Manila Hotels

Mall rats, take note – Manila is home to the third largest mall in the world, the SM Mall of Asia in Pasay, not to mention the gazillion other malls scattered around the city, which rival Manila’s rich cultural and historical heritage as the national treasure.

Take a stroll down the 16^th Century cobblestone streets of the old walled capital, Intramuros, and see the remains of Spanish colonial ruins. Rizal Park, also known as ‘Luneta’, is the ideal place to take a break (or nurse the hangover), and watch life go by alongside laidback locals.

And when it comes to causing that hangover, Manila’s non-stop nightlife, particularly in Ermita and Malate districts, will test your drinking limits. Before embarking on any binge (shopping or drinking), it’s a good idea to embrace the Filipino motto: “Bahala na” – ‘whatever will be, will be’ – and let the good times in Manila roll on... and on… and on.

MANILA’S TOP 10

MANILA LOCAL

Manila is (dis)organised into 16 districts and five main cities, each offering something uniquely different to the next (bar the omnipresent shopping mall).

Pasay

Pasay is home to the SM Mall of Asia, the biggest shopping complex in Southeast Asia and third largest in the world! But if the thought of covering four hectares of shopping ground makes your ankles instantly swell, then rest easy knowing you can always take a seat and watch a movie at the San Miguel Coca-Cola IMAX Theatre, or gain some brain at the interactive Science Discovery Centre. Or join the hordes of tourists and locals ice skating at the Olympic-size rink.

Happily, Pasay isn’t all mall. It’s got a soul, and one it will gladly show anyone who can see beyond the superficial. Enjoy the beachside feel at Manila’s Harbour Square, just next to the Cultural Centre of the Philippines. Shop at Pasay’s Paluto Seafood Market before night turns this seaside square into a hub of live music venues, bustling bars and seafood restaurants.

Malate

Pleasure-seekers take note – this is the red-light district and hotspot for gay nightlife in Manila. A mish-mash of wealthy expats and top-notch hotels alongside impoverished but proud local slums makes Malate a unique party town. Al fresco bars are scattered along the roads, and it’s not uncommon for the party to hit the streets in a parade of song and dance, one to rival the annual Gay Pride Parade of Malate. If your hangover allows it, take a gentle stroll along Manila’s Baywalk at Malate or visit the Baroque Malate Church.

Makati

With a bustling expat community, Makati is where most tourists head when wanting to escape the intensity of Manila’s dirty streets. Stay in one of the district’s five-star hotels, all within a stone’s throw of the impressive Greenbelt Complex. Cosmopolitan dining and civilised bars are a stark contrast to the inebriated karaoke performances of Malate. For a touch of culture, visit the quaint Sto Niño De Paz Chapel, conveniently located (where else?) in the middle of Greenbelt Mall.

Binondo

Binondo, Manila’s Chinatown, is one of the oldest and most authentic you will ever find, with an abundance of Chinese restaurants plating up delicious dim sum and noodle soups. Which is all very well, but where’s the adventure in that? For a walk on the wild side, you want to visit Arranque Marketwhere you can enjoy such dubious delights as bull’s balls or snake!

Shanty markets and food vendors burst from the sidewalks of Ongpin Street, so take your time to browse the Chinese market stalls for an eye-popping experience. Binondo Church or ‘Minor Basilica of St. Lorenzo Ruiz’ is one of the oldest in the Philippines and has stood the test of time, surviving war and natural disasters. It is home to the sacred – and apparently miraculous – Santo Cristo de Longos(the crucified Christ).

Quiapo

Quiapo district is a cultural fusion of Catholic, Chinese, Muslim and Buddhist vendors selling clothing, sunglasses, watches, handbags and ‘genuine’ DVDs. Mingled among the junk, however, is the opportunity to pick up a great deal on cameras, so head to Felix R. Hidalgo Street for a cut-price Kodak moment. Quiapo Church is fascinating as much for people-watching as it is for its history and architecture. Watch Black Nazarene devotees shuffle on their knees to pray, plus a host of beggars, buskers and blind masseurs. Just don’t become too captivated by the orgy of human suffering and praying – pickpockets love the area.

