🇵🇭I would like to introduce you to Manila, Philippines.
I remember my first visit to Manila, Philippines, back in 2011. Back then, it wasn't the era of travel apps as convenient as it is now. Still, smartphones had been around for a few years, so I vaguely remember using the internet to search for travel destinations. 🙂
Nowadays, it's incredibly convenient to book and travel anywhere in the world with apps, and while that's wonderful, I also remember the romanticism of those times.
Manila!
When I think of the Philippines, the first images that come to mind are danger and safety!
I think those are probably the ones. Honestly, Manila is the country I've traveled to the most, and every time I go, I always put safety first.
Why bother going then? If you say so... I don't know either, lol.
Compared to other Southeast Asian countries, there's really not much to enjoy.
But I think it's because of its charm that I still go there. Also, the flight prices are quite cheap, which is why I go there so often. Also, every time I go, I discover a new restaurant or a bar hidden in a secret location, etc.
⭐️ Places in Manila I'd like to introduce!⭐️
1. Makati Poblacion Area (and P Burgos Entertainment District)
This area has been one of the hottest spots in Manila for the past few years. There are lots of great restaurants and quite a few Korean restaurants. There are bars with great atmospheres, and hot clubs for nightlife enthusiasts are all nearby! There are a few sports pubs where you can watch sports broadcasts, and across the street is an area called P Burgos, which turns into a full-on entertainment district at night. There are a lot of bars here where you can hear live bands, and you can also see unique performances like midget boxing matches and transgender performances. This street gets especially hot on the weekends. There's also a concept restaurant called Feeling Station, which is one of the most famous hot spots in the area. If you go there, you'll feel like you've been transported to a retro American diner! Haha. Always be careful in this area! There's a slight inconvenience, though, as you have to constantly check your surroundings for things like belongings and strange people.
2. BGC High Street
This is one of Manila's wealthiest neighborhoods, home to the largest number of foreigners. Jeepneys, the national public transportation system in the Philippines, are not allowed here. If you arrive in Manila and take a Grab taxi, the scenery outside can be quite unfamiliar. It's a completely different atmosphere than you've experienced in other Southeast Asian countries you've visited. The moment you enter this area, you'll be transported to a completely different world. There are high-rise buildings, the streets are incredibly clean, and the atmosphere of the people is noticeably different.
Shopping is great here, but prices aren't cheap. Prices are comparable to those in Korea, or even higher. There are also many delicious restaurants, especially upscale ones. There are also hidden bars, some with interesting concepts, so it's fun to explore them once in a while! High Street often hosts markets selling everything from food to small accessories. If a market is open during your trip, it's a good idea to visit and experience it.
For those seeking a safe trip and a comfortable stay, I recommend hotels in this area. If you're looking to enjoy a leisurely time without sightseeing, simply staying within BGC is enough; everything is available here!
3. Shopping in Greenbelt (Makati Area)
While SM Mall of Asia is Manila's most famous shopping mall,
Greenbelt is the most luxurious shopping mall in Manila. It houses a variety of luxury brands and other well-known brands, making it a great oasis to cool off during your Manila trip! The area is also home to various shopping malls, including Ayala Mall and SM Mall Landmark, making it a perfect spot for shopaholics.
4. SM MALL OF ASIA (feat. SM MOA EYE)
As mentioned earlier, this mall is the 4th largest in the Philippines and the 14th largest in the world. It's always bustling with Filipinos. It's incredibly crowded. It's especially bustling around Halloween and Christmas. As a side note, the Philippines starts preparing for Christmas in September! And hotter countries tend to have more developed shopping malls, and this mall is a perfect example of that. However, honestly, most Philippine shopping malls feel similar, so they might not be particularly impressive. And because they're so vast, you'll get tired of looking around, and your legs will hurt. So, I took a quick look around here and then walked a short distance to Manila Bay. From here, you can get a panoramic view of Manila's ocean. If you come in the afternoon, the sunset is quite spectacular, and the Ferris wheel is quite a pleasant sight. There are other rides, too, but they're so safe that you'd be willing to risk your life on them. ㅎㅎ
So, I've introduced four places today. This time, I've focused on the major regions.
Next time, I'll introduce restaurants, cafes, and bars. 🙂👍🏻👍🏻
For those worried about traveling to Manila, no country is without risk. The increased media exposure can make you feel even more fearful. Of course, it's a dangerous country, but just like traveling to any other country, just be normal and don't be rude or mean. As long as you don't act rashly or make sudden moves, you'll have a 90% chance of having a fun and safe trip to Manila. Gun violence is a frequent occurrence in the US, but many people still travel there. Even in LA, dangerous areas are naturally exposed, to put it mildly. Still, there are many tourists.
This is the same in Europe and other countries.
I wanted to emphasize that danger can arise anytime, anywhere in any country. In the Philippines, if you're careful about your words and actions,
you'll rarely be exposed to danger yourself!
Thank you to everyone who read this long post today. I hope you have a fun and safe trip and create many wonderful memories.
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