“Pica-pica” pertains to a variety of small portions of food such as finger foods, whether in the form of snacks or appetizers. In comparative terms, it’s the Filipino’s version of Spanish tapas. Offering pica-pica at affordable prices, The Sunset Lounge of Pan Pacific Hotel in Manila is a worthy place to be discovered and visited. Located at the seventh floor of the hotel,Β  the al fresco venue gives you a chance to take a cozy and silent retreat while watching the famous Manila Bay Sunset. πŸ˜›

The Sunset Lounge is open daily (weather permitting) from 5:30PM to 9:00PM. It is also available for private events and has a maximum capacity of 60 persons. Together with blogger friends, I was invited to experience dining here yesterday.

Review of The Sunset Lounge (Pan Pacific Hotel, Malate, Manila)

Ambiance: β˜…β˜…β˜…β˜…β˜…

There’s an abundance of good restaurants in Manila where you can enjoy a meal, but only a limited few provide a spectacular view of Manila Bay’s sunset. Almost like a hidden treasure, The Sunset Lounge in Pan Pacific Hotel is one of them.

With comfy couches and beds where guests can lie down, it’s an ideal place to unwind, relax, and lounge. Its romantic and laid-back atmosphere makes it perfect for a weeknight date, a quiet dinner with a friend, or an awesome deal on the weekends. The space may not look very large but it can accommodate 60 people for private events.

The swimming pool area is only one floor down, while the gym just sits at the back of the dining area. Non-hotel guests can drop by and spend the day to use the pool and gym for only PhP 250 and dine in at The Sunset Lounge in between.

At around 6:30PM, weΒ witnessed the sunset and its blaze of colors. It wasn’t long when darkness enveloped the sky and the colorful lights were lit. It was an absolutely lovely sight!

Service: β˜…β˜…β˜…β˜…β˜…

One of the things I could rave most about in The Sunset Lounge is the great customer service. The staffs wereΒ super attentive to our needs and it was evident that they take pride in making the diners feel at home. There’s no rush and we lived in the moment, as they knew what we would need before we even asked.

Food: β˜…β˜…β˜…β˜…β˜†

The Pacific Chicken Nachos (PhP 350) came as a mandatory appetizer to whet one’s appetite. Notable were the crunch of the tortilla chips with sliced chicken and the spiciness brought by the jalapenos. The salsa, cheese, and condiments harmoniously balanced out the heat and innocently packed a punch of flavors.

Immersed with edam cheese, mozzarella, and corn kernels, the Baby Back Pianizza (PhP 480) was one of the most unique pizza flavors I’ve ever tried. It was topped with smoked baby back ribs that seemed to be marinated sufficiently, making the pizza true to the flavor of its name.

If you want plain old comfort food, then Buffalo Wings and Chicken Drumlets (PhP 350) can serve you well. These are fond reminders of finger food we used to have in our childhood days. Though I would have preferred a boneless breaded chicken fillet, the deliciousness was easily justified and was enough to satisfy any craving.

Filled with sauteed garden vegetables wrapped in rice paper and deep-fried to crispiness, the Crispy Spring Rolls (PhP 350) can be a safe bet for vegetarians. Forming a velvety sheen, the shell was good and tender. Eat the spring rolls right once they’re served or they won’t be as satisfyingly crispy. Sweet chili dipping sauce provided was okay, but I thought vinegar will yield a much better fit.

The Reuben Quesadillas (PhP 350) for me were quite bland-tasting but the simplicity pleased the palate rather than overwhelm. The lightly toasted tortilla were made with green lettuce, sour cream, and melted cheese.

A taco’s filling is infinitely variable. If you want to pick something hearty and interesting, you may want to go with The Sunset Lounge’s Pork Sisig Tacos (PhP 350). Fill the taco shells a fun play of pork mask, lettuce, tomatoes, onion, cheese and red sauce. The result is not only rich but a spicy-sweet-tangy powerhouse combo.

Note: The dishes we had were served buffet-style and the photos do not reflect the true portion per order. View The Sunset Lounge’s short but sweet menu. Each entree is good for sharing by two or three people.

Price for Value: β˜…β˜…β˜…β˜…β˜†

I like it most when staffs of establishments make me feel special the moment I walk in. The first-class service and intimate environment in this hotelΒ contribute to a high-quality experience. These plus their menu of classic pica-pica dishes with a twist of Filipino flavor make The Sunset Lounge’s prices worth the value. My positive thoughts on this restaurants won’t die down for days! I can’t wait to be back to Pan Pacific Manila, maybe for a staycation next time. πŸ™‚

bloggers with Mr. Ernie Bigay

Pan Pacific Hotel, Gen. Malvar Street, Malate, Manila, Metro Manila, Philippines
For inquiries or reservations, call (02) 318-0788 or e-mail enquiry.ppmnl@panpacific.com
Date Published: 04/10/2015
18 / 20 stars

About 

Health and technology freak. Food and lifestyle blogger with a large appetite for food and travel.

