Manila as the Capital of Philippines

MANILA AT A GLANCE

Manila is the capital city of the Philippines. Strictly speaking, it refers to one specific city but it’s also used as a blanket term for the whole metropolitan area. When people say “Manila”, they can either be referring to the actual city of Manila which is home to the capital’s most recognized attractions like Intramuros and Fort Santiago, or they can be using it to refer to the entire metropolitan area which consists of several cities like the city of Manila, Makati, Pasay, and Quezon City. Does this make sense?

According to Wikipedia, Manila is the most densely populated city in the world (as of June 2016). If you’ve ever driven through Manila’s rush hour traffic, then you won’t argue with that. The Philippines is a developing country with a dearth of well-paying jobs in the provinces. Many Filipinos flock to Manila looking for work which is part of the reason why the city has become so densely populated.

HOW TO GET AROUND

Commuter Apps

Ride sharing apps are the best way to get around Manila. It isn’t the cheapest, but it’s the safest and most convenient. You can choose from either Grab or Uber. For the purpose of this blog, we’ll go with Grab though Uber is just as good.

To use Grab, you’ll need to download their app onto your smartphone. Downloading and using the app will require a constant internet connection which is why I’m suggesting you rent a pocket wifi device for the duration of your stay. Available for PHP 450 a day.

Jeepneys 

Public jeepneys aren’t the most comfortable means of transportation but they’re an iconic part of Philippine culture so feel free to ride them at least once. It’s a memorable experience and the cheapest way to get around. 

THINGS TO DO IN MANILA

1. Tour Intramuros on a Bamboo Bike with Bambike Ecotours

Historic Intramuros is without a doubt the premier tourist attraction in Manila. Known as the Walled City, this 0.67 sq km walled area (0.26 sq mi) WAS the City of Manila during the Spanish Colonial Period. You can explore Intramuros on your own but one of the most fun ways to experience it is on sustainable bamboo bikes made in partnership with one of the Philippines’ most respected NGOs, Gawad Kalinga.

Length of Tour: 2.5 hrs / Cost: PHP 1,200 per person / Grab fare from Poblacion: Around PHP 348 each way (Destination: Casa Manila)

2. Do the Binondo Food Wok with Ivan Man Dy

Have you seen the Philippine episode of No Reservations with Anthony Bourdain? If so, then you might recognize Ivan. He was one of Anthony’s guides in Manila. A fun gastronomic tour that takes you through the back alleys of Binondo, there’s no better or more delicious way of exploring Manila’s Chinatown than this. Highly recommended.

Length of Tour: 3.5 hrs / Cost: PHP 1,400 per person inclusive of food / Grab fare from Poblacion: Around PHP 339 each way (Destination: Minor Basilica of St. Lorenzo Ruiz of Manila)

3. Marvel at Juan Luna’s Spoliarium at the National Museum

The National Museum is Manila’ foremost museum and houses what’s widely considered to be the most internationally renowned piece in Philippine art history — Spoliarium by national artist Juan Luna. A cultural treasure measuring a gargantuan 422 cm x 767.5 cm, this painting of dying gladiators received a gold medal at the Exposición Nacional de Bellas Artes in Madrid in 1884.

The National Museum is comprised of three buildings — The National Art Gallery which showcases visual artworks, the Museum of the Filpino People which houses important historical artifacts, and the Planetarium. Needless to say, you can spend an entire day visiting all three. The National Museum went through a major renovation in 2012 so the buildings look and feel brand new.

Suggested Length of Visit: 2-3 hrs / Entrance: FREE / Grab fare from Poblacion: Around PHP 321 each way (Destination: National Museum of the Philippines)

4. Enjoy the Manila Bay Sunset over Buckets of Beer at Mall of Asia (MOA)

Manila Bay is renowned for its sunsets and there are few better vantage points than Mall of Asia. Fronting the bay, its the third largest shopping mall in the Philippines.

To catch the sunset, head on up to the second floor around 5 PM and look for signs pointing you to Seaside Boulevard. There you’ll find a row of al fresco restaurants facing Manila Bay. Pick any restaurant that appeals to you and order a bucket (6 bottles) of San Mig Lights or Pale Pilsens. Kick back and enjoy the light show.

