I first found out about the School of Design and Arts' Museum of Contemporary Art and Design when I…read moregot lost while looking for the bathroom. I opened the wrong door and - voila! - there's a naked dude pretending to be a statue (not naked naked, he had a sort of a tea cozy on his equipment because this was still a Catholic school), among other exhibitions. I learned that day that the College of Saint Benilde had its own museum, and that the exhibits were mostly occupied by the students of the School of Design and Arts, as well as the occassional famous person. I thought it was really cool, and I ended up getting a selfie with the naked dude statue because why the hell not.

MCAD is a really beautiful space for art. I'm not sure the students at Benilde, La Salle, and St…read more Scho know how lucky they are to be in such close proximity to a gallery that, though still pretty young, manages to hold beautiful, interesting exhibits of artists from all over. The last show I've seen was the one-man exhibit of Paul Pfeiffer, entitled Vitruvian Figure, and there has not been a better use of MCAD's hugeness in a while. Recreations of the Philippine arena, a moving image of a sunrise/sunset, and a dark theater screening of a spoken word choir performance echoing the video installations outside really drove the point home of how greatly the museum space elevates the art housed within it. What's great too is that they involve the CSB student body by giving some the opportunity to be mediators and engage visitors by speaking about the works and answering questions about them. It's a pretty cool thing, as it allows people to have a more personal exchange with the works there. I'm glad they've gotten their own entrance along one of the side roads now. Though I fear for the open shelving they have as their bag deposit, it does open the museum a little more to the public. MCAD brims with so much possibility and I look forward to my next visit.

Beautiful place perfect for students and adults to learn and unwind. I recommend for anyone to…read morecheck out with good photo opportunities and experience something new

Art in Island is a beautiful museum. Featuring an assortment of interactive art and an exhibition…read morearea, there is something for every age and every art lover. Some optical illusions of famous work, shadow walls, a state of the art 360 viewing room, and 3D pieces make this place a phenomenal way to spend a few hours. They have nursing rooms and a lovely cafe with indoor and outdoor seating. Oh yeah, wear sox or you will have to buy some; there are no shoes allowed.

Where do you bring a kid in Manila if you want them to enjoy learning about the world and science?…read moreThe Exploreum would be a good idea. The interactive learning space is big on fun and wonder, with galleries dedicated to outer space, the natural world, geology, man's inventions, and more. My little friend couldn't help but stare at the replica NASA shuttle going around the ceiling! He also loved the Van de Graaff generator, especially when he saw my long hair stand straight on end. You have to be patient in explaining the exhibits, though, so the young ones understand better. Otherwise, they might just keep pressing buttons to see things move or lights turn on and off without understanding why. The Exploreum is accessible and open as long as the mall is open (no group bookings required). The price is not bad either at P350 for access to the galleries and one dome theater screening. Bring a jacket, it can get cold. I recommend this for kids 6 years old and up.

Visited The Mind Museum and had a great time exploring. The museum is modern, well-organized, and…read morepacked with interactive exhibits that make science fun and easy to understand for all ages. One of the highlights was the human evolution section, with detailed life-size figures and displays that walk you through how humans developed over time. There are also engaging exhibits on biology, space, physics, and technology that keep you curious as you move from gallery to gallery. We especially enjoyed a mirror-style exhibit that visually displays two individuals into one reflection -- a creative and fun way to explore perception and how the mind interprets images. The space is clean, air-conditioned, and easy to navigate, and the staff were friendly and helpful. It's a great stop if you're in the BGC area and looking for something educational, interactive, and family-friendly. Highly recommended for kids, teens, and adults alike.

The Mind Museum was a fun kid-centered oasis in the midst of the hustle and bustle of BGC. There…read morewas so much to do and learn. This would be a wonderful place to conduct a field trip. We went on a weekday and the place was pretty empty. We spent about 2.5 hours there and probably could have spent a couple more. We definitely recommend people to the Mind Museum.

