Manila Sports & Outdoors

I'm a big fan of bowling, and so I searched it out not long after I arrived in Manila. Today I write about the lanes I've frequented most, the Corronado lanes at Star Mall.

This is a pretty basic, however fairly large, bowling alley. No neon lights or party nights, it's pretty much just the basic fun of bowling, eating, and if you wish, having a few drinks while you do it.

Games cost 110 pesos per person, and there is no fee for renting shoes. Wagering on the games makes it more interesting of course.

The lanes can sometimes be quite busy with tournaments, so best to have a backup plan if you drop in on a night, or to call ahead and be safe. They tend to close down around midnight (although this will vary depending on the staff who are there and how many people are still bowling). If you're looking to get in 2 or 3 games, I'd recommend getting there by 10pm latest.

Equipment: Bring SOCKS. Otherwise you can get everything there.

2 more images

There is an 18 hole, par 66 golf course at Intramuros and it is floodlit at night. The course is 4,326 yards and is quite challenging as there are water hazards, and a round should take two hours on what is said to be the oldest golf course in the country which was built by the Americans in 1906.

I recommend this site for those wanting to travel to the Philippines/ Manila who are looking of adventure sports like cycling, bike touring, hiking, mountain climbing and other adventure sports:

www.philippineadventuretrips.com

Intramuros Golf Club was established in 1907 and probably one of the first golf courses in the country. This 18 hole golf course is located within the walled city of Intramuros and is open day and night to avid golfers.

Intramuros has a small golf course which runs around the wall. This golf course is mainly played by tourists staying in the Roxas blvd hotels and want a quick round of golf. The course is a small course with short par4's and par 3's with 1 short par 5. The course i tricky as it is surrounded by out of bounds or water. For most Americans used to the cart style of golfing, this experience will be a throwback. This is a walking course with a caddy. It is an interesting experience if you are short of time or don't have the flexibility in the schedule to make pre arranged tee times at other golf courses in Manila.

Equipment: I rented the clubs here and they were pretty average. The first day, i asked my caddy for some steel shafted clubs and he was able to muster a mixed bag of clubs. The next day, I was able to talk to the caddy master and get a set of older model Ping eye irons and a callaway 3 wood.

4 more images

One of the best ways to spend your vacation in Manila is to join fun runs/marathons. Other than the health benefits & the chance of meeting people, this is also one of the best way to travel as in literally (by foot) and experience the beauty of Manila Bay on sunrise!

Fun Run/Race in Manila are usually held almost throughout the year except on the rainy days of Aug to Sep. Race starts on Sunday mornings at 530am till 10am. The 42-kilometer is the centerpiece on most of the events but it also features a 3-K kiddie run, a 5-K fun run, and a 10-K category, all of which were open to novice, amateur jogging enthusiasts and adventurous travellers.

MAJOR FUN RUNS IN MANILA:

A. Milo Manila Marathon -
The 1st, longest(since 1969) and the biggest marathon event in the Philippines. Elimination dates are conducted on 30 cities/provinces all over the Philipines and the FINALS is staged in Manila on Oct to Dec. This is event is where most national running athletes are discovered.

B. International Philippine Marathon for Pasig River
On the last Sunday of February, the country's National Capital Region holds its only internationally-sanctioned marathon. This Marathon is run in coordination with the Clean & Green Foundation of the Philippines. Its aim is to promote the rehabilitation of the Philippines' most historic and important waterway, the Pasig River.

C. ADIDAS KING OF THE ROAD
Winner of the event will compete for the Asian King Of the Road Challenge.

Equipment: For you to run.

1. You need to register first in advance(I suggest a 1 month to 1week in advance).
Registration fees usually cost between 150 to 300 pesos. Upon advance registration a Race kit will be handed to you which includes the number tag, sweat "FINISHER" shirt and the certificate of finish(usually to be given after the race).

Contact these Organizers:

A. Manila Marathon/ Avia Fun Runs / Yakult Miler Challenge :
Organizer Name: RACE
Address: Vasquez Madrigal Plaza Bldg
51 Annapolis St. Greenhills, San Juan Manila
Contact Number: (632) 7279987
Website: http://www.milo.com.ph/marathon

B. International Philippine Marathon for the Pasig River:
Organizer Name: Pasig River Rehabilitation Commission
Address: Orchidarium, Teodoro Valencia Circle Rizal Park, Manila
Contact Number: (632) 5276376 to 79

On the Race Day you need to bring the ff:

1. Comfortable Running Shoes
2. Sweat shirts or running clothes(cotton will do)
3. Towel
3. Visors, Shades, iPod, cameras (optional)
4. Drinking stations (avail on the race for FREE!)

This is where I first tried swinging a golf club and I enjoyed it. In fact, not long after I bought my own set of clubs and continued my lessons for some time.

Especially on weekends and at night, South Point Driving Range is full. So it would be best to call before proceeding.

The friendly staff and the well-maintained facilities, plus the quite secluded location, draw the golfers and would-be golfers here. The pros are highly-qualified and very supportive. You'll know instantly that they are there mainly for the love of the game.

Equipment: Your golf clubs, of course :)

Playing basketball in the street with the locals is a great way to get to know people.

Equipment: shorts, extra t-shirt because i guarantee the one you wear while playing will be soaking wet by the time you're done, and a basketball (if there isn't already one).