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If the Philippines is a woven fabric of various cultural strands — including indigenous, Malay, Spanish, American, and Chinese influences — then Manila serves as the ideal location to witness how these elements intertwine. Established by the Spanish in 1571, the Philippine capital has witnessed numerous conflicts, two People Power revolutions, and more recently, the emergence of a national "Asian tiger cub" economy, exemplified by the flashy business areas of Bonifacio Global City and Makati.
Visiting can be quite overwhelming, but we’ve consulted three local experts to help you maximize your stay. Farah Abu creates distinctive jewelry inspired by Filipino designs through her own label; Dylan Gozum oversees an event venue that specializes in hosting weddings and gatherings in the neighboring Rizal province; and Rey Ballesca has been guiding tourists around for over ten years.
The ancient fortified town of Intramuros served as Manila's administrative center under Spanish rule from 1565 to 1898, and continues to be the initial destination for tourists attracted by its elegant colonial buildings and historic churches.
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Abu states, "We bring all our visitors there. You can gain insights into the life of our national hero, Jose Rizal, since this is where he spent his final moments."
However, it's worthwhile to remain within Intramuros past the usual tricycle tours to immerse yourself in the ambiance and heritage.
Where to stay
Abu suggests Barbara's, which offers Spanish-Filipino cuisine and accommodates room rentals: "The decor is influenced by the Spanish era And they also organize an event named Kultura Filipina, featuring traditional performances like the singkil , tinikling and pandanggo sa ilaw. "
To enjoy the ultimate luxurious stay, she recommends reserving a room at the five-star Peninsula Manila, a hotel that opened in 1976 and has welcomed notable guests such as Bill Gates and Queen Sofia of Spain. Despite being located 9 kilometers away from Intramuros, "this remains one of the finest accommodations around," according to Abu.
If your finances can't go as high, Ballesca recommends the Bayleaf Intramuros, a charming boutique hotel with views of the ancient city walls.
He describes it as a top-notch mid-range hotel, offering cozy accommodations, beautiful vistas, and close access to notable sites such as Fort Santiago and Rizal Park. It seamlessly blends contemporary amenities with traditional allure, making it an ideal option for visitors looking to experience both comfort and heritage.
Faith and history
Abu guides visitors looking for an architectural departure from ancient Intramuros to the National Museum of Natural History. This museum, among the most recent ones surrounding Rizal Park, is located within the refurbished Agriculture and Commerce Building from the American era (1898-1946).
She remarks, 'It’s truly an impressive sight.' The location boasts a grand staircase along with a central Tree of Life elevator. This venue hosts many fashion events.'
If photography piques your interest, Ballesca suggests exploring the historically rich Quiapo neighborhood located northeast of Rizal Park. This area is renowned for its bustling markets and delectable street cuisine. Nonetheless, the main attraction here remains the ornate Quiapo Church, home to the revered Black Nazarene—a full-sized figure carved from mesquite wood depicting Jesus Christ. It was originally transported to the Philippines by a Mexican cleric back in 1606.
"The optimal angles for photographing the church are wide or low shots," explains Ballesca. "Long exposures at night allow you to capture images of street vendors and traffic as well." Additionally, he mentions that a must-see event is the yearly occurrence. Celebration of the Black Nazarene On January 9, when throngs of devoted followers carry the statue through the streets.
Simply located to the west of Quiapo is Binondo , home to the planet’s oldest Chinatown, founded by the Spanish in 1594 as a dwelling place for Chinese Catholics.
Old Manila infused with a Chinese touch—both in its heritage and tastes," explains Ballesca. "The Binondo Church from the Spanish era looms large nearby, close to gold boutiques and herbal remedy shops.
However, the true attraction of Binondo, he mentions, is the cuisine.