"...because nerds like us are allowed to be unironically enthusiastic about stuff... Nerds are…read moreallowed to love stuff, like jump-up-and-down-in-the-chair-can't-control-yourself love it. When people call people nerds, mostly what they're saying is 'you like stuff.' Which is just not a good insult at all. Like, 'you are too enthusiastic about the miracle of human consciousness'." -John Green I'm a nerd, plain and simple. And it sucks that there isn't a lot of support or a definite community for people like me in the Philippines. Finding a Doctor Who fan in this country is like trying to find a Dingdong Dantes fan in Africa. And my heart breaks every year that I don't get to go to the San Diego Comic Con. So when I found out that there's such a thing as a toy museum in Manila, I jumped at the chance to see what's inside. I basically dragged my girlfriend over to Manila Ocean Park and ogled the rather small but still awesome collection for hours. Stormtroopers! The Fellowship! The Iron Throne! Smeagol! They're all here! Remember that scene in This is the End when they're in heaven and they're told that they can wish for anything, and they wished for a Backstreet Boys reunion? I'd wish to be surrounded by these toys (ehem, action figures) and maybe that Backstreet Boys reunion too.

If you're a fan of comic book superheroes, the Star Wars franchise, and the epic fantasy adventure…read moreLord of the Rings, this museum is for you. The Amazing Stories of Yexel's Museum features life-sized interpretations of various superheroes and fantasy characters. My favorite part of the collection is the Iron Man Room that is a replica of Tony Stark's "walk-in closet". The Tony Stark groupie in me puked rainbows when I realized that I'm surrounded by different powered armors (general purpose and specialized!). There's also an autographed replica of the Arc Reactor. Too much awesomeness in one room, I tell you! The Star Wars collection is another favorite of mine. A room filled with Stormtroopers awaiting Darth Vader's orders-- one can almost hear the Imperial March, not to mention Darth Vader's raspy breathing! I hope they add some members of the Rebel Alliance to the collection though. A life-sized Chewbacca, or even Yoda, would be perfection.

Standing erect amidst a vast, dark field in Pasay, Halloween Haunts Scream Park Manila is the first…read moreof its kind in Asia. It houses four horrific attractions for the adventurers and thrill-seekers to enjoy. And remember, it's not for the faint-hearted. Together with my family, I had the chance to immerse myself, as a horror fan, into this wonderland. Just a warning, though: the biggest person in your group MUST wear a large shirt. I'll tell you why later. The first horror you'll come into contact with is the Haunted Village - a literal ghost town set in the Spanish Era, where Katipuneros and Maria Claras wander around aimlessly. Your group will be asked to wait for approximately 15 minutes before going in for a more indulgent experience. By this time, expect the scaredy-cats clinging onto your arms. Yes, photo-ops with the zombies are allowed! However, that's it. For the next three attractions, cameras and video-cams are prohibited. You will be asked to leave all your things into a depository room. The next one is the Haunted House. Get ready to surrender your screams. The house is pitch black, and believe me when I say that your group will automatically hold hands upon the entrance! Now I don't want to spoil anything, but here is the gist. It's a maze, and you'll have to find your way out, all while encountering sudden scares, terrifying rooms, and your inner voice that says, "Not that brave at all, eh?" There are also narrow, squeaky and confusing hallways wherein you'll experience having a simulated epilepsy: watch out if you have health problems. As for us, we did find ourselves out after twenty minutes inside. And my Dad's shirt expanded from medium to large: we all clung into him while screaming and walking inside. The Haunted Cemetery, in my honest opinion, is the least scary and exciting. It's a field where graveyards feel more alive than they seem, and wherein you'll get to live out MJ's Thriller. Don't sweat it, you'll still enjoy especially if you are all scared. Forgive me, I cannot review on the Haunted Asylum, as it was not opened yet at the time we visited. It looks promising, though. It has jails and rails and you'll go insane just by thinking how it will turn out. Little tips: When the administration begins to open pre-bookings for tickets, grab them immediately! Not only will your group pay for a discounted price (it's 600+ Pesos per head), you'll be prioritized into the attractions especially when the Scream Park is packed with visitors. Also, when you get through the attractions, don't close your eyes! It'll soon be over and you'll regret not being scared and getting the most out of the experience. Lastly, take advantage of their official photography services! (Flash your smile with your friends, even if we know you're scared inside.) If you want to feel a realistic undead experience, then The Scream Park may be just the right kind of bite you need. Get those trembles out now!

