The Lobby at The Peninsula Manila: Home of the Award-winning Halo-Halo Harana
The Peninsula Manila, known to many as the Manila PEN, is the oldest hotel in Makati City and one of the most timeless hotels in Metro Manila, catering to many travelers and guests for more than 40 years.
IMAGE from The Peninsula Manila
It has been a favorite by many since 1976 both for its luxurious accommodations as well as its esteemed restaurant that serves classic Filipino dishes, afternoon tea sets, and even the award-winning Halo-Halo Harana. This is The Lobby, a popular meeting spot for the Philippine society!
The Lobby / IMAGE from The Peninsula Manila
The Lobby, situated at the center of The Peninsula Manila, has always been the favorite meeting place of the country’s movers and shakers. It is known for one of the tallest sun-lit atrium in the city that soars four-storeys high with not a pillar in sight.
However, look up the ceiling and what is perhaps the focal point of interest at The Lobby is the glorious 12-meter “Sunburst” created by Philippine National Artist for Sculpture Napoleon Abueva. It is set against Hong Kong-based Artist Paola Dindo’s sky-colored silver leaf-lined dome!
The Lobby / IMAGE from The Peninsula Manila
In truth, there are a lot to take in at the marvelous dining destination that is The Lobby, but aside from its majestic decor, its culinary offerings can also take you on a delightful adventure to the rich flavors of Filipino cuisine.
For a filling brunch or a hearty merienda, try their classic Pancit Luglug, one of the crowd favorites at The Lobby.
Pancit Luglug / IMAGE from The Peninsula Manila
Better yet, you can share a lovely bowl of Kare-Kare with your loved ones, best partnered with rice to complete your delicious Filipino feast.
Kare-Kare / IMAGE from The Peninsula Manila
But don’t leave just yet until you’ve tried The Lobby’s award-winning Halo-Halo Harana, a cooling tropical dessert made with shaved ice and tropical fruits topped with a scoop of purple yam ice cream!
Halo-Halo Harana / IMAGE from The Peninsula Manila
This Halo-Halo has everything you would love in the classic Filipino dessert. It has leche flan (egg yolk custard), garbanzo (chickpeas), sweetened kidney beans, colored gelatin, red, green and white kaong (sugar palm), nata de coco (coconut gel), ube (purple yam) preserve, sago in syrup, langka (jackfruit) and makapuno (a rare variety of creamy coconut).
This magical concoction is then topped with a scoop of lovely ube (purple yam) ice cream and sprinkled with toasted pinipig (toasted rice crisps), all served in a splendidly oversized balloon glass.
Halo-Halo Harana / IMAGE from The Peninsula Manila
About an inch of evaporated milk is poured into the glass, plus some sugar and, Voila! You have the ultimate Philippine refreshment! Legend has it that The Peninsula Manila serves a total of 7,300 in a year, a proof of their guests’ love for this all-time favorite Filipino dessert.
Need we say more? Head on to The Lobby at The Peninsula Manila and experience the luxurious sights and rich taste of the Filipino heritage!
