin Kim Tan, vice president for sales and marketing of The Manila Hotel.

For inquiries and reservations, call +632 8527 0011 or +632 5301 5500, email restaurantrsvn@themanilahotel.com, or visit www.manila-hotel.com.ph.

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Stations of Grace: A Personal Visita Iglesia Itinerary

This year, I'm doing the Visita Iglesia—the traditional Holy Week practice of visiting seven churches, typically accompanied by praying the Stations of the Cross. While this devotion is often done in groups, I'm setting out on a solo pilgrimage, following an itinerary I’ve carefully planned to finish before lunchtime.

To make things more meaningful, I’ve chosen to also visit some Jubilee Churches—starting from the farthest one and gradually making my way back home to Cainta. At each church, I’ll be praying two Stations, completing all fourteen by the end of the journey.

Here’s the route I took:

1. Immaculate Conception Cathedral (Cubao, Quezon City)
A Jubilee Church under the Diocese of Cubao.
From LRT-2 Marikina Station, transfer to Araneta Center-Cubao. Exit north and ride a jeep bound for Quiapo or España. Get off at New York Avenue, then cross to Vancouver Street—the cathedral is just there.
Fun fact: This is where celebrity couple Dingdong Dantes and Marian Rivera tied the knot in 2014.

2. Diocesan Shrine of St. Joseph the Worker (Project 2, Quezon City)
Another Jubilee Church within the Diocese of Cubao.
It’s conveniently located right beside LRT-2 Anonas Station, making it one of the easiest stops on this route.

3. Real Monasterio de Sta. Clara de Manila (Katipunan Avenue, Quezon City)

A peaceful monastery known for its tradition of offering eggs in prayer petitions.
You can get here by riding a jeep from Cubao bound for Marikina, or take the LRT-2 to Katipunan Station.

4. St. Therese of the Child Jesus Parish (Mayamot, Antipolo City)
Back within the Diocese of Antipolo, this is one of the Jubilee churches nearest to me.
A quiet and reflective stop before heading further into the heart of Antipolo.

5. Diocesan Shrine of Padre Pio of Pietrelcina (Antipolo City)

From LRT-2 Antipolo Station, ride a jeep or minibus toward Antipolo Cathedral. You’ll find this church on the right side, just past College of San Benildo and before Fatima University.

The shrine holds a blood relic of Padre Pio, which is exposed for veneration in the basement chapel. It’s a quiet, sacred space where you can spend a few moments in prayer and reflection. There's also a unique honesty store in the same area—no cashier, just a selection of religious items and designated boxes where you can drop your payment. It’s a beautiful reminder that trust and faith go hand in hand.

6. St. John Mary Vianney Parish (Antipolo City)

Located along the Marikina-Infanta Highway heading toward Cogeo, this parish is just across from SM City Antipolo Downtown. A good spot to rest and refresh, too.

7. Diocesan Shrine of Our Lady of the Abandoned (Marikina City)
The final stop—a Jubilee Church in Marikina. A fitting end to the journey, as I reflect on the Passion of Christ and wrap up my Visita Iglesia.

This quiet solo pilgrimage reminded me that faith journeys don't always have to be grand or crowded—they can be intimate, personal, and just as spiritually fulfilling. Walking from one church to another, praying the Stations along the way, offered me not just a chance to reflect on Christ’s passion, but also to encounter moments of peace amid the city’s bustle.

If you're planning your own Visita Iglesia, consider choosing churches that are meaningful to you, and don’t rush the journey. Let every stop be a pause to pray, breathe, and reconnect with the reason behind the season.

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Manuel Baldemor’s Kuwaresma Opens at The Manila Hotel’s Art Gallery

The Manila Hotel held the opening reception for Kuwaresma, a solo exhibit by acclaimed Filipino painter, sculptor, writer, and book illustrator Manuel Baldemor, on 13 April 2025, Palm Sunday, at the hotel’s Art Gallery. Kuwaresma presents a contemplative visual journey through the sacred season of Lent.

Manuel Baldemor, known for his signature distinctive fusion of folk art, religious imagery, and cultural narratives, explores the solemnity and symbolism of Holy Week in this 38-piece collection. Kuwaresma, which means Lent in Spanish, captures the spirit of the 40-day period of prayer, fasting, abstinence, and reflection—echoing Christ’s retreat in the desert.

The exhibit highlights Baldemor’s vibrant palette, intricate detailing, and deeply symbolic compositions that bring Filipino religious rituals and traditions vividly to life.

