ManilaTraveller.info

Manila City Guide

admin — Tue, 13 May 2008 14:38:11 +0000

Manila has the usual developing world city problems of choking smog and traffic. This however should not dissuade any traveller from visiting this city for it is a warm, exciting and diverse place that is ripe for discovery by any adventurous tourist.

English is widely spoken, prices are cheap and you get more than your fair share of sunshine. All in all, Manila is a fun and exciting place to be. Together with the warm and friendly people of the Philippines, tourists will find their Manila experience an enjoyable and unforgettable one.

Manila, as with a lot of major cities in the world, began as a settlement on the banks of a river, the Pasig River. The name Manila originates from the term “Maynilad” which refers to the mangrove plant known as Nilad, which was abundant in the area.

Prior to the arrival of westerners in the 16th century, Maynilad was populated by Hindu, Buddhist, and Islamic community descended from the Indians from India, Arabs settlers from the Middle East who sailed to the Philippines, and Chinese and Japanese people that crossed over from the Asian mainland several times before the Indians and Arabs came, and after as well in successful waves. In 1571, 50 years after Magellan’s discovery of the islands, Spanish conquistador Miguel Lopez de Legaspi claimed the Philippines as a colony and established Manila as its capital.

Aytona’s Handicraft Store

admin — Mon, 12 May 2008 14:01:35 +0000

Located literally “under the bridge” in Quiapo, Manila - there are loads of craft stores here at rock bottom prices. One of the best shops is Jinky’s. She sells native items from all over the country, a lot of abaca and shell stuffs.

Local crafts include bayong (a type of native bags), shell curtains, capiz lanterns, etc. depends on the items. expect to pay as low as 5pesos for a small native coin purse

National Book Store

admin — Mon, 12 May 2008 14:00:35 +0000

National Book Store is a large chain of well, books in the nation. They sell a lot more than just books though, there’s also stationary, magazines, school equipment and so on. The best thing is though that they are so much cheaper than at home. OK, so they are -reprints that may be a slightly ower quality than at home, but you can read them and pass them on. What more do you need? Besides Tagalog texts, they have popular and recent books in English, as well as classics and travel-guides, maps and picture-books.

Going to lie on a beach? Get a pile of books! Going diving? Get a bunch of’em for your surface time. Going sailing? Books, loads of’em. Public transport? Buy books. Private transport? More books. Going home? Books, get’em while you can!

Shangri-la mall

admin — Mon, 12 May 2008 14:00:11 +0000

Shangri-la mall, developed by the same group that brought the prime Shangri-la hotel brand, is known for its pricey shopping, with perhaps the highest concentration of luxury brands in the Philippines (but the newly developed Greenbelt in Makati is challenging this). The mall enjoys a very strategic location and is within the same area where SM Megamall, Robinsons Galleria, The Podium, and Star Mall — the area known to be the mall capital of the Philippines.

Top 54favorite stores: 1) Healthy Options - best place to shop for ‘healthy food options’ 2) Rustan’s Department Store - if you’re lucky, you could find some great ‘bargain’ treasures. 3) European Living - great options for European style furniture and accessories 4) Marks and Spencer - probably the most well-stocked branch when it comes to men’s line. 5) Candles and Scents - gift ideas galore. Top 5 restos: 1) Cibo - ultra chic and modern, in addition to great Italian 2) Trattoria Gourmet - their thin crust pizza is to die for 3) Bon Appetit - Rsutan’s in-house resto offering Filipino comfort food - the pasta in crabfat sauce is simply sinful (read: cholesterol-rich) 4) Via Mare - traditional Filipino favorites 5) 5 things to do besides shopping and dining: 1) Enjoy the posh, shiny interiors. 2) Take the ‘double floor’ escalators. 3) Treat your kids to a carousel ride. 4) Consult the dermatologists at Clarity Skin Clinic.

SM Megamall

admin — Mon, 12 May 2008 13:58:52 +0000

SM Megamall, strategically located in the (geographical) center of Metro Manila in Ortigas Center, is the largest mall in the Philippines. It offers everything, the consummate shopper desires - from medical clinics, to a chapel. The stores are housed under two buildings - buildings A and B. As a reference point, the one closer to ADB (Asian Development Bankl) is Building A. My top 5 favorite stores: 1) Powerbooks 2) SM Department Store - arguably the best-stocked among the many branches scattered nationwide. 3) Ace Hardware 4) The new computer stores at the 5th level 5) Home My top 5 favorite restaurants: 1) Sushiya 2) Pancake House 3) Luk Yuen - saw Tatang (Mr. Sy, the major shareholder of SM malls) eating there once - tells you how good the food there is. 4) Cibo 5) Foodcourt at the basement for variety.

