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City Guide > South-East Asia > Philippines > Manila


Further Distractions

Cockfighting
Cockpits are one of the staples of the local scene, although not every visitor may enjoy the bloodthirsty spectacle. Cockfighting fills the same place in the Philippine national psyche as bullfighting does for the former Spanish overlords. Prize gamecocks are groomed and pampered, then sent into battle with blades on their feet. Betting for each bout can be frantic. Major venues include the Libertad cockpit, with bouts every day but Thursday.

Dolores Street, Pasay City
Website: www.sabong.com.ph (information, schedules and stories).
Opening hours: Fri-Wed; fight times are listed in the local newspapers.
Admission charge.

Sunset over Manila Bay
The Philippines’ high humidity creates superb cloud effects over the city’s great natural harbour, resulting in the famous Manila Bay sunsets. Some sceptics also say that the light show at least allows spectators to turn their backs on the squalor and chaos of the city itself. Rizal Park, Roxas Boulevard or the cultural complex around San Isidro all offer fine venues for watching the sun go down, as does the SV Carina, which sets sail from Rizal Park for a 45- to 60-minute cruise around Manila Bay.

SV Carina
Departures from Rizal Park
Sailing time: One hour before sunset.
Admission charge.



   
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