“As a painter and sculptor, I want to capture the essence of Filipino life and traditions, especially Holy Week,” shared Baldemor. “Kuwaresma is a culmination of my fascination with Lenten folk rituals, particularly the Nazareno procession, whose devotion continues to humble and inspire me.”

Manuel Baldemor

Among the distinguished guests who attended the exhibit opening were Atty. Jose D. Lina, Jr., president of The Manila Hotel; Marvin Kim Tan, vice president for sales and marketing of The Manila Hotel; Dr. Elba S. Cruz, exhibit curator; Virgilio Almario, also known as Rio Alma, national artist of the Philippines; and Cecile Guidote-Alvarez, founder of the Philippine Educational Theatre Association (PETA).

Atty. Joey Lina, President of The Manila Hotel

Kuwaresma is on display at The Manila Hotel’s Art Gallery until April 30, 2025. Admission is free. For interested buyers, email r.lo@themanilahotel.com.

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A Soulful Encounter at Morong’s Pabasang Bayan – A Tourist’s Reflection

Today, I experienced something truly special—something that felt less like a tourist stop and more like being lovingly welcomed into the soul of a community. I found myself in Morong, Rizal, attending the 25th Pabasang Bayan, a profound celebration of faith, tradition, and artistry held at the Ynares Gymnasium in Brgy. San Juan.

I arrived not fully knowing what to expect. But from the moment I stepped into the venue, I was captivated by the sight of life-sized images depicting various biblical scenes displayed throughout the gymnasium. Each image is lovingly cared for by local camareros, families who treat these saintly figures not just as religious icons, but as treasured heirlooms passed down through generations.

The event is presented by the St. Jerome Parish and organized by the local group Recamadero, who clearly poured heart and soul into every detail—especially the scenes depicting the Passion of Christ.

As a traveler, I often seek experiences that are “off the beaten path,” and today, I found a true gem. Not just because of its spiritual and cultural richness, but because of the way it reminded me of the power of community, heritage, and shared belief.

If you ever find yourself in the Philippines during Holy Week or the Easter season, make time for Morong, Rizal. Witness the Pabasang Bayan—not just with your eyes, but with your heart. The exhibit runs until tomorrow, April 13, and many of these sacred images will also join the Holy Week processions, especially on Good Friday.

Tips for Fellow Travelers:

• Respect the solemnity of the event – Dress modestly and keep conversations soft; this is a deeply spiritual occasion for many.

• Engage with the locals – They're incredibly warm and always eager to share the stories and meaning behind the traditions.

• Follow their official page – Check out Recamadero.MorongRizal on Facebook for updates, event details, and a deeper dive into its history.

Until next time, Morong. Salamat sa isang makabuluhang karanasan. 💛

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Lenten Dining Guide: Best Meat-Free Eats at SM Malls in the East Metro

As the Lenten season encourages many to observe fasting and abstinence, finding delicious yet guilt-free meals becomes a priority. Find a hearty feast, a comforting vegetable dish, or a fusion of flavors at these dining spots, ready to satisfy your cravings while staying true to the season's spirit at SM Malls in the East Metro.

At SM City San Mateo, Lau Pa Sat serves up seafood and meatless Singaporean cuisine favorites, while The Taste of Czaczacza offers plant-based comfort food. Passenger Seat provides meatless yet flavorful Filipino favorites.

Discover a variety of Lenten-friendly meals at SM Malls in the East, featuring seafood and vegetable dishes perfect for the season. This spread is from Lau Pa Sat at SM City San Mateo.

SM City Marikina boasts a wide selection, with Vikings offering a buffet spread featuring seafood and vegetable dishes. Wangfu serves Asian-inspired meals, while King of Kim satisfies Korean cravings with meatless alternatives.

For those dining at SM City Masinag, King Bee serves authentic Chinese flavors with vegetarian-friendly options. Greenwich, a classic favorite, provides quick and satisfying meat-free choices.

King Bee’s Vegetable Lohan Noodles at SM City Masinag

Meanwhile, at SM Center Antipolo Downtown, Hap Chan offers an array of seafood and vegetable dishes, making it a Lenten-friendly stop.

This Lenten season, nourish both body and soul with these delightful guilt-free options available at SM Malls in the East Metro. Whether dining solo or with loved ones, enjoy a meaningful and satisfying Lenten dining experience by visiting your nearest SM Mall today.

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Lenten Dining Made Easy with foodpanda

This Lenten season, people often opt to look for healthier meals. Luckily, foodpanda has your back. Navigating meatless dining during this season has become more accessible than ever making it easier to start your meat-abstaining journey.

foodpanda offers numerous meat-free choices to cater to different tastes. From simple favorites to creative dishes, there's something to satisfy every palate from foodpanda's restaurants.

