Corner of Brixton and United streets, Pasig
Metro Manila, Philippines

Part of ACE Hotel and Suites, ACE Water Spa is a family-friendly indoor facility offering water recreation for all ages. Visitors can float and swim through various water sprayers and fountains. Dumping buckets, an elephant-shaped slide, and other obstacles are found in the children’s swimming area. A heated pool and hot tubs feature hydrotherapy massage. Those looking for some exercise can swim laps or practice water aerobics in the pool. Adults can relax and soak up heat in the sauna. A restaurant serves refreshments. 

Hagdan-hagdang Palayan ng Banaue

Banaue, Ifugao, Philippines

Widely referred to as the eighth wonder of the world, the Banaue rice terraces are 2,000- to 3,000-year-old terraces that were carved out of the Ifugao mountains by the Batad indigenous tribes. It is widely thought that the terraces were carved without any machinery to provide for the step cultivation of rice. It stands as a reminder of the engineering skills and strength of the Ifugao tribes. The terraces are situated approximately 1,524 meters (5,000 feet) above sea level and spread across an area of about 4,000 square miles. They are spread across the provinces of Apayao, Benguet, Mountain Province, and Ifugao. The main tourist feature of the terraces is the hiking trails.

MacArthur Highway Gatbuca,
Calumpit, Bulacan, Philippines

An hour's drive north of central Manila will take you to the province of Bulacan and a distinctive aquatic theme park that spells fun for all the family. Across eight hectares of space you can explore 11 different swimming areas including pools designated for young children and proficient swimmers. You can also fish and boat on the natural ponds and lakes. Those not keen on swimming can instead enjoy the fairground rides, pool hall, and basketball court. This is a great place for a day trip or more, as plenty of accommodation options are available. 

Quiapo, Manila, Philippines

Plaza Miranda has a special place in the story of Manila's ordinary working people, who used to gather here for political rallies, beauty contests, variety shows, and various festivals. In 1971, however, a terrorist bomb reduced it to rubble in the run-up to Marcos' bloody seizure of power. It was left more or less abandoned for many years. Recently, intensive renovation has given the plaza back some of its former glory and it now boasts neoclassical pillars, urns, and arches. This is a great place to rest and enjoy an ice-cold buko juice or plate of steaming adobo from a local vendor. Next to the Plaza Miranda you'll find another restored landmark, the Arsenio Lucson underpass.

Seaside Boulevard, Pasay
1300 Metro Manila, Philippines

One of the country’s largest megamalls, SM Mall of Asia offers a variety of shopping, dining, and entertainment for families. For a panoramic view of the city, visitors can take a ride on the MOA EYE, a 55-meter-tall (180-foot-tall) Ferris wheel. Other attractions include a cinema, gaming arcade, ice-skating rink, virtual reality experience, laser tag arena, bowling alley, and more. A range of eateries serve refreshments. 

General Roxas Avenue, Cubao
Quezon City, 1109 Metro Manila, Philippines

Come to Smart Araneta Coliseum to experience the rich tapestry of Filipino live entertainment. Built in 1960 by industrialist J. Amadao Araneta, its seating capacity of 25,000 makes it the largest indoor facility in Southeast Asia. The main events that take place under its impressive dome include cockfights, Philippine Basketball Association matches (for which the unique four-sided, center-hung scoreboard appears), the Philippine Pool Championships, various major award ceremonies, and concerts by the likes of Boyz II Men and Jay Sean. In the past, the Coliseum has hosted such classic sporting events as boxing's "The Thrilla in Manila" and the 1978 World Basketball Championship.