Roxas Boulevard in Manila - Philippines

Traditional tourism promoting Manila and the Philippines is sometimes centered on Roxas Boulevard. It is a long stretch of modern national road in Manila beginning at the US Embassy, passing the Manila Boardwalk area, up to Bacoor, Cavite to the south.

It was formerly Dewey Boulevard in the 50s and 60s named after the American Commodore George Dewey who figured prominently in the Battle of Manila in the late 1800s when Spanish occupation of Manila was about to end. The national road in Manila that ran parallel to the coast of Manila Bay was thus named. At that time, of course, the term Manila Boardwalk was not yet popular, though Dewey Boulevard already was a famous promenade.

When President Manuel Roxas died, this national road in Manila was later re-named into Roxas Boulevard in honor of the late president. Thus, the name Roxas Boulevard. And with this came the noted boom of progress and tourism in the vicinity of the national road in Manila, especially the improvements done along the spacious sidewalk along the Bay that was to be later named Manila Boardwalk.

Roxas Boulevard is lined up with important offices and posh tourist hotels. Aside from the US Embassy and the Childrens Museum right beside it, other offices along this national road in Manila are the Central Bank, US Veteran Affairs, The Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) Complex, the Philippine Navy, Philippine World Trade Center, Manila Yacht Club, and of course, the Manila Boardwalk area, among others.

The Manila Boardwalk area is fast becoming a favorite place in Roxas Boulevard not only among joggers and health buffs but also individuals and families who want to experience the Bay and its sea breeze and quiet sunsets.

City planners call this national road in Manila Radial One and is considered among the strategic and vital traffic arteries in Manila connecting it with Makati and other cities. Thus, it is easy to visit Roxas Boulevard and enjoy its features, especially the Manila Boardwalk. Simply ask the cab driver to go to Roxas from any point of Metro Manila. A cab ride from EDSA in Makati or the international airport in Pasay would cost some P200.

There are no public jeeps or buses allowed on Roxas Boulevard main so either take a car or a cab going there. To walk leisurely along the Manila Boardwalk, it is suggested to take a pocket money from P250 to P500 for snacks or meals and a ride home. But more than merely having a bite or dinner there, witness the sunset at this national road in Manila.