"Manila, Manila...i keep coming home to... " a City of Manila Travel Page by ickee

This is so very true. It may not look like much: Traffic, Pollution, Chaos. But it's my kind of chaos and my people. Admittedly, there aren't enough tourist spots in Manila save for Intramuros and Malate Church. People hardly come here to go sightseeing. This is a place to shop, eat and listen to great music. More than anything, one should come to visit to experience the people. Filipino Hospitality is unparalleled. It is is the greatest attraction a country could have. This is my home and imperfect may it be, i will always be proud to be Filipino.

Manila is a huge place. The central business district is Makati. This is where you'll find the high-rise buildings and the major shopping malls. Just a heartbeat away lies the Fort, a former military base converted to a pseudo-residential and business area at the heart of the city. It is also a popular spot for clubbing and fine dining. From the fort you can take the back route to get to Pasig, another business district with lots of shopping malls, including the Megamall, one of the largest malls in the country. Also in Makati is Rockwell, a former powerplant which they converted to an urban residential and commercial subdivision.

A quick taxi ride (depending on the traffic) from Makati is Malate. A stone's throw from Manila bay. Malate is reminiscent of old Manila with the old-fashioned Kalesa ride which takes you around the circle, as well as the Malate church, another popular tourist attraction. Intramuros, the old walled city of great Spanish Influence is also a must-see for first time tourists.

The Music Scene in the Philippines is overwhelming. Everywhere you go there is someone singing or dancing. Almost all the clubs have live bands and most of them are pretty amazing.

For those not too keen on chaos city life may find comfort in the cities of Paranaque and Muntinlupa. The popular habitat for people with families. Alabang and BF Homes are interesting places to visit for a take on Filipino suburban life. Alabang Town Center and Festival Mall caters to families living within Ayala Alabang, Alabang Hills, Hillsborough and BF Homes. Within BF Homes is a popular night market.