Grab fare from Poblacion: Around PHP 321 each way (Destination: SM Mall of Asia)

5. Satisfy Your Sweet Tooth at the Dessert Museum

If you’re going to Mall of Asia, then you may want to pay a visit to the Dessert Museum as well, especially if you like sweets and posting your #ootd on Instagram. It’s a fun and unique candy-filled attraction that boasts eight themed rooms, each inspired by a different dessert.

Walk-ins pay PHP 799 for a 2-hour curated tour with up to 6 free desserts, but you can get in for just PHP 699 if you purchase tickets in advance through Klook. 

Length of Tour: 2 hrs / Entrance: PHP 699 / Grab fare from Poblacion: Around PHP 321 each way (Destination: The Dessert Museum)

6. Go Bargain Hunting at Greenhills Shopping Center

Greenhills Shopping Center (or “Greenhills” for short) is a bargain hunter’s paradise. You can find almost anything there like mobile phones, gadgets, jewelry, clothing, fashion accessories, watches, shoes, bags, etc. It’s also home to a good amount of quality knock-offs. Just be aware of any laws that your country may have about the importation of counterfeit goods before you go crazy buying fakes.

Grab fare from Poblacion: Around PHP 299 each way (Destination: Greenhills Shopping Center)

7. Watch Science come Alive at the Mind Museum

This place was fun. If you’re traveling with kids, then the Mind Museum is a great way to spend a couple of hours. Not only will they be learning about things like Bernoulli’s Principle, magnetic fields, and Einstein’s theory of gravity, but they’ll be doing it in the funnest way imaginable. The Mind Museum is located at the BGC (Bonifacio Global City) as well which is home to some of Manila’s trendiest bars and restaurants.

Check out my post on The Mind Museum in Manila for more pictures and information. If you’re interested in visiting the Mind Museum, then you can get a discount on the all-day pass if you purchase it through Klook.

Suggested Length of Visit: 2-3 hrs / Entrance: PHP 625 per adult, PHP 475 per child / Grab fare from Poblacion: Around PHP 264 each way (Destination: The Mind Museum)

ON FILIPINO FOOD

MUST-TRY FILIPINO DISHES

Renowned food personality Andrew Zimmern once said that Filipino food will be the next big thing. I believe it with all the features on Filipino food I’ve been seeing more and more on social media. There are many delicious things to eat in the Philippines but in my opinion, these are the dishes that you absolutely must try.

FILIPINO STREET FOOD

If street food is your thing, then you need to check out this guide. From fish balls to ukoy to the infamous balut, check out this post for a list of Filipino street food dishes you can try in Manila.

POBLACION FOOD CRAWL

Poblacion is one of the hippest and trendiest areas in Manila. It’s fast becoming a food and arts hub in the city, which is part of the reason why I think it’s the best place to stay in Manila. With all the interesting restaurants popping up in the neighborhood, it’s recently been the subject of many lifestyle shows and blog posts. Check out my post for a list of popular restaurants you can visit on a Poblacion food crawl.

WHERE TO EAT IN MANILA

This was the hardest section to write being a food lover from Manila. How could I narrow it down? These restaurants may not be the trendiest, but they made the list for what in my mind are the most important reasons — longevity, accessibility, price, and overall experience. Tailored for travelers getting their first taste of Filipino food, we chose restaurants that serve authentic Filipino cuisine and have withstood the test of time.

1. Blackbeard’s Seafood Island

There’s no Filipino dining experience more fun than a boodle fight. A tradition that started in the Philippine military, a boodle feast consists of a central mound of food – typically grilled Filipino food – piled high on banana leaves. Diners are seated around the spread and expected to eat kamayan-style, which means to “eat with one’s hands”. Many restaurants offer boodle feasts but one of the most popular is Blackbeard’s Seafood Island. They have many branches in Manila, including Mall of Asia.

Here’s a video I made of a recent boodle feast we had to celebrate my mother-in-law’s 88th birthday. It’s a fun experience and a must-do for any first-time visitor to the Philippines.

Expect to Spend: Around PHP 400 per person with drinks / Grab fare from Poblacion: Around PHP 321 each way (Destination: SM Mall of Asia)

2. Abe

Abe belongs to the iconic LJC group of restaurants that’s been serving excellent Filipino cuisine for over 30 years. It’s one of the first restaurants I think of when entertaining foreign guests. Popular dishes include the Lamb Adobo, Crispy Pork Adobo ni Lola Ising, Bamboo Rice (pictured below), and Sikreto ni Maria (sticky rice dessert with ripe mangoes and macapuno ice cream). For more adventurous eaters, I suggest trying the Betute (stuffed frogs) and Arobong Kamaru (sauteed crickets).

