Manila Things to Do Tips by Ramonq

The walled city of Intramuros was built by the Spanish colonialist in the 17th century. It was designed to keep out the natives and Chinese settlers. The exclusive enclave housed churches, convents, schools of higher learning, and government institutions for the colonisers and the mestizo (mixed) classes.

Unfortunately, Manila including Intramuros was heavily devastated during WW2 by the bombardment of American forces in an effort to get rid of the Japanese invaders. Yet somehow, a few buildings in Intramuros remained intact or partly damaged. They've been restored and now attest to Intramuros' enduring legacy to Manila. It's very rare to see 17th, 18th and early 19th century Spanish colonial heritage buildings in Manila. Most notable are San Agustin Church, Fort Santiago, Manila Cathedral and of course the wall itself..

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Address: South of the mouth of Pasig River

Roxas Boulevard is the main promenade of Manila. This is a good place to pass away your time in Manila day or night. Overlooking Manila Bay, the promenade has open air cafes and benches where one can sit and do some people-watching or witness the famous Manila sunset.

The main plaza fronting the Malate church is the central attraction of the Manila baywalk. It has a fountain and a statue of Rajah Sulayman in front the baroque church.

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Address: Roxas Blvd., Manila
Directions: Along the Manila Bay

Luneta Park is Manila's largest and it's an excellent place to wind down and escape Manila's treacherous traffic. The park gained prominence during the Spanish colonial period when the country's greatest hero was martyred here through firing squad. A monument of Rizal now stands there and it is guarded day and night.

Luneta also hosts an orchidarium, a Japanese and Chinese garden as well as a grandstand.

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Address: Ermita, Manila
Directions: East of Intramuros

Even Manila has a Chinatown. The Chinese presence in Manila is strong. During the Spanish times, the Chinese were kept out of the walled city and they settled across the Pasig River in what's known as Binondo.

Like most Chinatowns, Manila's Chinatown has all the proverbial sights sounds and smell. Yet it is unique because of the presence of horse drawn carriages called calesas and it is flanked by baroque-style churches, Binondo church and Santa Cruz church.

Most of the Chinese in Binondo are Catholics but they maintain some of their Chinese traditions

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Address: Binondo, Manila
Directions: North of the Pasig River

Manila has some of the most impressive Christian churches this side of the Pacific. Manila is the centre of Christiandom in Asia and one has to visit at least an historic church in Manila as a must-do activity.

There are so many old churches in downtown Manila. Most recommended are San Agustin in Intramuros, Binondo Church, Quiapo Church, Malate Church, San Sebastian Church, and Santa Cruz Church.

The old churches in Manila have their own style of architecture which includes Chinese and Filipino influences.

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Address: All over Manila

Makati is the financial district of Metro-Manila. One cannot be unimpressed by the high-rises that puncture the sky in this part of Manila. This is where money is made and spent in the Philippines.

The architectural style is decidedly post-modern with lots of glass and chrome. Its denizens are worldly and sophisticated, who unashamedly call themselves yuppies.

Makati CBD is worlds away from the shanty towns that dot the Manila landscape. Some of its elitist neighbourhoods, ironically called "villages", are so exclusive that guards secure their main entrances. Many of the county's embassies are located in these so-called villages. The most prestigious is Forbes Park.

Other areas of Metro-Manila are trying to replicate the success of Makati. Most notable is Alabang in the city's south and Ortigas in the east.

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Address: Main street is Ayala Avenue
Directions: East of Manila