It's strictly ballroom at the Manila Hotel

On one night every month starting Sept. 13, the Manila Hotel's famed Maynila Ballroom will open its doors to dance lovers, professional and amateur, for a night of twirling, dipping and gliding under starry lights.

Last week, the ballroom hosted some 200 guests in a black and white soiree to launch Dancing at the Maynila, the monthly ballroom dancing event that will be open to hotel patrons and everyone who loves to dance. From cascading down a flight of marbled stairs to being ushered by the courteous and solicitous staff to seat you in luxurious comfort, the experience is lavish.

For decades, the ballroom has hosted some of the hotel’s grandest events. And now, it brings back an old-fashioned glamour that sets the stage for the art that is ballroom, with its huge capiz chandelier, hand-carved narra arches, colorful Tiffany windows, indoor fountains, hand-painted ceiling and multi-level seating—the only ballroom with this feature in the country.

"There is no better place to reacquaint yourself with ballroom dancing than on [the Maynila Ballroom] floor,” said former senator and ex-Laguna governor Joey Lina, who is now Manila Hotel president, in his speech at the launch night.

He emphasized his words later by taking to the dance floor himself.