What to eat for breakfast, or as a light meal
Start the day with the light and refreshing taste of Som Tum Kai Khem, a papaya salad with salted egg from Simply Thai. Or enjoy the seafood goodness of the Pomelo Shrimp Salad from Pho Hoa. You can use the voucher code SUNDAY for a ₱500 cashback on your food delivery and start the week with your money back.

What to eat for lunch
For the rice lovers, don't worry, meatless rice meals are also available in foodpanda. Savor the delicious taste of the Crispy Shrimp with Rice from Bonchon. Have a mouthful of ocean goodness with Keizo’s Chirashi Don. Enjoy your lunch even more by using the code voucher LUNCH to get ₱100 cashback on your food delivery.

What to snack on for the day
Looking for healthy snacks for the day? Then choose Healthy To Go and the fresh flavors of the Asian Shrimp Taco. Have a fill with the rich flavors of the Egg in Tamarind Sauce from Soi Restaurant. Go to the foodpanda app, select pick-up and get an automatic ₱250 cashback on your third pick-up order as an extra treat from foodpanda.

What to have for dinner
End the day with sweet delight of enjoying Soi Restaurant’s Mango Salad and delectable Fresh Spring Roll to restore your energy and end the day filled with happiness and deliciousness.

Embrace guilt-free dining with foodpanda's diverse selection of delicious and satisfying options. No more wasting time looking for places to eat and thinking about your next meal, foodpanda makes it easy to enjoy meatless meals that are both flavorful and fulfilling, all done at the palm of your hand.

Discover Lenten dining with foodpanda vouchers, enjoying a range of tasty meals delivered to you. Enjoy these savings as you savor the flavors of your meatless feast.

Download the app and let foodpanda take you on a meat-free meal journey this Lenten season. For more information about foodpanda and the great offers available, visit the official website at https://www.foodpanda.ph and like and follow the official social media accounts on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, TikTok, and YouTube.

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The Manila Hotel's Lenten and Iftar offerings

Make the most of your fasting in The Manila Hotel's Lent and Iftar offerings at the M Takeout happening until May 31, 2022.

New to our rice and pasta bowl menu: the Vegan-friendly Halal Buddha Rice Bowl [Roasted Cauliflower, Potato with Indian Spices, Vegetable Pakora, Yellow Dhal]; the Svaadist Rice Bowl [Chicken Tikka Masala, and Vegetable Pakora]; the Fish Katsu Curry Rice Bowl [Breaded tilapia fillet, curry sauce, and sesame sauteed beans]; and Vincolo Pasta Bowl [Spaghetti Tuna Bolognese, Zucchini Parmesan Garlic Bread], all at P190 nett. There’s also the Healthy Tofu Rice Bowl [Tofu-mushroom-carrot salpicao, and ginataang kalabasa at sitaw] at only P175 nett.

The Lenten Specials also include new Solo Meals: Nabati (Vegan) [Okra Masala, Vegetable Pakora, Roasted Cauliflower and Potato with Indian Spices, Vegetable Biryani and Dhal at P330 nett]; Jamila [Aloo Tikki/Potato Cutlet, Chicken Tikka Masala, Garlic Mustard Fish Fillet at P430 nett]; Primavera [Tuna-Cannellini Bean Potato Salad, Parmesan-Garlic Baked Tilapia Fillet, Roasted Cherry Tomato-Basil Fusilli Pasta, Mini Calzone, Italian Orange Cake at P430 nett]; Tagsibol [Ensaladang Talong, Baked Pampano Steak, Adlai, Mushroom Salpicao, Pancit Bihon with Tofu and Vegetables, and Empanada with Heart of Palm and Shrimp at P430]; and Haru [Maki Sushi, Tamagoyaki, Green Bean Gomaae, Saba-O Teppanyaki and Furikake Rice at P340 nett].

Nabati

Tagsibol

Check out their Lenten Specials and place your order by visiting our website at https://www.themanila-hotel.com.ph/takeout/. You may also call their hotline at 85270011 or 0998-9501912.

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A meaningful Lent and joyful Easter at The Manila Hotel

The Manila Hotel revives pre-pandemic traditions in observance of Lent and to celebrate Easter. With an array of activities for its staycation, dining, and walk-in guests, and even those staying at home, the iconic hotel gives city folk and those who prefer to stay in Metro Manila options for the coming week.

