Many will say avoid Manila like the plague because of its scams, pollution, poverty, crazy traffic jams, expensive hotels, and smoggy sunsets, but it does have redeeming features amidst its chaotic air to experience an Asian city that explodes with humanity—it's one of the most densely populated cities in the world. Manila, with Iloilo and Cebu, are the oldest cities in the country founded during the Spanish colonial era. Manila's Chinatown is the oldest in the world. The history of Manila dates back to 900 AD, according to documentation, and it was during the 13th Century, it became a fortified town and trading hub near the Pasig River's mouth.
To get to one of the many desirable locations of the Philippines, you will take an international flight into Manila and, for many, fly out as quickly as possible. The Philippines is a patchwork quilt of magical islands surrounded by aquamarine water hiding coral reefs and marine creatures, smoking volcanoes reaching for the sky from thick jungles where underground rivers run through limestone caves and astonishing waterfalls gush, lush jade fields of rice where black-coated buffalo wallow in mud, megacities sprawled with graffiti where jeepneys reign on the roads and the bustle of constantly smiling people—maybe because of the comical startled bug-eyed stare of their indigenous nocturnal primate, the tarsier.
Manila should not be ignored. Bisected by the Pasig River, it's a city for history buffs, foodies into somewhat weird mouthfuls (crickets, chicken feet, and balut) or arty souls, that's increasingly becoming more popular amongst tourists for its artisan markets, edgy bars, live music, stunning galleries, and a thriving coffee scene that will satisfy the most addicted caffeine drinker. Under Manila's crusty muddle, there's a raw, seductive vibe that shows off a unique culture that is jumbled chaos—Filipino, Spanish, Chinese, Arabic, and Western; the city throbs with the constantly evolving lifestyle of its locals.
Amidst Manila's streets of contemporary skyscrapers and Spanish colonial architecture sits the fortified walls of the old city, Fort Santiago, which was the heart of Spanish power. This historic neighborhood from the 16th Century is often called the 'Walled City.' Cobblestoned streets lead you to houses, museums, memorials, and gardens of a long-gone era. Ramble around the historical sites such as San Agustin Church with its beautiful shrines, stroll through Rizal Park sitting next to the old city for a session of people watching, smell the flowers, or take chill-out moments beside exquisite ponds. Check out the gaudy Coconut Palace, an ostentatious building that's a remnant of the Marcos era completed in 1981 to be used by Pope John Paul II for his visit—he declined to stay there. Poke your nose into the Ayala Museum and visit the American Cemetery and Memorial, the largest in the world.
Shopaholics love Manila as it's a national pastime in the city. It has one of the biggest shopping malls in the world, the humongous Mall of Asia. Don't get lost; your credit card may wear the brunt of your bargain-hunting experience while trying to find your way. If you want something of the designer ilk, head to Makati's Ayala Center—a hub for stores, entertainment spaces, parks, museums, and hotels via connecting malls and department stores. Indulge in a traditional 'hilot’ massage at one of the five-star hotels for the ultimate in body pampering and maybe high tea if you are feeling peckish. If the hunger pangs require more sustenance than afternoon tea, head to a hawker store for the national Filipino dish of 'adobe'—slow-cooked chicken or pork marinated in tangy vinegar, soy sauce, peppercorns, and garlic.
Play a game of golf on one of the craziest golf courses you will ever experience—the golf course is built into the ancient city's old moat, and obstacles include a massive shrine, hectic traffic, the old crumbling walls, and the odd pedestrian trying to cross the road. For some heart-pumping thrill, take to the rapids of the Magdapio Falls in a canoe or head out to Taal Lake, which sits in the heart of a volcano.
If you do nothing else but go for a ride in a gaudy jeepney and raucously sing in a karaoke bar, you will have experienced Manila.
Gail Palethorpe, a self proclaimed Australian gypsy, is a freelance writer, photographer and eternal traveller. Check out her website Gail Palethorpe Photography and her Shutterstock profile.