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74 Responses

  1. Ronda

    Oh my goodness, what a wonderful place!! My mouth is watering looking at all that delicious food, looks absolutely amazing! I love the look of the property, very zen! Definitely a place to visit for sure!

    Reply
    • Rochkirstin Santos

      The food, wine, and service here are all outstanding, but it is the romantic and awe-inspiring atmosphere that makes dinner at The Sunset Lounge such an incredible experience. Yup, you must visit soon! πŸ™‚

      Reply
  2. Sage

    Wow! The food looks scrumptious, and the pool looks so inviting, great view too πŸ™‚

    Manila isn’t in my travel plans, but if it should be in the future, I’ll keep Pan Pacific Hotel in mind… great service is not so easy to find anymore.

    Reply
    • Rochkirstin Santos

      This is a good hotel for your consideration. It is located in the heart of Manila and you can go to the famous tourist places like Intramuros, Rizal Park, and the malls very conveniently.

      Reply
  3. Susan Quackenbush

    As a full time blogger and grandmother, I rarely get a chance to go on vacation. I’ve spent my entire life living in the United States but seeing such a beautiful Hotel is inspiring me to want to travel! Thank you for sharing this beautiful experience with us!

    Reply
    • Rochkirstin Santos

      You’re welcome. This is one of those posts which will also serve as a good reminder for me to travel more and collect more experience from various locations. πŸ™‚

      Reply
  4. Nancy

    Is the weather in Manila always beautiful, and lucious with their vibrant green plants? I swear every photo you’ve taken it looks like an amazing spot to go see simply for the weather. I love how the lounge is such a chill looking place to hang out with their hot pink pillows all along the couches. Fun!

    Reply
    • Rochkirstin Santos

      Half of the year, yes. It’s the summer season so temperature is so hot. However, come night time, the wind breeze is much cooler and we can enjoy the moment in a cozy spot like this. πŸ™‚

      Reply
  5. itsberyllicious

    it has been ages since I last visited Pan Pacific Hotel in Malate.. the food looks mouthwatering especially the baby back pianizza and buffalo wings! πŸ™‚

    Reply
  6. Pal Raine

    I love to eat food that is serve like this, a cowboy style dining wherein you are free what to do, and it is too homely and comfortable to relax and eat with your family and friends. And I love the catchy modern-day design of their dining area.

    Reply
    • Rochkirstin Santos

      An extra bonus is when you find that you’re the first to arrive. It will feel like you are owning the entire space yourself with your family and friends as company. πŸ™‚ I like the design, too!

      Reply
  7. Tammilee Tips

    Oh my goodness this looks like an amazing place!! I love how it’s all our doors and is so clean and crisp. The food looks amazing and delicious as well, would be a great place to relax with girlfriends.

    Reply
    • Rochkirstin Santos

      Yup, The Sunset Lounge is a great place to spend bonding time and catching up with your girl friends. Reservations are recommended year round, and are an absolute necessity for sunset dining the tourist season.

      Reply
  8. papaleng

    Sounds appetizing those ‘pica-pica’. Dyan ako magaling, ang all eat you can sa finger foods. The Baby Back Pianizza is something I would love to feast on. BTW, nice review.

    Reply
    • Rochkirstin Santos

      Thanks, Papa Leng. πŸ™‚ Hope you can visit The Sunset Lounge with your family if ever you plan to drop by in Manila. This is one of the most romantic restaurants you will find in the center of the city, with tables perched on the 7th floor of the hotel breathtaking views of the sunset.

      Reply
  9. Fred

    That P250 for the pool actually sounds very tempting to try this summer. And yes, the ambiance of that alfresco dining area is 5 star.

    Reply
  10. Kerri

    The food looks amazing. I bet those nachos were delicious. The Sunset Lounge looks like a place that I would love to be to see the sunset. It looks like it is a great atmosphere for a fun night.

    Reply
  11. mindy

    Wow, i absolutely loveee the place! It looks so cozy but also very cool and yes, Instagram-worthy hehehehe *important these days, no?* I imagine it’d be pretty great to meet up with friends and hang out while chit chatting *when you’re not too busy munching, with all the delicious looking finger foods!*

    Reply
    • Rochkirstin Santos

      Oh yes, and don’t forget to order some booze and party the night away. I appreciate the ambiance both at daytime and nighttime. When you’re in a place like this, it would be regretful if you don’t bring your smartphone camera or any camera for IG-worthy shots indeed. πŸ™‚

      Reply
  12. Franc Ramon

    The sunset view is priceless plus they have great food offerings. It’s a perfect place for that romantic meal with that special someone while appreciating the beauty of the sunset.