Visita Iglesia 2022
Lenten tradition of Visita Iglesia is a time to commemorate and solemnly celebrate Christ’s passion in prayer and sacrifice. With a stay at the hotel on April 13 and 14, 2022 for a minimum deluxe room rate of only P7,000 nett and suite room rate of only P10,000 nett, guests can register 2 adults and 2 children 12 years old and below to join the Visita Iglesia tour. Walk-in rate for adults is P1,500 nett and 50% off on walk-in rate for children 5 to 12 years old.

Stopping at seven churches, namely:

• Manila Cathedral
• San Agustin Church
• St. Vincent de Paul Church
• Pope Pius XII Church
• St. Pancratius Church
• Malate Catholic Church
• Archdiocesan Shrine of Our Lady of Guidance

The tour includes round-trip shuttle service, in-vehicle guides, bottled water, and a scheduled snack stop at Marcelino Street Café at The Manila Prince Hotel.

Registration for the Visita Iglesia guided tour is coursed through the hotel’s Front Desk/Reception upon room booking or for walk-in guests. For inquiries and reservation please call 85270011 or email resvn@themanilahotel.com.

A Bear-y Happy Easter
The popular Easter Egg Hunt is back this year. The Manila Hotel’s in-house guests and those having Easter lunch at Café Ilang-Ilang can register their kids 12 years old and below for the hotel’s Easter activity at the Fiesta Pavilion on April 17, 2022.

Let your kids complete the activities listed in our “A Bear-y Happy Easter” Kiddie Passport on this super fun Easter quest. Let them experience the thrill of finding Easter Eggs at our play area, and even win exciting prizes from the eggs find! Let them join activities like Arts & Crafts, Groovebeats Kiddie Dance workshop, and kiddie ballet; and watch a magic show. The whole family can also get one photo for free at the Family Easter Photo Booth.

To join the Easter Kid Activities, every P5,000 worth of single receipt food bill in Café Ilang-Ilang on Easter Sunday lunch entitles a guest to one (1) complimentary pass (good for one kid with one adult). Additional kid walk-in rate is at P1,500 nett (for one kid with one adult). Discounts are not applicable to the walk-in rate.

For a room bundled with 2 complimentary passes (1 child and 1 adult each pass) to the Easter event, rates start at only P6,000 nett for a deluxe room, which accommodates 2 adults and 2 children ages 12 and below. Overnight package is inclusive of buffet breakfast (for two adults), use of swimming pool and gym facilities.

The Manila Hotel’s A Bear-y Happy Easter event is co-presented by Little Georgia Academy with Kinder City.

Participating major sponsors are Make Believe Productions, Wonder Lab, Royal Artisans, Baby Fourth’s Couture, Star Baby Toy Store, Rhyme Lab Learning Center, S’mores Kit PH and Museo Pambata. Minor sponsors are Absolute Sales, DBE Fruits Trading (distributor of DOLE Fruits), ESV International Corporation, Globalinens Worldwide, Inc., RGL33 Fruits & Vegetable Dealer, SLC Agri Farm Ventures, Inc., Trisha’s Cakes and Pastries, and Werdenberg International.

For more information and reservation, please call 85270011 or email resvn@themanilahotel.com for room bookings, and restaurantrsvn@themanilahotel.com for dining reservations.

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PAUL APOSTLE OF CHRIST movie review

30 years following the death and resurrection of Christ, Emperor Nero of Rome has sent off Roman soldiers to capture Christians most especially the apostles to stop the spread of Christianity throughout the land. Saul, now known Paul, was captured and in an attempt to be rescued by Luke, a movie is chronicled on Paul's wisdom and teachings on love and Christianity.

Paul, Apostle of Christ gives us a chapter on the Book of Acts in the New Testament. Under the reign of Emperor Nero of Rome, we see the brutal and heartless treatment of the empire to those who profess their faith in Christ. It is amazing to hear familiar verses like 1 Corinthians 13:4-7 as Luke and Paul talk in prison.

The drama might be lengthy but it is full of lessons that you can use in life. Understanding that the path to heaven is a difficult way but we believe that there's light at the end of darkness. Following the ways of Jesus, we will be experiencing suffering before we see His glory.

This film stars Jim Caviezel as Luke, gaining his popularity in faith-based films following The Passion of the Christ, French actor Olivier Martinez as Mauritius Gallas and Game of Thrones, Alumnus James Faulkner in the titular role.

Paul, Apostle of Christ is an SM Cinema exclusive movie. Starting March 23, experience the love of God and learn the Gospel in SM Cinema Director's Club that is equipped with cozy and state-of-the-art La-Z Boy chairs for everyone. Know screening schedules and reserve seats at www.smcinema.com for better cinema experience.

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