“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. π
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. π
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About Rochkirstin Santos-Sioco
Health and technology freak. Food and lifestyle blogger with a large appetite for food and travel.
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!
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! π
Wow! The food looks scrumptious, and the pool looks so inviting, great view too π
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.
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.
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!
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. π
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!
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. π
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! π
Ohh. π The Sunset Lounge has been launched only late last year. I hope you will be able to find time to visit soon.
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.
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. π I like the design, too!
Oh my goodness this looks like an amazing place!! I love how itβs 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.
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.
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.
Thanks, Papa Leng. π 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.
The Baby Back Pianizza looks so dainty and delicious. I think I will want to try that if I’m ever at Manila Pan Pacific! Or is it in other branches of Pan Pacific too?
Ohh that I’m not sure. Maybe you can check Pan Pacific Hotel’s website and look for the menu. π
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.
I was actually surprised when I learned that we can use the pool and the gym for only PhP 250 for the entire day. It’s a great steal. π
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.
The nachos are best eaten once served so you can chew on the crispiness and savor the rich flavor of the toppings. π
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!*
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. π
Awesome view of the lounge. The foods look delish too. Nice place to chill out.
Considering the magnificence of the setting, it is perhaps not surprising that they have private party setup available.
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.
Yeah, it’s good to know that we have a place so great like this in Manila. We don’t have to travel far and spend a big amount of money for a wonderful experience near the comfort of our homes. π
You were also so pretty with your outfit here. I hope to visit the place soon and also try their delicious meals.
Thanks, Franc. π
Great food while watching the sunset. The lounge’s layout looks like Holiday Inn Makati’s poolside area too.
Ohh I haven’t visited Holiday Inn Makati but soon! π
That looks nice there! Hope I’ll have time to visit that hotel one day. π
If you are here in the evening, order your food and watch the sun go down. π
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!
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. π
The pool… Love the place π Nice hotel to stay when in PH Thanks for sharing!
Pan Pacific Hotel categorizes itself as a business hotel, but all sorts of local and foreign tourists are as well welcome. π
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.
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. π
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! π
The chef must have managed to elevate the pica pica items from the usual. π
Your food photos makes me hungry, I am craving for the Pacific Chicken Nachos and Reuben Quesadillas. Yumss
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.
The pool and gym entrance for non-hotel guests is very affordable for P250. I think I know where to bring some friends.
Agree! Amen to that. π
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.
Hi Paula! The only thing that’s lacking here, I think, is dessert. I find that I need something which tastes sweet to end the meal haha.
I’ve never been to the Sunset Lounge. Love the vibrant colors of their throw-pillows.
Yup, I wonder what men think about striking pink throw pillows. π The color looks pretty good to me.
wow! looks like a really good place to try out! the foods look really delicious!!! <3
Yup, catch the perfect atmosphere this time of the year. π I’m not sure how they will manage when the rainy season comes since the dining area is outdoors.
All the food photos are looking so inviting and absolutely yummy. Feel like eating all of them and bet you have clicked them wonderfully.
Thanks, Pooja! π 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.
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
You’re welcome! I hope that your daughter will enjoy the sunset view that elevates the dining experience. π
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.
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. π
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!
You’re welcome, Lauren! This place deserves all the love.
Oh my goodness! It’s so beautiful there! I’ve only heard about the Pan Pacific Hotel in the past but I’ve never been!
It’s very near Robinsons Place Manila so there should be no problem either driving or commuting to this hotel. π
It is a beautiful setting and the food looks good too. I enjoyed reading your point of view on the place.
Thanks, Eliz. Come and visit with your family to enjoy the food and ambiance until the end of night. π
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!
You’re welcome, Cara. Yup, you can contact Pan Pacific Hotel for accommodation rates and book for a reservation. π
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.
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).
Beautiful! I hope one day I will be able to visit this place. By the way, your pictures are amazing!
Thanks, Martine! Hope you enjoy your visit soon. π
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
Yeah, this place is really captivating and one that will make you feel relaxed after a long tiring day of work.
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.
Oh yes, I’m glad you took note of that. Anyway, I hope you would enjoy the view and the food as much as we did. π