The Manila Hotel Celebrates May with a Feast of Flavors and Festive Promotions

As summer unfolds, The Manila Hotel embraces the vibrant month of May with a variety of food and beverage promotions across its iconic dining destinations.

 

Pahiyas Food Festival at Café Ilang-Ilang

In celebration of the colorful Pahiyas Festival, Café Ilang-Ilang pays tribute to the rich culinary traditions of Quezon Province. From May 5 to 31, 2025, diners can indulge in a buffet featuring regional specialties such as Paco Salad, Hardinera, LucbanLongganisa, Kulawong Puso ng Saging, Adobo sa Puti,Pancit Habhab, Ginisang Santol, Nilupak, Kalamay,and TayabasBonete. These dishes, among others, will be served on rotation during lunch and dinner buffet.

 

A Mother’s Day Tribute at Champagne Room

From May 9 to 11, 2025, a specially curated menu awaits the queen of every family. This special set menu begins with a choice ofFresh Pomelo-Prawn Roll in Pink Crepe or Beetroot Cured Gravlax, followed by either Light Cream of Carrot-Squash Soup or Cream of Zucchini Soup, Four-Cheese Ravioli or Mixed Mushroom Risotto. A refreshing Pink Peach Sorbet cleanses the palate, leading to the main course selection of Grilled U.S. Beef Tenderloin or Pan-Seared Gindara Fillet with Dill Lemon Sauce. A Sweet finale features Mango Pavlova or Baked Alaska, capped with coffee and pralines. The set menu is served with a complimentary glass of Pebble Lane Rosé. Early reservations are encouraged via +632 8527 0011 or restaurantrsvn@themanilahotel.com.

 

Floral Symphony: Manuel Baldemor’s ‘Flowers of May’ Exhibit

The Art Gallery bursts into bloom as renowned Filipino artist Manuel Baldemor returns with a floral-themed collection. Following his contemplative Kuwaresma series, Baldemor’s ‘Flowers of May’ exhibit captures the joy and color of Flores de Mayo through vibrant depictions of flowers in his signature style.The exhibit runs until May 31, 2025. Admission is free.

 

Cinco de Mayo at Lobby Lounge and Tap Room

Spice up the season with a month-long Cinco de Mayo celebration. Lobby Lounge and Tap Room serve up Mexican-inspired à la carte dishes including Mexican Grouper Ceviche, Pan Fried Beef Tortilla, Mexican Pizza, Grilled Mexican Chicken Burger, and Nachos & Dip. Tequila-based cocktails complete the celebration, available throughout the month of May.

 

Cool Summer Delights to Beat the Heat

Satisfy sweet cravings and cool down with The Manila Hotel’s summer delight line-up such as Buko Halo Halo, Tropical Banana Split, Mango Delight, Minatamis na Saging and Mantecado Sorbetes, Kit Kat Crêpes, and Dreamy Drizzle—a decadent 10-scoop ice cream with assorted toppings such as barquillos and chocolate candies. Guests can also enjoy Korean-style Bingsu in Strawberry Cheesecake, Mango Graham, and Tiramisu. Available at the Lobby Lounge and Pool Bar until May 31, 2025.

 

Red Jade Presents Machang for the Dragon Boat Festival

To mark the traditional Dragon Boat Festival, Red Jade presents a limited-time selection of Machang—glutinous rice wrapped in bamboo leaves and filled with flavorful ingredients. Options include Red Rice with Red Bean, Red Dates with Lotus Seed, Salted Egg with Pork and Mushroom, and Baby Abalone with Black Mushroom. Prices start at Php 200. These savory delicacies are available until May 31, 2025.

 

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

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.”

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).

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.