Joanna James
A vibrant old-world city at the brink of modernity, Manila is an enticing study in contrasts, from lavish street art to stunning colonial monuments and plenty of stimulation for curious minds, adventurous spirits, and indulgent tastebuds! Here’s what you simply cannot miss.
A historically significant setting known to ignite a revolution, Rizal Park is Asia's largest urban green space is worth a jeepney ride to explore, with multiple fascinating sights just a stone’s throw away. The National Museum, for instance, is a feast for both the eyes and the mind with countless heritage artifacts and renowned artworks that portal you back to diverse eras, nations, and cultures. Among its fascinating complexes are the National Planetarium featuring gorgeous exhibits and goosebump-raising shows such as “A planet for Goldilocks” and the Museum of Anthropology and Archaeology, which features over 10,000 ancient curious to spark the imagination. Not far off is a floating map of the beautiful nation, and further on are the shady avenues and minuscule lagoons of the Chinese and Japanese gardens for those seeking the luxury of fresh air and photo-worthy opportunities.
Hop into a horse-drawn calesa and tour the quaint annals of history inside the walled and highly photogenic city of Intramuros, where you can drink in the delightful cobbled streets, gracious colonial facades, and proud historical landmarks like Fort Santiago, as well as the Casa Manila Museum that artistically depicts the natives’ lifestyle under the Spanish regime. And if you’re a passionate collector of all things vintage, Divisoria is a colourful haven for rustic bargains, whether you’re enthusiastic about rustic home décor, charming fabric patterns, and colourful trinkets, with tiny Philippine jeepneys being amongst the most iconic.
We may call them “malls” but they no longer cater to bougie shopping sprees alone; in fact, the SM Mall of Asia not only sports an enticing variety of upmarket local and international brands, but it’s also equipped with state-of-the-art corporate and recreational amenities such as a massive ice-skating rink, iMax theatre, and SMX convention centre. The Bay Amusement Park is just a short stroll away, where you can gaze into the sunset from the MOA Eye Ferris Wheel. If you’re looking out for a prime apartment for rent in Pasay Area located close to the city’s business and leisure hotspots, you can’t go wrong with Citadines Bay City Manila.
Manila is also home to enchanting art galleries in post-war enclaves like Avenella, which is a vintage masterpiece to walk into and showcases an eclectic hotchpotch of rustic furniture, bizarre sculptures, and hand-picked paintings from the city’s finest artists.
Regardless of whether you’re a history fan, every cranny of this city tells a story of endurance, victory, and struggle to inspire empathy and enrich our characters. While you will enjoy amazing experiences, from exceptional delicacies like the piquant Kare-Kare curry and the coconut-custard Buko pie you can find at street stalls and gourmet restaurants alike to dreamy rides through an urban fantasy, an irreplaceable highlight is the warm smiles and helpful natures of the locals.
A true believer that the pen is a mighty weapon, ventures into reaching the minds of every reader with the earnest hope of leaving an indelible stream of thought.
A travel writer who has a passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world.