4.2 Stars. Okada…read moreManila Hotel is a luxury hotel modeled after the Wynn Vegas. Beautiful inside, large, and great rooms. It is also near to the airport which is a plus because you DO NOT want to be caught in Manila traffic on your way to the airport thinking the distance is "not far" but not factoring in serious traffic. The room was wonderful, the sheets very cool yet warming. The auto toilet seat opening as you near it was a tad creepy but bougie at the same time. The view from my room was nice also, of the pool and the Pacific. Little things I enjoyed were the sink and bathtub turn knobs, vintage. High quality. The pricing though, is a bit high. $340/night for this type of room, while ocean view is a bit prohibitive to stay multiple nights when there are many great options nearby. The buffet I must say was rather abundant and solid. Except for my 2nd latte that was served lukewarm. I'll have a seperate review to show what the buffett has, it was great! Glad to have stayed here, but can't often because of the costs considering solid options nearby.

We booked two Deluxe Family Suites for 8 people for a 7-night stay. We traveled from Las Vegas,…read moreNevada, and chose Okada because of its location near the airport, MOA, and our family in Manila. The indoor pool, family-friendly amenities, promenade restaurants, and resort-style atmosphere were major selling points. With its reputation as one of Manila's top resorts, my expectations were very high. We booked the complimentary round-trip airport transfer and received restaurant discounts. Upon arrival, finding our shuttle was easy. Employees in purple blazers were waiting with our name, and we were escorted to TWO shuttle vans for our group of eight. The vans were clean, comfortable, and stocked with bottled water and hand wipes. The service was excellent and made a great first impression. The hotel itself is beautiful. Security staff were friendly, the bellmen were professional, and the interior felt luxurious. Check-in went smoothly despite a minor booking-name issue. We were assigned two rooms next to each other,, both clean and ready upon arrival. The Deluxe Family Suites were spacious and comfortable, with three beds and two bathrooms each. The bidet toilets, room-control tablet, large closet space, fountain views, and complimentary glass bottled water added to the experience. It truly felt like a luxury resort. I want to especially recognize the maintenance and housekeeping teams. We discovered a shower drainage issue on our first day, and maintenance responded immediately and fixed it. Our housekeeper, Kris, was wonderful. She kept our room well stocked, organized, and welcoming throughout our stay. My mother also needed a refrigerator for medication, and one was promptly provided. The Promenade was convenient and offered many dining options. We especially enjoyed Piazza, the Italian restaurant. The food, service, atmosphere, and fountain views were outstanding. I highly recommend making a reservation and requesting a table near the fountain. Unfortunately, my experience with the casino was disappointing. Obtaining a rewards card involved providing extensive personal information, including occupation details, which felt unnecessarily invasive compared to casinos in Las Vegas. The card process was confusing and inconsistent. Several employees were not particularly helpful and explanations about rewards and slot play were rushed. This was the area where I felt hospitality fell short. Another disappointment was the pool. One of the main reasons we chose the hotel was the indoor pool featured in promotional photos and videos. Upon arrival, we learned it was no longer available for regular guest use and was reserved for events. This information should be communicated before booking. We used the outdoor pool instead, but I was disappointed with the water quality and did not feel comfortable spending much time there. On a positive note, the Play indoor playground exceeded expectations. My son loved it and wanted to visit every day. The facility was clean, well maintained, and staffed by friendly employees. There was a slight hiccup with our complimentary return to thr airport. Because our two rooms had different flight times, we needed separate shuttle schedules. We were initially told that only one complimentary airport transfer was allowed per booking, despite having two rooms with separate deposits and the same included amenities. We spent much of the day being directed between departments trying to resolve the issue. Eventually, a supervisor arranged the second complimentary shuttle, which we appreciated. The front desk also apologized with a thoughtful gift and thank-you card. On departure day, everything went smoothly. The shuttle service, transportation staff, bellmen, and drivers were all excellent. The other room left early in the morning. We stayed later because we had a later flight. They stored our luggage until our evening flight and provided great service until the very end. Overall, the hotel accommodations, housekeeping, maintenance, transportation staff, restaurants, and family amenities were excellent. However, the casino experience, lack of transparency regarding the indoor pool, and confusion surrounding the airport transfer policy affected our stay. I would gladly stay at the hotel again, but I would likely skip the casino and focus on enjoying the resort itself.