O F

Quiapo is the heart of Manila in every way imaginable. It is the site of the Basilica of Saint John the Baptist, known to everyone as simply Quiapo Church. It is the most visited church in the country and home to the Black Nazarene, the miraculous figure that is the centerpiece of the massive Quiapo Fiesta at the beginning of the year. Quiapo is the center of mass transport in the city, where nearly all-major public transportation routes converge. Politically, it is where Plaza Miranda is located, where many a political movement or campaign has been born, lost and won. Manila's old rich families use to reside here in Quiapo, in splendid Art Nouveau and Art Deco residences. Bounded by Rizal Avenue and Escolta, Quiapo was part of Downtown Manila, the foremost commercial and entertainment district of the city until the early Seventies. Quiapo is said to be where the spirit of the Filipino everyman resides. In its buildings and old houses, intriguing sights and teeming masses, it shows the city at its brashest, liveliest, most colorful and most eloquent.

Suggestions:

Theme Party:
* Downtown
* Manila, Manila
* Manila by Night

Venues:
Selected hotels can recreate Manila with Quiapo as centerpiece in their ballrooms or function rooms. The topmost hotel suite or skytop with a view of the city at night would be the most ideal venue.

Entertainment:
* Rock & Roll band
* Jazz Band
* Casino Playing
* Dancing
* Saxophonist
* Street hawkers enacting scenes from the streets of Quiapo

Gifts:
* Caricature Portraits
* Framed Etchings of Manila Scenes
* Book on Manila