"Keeweechic's Manila" a Manila Travel Page by keeweechic

Capital of the Philippines and situated on the west coast of the name from a white-flowered mangrove plant called nilad. In the 1930's, Manila was know as 'The Pearl of the Orient'. Today there is little of great interest here, since Manila was largely destroyed during WWII and the economic slump of recent years has taken its toll. It is an asphalt jungle - gaudy and ruthless but irresistible. Sunsets are stunning and the people are friendly, but major sights are limited to the Malacanang Palace (former home of the Marcos), an elaborate Chinese cemetery, the Intramuros (Walled City) and the heady night main island Luzon. Manila took its scene. The Philippines are best experienced in the countryside and on the beaches rather than the cities. Having said that, Manila will creep up and seduce you when you least expect it. The Filipinos call Manila "The City of Our Affections." This phrase is taken from an old Spanish writings; but it also expresses a modern sentiment.

The Philippines is the undiscovered paradise of Southeast Asia with over 7,000 islands. The warmth and enthusiasm of the people is legendary in the East. Probably with their long association with Spain, the Filipinos are emotional and passionate about life in a way that seems more Latin than Asian. I probably saw and learnt more of the Filipino people and their ways while living in Singapore and Hong Kong where a huge number of them live and work as Amah's. Sundays was their day off to meet with friends, have picnics, dance and sing and worship. The 83% of Filipino people are Roman Catholic, 83%, Protestant 9%, Muslim 5%, Buddhist and other 3%. They are an amazing talented people and reported to be the best singers in Asia.

My trip was a last minute decision over a 3 day weekend from Hong Kong. I wasn't my usual organised self on making sure everything was planned before I got there, however after stirring up the travel desk at the hotel (which had closed for the weekend), I managed to get myself booked on a couple of tours and the rest I did on foot. I was able to get a booking at a hotel opposite the Manila Bay and it wasn't until after I returned to Hong Kong that I learnt my Father, some 20 years earlier while visiting the Philippines, had stayed at the exact same hotel. His visit (at that time) included the faith healers which hit the headlines all over the world with their amazing beliefs and cures (some of which were hoax's of course). He brought back wonderful (Not!!) gory photos of their 'operations'. This had been the only thing I associated with when thinking about the Philippines until my own trip there, which I might add, definitely featured no faith healers, but absorbed the friendliness of the people, the sadness of the poverty, and the beauty of the countryside.