Check out my friend Gerry’s post on Abe’s Farm for more pictures and information. It’s from their provincial restaurant but the dishes are the same.

Expect to Spend: Around PHP 800 per person with drinks / Grab fare from Poblacion: Around PHP 273 each way (Destination: Serendra Piazza)

3. Mesa Filipino Moderne

Like Abe, Mesa is one of the first restaurants I consider when entertaining guests from abroad. They aren’t as pricey and their food is just as good. While Abe serves more traditional cuisine, Mesa serves Filipino food with a slightly modern twist. Standout dishes include Baby Squid in Olive Oil (pictured below), Crispy Hito Flakes (catfish), Chicken Binakol (chicken soup flavored with coconut meat), and Baked Scallops.

Expect to Spend: Around PHP 500 per person with drinks / Grab fare from Poblacion: Around PHP 243 each way (Destination: Greenbelt 5)

4. Gallery by Chele

If you want a true, world-class fine dining experience, then Gallery by Chele is the place to go. It’s the updated version of Gallery VASK which ranked as high as number 35 on this list of Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants. Spanish Chef Chele Gonzalez combines local ingredients with modern cooking techniques to come up with innovative interpretations of Filipino food. For such a highly regarded restaurant, prices are very reasonable too, with tasting menus starting at just PHP 1,500 for a 3-course meal. Check out my post on Gallery by Chele for more pictures and information.

Tasting Menu Price: Starts at PHP 1,500 / Grab fare from Poblacion: Around PHP 114 each way (Destination: Clipp Center BGC)

5. Seaside Market on Macapagal Boulevard

If you like fresh seafood, then you’ll enjoy the Seaside Market along Macapagal Boulevard. A fish market to table concept, you’ll buy your seafood from the wet market then have it cooked by one of the many restaurants in the complex. Seafood doesn’t get any fresher than this.

The seaside market is close to notable areas like Intramuros, the National Museum, and Mall of Asia, so you may want to pair a meal here with a trip to one of those places. Check out my post on the Seaside Market Dampa in Manila for more pictures and information.

Expect to Spend: Around PHP 500 per person with drinks / Grab fare from Poblacion: Around PHP 299 each way (Destination: Seaside Market — Diosdado Macapagal Boulevard, Pasay)

6. Gerry’s Grill

Gerry’s Grill is arguably the most popular Filipino grill restaurant in Manila. The food is good and inexpensive, making it a favorite watering hole among locals. I suggest trying the Inihaw na Liempo (grilled pork belly), Inihaw na Baby Pusit, and the Adobong Puso Rice (pictured below). They’re also known for their Pork Sisig, a hugely popular bar appetizer made with chopped pig’s face, ears, and chicken liver. You can read more about it in my post listing 14 delicious things to eat in Manila.

Gerry’s Grill has plenty of branches throughout the city, including Mall of Asia and Greenhills Shopping Center. If you’re staying in Poblacion, then the Greenbelt 3 branch will be one of the closest to you. Greenbelt 3 is an upscale al fresco mall in Makati so it’s a great place to walk around and kill time. 

Expect to Spend: Around PHP 500 per person with drinks / Grab fare from Poblacion: Around PHP 238 each way (Destination: Greenbelt 3)

WHERE TO STAY IN MANILA

In my opinion, the Poblacion area in Makati is the best place to stay in Manila. It’s located near the commercial business district so there are plenty of shops, restaurants, bars, and convenience stores in the area. There are many hotels to choose from in Poblacion but I can recommend these three based on personal experience.

BACKPACKER: Z Hostel

A hip, centrally located hostel in Poblacion, Makati, Z Hostel is perfect for backpackers and group travelers. It’s clean and well-designed with mostly dorm-type accommodations. Over the weekends, it has a small roofdeck that turns into a lively bar with DJs and live music. You can make a reservation through Booking.com or Agoda. Be sure to check both sites to find the best deal.

Check out my post on Z Hostel for more pictures and information. If you do decide to stay at Z Hostel, I’ve included an AREA MAP at the bottom of this post that indicates where it is in relation to other points of interest mentioned in this guide.

