An example of adaptive reuse in a city where historic preservation has not always been priority, the Blackbird restaurant is housed in the former Neilson Tower, which was one of Asia’s first international commercial airports. The only pre-World War II structure in Makati, this Art Deco gem has been beautifully converted into an aviation-themed restaurant by chef Colin Mackay, a Scottish expat chef with three other top Manila restaurants under his belt. Photo 8 of 9 in Places to Visit in Manila by Jennifer Baum Lagdameo

Places to Visit in Manila

8 of 9

An example of adaptive reuse in a city where historic preservation has not always been priority, the Blackbird restaurant is housed in the former Neilson Tower, which was one of Asia’s first international commercial airports. The only pre-World War II structure in Makati, this Art Deco gem has been beautifully converted into an aviation-themed restaurant by chef Colin Mackay, a Scottish expat chef with three other top Manila restaurants under his belt.