Hungry for more
The impact of Chinese settlers is difficult to exaggerate. Filipino cuisine , leading to creations like lumpia (spring rolls) , mami (beef noodle soup), siopao (a sweeter variant of bao), and pancit (stir-fried noodles). Notably, Ballesca suggests Café Mezzanine – alternatively called The Fireman’s Coffee Shop – renowned for offering Chinese-Filipino fusion cuisine.
He mentions that it was established by a volunteer firefighter, and the earnings are directed towards supporting the firefighting community.
Directly across the street from Manila’s UNESCO-listed San AgustÃn Church within Intramuros, you'll find the Batala Bar.
“I adore their cocktails, particularly the Ube Colada, which offers a purple yam spin on the classic piña colada,” explains Gozum. “Theirartisanalice creamshouldn’t be missed either—there’s a delightful array of traditional Filipino flavors available.” Some highlights include keso (cheese), avocado, macapuno (coconut sport), and sweet corn.
Following independence, Manila witnessed the emergence and growth of Makati, a district that transformed from wartime devastation into the nation's economic center. Despite this, it remains far from dull; it is within this area where the city’s most dynamic culinary advancements can be discovered.
Gozum's favorite place is The Curator, which has been recognized as one of The Top 50 Asia's Best Bars for 2024 .
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He mentions they offer a creative cocktail list titled 'People You’d Enjoy Having A Beverage With.' Among them are drinks inspired by personalities such as the writer Salman Rushdie, featuring blended rum with cardamom bitters and karak tea, and Manila’s art critic Marian Pastor Roces, made with absinthe, melon liqueur, and bitter gourd.
The nightlife in Makati centers around Poblacion, a neighborhood that maintains its disorganized yet charmingly chaotic atmosphere despite the emergence of skyscrapers nearby. Interestingly, it also features an establishment that was uncommon in the Philippines only about ten years ago—a vegan restaurant.
Gozum states, “Cosmic paves the path for [veganism] becoming mainstream.” They specialize in serving Filipino comfort cuisine. He suggests trying their version of tofu sisig, which is a popular pulutan (snack often enjoyed with beer), originating from the Pampanga area, traditionally prepared using pig’s cheeks and ears.
The ruler of the highway
After Spain lost in the Spanish-American War of 1898, the Philippines was taken over as a U.S. colony. A lasting emblem from this era remains. the jeepney , vibrantly colored public buses initially modified from US Army jeeps. They are closely associated with Leonardo Sarao, the former kalesa The operator of a horse-drawn carriage who founded Sarao Motors in 1953, turning it into one of the nation's most cherished companies.
At the facility located in Las Pinas, which is part of southern Manila and operated by Sarao's offspring, Artisans continue to paint jeepneys manually. .
Exploring the location allows you to witness the skill and artistry involved in crafting these vibrant vehicles," explains Ballesca. "This represents a distinctive and genuine aspect of Filipino transport heritage, embodying the country’s innovative spirit.
Shopping time
Ballesca recommends visiting the Salcedo Market for souvenirs, which takes place during weekends in Makati. He describes it as a blend of fresh goods, specialty foods, and handcrafted items. "This market offers an excellent opportunity to experience the essence of the local community," he adds.
For higher-end souvenirs, Abu recommends visiting Greenbelt 5 mall. She mentions, "It has many local Filipino designers such as Zarah Juan, Pinas Sadya, and Earl Garindo."
Devoted shoppers ought to schedule their trip around ArteFino, which occurs biannually and focuses on showcasing Filipino artisans' work. It most certainly the Number one spot for shopping," declares Abu. "The largest market takes place at the close of August [with the 2024 iteration featuring 100 locally made brands]. People eagerly anticipate this event as it offers the finest collection of accessory and apparel creators. It includes various homeware items [...], all distinctly Filipino. We unveil our latest designs here.
A potentially even less expected source for local fashion trends is the mentioned Peninsula Manila. "On their second floor, you can find showrooms featuring creations by Filipino designers: wedding gown creators, apparel makers, and footwear experts," explains Abu. "The atmosphere there feels quite lavish and selective."
