The breeze blew as I took a swig on my second glass of beer. There I sat on the sky deck, the ultimate picture of relaxation. I was at the Sunset Lounge, enjoying my view of the city. In front of me, the calm water flanked by skyscrapers, framing it as if it was the only thing I needed to see—and when the sun began to set, I realized.. it indeed was.
The Sunset Lounge is Pan Pacific Manila’s newest concept: an alfresco bar and restaurant offering a glorious view of the cityscape and the Manila Bay. Located at the 7th floor of the hotel, this cozy spot provides guests a quiet hideaway a few floors up from the bustle of the capital. Guests would be delighted how easy it is to disappear from the busy street below and get transported into a place they never thought was there.
Boasting of plush seating composed of spacious lounge chairs, comfortable couches and high stools around cocktail tables, the Sunset Lounge exudes a relaxing atmosphere perfect for de-stressing after a particularly long day at work; a romantic yet casual date; enjoying privacy with only a beer and a spectacular sight for company; or a slow sundown with friends. The great thing about it is that this area is not exclusive for checked-in guests—walk-ins can enjoy the Sunset Lounge from 5:30PM-9:00PM, indulge in its special menu of pica-picas, beers, and cocktails, and even opt to use the pool and the gym for an extra minimal fee (PhP250).
Stepping out from the hotel interiors and into the Sunset Lounge feels like walking into an island resort. The Manila Bay sits on the horizon, the sky glowing with the colors of sunset. A picturesque fountain greets guests, instantly giving off a cool vibe amidst the warmth. The swimming pool is nearby on the lower deck, completing the resort feel.
The food menu is simple and straightforward, a perfect match for the easy ambience. For instance, there are Pork Sisig Tacos (PhP350 for 2)—a fusion of American and Pinoy favorites. Pork mascara takes the place of ground beef, resulting in a sweetish, creamy flavor. Shredded lettuce, chopped onions, chopped tomatoes and grated cheese complete these American-style small bites.
I loved the Reuben Quesadillas (PhP350 for 2): lightly toasted tortilla filled with beef, veggies, sour cream, and melted cheese. Each piece is small yet filling—I loved this even more with their delicious blue cheese dip!
A delicious chicken combo awaits diners with the Buffalo Wings and Chicken Drumlets (PhP350 for 2). The breaded chicken drumlets are well-cooked and tender, the breading light and flavorful; the wings, although a bit “skinny” for me, were tasty.
The Pacific Chicken Nachos (PhP380 for 2) were addicting—tortilla chips laden with sliced chicken, jalapeno, and cheese. Lovers of spicy food would enjoy dipping each one into Sunset Lounge’s spicy salsa! The heat is mind-blowing, perfect with some cold beer within reach!
The Sunset Lounge does a playful take on the panizza with their two unique flavors: Adobo and Baby Back Ribs (both at PhP480 for 2). What is perhaps the national viand takes center stage in the former, with slices of soy chicken and pork mingling with kesong puti and goat’s cheese, giving adobo—and panizza—a whole new dimension. The Baby Back Ribs, on the other hand, had a smoky flavor enhanced by sharp Edam, mozzarella, and corn kernels. Indeed these were two of the more curious panizzas I’ve tasted.
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| Adobo Panizza |
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| Baby Back Panizza |
Two types of rolls are in the menu: Crispy Spring Rolls (PhP350 for 2) for the vegetarian, and Bangus Spring Rolls (PhP350 for 2) for those who would prefer fish. Dip them into some spicy vinegar or sweet chili—it’s up to you.
Local beers and a few imported ones are available—with San Miguel priced at PhP90, a reasonable tag for a hotel, if you ask me. Imported brands like Corona and Heineken are sold at PhP150 apiece, priced like the upscale bars in Makati and BGC. The beer selection can be further improved by adding more products like Stella, Blue Moon, and maybe “the local Hoegaarden”—Brew Kettle!
Service at the Sunset Lounge is casual but still very attentive and professional—maintaining the standard that Pan Pacific is known for: being the finest butler hotel in Manila. I liked how sophisticated the servers were despite staying casual and friendly.
I’m a fan of booze and good food—this doesn’t need proof—and I like savoring my leisure time. At the Sunset Lounge, it’s so easy to lose track of time with all the flavors, chatter, drinks and sights floating about. A few hours felt like a vacation. There were absolutely no distractions—just an awesome ambience, a refined playlist I really liked (they play Rumba tunes, OMG)—and you have no choice but to enjoy, alone or accompanied. I saw myself going back here repeatedly. In fact, I’m already planning my next visit.
~*~
The Sunset Lounge
7/F Pan Pacific Manila, M. Adriatico St., cor. Gen. Malvar St., Malate, Manila
+632.318.0788/Toll-free: 0120.001.800
5:30PM – 9:00PM
enquiry.ppmnl@panpacific.com
Budget: around PhP500/head
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Arrive early to catch not just the sunset but also their Happy Sunset promos: Pika Pika Express: 2 servings of special snacks of the day (PhP250); Pika Pika Express + 2 beers (PhP350); and Pika Pika Express + 6 beers (PhP550).
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Where is your secret haven in Manila?
My meal was sponsored by the Sunset Lounge. All opinions, however, are my own.
Dishes were provided buffet-style for food sampling purposes and the photos do not reflect the actual a la carte sizes.
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