MANILA – EAT & DRINK

Sample the smorgasbord of Spanish, French, Italian, Mediterranean, Chinese, Japanese and, of course, Filipino food that Manila has to offer. From fine dining in five-star restaurants to surprisingly good street food, Manila has something to whet the most fickle of appetites.

MANILA EVENTS

The Spanish may have left the Philippines but they left behind a hefty religious footprint. Happily, that’s a good thing as the Christian festivals – topped with a unique Filipino twist – are great excuses for great parties.

The Black Nazarene Festival, held on 9 January 9 at Quiapo Church is a jostling, barefooted procession of devoted Filipino Christians honouring Jesus. A life-size wooden figure of Christ is paraded through the streets with so much vigour, advanced crowd-surfing skills are required.

Sto Niño Festival (Holy Child Jesus Festival) on 15 January celebrates Jesus (he’s pretty big in the Philippines) by dancing through Tondo’s streets with images of said superstar in hand.

Chinese New Year in Manila bursts into life at the end of January/start of February. Traditional Chinese celebrations abound, with lion dances (not to be confused with line dancing), festive moon cakes and fireworks galore.

People Power Day is an annual tribute to democracy.Every year on 25 February, Manila commemorates the ‘the revolution that surprised the world’ – the end of Ferdinand Marcos’ tyrannical reign in the Philippines. The day includes a mass, speeches and performances at the People Power Monument.

Cocoa de Flores (Chocolate and Flowers) is a week-long cultural love affair in April. With costume parades, parties and free alcohol (on one night), there’s plenty of love to go around!

Flores de Mayo (Flowers of May) Festival is a tribute to the Virgin Mary.

Every day in May, children scatter flower petals in church, as a sign of virtuous youth and beauty.

Also in May, the ‘Queen of Filipino Festivals’, Santacruzan, colourfully celebrates youth, love and religion. Metro Manila erupts into streets parades and beauty pageants (yes, beauty pageants) commemorating the discovery of the Holy Cross.

The Feast of St John the Baptist makes a splash in San Juan on 24 June. Imitating baby Jesus’ baptism, water fights break out in the streets, with unsuspecting tourists frequently getting drenched – which is reason enough to go along.

WHEN TO GO

With its tropical climate, Manila is hot and humid most of the year. Even if you hate shopping, that’s when all those air-conditioned malls really come into their own.

• The temperature is a constantly steamy 25 to 30°C (77-86°F) all year round.
• Manila’s wet season is roughly between May and November.
• It’s most comfortable to travel to Manila in the cooler, dry season between December and April.

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WHAT TO MISS

Tondo: Crowded and claustrophobic, Tondo has all the worst parts of Manila crammed into one downright dodgy slum.

Manila Zoo: Avert your eyes and hold your nose, because squalor and stench are the two main highlights of this so called zoo. If it’s wildlife you’re after, make the trip to Avilon Zoo, a bumpy three-hour ride from Manila.

Manila Ocean Park: Small, and with hardly any inspiring aquatic life, this is more like another shopping mall wrapped in an under-the-sea guise.

GETTING AROUND

Whether it’s carefully dodging disastrous peak hours or smoggy traffic jams, deciding on the best way to get around is a skill. Manila has more transport options than you can shake a 100 peso note at, including:

• The MRT (Mass Rail Transit) and LRT (Light Rail Transit) run along the main roads of Manila, providing a brief escape from the chaotic streets. Cheap, but can get hideously crowded during peak hours.
• If you prefer your ride pimped, jump aboard the Philippines iconic Jeepney. These gaudy US Military Jeep conversions are the cheapest and most memorable mode of transport you’ll find.
• Pedicabs (pedal-powered rickshaws) and tricycles (motorbikes with a small sidecar) navigate the small neighbourhood streets, although prepare for a sore bottom and to inhale a headache-inducing cocktail of toxic fumes.

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