Manila is my favorite city in the world. Sure, it's dirty and old but that's exactly what attracts me to it. I now reside in a relatively "cleaner" city in the metro but I'm not afraid to say that I terribly miss Manila. I lived in Manila for more than 5 years but it feels like there's still so much more to see and explore. That's how fascinating it is to me.
To experience what Manila really is, at least for me, you would have to walk around the dirty streets and pass by a couple of street children having fun in the foul-smelling canal. You would have to endure the heavy traffic almost everywhere and you would have to be aware of thieves and snatchers. That is not to say Manila doesn't have chic and modern places. There are a lot, actually. But what makes it really special is that there will always be things that would remind you of its glorious history.
To experience what Manila really is, at least for me, you would have to walk around the dirty streets and pass by a couple of street children having fun in the foul-smelling canal. You would have to endure the heavy traffic almost everywhere and you would have to be aware of thieves and snatchers. That is not to say Manila doesn't have chic and modern places. There are a lot, actually. But what makes it really special is that there will always be things that would remind you of its glorious history.
When I was still living in Manila and when people asked me where I lived, I would always say, "sa Malacañang." People would gasp in disbelief but it's true! I really lived inside the Malacañang complex, just a few meters away from the president's house :) I loved my old address for the sole fact that it is literally at the center of everything - political, commercial, business and academic institutions. I think it should be compulsory for every Filipino to visit Manila - truly a melting pot of cultures.
QUIAPO
A lot of people would probably think of the bargains and thrift shops or the pirated DVDs when asked about Quiapo. It is a mini-Divisoria, after all. But it is a place where everything and everyone meets - the Chinese and the Muslim businessmen, the devotees of Roman Catholicism and Islam, the rich and the poor both haggling for good finds, the politicians and the taong bayan.
The Quiapo Church is usually the starting point of someone who wants to explore the area. From there, you can check out the shopping stalls in Carriedo and Hidalgo streets, the Plaza Miranda, the Lacson underpass, the Mosque, the Ayala Bridge, and the awesome street food.
The Quiapo Church is usually the starting point of someone who wants to explore the area. From there, you can check out the shopping stalls in Carriedo and Hidalgo streets, the Plaza Miranda, the Lacson underpass, the Mosque, the Ayala Bridge, and the awesome street food.
Bargain hunting? Quiapo is surely the best place to be. From DVDs to cheap shoes to thrift clothes to handicrafts to cameras and gadgets, Quiapo has it all.
LUNETA PARK
Luneta Park is always in the places-to-visit-in-Manila list of schools and travel agencies. ;-) Now I'm going to start the photo dumping session - Luneta ain't that photogenic but you need to visit the place because it's quite magical, uhm, can't really find the perfect word for it. You just really need to be there! =)
ROXAS BOULEVARD
A lot of people always say sunset is best viewed in Manila Bay, along Roxas Boulevard. Sans the foul smell and garbage, sunset there is beyond amazing! The scenery is hypnotizing - the big ships, the small boats, the clouds, the colors. Unfortunately, the sea wall in Roxas Boulevard was destroyed by the strong waves during typhoon Pedring last September 2011. I am not sure if it has already been reconstructed, though.
INTRAMUROS
Sometimes it makes me wonder why people from NCR tend to go to Vigan to visit the old houses while Intramuros is just a few jeepney rides away. It is the place to visit if you're looking for old houses, churches and museums. Can you imagine walking in the same streets that the friars, commoners, and heroes from centuries ago walked in? Walking around the area is like traveling back in time! Besides the ghost-laden houses (hihi), Intramuros has a lot to offer for the food lovers out there. Restaurants I've tried are Barbara's Restaurant and Ilustrado Restaurant. A little bit pricey for regular Juana's like me but the food is totally worth your moolah.
MALATE
Lots of clubs and restaurants can be found in Malate. One of the best restaurants I've been to is Cafe Adriatico. And I love the interiors! It's old and rusty and would probably blend well in Intramuros.
While writing this blog I realized that one of the reasons why I love Manila is probably because I'm an old soul. I enjoy looking at ruins and centuries-old structures and I love the smell of aged wood in restaurants. Am I the only one?
In all honesty it's quite difficult to cover all the amazing places in Manila in just one blog post. There's always Divisoria, Binondo, España, Mendiola, Escolta and Avenida avenues. The places I discussed are just my favorite ones. I'll probably post about the other places some time in the near future.
If you're the type who likes arranged tours, you can try Carlos Celdran's Walk This Way Tour.
And to end this post, here's my jump shot for Manila. :)
In all honesty it's quite difficult to cover all the amazing places in Manila in just one blog post. There's always Divisoria, Binondo, España, Mendiola, Escolta and Avenida avenues. The places I discussed are just my favorite ones. I'll probably post about the other places some time in the near future.
If you're the type who likes arranged tours, you can try Carlos Celdran's Walk This Way Tour.
And to end this post, here's my jump shot for Manila. :)