Unit 2216 Torre de Manila

Traffic and noise come with this busy part of the city, but Torre de Manila still makes for convenient, comfortable city living. Along Taft Avenue, it’s close to schools, hospitals, and public transport, which works well for students and professionals. The residential units are spacious, with a pool, gym, function rooms, and strong security. The building is clean and well cared for.

This is an average place to live or work. The staff are usually helpful, though service can be inconsistent, and traffic and parking are difficult. Torre de Manila is a modern high-rise on Taft Avenue with residential and commercial units and basic amenities. Its location is convenient, but the building is also known as a controversial “photobomber” behind the Rizal Monument at Luneta, which can affect how the historic site looks to locals and tourists.

I stayed for two days in April in a great unit facing kuya Rizal's park. The interior was magnificent, the shared spaces were very nice, and the bed was pet friendly. The host was very approachable, even though he was in Europe.

Manila can be a very rough area, but this is a big, safe place to live. I know tall buildings get a lot of hate, though so far this one feels like a diamond in the rough.