Manila/Southeast

The districts of Paco, Pandacan, San Andres Bukid, and Santa Ana form a vast working-class area on the southeast of Manila. Though they have become homes for the lower class, the districts maintain their history and culture. Paco houses some pieces of historical heritage, like the Paco Park, Paco Train Station, and Plaza Dilao. Santa Ana contains numerous architectural heritage and some archaeological finds, and the only district saved from World War II bombings. Pandacan is rather a district for the lowest classes, and some homeless people living beside the railway tracks, but is noted as the home of some historical figures like Apolinario Mabini and Francisco Baltazar. San Andres Bukid, once rice paddy, is now a large residential area for poorer residents, also jostling for position with Tondo as the largest slums.

Get in

Paco is accessible through public transportation such as jeepneys and railways as well as taxis. Jeepneys bound for Sta. Ana, Manila and Guadalupe, Makati which pass through Pedro Gil Street pass through Paco. The Philippine National Railways also passes through Paco at its Paco Station.

Get around

You can get around Paco by riding public utility jeepneys, tricycles or taxis or by walking.

See

• 1 Paco Park (Paco Cemetery). 7AM to 5PM. Built by the Dominican priests in 1820, this cemetery is where Jose Rizal was buried after his execution in Luneta (also known as Rizal Park) in December 30, 1896. In August 17, 1912, Rizal's remains were exhumed and laid beneath his monument at Rizal Park. A marker can be seen in the location where the remains of Rizal used to be interred. Paco Park is being used as a venue for weddings, photoshoots and musical concerts due to its romantic ambiance. The park is under the management of the National Parks Development Committee while the church located at the center of the park, which is dedicated to St. Pancratius, is under the jurisdiction of the parish of San Vicente de Paul located in Ermita, Manila. (updated Jul 2015)
• 2 Plaza Dilao, Quirino Avenue. During the Spanish colonial era, Plaza Dilao became one of the Japanese settlements in Manila. In 1915, Dilao became a transport center with the operation of the Paco Railway Station. During World War II, intense battle were fought in the area between the Japanese and joint Filipino and American forces. A statue of Justo Ukon Takayama can be seen in this plaza. (updated Jul 2015)

Eat

• Jollibee, 1246 Pedro Gil St, ☏ +63 2 8563 2588. 6:30AM to 10PM. A fastfood establishment which serves hamburgers, hotdogs, fries, spaghetti, fried chicken, palabok, among others. (updated Jul 2015)
• McDonald's, 1548 Paz St. It serves hamburgers, fries, fried chicken, spaghetti, pies, among others. (updated Jul 2015)
• Dunkin' Donuts, Paz corner Pedro Gil Street, ☏ +63 2 5624878. 5:30AM to 10PM. Dunkin' Donuts serves donuts and other baked goodies. (updated Jul 2015)
• Old Swiss Inn, G/F Garden Plaza Hotel & Suites, 1030 Belen St, ☏ +63 2 5213002, oldswissinn@yahoo.com. 6AM-2PM, 6-10PM. Located right beside Paco Park, this restaurant serves Swiss and European cuisines such as soups, salads, grilled food, pastas and sandwiches, among others. Signature dishes start at ₱385 per single serve. (updated Aug 2015)
• Yvan Navy, Pedro Gil Corner Onyx Street, ☏ +63 2 503 7207. 2PM to 2AM. This fast food establishment is known for its very affordable quarter pounder burgers. Minimum price of hamburger (quarter pounder): ₱50. (updated Aug 2015)

Sleep

• The Garden Plaza Hotel and Suites, 1030 Belen Street, ☏ +63 920 960 8613. air-conditioned rooms equipped with cable television, mini-bar and room service. Some of its facilities and services are business center, outdoor swimming pool, sauna and fitness center. From US$47. 
• 1 The Oasis Paco Park, 1032-34 Belen Street, ☏ +63 2 8521 2371. Check-in: 2PM, check-out: noon. The Oasis Paco Park offers rooms equipped with cable television, mini bar, internet connections, room service (available 7am to midnight), NDD/IDD telephone, air conditioning, hot and cold showers. Some of its facilities and services are large outdoor swimming pool, restaurant, business center, travel center, luggage service, 24-hour massage service, car and driver rental. Rates start at ₱1700.00. 
• 2 Heroes Hotel, 1260 Florentino Torres, San Andres Bukid. Hostel that offers free welcome drinks and breakfast. Has a restaurant and rooftop bar for entertainment, and also a massage service. ₱2503 for a regular room. (updated Dec 2020)