For the first time, NLEX Lakbay Norte expanded beyond North and Central Luzon with NLEX Lakbay Manila—a special trip into the heart of the country’s lively capital. Partnering with the Department of Tourism, Culture and Arts of Manila, this curated experience gathered media and content creators to rediscover Manila’s rich history, culture, and flavors.
The adventure proved that you don’t need to travel far to enjoy an exciting getaway. From historical attractions and culinary delights to tranquil green spaces, everything was more accessible thanks to the NLEX Connector.
The NLEX Connector, an 8-kilometer elevated expressway, extends NLEX southward from the Harbor Link Segment 10 in Caloocan City to Ramon Magsaysay Boulevard in Sta. Mesa, Manila. With convenient exits at España and Magsaysay, the Connector provides seamless access to key destinations within the city.
The group began their exploration in Intramuros, Manila’s storied walled city. Each stop offered a deeper understanding of the city’s layered history:
- The newly opened Centro de Turismo
- Museo de Intramuros, featuring sacred art collections
- The iconic Manila Cathedral and San Agustin Church, a UNESCO World Heritage Site
- Fort Santiago, a historic military fortress
- Casa Manila, showcasing Spanish-era life
- The Destileria Limtuaco Museum, chronicling the legacy of one of the Philippines’ oldest distilleries
The visit to Intramuros ended with a classic Filipino lunch at Ilustrado Restaurant, offering timeless flavors in an elegant heritage setting.
The next stop was the Manila Clock Tower Museum inside Manila City Hall, where participants explored exhibits that highlighted both the city’s colorful history and its contemporary art. The visit was made even more memorable by a personal welcome from Mayor Francisco “Isko Moreno” Domagoso.
In Binondo, the world’s oldest Chinatown, participants went on a flavorful food crawl through authentic Chinese-Filipino cuisine. Stops included:
- Eng Bee Tin, famous for its wide range of hopia and other Chinese delicacies
- 1919 Grand Café, housed in a beautifully restored 1920s neoclassical building, that serves a fusion of Filipino and international dishes paired with excellent coffee and desserts
- Xin Xiang Seafood Restaurant, known for its bold, fresh seafood flavors
- Vegeselect, offering plant-based street food option that adds a refreshing twist to the food crawl
The tour also explored Manila’s refreshing green and creative spaces:
- A walk along the Pasig River Esplanade, with scenic views of the city skyline
- A visit to Arroceros Forest Park, a green sanctuary known as “Manila’s last lung”
- Stops at the Philippine Biodome, Manila Ocean Park, and the Digital Art Museum, which offered fun, educational, and interactive experiences
Participants stayed at the Manila Prince Hotel, the official accommodation partner of NLEX Lakbay Manila. Located in Ermita, the hotel offered comfort and convenience with over 300 well-appointed rooms—just minutes away from Manila’s historic and cultural landmarks.
This journey was made possible through the support of key partners who helped ensure a smooth, stylish, and memorable experience:
- Tesla Motor Philippines – provided clean and quiet electric rides
- Green Cross – ensured safety and hygiene throughout the trip
- Belo – kept participants fresh and camera-ready all day
- Leslie Corporation – added fun with tasty snack offerings
- TOPO Designs – supplied functional and stylish travel gear
- Mentos – delivered bursts of minty freshness
- Pocari Sweat – kept everyone hydrated under the Manila sun
NLEX Lakbay Manila was more than just a tour—it was a celebration of a city’s ever-evolving stories, heart, and flavors. Thanks to the NLEX Connector and its partners, Manila was transformed from a familiar place into a vibrant, unforgettable experience—one that invites rediscovery time and time again.