Dorm Room Rate: Starts at around PHP 749 per person a night with breakfast (as of Oct 2017)

BOUTIQUE: La Casita Mercedes

This is the type of place Ren and I love staying at when we travel. La Casita Mercedes is an old Filipino house that was renovated and reopened as a 7-room bed and breakfast in 2015. If you’re traveling as a couple and want peace and quiet, then this is a great place to stay. You can make a reservation through AirBnB, Booking.com, or Agoda. Be sure to check all three sites to find the best deal. If you’re new to AirBnB, then you can get USD 31 free travel credit via THIS LINK.

Check out my post on La Casita Mercedes for more pictures and information. You can refer to the AREA MAP at the bottom of this post to see where it is in relation to everything else in this guide.

Room Rate: Around PHP 2,000 per night with breakfast (as of Oct 2017)

BUSINESS: City Garden Grand Hotel

City Garden Grand Hotel is a 4-star hotel just a few minutes’ walk from Z Hostel and La Casita Mercedes. It’s central location makes it ideal for business or leisure travelers to Manila. Considering it’s a 4-star hotel in Makati, rates are reasonable with Standard rooms starting at around PHP 3,785 a night. You can make a reservation through Booking.com or Agoda. Be sure to check both sites to find the best deal.

Check out my post on City Garden Grand Hotel for more pictures and information. You can refer to the AREA MAP at the bottom of this post to see exactly where it is in relation to everything else in this guide.

Room Rate: Starts at around PHP 3,785 per night with breakfast (as of Oct 2017)

Tourist Spot in Manila

Manila Ocean Park

The Manila Ocean Park is an oceanarium in Manila, Philippines. It is owned by China Oceanis Philippines Inc., a subsidiary of China Oceanis Inc., a Singaporean-registered firm. It is located behind the Quirino Grandstand at Rizal Park.

Rizal Park




Rizal Park, also known as Luneta Park or simply Luneta, is a historical urban park in the Philippines. Located along Roxas Boulevard, Manila, adjacent to the old walled city of Intramuros, it is one of the largest urban parks in Asia.


Fort Santiago

Fort Santiago is a citadel first built by Spanish conquistador, Miguel López de Legazpi for the new established city of Manila in the Philippines. The defense fortress is part of the structures of the walled city of Manila referred to as Intramuros. The fort is one of the most important historical sites in Manila. Known as the “Walled City”, Intramuros, the oldest district and historic core best represents Manila’s rich history. It’s the only district of Manila where visitors can still see Spanish-era architecture. Intramuros offers a good destination for those keen to learn more about the history, architecture and culture of Manila.


Binondo

Said to be the  world’s oldest Chinatown, Binondo in Old Manila is a haven for foodies looking for an authentic experience beyond fast food malls and restaurants in the metro. Its influence extends beyond to the places of Quiapo, Santa Cruz, San Nicolas. For the more adventurous ready to brave crowded alleys, head to nearby Divisoria, known for its wide assortment of low-priced goods and wholesale and bargain shopping.

SM Mall of Asia

Mall of Asia, one of the largest shopping malls in the Philippines, is home to numerous shops, restaurants, bars, cinemas and an IMAX theater. Behind Mall of Asia is an esplanade that offers a stunning view of Manila Bay during sunset.


Manila Cathedral

is the cathedral of Manila and basilica located in Intramuros, the historic walled city within today's modern city of Manila, Philippines. It is dedicated to the Immaculate Conception, a title for the Blessed Virgin Mary, the principal patroness for the Philippines. The cathedral serves as the episcopal see of the Archbishop of Manila, and is also considered as the Mother Church of the Philippines, along with Basilica of Sto. Nino in Cebu.


Manila Zoo

The Manila Zoological and Botanical Garden is home to about a thousand animals from 90 species as of April 2015. The zoo's most popular resident is Mali, an Asian elephant who arrived at the zoo in 1977 as 3 year old calf transported from Sri Lanka, after being poached from the wild.

Other Animals residing in Manila Zoo includes a Bengal tiger, Malayan civet, monitor lizard and hippopotamus. Many of the animals of the zoo were born in captivity with three month-old juveniles recently born in April 2015. The zoo management is planning to transfer many of its animals to a separate breeding area or sanctuary outside Metro Manila due to over congestion in the zoo. The zoo is planned to be just an exhibit area.