Manila activities and sports
Manila has scenic parks for jogging
Those who like to remain active while travelling will find a large number of sports and fitness centres located around the metro district of Manila. Sports fans and fitness enthusiasts will have no trouble working up a sweat here, and joining fees tend to be very reasonable.
Boxing in Manila
Boxing is a great way to loose weight and stay in shape and the popularity of this sport in the Philippines means that there are plenty of boxing centres to choose from. Those who are looking for lessons should check out Boxing Fitness Gym (Adidas Sports Camp, Pylo Sports Unit, Libertad St., Fort Bonifacio, Taguig. Tel: +63 (0)2 616 8140)
Yoga in Manila
Yoga is a great way to unwind and stay in shape and some of the city’s best yoga centres include Iyengar Yoga Center Manila and Bikram Yoga Manila.
Bikram Yoga classes are held daily at the studios in Quezon City and Makati, and this modern centre specialises in teaching Bikram yoga, which involves stretching and balancing techniques as well as creating pressure in the blood. A one-month membership can be obtained for around US$100. (15/F, 88 Corporate Center, 141 Valero Street corner Sedeño Streets, Salcedo Village, Makati City, Metro Manila, 1227. Tel: +63 (0)2 889 0126)
Iyengar Yoga is slightly more affordable and walk-in classes cost around US$11, with classes lead by teachers who are certified by the Ramamani Iyengar Memorial Yoga Institute in Pune, India. (21/F LKG Tower, Ayala Ave., Makati City, Metro Manila. Tel: +63 (0)2 753 4495)
Golf in Manila
Visitors can get into the swing of things on a number of courses, including Fort Bonifacio Golf Club, Wack Wack Golf & Country Club, Alabang Country Club and Manila Golf and Country Club. Lessons are also available at the Joe Cantada Golf Learning Center (2nd Avenue, Bagumbayan, Taguig. Tel: +63 (0)2 838 6543)
Running in Manila
Marathons and other types of races are regularly held in Manila, and everyone is welcome to join in the fun. These events are widely advertised in sporting goods stores and other venues, and those who wish to take part will usually need to register and pay a small fee.
Those who want to get into shape and train before the big event should head on over to the University of the Philippines Oval or the Ultra Stadium in Pasay. (University of the Philippines, Off Commonwealth Avenue, Diliman, Quezon City, Metro Manila, Luzon. Tel: +63 (0)2 920 5301. Ultra Stadium, Philsports Complex, Meralco Avenue, Pasig City, Metro Manila. Tel: 525 2240)
Gyms in Manila
A large number of modern gyms have sprung up in Manila in recent years, and these are great places to work up a sweat, as they feature a wide range of equipment as well as special fitness classes. Most Manila gyms have a series of cardio machines as well as free weights and resistance equipment. One of the leading brands is Fitness First, which has established itself all over the Philippines, while Gold’s Gym is another big chain that has branches in districts such as Makati, Ortigas, and Alabang.
Tennis in Manila
A number of tennis courts welcome visitors to drop on in and one of the best in Manila is Ascott Makati, which charges a small fee for a day pass. (Glorietta 4, Ayala Centre, Makati City, Metro Manila 1224. Tel: +63 (0)2 635 5099)
Football in Manila
Although football is not as popular in the Philippines as many other sports, there are a few places for expats and Filipinos to gather to play a game, including Manila Soccer Academy (Manila Polo Club, McKinley Road, Forbes Park Makati City, Metro Manila, Luzon. Tel: +63 (0)2 821 3633)
