Cruising to see a different yet beautiful side of Manila

I never expected that Manila by the bay can be so beautiful, especially late in the afternoon!

The M/V Spirit of Manila revved up its engine as the late afternoon’s cruise started. I didn’t know what to expect except that after arriving from an overnight stay in Corregidor, we boarded another vessel just opposite the docking area of Sun Cruises. I was lugging my things which included my tripod and camera bag and was actually having second thoughts of joining the cruise as I was tired. But I just followed my companions.

Manila Bay, especially at the CCP side is famous for weekenders, joggers and dragon boat paddlers where they practice ever morning. I’ve been to this area countless times but haven’t really tried the Manila Bay cruise. For one hour and a half, three times per day, Sun Cruises offers this package with plated dinner or buffet, depending on the day.

It was a clear bright afternoon and as the boat started to go out into the open, lo and behold, the sight of Roxas Boulevard’s glass buildings came into view that I got my camera, changed into a wide angled lens and went to the side. The view was stunning! Spectacular! The facades of buildings glowed as the late afternoon sun cast its warm rays.

As the boat slowly sailed southward, the rest of the CCP complex building came into view: CCP, Coconut Palace, that quirky tower at Star City. Then the white structure of Sofitel Manila. Mall of Asia complex next came into view and from the distance, Solaire.

But as I was busily photographing the coast, I had to go to the other side of the boat and witness the stunning sunset. Wow. Just wow! That huge red disc dipping into the horizon with the sky in fiery red as the silhouettes of ships and outrigger boats crept in from below.

The boat started to turn back. Dusk was settling in and another spectacular thing started to happen: Manila’s city lights one by one flickered to life. Returning back to the dock, I was just looking at the beautiful lights.

It was memorable. Manila is really such a beautiful place.

Manila Bay Cruise
Sun Cruises
Fernando Ma. Guerrero corner Paseo Palisoc (near Coconut Palace)
CCP Complex, Roxas Blvd., Pasay City
Tel. (632) 834-6857 to 58, (632) 831-8140
Fax (632) 834-1523
Mobile (63)917 513-2625, (63)922 337-0068
E-mail: suncruises@magsaysay.com.ph
http://www.corregidorphilippines.com/mbc.html
Cruise times:
1615H-1745H
1815H-1945H
2015H-2145H