    Reply
  13. Anne V

    Oh my, the place looks great but I’m really into the food more. Fixated on those Pork Sisig Tacos and Baby Back Pianizza. Going to have to tell my husband about this! Thanks for sharing this!

    Reply
    • Rochkirstin Santos

      You’re welcome, Anne! I hope that your husband will love the idea of you having a date here. The menu is pretty simple and straightforward so you won’t have much dilemma on which items to go for. πŸ™‚

      Reply
  14. Raquel

    Haven’t heard of that hotel yet but it’s worth on checking. Let’s see when I go back home. Definitely my girls would enjoy the swimming pool. Those foods looks delicious and affordable as well. Thanks for the review.

    Reply
    • Rochkirstin Santos

      You’re welcome, Raquel! It’s nice to bond together with your girls while swimming in the pool. That area is really relaxing. I will plan to also have a family day here next time. πŸ™‚

      Reply
  15. Jonas Labagala

    The place is.. Wonderful! I would feel like I’m at home away from home if I’ll visit this place and oh, the nachos and tacos are enough to satisfy my tummy. Yum! πŸ˜€

    Reply
    • Rochkirstin Santos

      If you were in Manila, this would be the lounge where you would be happy to meet friends for a plate of tacos or quesadillas and feel presentable without worrying about the cost.

      Reply
  16. Karen

    The pool and gym entrance for non-hotel guests is very affordable for P250. I think I know where to bring some friends.

    Reply
  17. Paula Schuck

    Oh my! What a delicious looking menu and I would love to try everything in your photos. The Reuben Quesadillas look soooooo good and I would love to eat some right now. Looks like a fantastic place to eat.

    Reply
    • Rochkirstin Santos

      Yup, catch the perfect atmosphere this time of the year. πŸ™‚ I’m not sure how they will manage when the rainy season comes since the dining area is outdoors.

      Reply
  18. Pooja Kawatra

    All the food photos are looking so inviting and absolutely yummy. Feel like eating all of them and bet you have clicked them wonderfully.

    Reply
    • Rochkirstin Santos

      Thanks, Pooja! πŸ™‚ This place is especially lovely at night, with colorful white lights displayed. I would suggest the management to turn on some good music though for a more cheerful vibe that can further block out the sound of traffic in Manila.

      Reply
  19. MAMTA BALANI

    In this vacation my daughter want to go some amazing place. I was confused where to go…..but now I finalized where I m going….thanks

    Reply
  20. selly

    OMG< your picture are very beautiful. I'm starving right away when I look at your picture. such a great expereince in that hotel, it is very good. I hope I can go there too someday.

    Reply
    • Rochkirstin Santos

      Thanks, Selly! The dishes here are not really complex and you will find that they are just typical comfort food which are nicely presented. Don’t be afraid to try out those dishes whose names are not familiar though. They’re all good. πŸ™‚

      Reply
  21. Lauren Harmon

    WOW! That looks like a stunning venue and I’m absolutely LOVING the decor and the views! The food also looks like it’s amazing and I’m really wishing I could take a bite! Thanks so much for sharing your thoughts, I hope I get the chance to check this place out for myself one day!

    Reply
  22. eliz frank

    It is a beautiful setting and the food looks good too. I enjoyed reading your point of view on the place.

    Reply
  23. Cara (@StylishGeek)

    I am loving the outdoor lounge and vibe of the Sunset Lounge of Pan Pacific Hotel! And the food spread looks divine! It definitely warrants a visit the next time I visit Manila! Thanks for sharing!

    Reply
  24. phyliciamarie

    I actually visit Pan Pacific often for gym and the pool, but I’ve never tried eating at the Sunset Lounge. I would love to try the sisig tacos though out of curiosity.

    Reply
    • Rochkirstin Santos

      Oh yes, I think it serves as a good fitness center that charges reasonably. In fact, when you only have one day a week allocated to go to the gym/swim in the pool, you will only spend PhP 1000 for a month. This is relatively cheaper than what I am paying monthly for my Fitness First membership (PhP 3000/month).

      Reply
  25. Amanda @ Adorkablii

    WOW, this place is beautiful and the food looks amazing! I really love how everything is laid out and the contrasting pink pillows work very well! The food truly looks amazing and I would love to try some! Making me hungry! hehe

    Reply
  26. Louise

    Love the sunset view! I’m such a sucker for sunset views and I would definitely check this hotel out. It just made me quite sad to know that the servings wouldn’t be the same as the one shown in your photos. Hehe.

    Reply

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