Manila is the Capital City in the Philippines. In the view of others, Manila is just another crowded, noisy and over-polluted city. So at first, I brought along these thoughts with me and had prepared myself for another boring trip. As the day went by I slowly discovered that I had a misconception of this place. Despite the heavy crowd and pollution, Manila does have its charm. It's mainly because of their extremely friendly locals. For a country being so poor but is RICH in humbleness, hospitality and the joys of friendship, they definately deserves a credit.
I often have the impression that the Filipinos only see themselves geographically Asian but culturally Western. So much attention drawn towards the western way of living. Where it's cuisine is a mixture of Chinese-Spanish-American influences. Food, aaah... the glorious food!!! Where else can you get dumplings, kiampeng, hopia, ngohiong, duck misua, beef noodle soup like no other?? I've also learnt that dining and family get togethers (Barkada or friends get together) are the first priority in the Filipinos' daily routine."San tayo kakain?" (Where shall we eat?) is always a part of the Filipinos' daily interaction.
Manila's nightlife is one of Asia's most exciting, because the Filipinos simply love to eat, drink, sing, dance and have a fiesta. Malate is famous for its night life and it is better known as the center of bohemian night life in the city. The beat of the night thrums like the beat of your heart. Walk its streets, bar hopping or stay in one spot listening to your kind of music till the wee hours of the morning.
Paalam!
