Philippine Adventures – Part 1

First impressions of Manila

Stepping off the plane in Manila, I was immediately hit by the tropical heat and the frenetic energy of the city. The streets were alive with honking jeepneys, shouting street vendors, and towering billboards flashing advertisements in every direction. Manila is not an easy city to navigate, but it’s one that rewards those who embrace its vibrant chaos.

A city of contrasts

One of the first things I noticed was the stark contrast between different parts of the city. Bonifacio Global City (BGC) felt like a world of its own—clean, organised, and ultra-modern. Walking through its wide streets, lined with luxury boutiques, high-end restaurants, and towering skyscrapers, I could have easily been in Singapore or Dubai.

But just a short ride away, the reality for many Filipinos is completely different. In areas like Quiapo and Tondo, the streets are lined with makeshift homes, bustling markets, and endless waves of people trying to make a living. Manila’s wealth gap is extreme, and you see it everywhere—from the luxury condos overlooking informal settlements to the contrast between air-conditioned shopping malls and street-side eateries selling meals for less than a dollar.

Must-see spots in Manila

Despite its chaos, Manila has an undeniable charm and plenty of places to explore:

• Intramuros – Wandering through the cobblestone streets of this walled city, I felt transported back to Spanish colonial times. Fort Santiago and San Agustin Church were definitely highlights of this trip.
• Rizal Park – A peaceful escape from the city's hustle, this park is a great spot to learn about the country’s national hero, José Rizal.
• Binondo (Chinatown) – The world’s oldest Chinatown, where I indulged in some of the best dumplings and noodle soups I’ve ever tasted.
• Manila Baywalk – Watching the sunset here, with locals singing karaoke and kids playing along the shore, was a perfect way to end a busy day.

Sustainable travel in Manila

Getting around Manila is an adventure in itself. While taxis and ride-hailing apps are convenient, I opted for the more authentic (and sustainable) ways to travel:

• Jeepneys – These colourful, open-air minibuses are an iconic part of Filipino culture. Though they can be crowded and confusing at first, hopping on a jeepney was one of the best ways to experience Manila like a local.
• Tricycles – For short distances, these motorbike-sidecar combos are a fun and inexpensive way to weave through traffic.
• LRT/MRT trains – While limited in coverage, the light rail system helped me avoid some of Manila’s infamous traffic jams.

Filipino food you must try

No trip to Manila is complete without indulging in Filipino cuisine. Some of my favourite dishes included:

• Adobo – A flavourful stew of chicken or pork marinated in vinegar, soy sauce, and garlic.
• Lechon – The crispy skin and juicy meat of this roasted pig dish made it worth every calorie.
• Sinigang – A sour tamarind-based soup that was both refreshing and comforting.
• Halo-Halo – This colourful dessert of crushed ice, sweet beans, fruit, and leche flan was the perfect way to beat the heat.
• Balut – I finally gathered the courage to try this fertilized duck egg. It was... an experience, to say the least!

Final thoughts

Manila is a city that demands patience but rewards curiosity. It’s a place of contrasts—where history meets modernity, wealth meets poverty, and tradition meets innovation. It’s loud, chaotic, and sometimes overwhelming, but it’s also full of life, warmth, and unforgettable experiences. If you’re ready for an adventure, Manila will show you a side of the Philippines that’s as real as it gets.

In the next part of the article, I will be heading to Cebu City to visit a unique island in the Philippines, Bantayan.