Travel to Asia: Places to visit in Metro Manila, Philippines

The City of Manila has since expanded to become the core of the largest metropolis. The city is now part of Metropolitan Manila or Metro Manila, which is a bustling metropolis of four cities and thirteen municipalities.

Metro Manila is popular for its charming sights and astounding golden sunset views from the shores of enchanting Manila Bay. Because of its strategic location, this modern and teeming metropolis is the take-off point for further travel to other parts of the country--the Gateway to the Philippines.

Pause for a second and you will feel the richness of the culture emanating from all directions. Carry on, and you become part of the ebb and flow .

The Pasig River has served Manila’s economic activities, contributed to its physical developments and historical events for hundred years.  At the turn of the 20th century, the great American city planner, Architect Daniel Burnham, noted, "the old walled city of Intramuros at the mouth of the Pasig River is one of the best preserved medieval cities anywhere in the world."  The famous Intramuros is the legacy of the 17th-century Spanish occupation including many elegant, stunning and ancient Catholic churches.

The focal point of this Old Walled City is the grand Manila Cathedral, well-known for its detailed stone carvings, stained glass mosaics, and rose windows. The present Romanesque edifice rises majestically over the remains of five predecessors, the first of which was in 1581.  Not too far, is the old San Agustin Church with notable baroque touches, and 1875th trompe-l'oeil ceiling paintings. The San Agustin church courtyard is grace by several granite sculptures of lions, which were gifts from Chinese converts to Catholicism. Within the same courtyard are the restored botanical gardens of Fr. Jose Blanco. Today, San Agustin Church with Father Blanco’s garden is the most sought-after wedding venue of the rich locals.

Beyond the walls of the old walled city is the glorious Pasig River where the Spanish galleon trade used to ply the route. Called the "Cradle of Civilization" in Manila, great communities sprung alongside its 16 km. length.

Guarding the vital entrance to the Pasig River is Fort Santiago, an imposing fortress of majestic proportions, which was once the seat of Spanish military power. Inside Fort Santiago, is the Rizal Shrine, the place where the National Hero spent his last few days in 1896 writing his poem Mi Ultimo Adios before his execution by firing squad in Bagumbayan or Luneta Park. The fort remains as a remembrance of a 300-year power and stands as a memorial to a brave man.  In the fort and inside Intramuros, visitors may enjoy a leisurely ride aboard a horse-drawn carriage.

To experience Philippines, travel like the locals by riding the brightly colored jeeps with loud horns and tassels to Metro Manila chaotic and colorful sights.

Across the Pasig River from Fort Santiago is Binondo or the Chinatown in the Philippines. This junction is the center of business for the Chinese-Filipino community, and the hub for bargain computers electronics, herbals including precious stones and metals. Chinatown, which symbolizes the Chinese presence in the Philippines, has also some run-down but amazing 19th-century wooden houses complete with mother-of-pearl windows with elaborate carvings, and tiled street sign.  Downtown, towards the center of Manila is Quiapo-- the place of fancy for many bargain-hunters where stalls sell arrays of goods and handicrafts at prices that are practically a steal. Quiapo, referred to as the old downtown, is also the Mecca for photography equipment and accessories at lower cost than market prices.

In close proximity is Malacañang Palace the official residence of the Philippines' 14 presidents. The palace is located along the north bank of the Pasig River in Manila. Malacañang Palace became the residence of the American Governor-General, William Howard Taft when the Philippines came under American rule following the Spanish-American War.  Adjacent to it is its own museum of presidential memorabilia including the famous Marcos wardrobe, which includes 1,220 pairs of Imelda's shoes.  Although the palace is now a people's museum, it is still the venue for state dinners and official functions.

Going from sophisticated to nonchalance, real and otherwise, requires no more than a short trip. Every night the artsy and the moneyed clique troop to these holes in the walls where they co-exist.

Metropolitan Manila reflects the best of the 7,107 more islands. Bustling like any other metropolis, it can be a bit intimidating at first. However, Metro Manila tends to grow on you the more time you spend in it.

Reconstructions in Intramuros of Puerta Real and Baluarte de San Diego converted some gates into parks and performing venues. Chambers along its gates are now cultural-cum-commercial art galleries, souvenir shops, restaurants, and coffee shops, even cyber cafes named after the old barrios-- Casa Manila, Casa Urdaneta, Casa Blanca, Los Hidalgos and El Hogar Filipino.

