About Manila
Manila, the capital city of the Philippines, bears a uniquely fused spirit that is both Asian and Spanish. Colonized by Spain in 1571, it was known as ‘The Pearl of the Orient’, the jewel of Spain’s empire in the Pacific.
The country gained its independence after World War II. However, much of the city was destroyed, and it never managed to rebuild itself or reclaim its regional importance and identity. Present-day Metro Manila is a conglomeration of 17 cities and municipalities—a “mega-city” offering a blend of cultures.
It is hard to determine exactly what Manila is. It is an amalgamation of contrasts: extreme wealth and poverty, sidewalk vendors and civilized shopping malls and bustling chaos and peaceful greenery.
The city of Manila houses numerous landmarks, parks and open spaces, museums, shopping centers, as well as abundant nightlife. At the heart of the city lies Intramuros, where forts and dungeons, old churches and colonial houses can be found.
Getting around Manila
Like many Asian cities, Manila faces a great deal of traffic congestion that leaves you in a quagmire during rush hour or rain. Fortunately, transport is fairly cheap, including the taxis.
Local Jeepneys (brightly colored converted Jeeps used as minibuses) are a popular form of transport and can be hailed anywhere. They are cheap, plentiful and best suited to shorter journeys. Local buses are useful to get to places on the main roads as they are prohibited from most streets in the center of town. Like Jeepneys, buses have their destinations indicated on signboards.
The elevated light rail system (LRT) and the Metrostar have helped to alleviate some of the congestion. They are an excellent way to soar past traffic but are normally packed during rush hour.
In sections of Manila you can find Kalesas (horse-drawn carriages) that plod through the traffic, carrying passengers and goods. Tricycles (motorcycles with side cars) and pedicabs (bicycles with side cars) are also for hire, servicing narrow roads and inner-city alleys.
Don’t miss…
Manila is just as alive during the day as it is at night, and you will never run out of things to see and do. Here are some highlights:
Intramuros
Within Intramuros is a fort built by the Spaniards when they colonized Manila. The fort walls were twenty feet high and over a mile in length, protecting several rich mansions, churches, and schools. Unfortunately, the fort was destroyed during World War II, but a strong sense of history still remains.
Much of Intramuros has been rebuilt and proves to be an interesting attraction for visitors. Here you will find the Casa Manila, The Manila Cathedral, and the Rizal Shrine Museum.
Quiapo and Chinatown
Chinatown is the center of the vibrant Chinese community, where the locals venture for a taste of true mainland delicacies. Walk along Ongpin Street where you’ll find dozens of goldsmiths, herbalists, teahouses and shops, incense, trinkets etc. Venture out to the nearby backstreets of Quiapo and visit the Quiapo Church, one of the most famous churches in Manila (also known as the Church of the Black Nazarene). Built in 1582, it has amazingly withstood earthquakes, riots, rebellions and the war. The church houses a statue of Christ that is believed to have miraculous powers, attracting hoards of visitors.
Coconut Palace
Under the Marcos regime, the Coconut Palace was built for Pope John Paul’s visit in 1981. However, he declined to stay, snubbing it as too pretentious and flamboyant. The Coconut Palace is now effectively a museum, which is almost entirely made from palm wood and coconut fiber. Some of the highlights include the 101 coconut shell chandelier and the dining table made of 40,000 tiny pieces of inlaid coconut shells.
Malate
The popular district of Malate showcases a wide variety of hotels, restaurants, clubs, bars, cafes, art and antique shops. The nightlife offers everything from cultural shows to discotheques, cozy jazz bars, entertainment lounges, and fashionable cafes.
The clash of local ingredients with the palates of conquering Spaniards left Filipino food with an unambiguous emphasis on meat. Filipino food is served in almost every restaurant in town. Local dishes include liempo (steamed spare ribs), lechon (spit-fire roasted pork), kare-kare (a stew with peanut sauce and ground toasted rice) and, if you can stomach it, balut (fertilized duck embryo steamed and served in the shell). For something sweeter try halo-halo, a drink of ice, sweet beans, fruit and condensed milk, topped with ice cream.
You can find all types of cuisine in Manila. A few favorites include:
La Cocina de Tita Moning
315 San Rafael St., San Miguel, Manila
Tel: +63 2 734-2146
http://www.lacocinadetitamoning.com/
As you enter the gates of this old mansion, you walk into an actual ancestral home, filled with priceless works of art and memorabilia. You are welcomed with drinks on the patio, before being given a mini-tour of the place. Dishes are served on antique china, glassware and silverware. Select from a choice of old world recipes handed down from generations and served in a classic way, or those with a modern twist. A particular favorite is the paella and bread pudding.
Sala
Podium Level, Locsin Bldg., 6752 Ayala Ave. cor. Makati Ave, Makati
Tel: +63 2 750-1555
A refined and contemporary European bistro, featuring fusion dishes with an emphasis on simple mains seasoned creatively with organic herbs. Offerings include sesame crusted seared tuna with crispy Asian coleslaw, porcini mushroom risotto cake with brie and roast tomato, and beef tenderloin with horseradish mash and red pepper chutney.
Shang Palace
Ayala Avenue at Makati Avenue, Makati City
Tel: +63 2 840 0884
A restaurant that is renowned for its elegant ambience, unique furnishings of wooden latticework, glittering Swarovski chandeliers and intimate fuchsia dining booths. It has often been described as the best Cantonese in Manila. Try out specials such as the chilled sliced pork with spicy garlic sauce, sauteed prawn with orange sauce and sweet spare ribs in a clay pot.
Shopping
The tropical weather in Manila, combined with the facilities of its world-class malls, continue to attract Filipinos to the shopping malls. The biggest mall in the country is the SM Mall of Asia, which sits near Manila Bay. It has a skating rink, science discovery center, IMAX theater and many other attractions. There are also high-end shopping malls such as Shangri-La Plaza, The Podium Ortigas Center, and Glorietta Mall, where you can find designer goods and accessories.
Venturing beyond the shopping malls you can head to the markets, where bargaining will be a major part of your shopping experience. Visitors often return from the markets laden with mirrors, lace, capiz-shell lanterns, and hand-carved trinkets. Every district in the city, with the exception of Port Area, has its own public market. Bargains are easily found in mass market malls such as SM or Market!Market! More adventurous shoppers interested in serious haggling can head for a flea market (known as tiangge), such as Divisoria, 168 Mall or Greenhills. Bear in mind, that you may need a well-trained eye to spot fakes.
Tutuban Center in Divisoria offers more comfort as an air-conditioned mall, but prices of goods are still very similar to those bought outside. In Quiapo, a unique spot is the marketplace under the bridge, which sells original Filipino crafts and delicacies. Also in Quiapo, Hidalgo Street is the place to come for inexpensive camera equipment and accessories.
~BCD Travel is your all inclusive corporate travel management company.
You’ll need to eat at some point during your wanderings, and the omnipresent Imbiss stands will serve you Berlin’s favorite snack, the currywurst, a spicy sausage.
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