Things to do in and around Manila...

[Willy]

Hi guys, pretty much a lurker here, but thot I would share some of my experiences and hope it helps a first timer.
Go to Nayong Pilipina-quite a learning experience
Eat at a Kamayan restaurant-excellent
For crying out loud, ride a jeepney, you'll never forget it!!
Take a walk on Manila Bay. It's quite a cesspool up close (my wife and I call it the basura) but still quite beautiful too. The view is unforgetable.
Go to a mega mall-it's a whole new world there, and man the bargains.
Try balut---haha
Take a walk in Luneta, preferably with your honey.
Eat at a Chow King....and don't forget to eat halo-halo.
Check out China Town, it is very memorable. And you can get some very good deals on jewelry, and gold.
Take your mahal for a ride in a calesa.
If you stay in a hotel, watch TV, especially MTV Asia. They have some good and interesting groups..like Aegis and Parokya ni Edgar. I really like them.
Go for walks..just be careful.
If you have a mind to, eat at a MacDonald's and a Jollibee. I didn't really care for either, but it was interesting all the same.
Buy your mahal some flowers..they are very cheap there. Like around a dollar a dozen.
Take alot of pix, you will not regret it. They are cheap to develop, but the size and quality is not as good as here.
When eating, try pancit, adobo, bangus, tapas, tocino, garlic rice, prawns, sinigang, matter of fact, go to a buffet in the mall called Cabalen...it has everything.
Learn to, if not love, to at least like rice.

Most of all, relax and have a good time, and just chill. That is the best advice. And be careful. I'm sure I can think of more things, but this will help you get a start. Thanks for listening,

Willy

[Jimbo]

... in response to Things to do in and around Manila..., posted by Willy on Feb 24, 2002

especially for WWII buffs.  Lots of bunkers, gun batteries, bombed-out buildings, and the Malinta Tunnel.  Battery Geary, with 8 12 inch mortars, took a direct hit in one of the magazines and 40 tons of explosives went off.  Lunch on the island is included in the tour price.

Jim

[Jimbo]

... in response to Corregidor is a good tour,, posted by Jimbo on Feb 26, 2002

http://www.bridgestravel.com/corregidor.htm

http://asiatravel.com/corre/correinf.html

[Stephen]

... in response to Things to do in and around Manila..., posted by Willy on Feb 24, 2002

Take a half day tour of the city.  It cost us P750 for the two of us with a nice AC taxi and guide.  We booked it through the hotel desk....therefore it was safe.

We didn't have any trouble with taxis or being ripped of.  I think the con artists we just resting up for Hum to arrive!  (LOL)

Also...go see the American cemetery in Makati.  That's a nice place.

Stephen & Tess

[The Mog returns]

... in response to Things to do in and around Manila..., posted by Willy on Feb 24, 2002

Manila will also hold a special place in my heart also, its so full of life.
I could also add, take a ride on the LRT,
Visit the CCP (Cultural Center of the Philippines), they have a  wonderful museum there.
Try some mangosteens. They are a little hard to find in Manila as they are from southern Mindinao, but they are the most delicious fruit I have ever eaten. While you are at it try an Ati and some rambutans.
You can keep your jackfruit, but I did like the sour mangos.
And what is it about Philippine Ice cream that makes it taste so good? Magnolia and even better Selecta!
Dont forget those yummy Zagu pearl shakes.

[bryan]

... in response to Re: Things to do in and around Manila..., posted by The Mog returns on Feb 25, 2002

We took a walk in what i think was Rizal park. Across the street was the old senate building which has 5 stories of the Philippine National Museum which was impressive. And also near the park was a nice orchid garden with ponds bridges triariums.

[Willy]

... in response to Re: Things to do in and around Manila..., posted by The Mog returns on Feb 25, 2002

You gave me some great things to do and/or look for. I never did the LRT, but always wanted to. Yeah, I loved those rambutans. I bought some here in a can and no way do they even compare to the fresh. Thanks for all the input

Willy

[Nathan]

... in response to Things to do in and around Manila..., posted by Willy on Feb 24, 2002

 In my experience, the very best thing to do in Manila is
go to an airline ticket counter and buy a ticket to some other city in the Philippines...I think it is a #!x!hole, and the cab drivers are the worst.

Nathan

[Willy]

... in response to The very best thing to do in Manila..., posted by Nathan on Feb 24, 2002

Nathan, you have a very good point, and the time I look forward to the most is getting out of the city and up to my wife's province....uh the peace and tranquility. It is so hard to describe except "CHILLIN' LIKE BOB DYLAN!!" haha
It's true, man. From the city to the peaceful province is like a different world. I just wrote my list kind of to give some tips, since some may be stuck in that city, not by choice, but necessity, so you need something to do. Just enjoy no matter where you are...esp if you are with your love!! Later

Willy

[Howard]

... in response to The very best thing to do in Manila..., posted by Nathan on Feb 24, 2002

n/t

[SteveG]

... in response to The very best thing to do in Manila..., posted by Nathan on Feb 24, 2002

Well, Nathan since you said it first, all I can add is DITTO!  
                          SteveG

[Dave H]

... in response to Things to do in and around Manila..., posted by Willy on Feb 24, 2002

Hi Willy,

My wife says you've never really been to the Philippines unless you have visited Luneta Park. I will be sure to visit next time!

Dave H.

[Minnesota guy]

... in response to Nice list..., posted by Dave H on Feb 24, 2002

Dave, I agree with your wife. If you are in Manila it's a great place to stroll. I was there just over a week ago on a Saturday. You can visit the Japenese or Orchid gardens there or take a dance lesson with others under some trees near the east end. Go all the way to the bay and stroll along the new boardwalk. The park is also one of my favorite places to go running if the wind is blowing off the bay and dispersing the smog.

[Willy]

... in response to Nice list..., posted by Dave H on Feb 24, 2002

Yeah Dave H..it is truly awesome there, with lush foliage all around and beautiful tropical flowers all over. There is always something going on there too. You gotta see Rizals Monument too. I loved it there, thanks

Willy

[Surigao Ken]

... in response to Things to do in and around Manila..., posted by Willy on Feb 24, 2002

Willy,
I'll be heading for Manila to meet my sweetie soon and I plan to a few of the things you suggested.
Question, what's a calesa?

Welcome and take care,
Surigao Ken