Manila Bay that is famous for its astounding sunset view is considered the best natural harbor in East Asia and one of the finest in the world. On either side of the bay area are volcanic peaks topped with lush tropical foliage. The boulevard, popular for its beautiful sunsets, is a favorite lane for morning joggers and nighttime lovers.

Much of the lands fronting the bay are important sites such as the Rizal Park which is at the northern end of the Boulevard, overlooking Manila Bay.  The Rizal Park was built in the early 1800s. The area, shaped like a small moon, was built as a buffer against local rebellions.

Few blocks away from the historical Rizal Park are the districts of Ermita and Malate. Prior to the arrival of the Spaniards, both districts were fishing villages. During the American period, the districts became the trendiest, very exclusive places for American families.  Today, the once beautiful residential structures were converted into small hotels and pension houses, specialty restaurants and cafes.  Malate is now dubbed as the center of gay night life, and has a Gay Pride Parade every year. It is the place that never sleeps.

On the other hand, the Ermita district is the place of antique art galleries, curios, studios, and souvenir shops. Alongside its narrow streets are cozy cafes, exclusive clubs, music lounges, and performance theaters.  The Theatre of Performing Arts, which was built on a reclaimed land in Manila Bay, houses four theaters, a museum of ethnographic exhibits, and galleries, including the library of Philippines arts and culture.

The Manila nightlife offers everything from dazzling cultural shows to futuristic discotheques, sensational entertainment lounges, and fashionable bars. Roxas Boulevard, the sunset strip, has the gathering of posh hotels, casinos, and lively nightspots including beer-and-grill gardens. Some of them are in historic buildings making them the perfect party place in the city-the ultimate cosmopolitan delight.

The Metropolis expresses who he is-exuberance, joyful through good times and bad.

Shopping in the Philippines can be a joy for those who like local souvenirs. The country boasts of meticulously made handicraft, patchwork and dolls including furniture. However, in Makati City, which is along the southern bank of Pasig River, are the country’s large upscale shopping centers built along with lush green parks, state of the art cinemas, supermarkets, themed restaurants, and venues for concerts even a domed chapel.

Like most places, first impressions are the most important and the first impressions you receive of Manila are its humidity, humanity, and love for food.

Metro Manila is one big gastronomic trip of many and mixed cuisines. The Illustrado Restaurant in Intramuros is famous for its colonial ambiance and Spanish provincial cuisine. The Chinese who came to trade sometimes stayed on and cooked Chinese food of home using local condiments, and thus Filipino-Chinese food came to be. Using local ingredients, the Chinatown diners offer authentic Chinese cuisine, the only place to go for a taste of true mainland delicacies. In addition, to the numerous restaurants serving American cuisine, the food table also includes French, Italian, Middle Eastern, Japanese, Thai, and Vietnamese.  What about the Philippines food?   The Filipino buffet table is made of array of tastes blended with Filipino fare.

The tingly, euphoric feeling makes time stand and the ambiance empowers to live out your fantasies.

First-class hotels and gathering places attract guests with performances by local pop artists, folk dance troupes, string quartets, and jazz bands. The nightlife in Metro Manila is always vibrant and inviting. The districts of Ermita and Malate in Manila are the places of well-liked tourist nightspots. The Remedios Circle in the old Malate district offers unique and exotic nightlife.  It is the most-desired watering hole of artists, designers and the cafe society. Similarly, the urbane Global City party clubs are the rage of the stylish and chic upper class. Makati city night spots offer first class nightlife experience comparable with the ones offered in any major cities across the globe.

The nightlife in Manila is mix with Malay, Spanish and Polynesian-influenced performances. Casinos, comedy clubs, and go-go bars are exceptional and matchless available daily from noon to crack of dawn.

The mighty metropolis throbs and moves to its own sound: traffic, horns, buzz of 1.6 million people going about their daily businesses. Pause for a second and you will feel the pulse. Carry on and you will contribute to the sights and sounds of the metropolis.

Welcome to Metropolitan Manila, to a blend of cultures, flavors, sights, sounds to behold and experience, where all are gracious enough to make you their friend-- the place to simply be yourself whoever you are, wherever you are from.