Rizal Park Hotel brings back Manila’s ‘old glory’

MANY lament that the city of Manila today is but a shadow of its old self. The city once dubbed as the ‘Paris of Asia’ because of its colonial landmarks, tree-lined avenues, and pristine views of Manila Bay is now being passed up for Makati, Taguig, and Quezon City.

However, this 2018, numerous efforts are under way to bring back the city’s “old glory.” The list includes the restoration of the Manila Metropolitan Theater, the month- long Manila Biennale art festival to be held in Intramuros, and the renovation of various parks and landmarks led by the local government.

One such initiative brings the spotlight to the years-long quest to restore and redevelop the 106-year-old Army & Navy Club (ANC) building in Manila.

“The restoration of the Army and Navy Club started in 2014. It took years of well-planned reconstruction efforts to maintain the historic character of the building and produce the Rizal Park Hotel,” shared Juan Paolo Sumera, general manager of Rizal Park Hotel.

One of the first and largest social clubs in Manila, the ANC was the center of Manila’s buzzing social life during the American colonial era. Despite its historic role in Philippine-American history, the structure started to fall into decay in the 1970’s.

Today, the redeveloped Rizal Park Hotel boasts of an elegant colonial style that can be seen in its historic octagonal lobby, 74 tastefully designed rooms, all-day dining restaurant Cafe Rizal, Chinese fine dining restaurant, spa, sky bar, coffee bar, and marina by the bay. The hotel officially opened on July 26, 2017.

The second phase of the hotel, set to be completed in the first quarter of 2018, includes 33 more rooms, a casino, ballrooms, and a lifestyle club which features an executive lounge, swimming pool, and gym.

“All in all, our tagline explains the experience we offer to guests: ‘History In Style,’” said Mr. Sumera.