A THRILLA IN MANILA…MAYBE?

 4th - 6th Dec 2025

Well, it's that time of year again, so my 'Chrexit 25' is now underway. First stop the Philippines, which is one of many countries I had not yet visited.

True to my miserly choosing of the cheapest options I got a late evening flight on 4th December with China Airways from London Heathrow involving a five hour stop-over in Chengdu/ Tianfu before flying on to Manila. 

That was over a period of 20 hours and, due to the time differences going east, incorporated two nights. China Airlines were most efficient and on time and I have absolutely no complaints about their service. However, jammed up in a small seat on both flights I arrived in Manila at 1.30am on the 6th December having had no sleep. An efficient, and surprisingly cheap, Grab taxi then took me to my cheapo hotel in the Makati district of the city. Left: Ninoy Aquino airport in Manila.

I was quite knackered and after a suitable kip ventured out to have a look around the area.

Manila is a complex and vast metropolitan arrangement of districts and each with it's own distinctive characteristics. The 'city' itself is the old 'walled' part to the north straddling the Pasig River. To its east is Quezon City, to the south-east is Makati and Bonefacio Global City (BFC) and to the south Pasay and Parañaque. Manila Bay runs down the western side. The whole area being known collectively as 'Metro Manila'. Or 'Metro Traffic Jam' as I came to call it. Makati, the district in which I am staying, is renowned for its restaurants, bars, nightclubs, nightlife and the very friendly ladies who frequent some of these establishments.

Right: An area around here has streets named after various planets and cosmic terminology. Curious? I can't think why.

On my initial brief 'recce', I passed a few interesting venues. Left: This restaurant, 'Pardon My French', looked inviting and I liked the name. In fact I was given a look inside and it is very smart with an elegant dining area plus balconies and a stage for a band. I was told the band plays (1970s/80s music) during the evening sessions. I vowed to return for a meal at some stage.

Right: Click on to enlarge and read the board at the bottom. This establishment, called 'Bottoms', certainly captured my imagination. I was particularly intrigued by the advertised 'Midget Oil Wrestling'. I suspect this sort of place would be frowned upon in UK.

Left: The 'House Rules' at the entrance. I'm not sure what sort of clientele they are expecting….

Right: A thought-provoking sign on the door of a single street-side room which was being refurbished. I don't know who (or what) 'Lady Bedspacer' is, but I can think of a few acquaintances who match this description. I was tempted to give them a call.

Left: A pleasant restaurant, the Tiabuela, near my hotel which I patronised and which offered decent food and drink at surprisingly cheap prices. In fact  during my very short time so far in this city I have been surprised at the relatively cheap price of food and drink; about half the price we pay in UK. Oh yes! The reindeer horns and Father Christmas hats have come out in force already. 😫.

This tardy 'initial' report covers only the first 24 hrs of my Manila experience. I am getting idle. Old age creeping up I suspect. 

I close now for the time being and much, much more to come when I get my act together. Stand-by!