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Manila After Dark
Philippines
Behind every edifice in Manila are tales as old as its heritage. Some champion Filipino heroism, while other stories will send chills down your spine. When night falls, some avenues and empty establishments unveil haunting mysteries that only a few can see. November is usually perfect for bone-chilling stories and flicks, so why not go for a hair-raising adventure, too? Here are spots around the metro for brave hearts!
The first (and probably the last) Manila International Film Festival was held here at Manila Film Center. Due to a series of controversies and an accident that claimed the lives of more than 160 workers, Manila Film Center was abandoned. Rumors say the 160 poor spirits still roam its halls.
Manila Film Center, Pasay, Metro Manila, Philippines
There are countless versions of the modern Filipino myth of Balete Drive's past, but they all tell of the White Lady. Some drivers claim a lady in a long white dress frequents the road in the wee hours of the night, appearing in their back seat, so check your mirror from time to time when passing Balete Drive.
Balete Dr, Quezon City, Metro Manila, Philippines
Recognized as the country's oldest university, the University of Santo Tomas (UST) isn't only home to striving students but also century-old bewildering tales. There are alleged ghost encounters in the Benavides Park, College of Nursing, the main building, and many more. One of the scariest stories tells of a child who gets furious whenever the piano of the Conservatory of Music gets moved.
- +6324061611
España Blvd, Sampaloc, Manila, 1008 Metro Manila, Philippines
Fort Santiago witnessed real horrors during the Philippine Revolution and World War II. Before rising as one of Manila's prime destinations, the chambers of Fort Santiago served as a cell for prisoners and their misery. Ghost hunters might hear the echoing screams of prisoners in the dungeons.
Santa Clara, Intramuros, Manila, 1002 Metro Manila, Philippines
Established in 1941, the Manila City Hall has its fair share of spooky tales. Rumor has it that loud cries and footsteps can be heard on the corridors when the clock strikes 6 PM. Manila City Hall looks like a casket with a cross from an aerial view. Is it just a simple coincidence? No one really knows.
- +63 2 8527 0972
Padre Burgos Ave, Ermita, Manila, 1000 Metro Manila, Philippines
In 1931, Manila Metropolitan Theater (MET) was the heart of numerous on-stage shows like zarzuelas and operas. It's been years since MET held extravagant shows, but some people claim they still hear noises inside. Perhaps, the show must still go on? The whole theater is set to open its doors again in 2021, and maybe no more "uninvited visitors" this time.
Manila Metropolitan Theater, Padre Burgos Ave, Ermita, Manila, 1000 Metro Manila, Philippines
It may seem pristine and all, but there's more to Mehan Garden than meets the eye. Some reports say this botanical garden has seen thousands and thousands of people who lost their lives in a massacre in 1603. People are always welcome to put their feet up here, but keep an eye out for ghostly beings lurking around.
Taft Ave, Ermita, Manila, 1000 Metro Manila, Philippines
San Agustin Church is home to the remains of hundreds of friars and renowned artist, Juan Luna. This puts the country's oldest Baroque stone church on the map where ghosts are rumored to be seen. Imagine encountering the ghost of Juan Luna on your visit here, quite scary and fascinating.
- +6325247141
General Luna Street, Manila City, Metro Manila, Philippines
While school is the sanctuary for education, there are also bone-chilling stories that usually pop up in late-night discussions. A ghost reportedly haunts one of Miriam College's female bathrooms. It’s understood the ghost is known to give students a tap on their shoulder or head. An old story says the all-girls school was a former hospital and basecamp during World War II.
- +63 2 8930 6272
Katipunan Avenue, Loyola Heights, Quezon City, 1108 Metro Manila, Philippines
Many might be surprised to know that Malacañang Palace on Jose Laurel Street underwent paranormal cleansing not once, but twice. The corridors and walls of this 270-year-old palace may look unsuspecting, but there are rumored glimpses of eerie beings here like a kapre (a tree giant) and alleged instances where the swivel chairs move on their own!
Jose Laurel St, Manila, Metro Manila, Philippines
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