Our last day in Batangas, Philippines, had arrived. But since our flight back to the U.S. that day was at 11:30 in the evening, my husband’s best friend had decided that we’d do a tour of Manila before they’d take us to the airport. My husband had been wanting to see parts of Manila that he had read about over his years of reading history.

So, we left Batangas at around 10 o’clock in the morning then stopped for lunch at a Max’s Restaurant in Biñan, Laguna. We then continued with the trip and drove through the city of Manila to see Intramuros and Fort Santiago. We just drove by these places as planned.

The hubs also wanted to see The Manila Hotel. There is a penthouse suite in this hotel that was once the home of General Douglas MacArthur during his years living there when he was the Military Advisor to the Commonwealth Government of the Philippines from 1935 to 1941. What is now the MacArthur Suite has been stylishly refurbished to replicate the original design.

Our original plan was just to drive by the hotel, but then Lewis’ wife Cora was craving for coffee. I asked her if we could have it at the hotel, and she said, “Yes!”

And that’s when this impromptu coffee break at The Manila Hotel happened.

Also, my husband wanted to drink up the history of a place he’d read so much about and experience the aura of actually being there in person.

This gigantic and adorable teddy bear was sitting pretty at the hotel’s foyer. My son took this photo.

He also took this photo of their fabulous chandeliers. This was at the lobby. I wanted to take a photo of the lobby but it was packed with people. They have tables there for people to lounge and enjoy meals.

The lobby was packed alright, but lucky us, they had an available table for us at the Tap Room. A lady hotel staff dressed in a beautiful Filipiniana dress (their uniform) ushered us to the area.

There we are. From left: Cora (Lewis’ wife), Lewis (my husband’s best friend), my son Yogi, yours truly, and my husband Harry.

The hubs ordered their regular black coffee and cream.

He also ordered a martini. His best friend, Lewis did, too.

Cora’s coffee. I forgot what it’s called.

And mine and my son’s coffees. We opted for cold coffee. It was around mid-afternoon and for us, it’s the best to have that time of day. I forgot the name of this coffee, too, but it was so good!

It was our first time at The Manila Hotel and we definitely enjoyed our time. Don’t you just love impromptu trips like that that turns out serendipitous? My husband and his best friend are even planning to stay there next time we make it to the Philippines. We’ll see about that.

More From the Trip:

• It Feels Good To Be Back
• Welcome Back Get-Together
• Showering Our Beautiful Bride-to-be
• A Milestone Day-His 20th Birthday
• A Good Friend’s Delicious Surprise
• The Wedding
• Dinner On A Hill with A View
• My Great-niece’s 2nd Birthday Party
• Sea You at the Beach
• It’s Buko Halo Time
• Kakanin: A Delightful Filipino Delicacy
• Cheers to Good Friends and Good Food!
• Korean Bun and Purple Yam Cake
• Cousins’ Day Out
• Savor the Flavor
• Korean Dinner Vibes
• A Surprise Despedida Party
• Linguini with Red Clam Sauce
• Trip to Taal Volcano
• Lunch in Tagaytay
• Batangas Road Trip