Cover Take your camera and snap photos at Palacio de Memoria (Photo: Palacio de Memoria/Facebook)
Take your camera and snap photos at Palacio de Memoria (Photo: Palacio de Memoria/Facebook)
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So you picked up a new hobby—get your camera and head to these picturesque places around Metro Manila
Photography is an arguably challenging hobby to master, especially if one strives for perfection in every shot. However, the journey becomes more rewarding when one embraces the learning process and gains more experience through experiments.
The outcome of every photo taken is greatly influenced by the subjects and the places where they were captured. Around Metro Manila, some spots provide the perfect scenes, lighting, and ambience depending on the image you’re aiming to capture.
In this article, Tatler shares five picturesque places to stroll and take as many photos as possible.
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1. Ronac Art Center, San Juan
Above Ronac Art Center in San Juan (Photo: The Top Knotters)
Ronac Art Center in San Juan (Photo: The Top Knotters)
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If you live somewhere in San Juan, you know how busy it gets around Ronac Art Center during the weekends. Owned by entrepreneur Big Boy Cheng, the place supports local artists through its galleries and events. The art hub also features a spiral staircase that recently went viral online. This place is perfect for budding photographers as it provides a decent amount of natural light; for those who want to try indoor photography, the spot will amuse you with many works from emerging talents in the community.
2. The Metropolitan Theater
The Metropolitan Theater in Manila (Photo: Tatler Archives)
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You don’t have to fly far to capture a stunning art deco building. Nestled in the heart of Manila City is the revamped Metropolitan Theater, which renowned architect Juan M Arellano designed. Although this place was heavily damaged during the Battle of Manila, it reopened on December 10, 2021, after extensive restoration and renovation. Amateur and professional photographers alike can admire its intricate details, geometric motifs, and elegant lines that reflect the opulence of the early 20th century.
3. Poblacion
If you want to explore nighttime or low-light photography, Poblacion in Makati is the place to go. Among the most famous spots in the area is the Filling Station, which takes you back to the ’50s era.
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4. Palacio de Memoria
Above Palacio de Memoria (Photo: Palacio de Memoria/Facebook)
Palacio de Memoria (Photo: Palacio de Memoria/Facebook)
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For people living in the southern part of the metro, visit Palacio de Memoria. This restored pre-war mansion offers guided tours for people of all ages and self-guided tours.
Prior booking is required for tours with a guide. Those bringing their cameras are highly advised to ask permission from their respective guides, as there are antique items inside that might get damaged from flash photography.
5. Casa Manila, Intramuros
Casa Manila in Intramuros, Manila (Photo: Intramuros Administration)
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Casa Manila in Intramuros is a no-brainer if you want a place with natural light, a nostalgic ambience, and a sense of history. Here, guests can step back in time and immerse themselves in the colonial era of the Spanish Philippines.
Walk a little further, and you will see the cobblestones around the Plaza San Luis complex. Named after an old town in Manila, this spot comprises nine houses representing different eras of Filipino-Spanish architecture.
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Jove holds a degree in Journalism and is currently pursuing graduate studies in Philosophy at the University of the Philippines–Diliman. She has flair for in-depth, interview-driven stories that explore politics and culture, shaped by her background in national broadsheets.
When she’s not on assignment, Jove spends her days painting, sipping lemonade, and walking her dog, Jupiter. She can often be seen in Escolta with a film camera in hand, browsing novelty shops in search of rare memorabilia. For leads, reach her at Jove@tatlerphilippines.com.