In the Philippines, malling (yes, we Filipinos are masters of this activity) does not mean buying stuff only. While you can buy almost anything in this giant of a mall, there are other more fun ways of malling. Here are 5 suggestions on what to do at SM Megamall besides shopping and dining: 1) Count the number of steps it takes to traverse the entire distance from Building A to B. 2) Watch free mini-concerts. 3) Browse at Powerbooks. 4) People watch. 5) Ask directions from the security personnel and get blank faces as answers.

Ayala Center

admin — Mon, 12 May 2008 13:58:28 +0000

Located at the heart of Metro Manila’s premier business district, Makati, is Ayala Center, a mecca of pure shopping, dining and entertainment experience. Ayala Center is a sprawling shopping area consisting of two major developments - Glorietta and Greenbelt. Glorietta itself has four wings - G1, G2, G3, and G4 (G is for Glorietta) and is appropriately shaped like an octopus (well, quadropus in this case). This is where the not-so-expensive shops are located. On the other hand, Greenbelt is a more recent development (except for GB1), where the high-end stores (particulary in GB4) and the exciting restarants are.

My top 5 favorite stores in Ayala Center: 1) Hobbes in GB3 - for the youngsters and “young once,” a treasure trove of toys and knick knacks. 2) Powerbooks in GB4 - simply love their selection 3) Tower Records in G3 - for music lovers 4) Mercury Drug in G3 - conveniently located for those last minute purchases of medicines, tolietries and even groceries 5) Rustans Dept Store - for “pricey” shopping experience My top 5 favorite restaurants: 1) Max Brenner - move over, Bizu; the bald man’s chocolate creations are exquisite and divine. 2) Sugi - for Japanese 3) Sentro - Filipino favorites with a twist 4) Good Earth - Chinese staples with a twist 5) Luk Yuen - affordable, quality Chinese food

In this shoppers’ mecca, almost anything and everything! Top 5 things to do besides shopping and dining: 1) Catch the latest art flicks (vs commercial films) in Ayala Center’s comfortably furnished cinemas. 2) Get a special spa treatment. 3) Learn more about Philippines history and culture in the adjacent Ayala Museum. 4) Get a strategic seat in the many cafés and people watch. 5) Recharge those batteries amidst Greenbelt’s wonderful gardens - for free!

Aristocrat

admin — Mon, 12 May 2008 13:55:41 +0000

There was a time when The Aristocrat was a household word for eating out in Manila–so much so that it could justifiably call itself “The Philippines’ Most Popular Restaurant.” As befits a restaurant that has been synonymous with Filipino food, the decor revolves around a native motif, while the menu brings you the joys of Filipino cooking in such traditional fare as sinigang (sour soup) and crispy pata (deep-fried pig’s knuckles). Honey-cured chicken barbecue, the house specialty, has been a favorite of generations of Filipinos. Drinks include beer, juices, soft drinks and mineral water.

Sugi

admin — Mon, 12 May 2008 13:54:14 +0000

Sugi serves the full repertoire of Japanese cuisine–from sushi and sukiyaki to soba and tempura. Everything is prepared to a commendable level of authenticity. The decor, too, is a fine rendition of Japanese interiors, with sliding doors separating the private rooms from the main dining area. The waitresses are suitably attired in kimono or yukata. Japanese tea and beer are served, along with a full selection of other beverages.

Cafe Havana

admin — Mon, 12 May 2008 13:53:41 +0000

The atmosphere here is decadent Havana, just before the fall of the city to Castro. The food is allegedly Cuban/Caribbean, but that is almost incidental; most people come here just to party. There is a stylish cigar bar and lounge (aptly named after Hemingway) on the second floor; ask the management how you can become a member and be allowed to spend a neat sum for the prized Havana cigars in stock. Downstairs in this restored old house, the lively proceedings can sometimes spill out on the street in a spontaneous party.

Sala

admin — Mon, 12 May 2008 13:53:14 +0000

Sala serves modern European cuisine, which doesn’t mean either nouvelle or fusion. As the owner puts it, the food consists of “classic European dishes prepared for contemporary tastes.” Muted colors and subdued lighting combine for a warm, eye-pleasing glow, highlighted by floral arrangements. A look at the menu yields such offerings as Sesame Crusted Seared Tuna with Crispy Asian Coleslaw, Porcini Mushroom Risotto Cake with Brie and Roast Tomato, and Beef Tenderloin with Horseradish Mash and Red Pepper Chutney. The wine selection is geared to discriminating wine drinkers.