MÁS MANILA

7th - 8th Dec 2025

Interesting 'artwork' on a tall apartment block in the west side.

I must say I found (still do) the make up of the huge Manila Metropolis difficult to understand with all its different districts, administrative areas and 'cities' included in a most confusing manner. For simplicity's' sake I only refer to the 'areas' listed in my basic guide book namely: City of Manila (Incl. Intramuros), Quezon City, Makati & BGC (Bonefacio Global City), Pasay & Parañaque. On my two seperate visits I based myself in the Makati area. I attach a poor photo from my 'Lonely Planet' which might give you some idea. Click on to enlarge:

'Find Your Way'? An optimistic proposition!

On day 2 I was taken, by car, on a very interesting guided tour, mainly of the upmarket southern and western areas towards Manila Bay. My charming host and driver, Neil, is a Filipino and friend of a friend of mine in UK. He has lived for most of his life in the USA but now returned 'home'.

We travelled towards Manila Bay, an area of which a large part has been reclaimed from the sea…and they are still 'reclaiming' more.

Much of the area towards the Bay consists of enormous skyscrapers very upmarket apartment blocks and vast shopping malls plus some obscenely flash and ostentatious hotels and casinos. Left: This, the Okada, is an example, of several, of a combined hotel and casino complex. I was told the best 'suites' for guests here cost in the region of 30,000 US$ per night! I tend to top out at 30 US$ per night in probably much more amusing places!

Another flash area we passed (stopped at an entrance) was Forbes Park, a gated (with armed guards) housing estate in the south of the Makati area. Right: Not my photo, but gives you an idea of the place. Houses on sale for up to 30-40 million US$. I was told it caters to the wealthy and often corrupt billionaires who like an 'untraceable' means of hiding their ill-gotten gains.

Left: At the opposite end of the scale are  several areas of abject poverty, mostly in the port districts of Tondos and Esteros to the north-west of the metropolis…but there are other similarly disgusting crime and drug infested squalid slums elsewhere. Not safe places for tourists, or even the police, to venture into! A bit like Birmingham in the UK during the rubbish collectors' strike.

I was warned that wandering the streets as a tourist can be dangerous, especially after dark, with potential for armed robbery a risk, presumably by residents of the above. I did a bit of wandering but fortunately never experienced anything threatening. The only frequent hassle I got was from touts on the streets trying to flog dodgy cell-phones, watches and, above all, packets of viagra and cialis! I resisted the temptation and soon bored them away with my inane 'conversation'. Quite amusing actually!

Many streets around town are named after past American high ranking military and political grandees such as Taft, Lincoln, MacArthur, Pershing, Lawton, Harrison and several more. As you may be aware, the Philippines was 'discovered' in 1521 by Ferdinand Magellan (he was killed in battle there), colonised by the Spanish in 1565 and named after Spanish King Phillip 11. During the Spanish/American war in 1898 it was captured and colonised by America. The Japs invaded in 1941 and temporarily chased the Yanks out but they returned after the Japanese surrender. It gained full independence in 1946.

Right: Another amusing bit of artwork in the Bay area. 

By chance we ended up in an amusing Irish Pub in Makati called O'Reilly's (left). There are two other 'Oirish Bears' in Manila, apparently. It featured two well patronised Pool tables, a dartboard and several pretty young ladies who were very 'sociable'. No Guiness! It seems the only beer that I recognise served in most establishments here is either San Miguel or Red Horse.

If you hadn't got anyone else to play with, one of the 'enthusiastic' ladies was only too keen to oblige (Right).

We didn't bother and just enjoyed a good chat and drink…and were joined by quite an amusing American after temporarily dumping his lady Pool partner. Many thanks Neil!

Off tomorrow to have a look around Intramuros, the old part of the city to the north end and try to find a tourist information office, and a post office to send some cards. 

PS. The small hotel I am staying at in Makati has an 'en-suite' room (25US$ pn) is perfectly comfortable with good Wi-Fi etc, despite rather a lack of hot water; none at the washbasin and only tepid in the shower! It is called Nest Nano Suites. The staff at reception are most charming and helpful and it is within easy walking distance of some decent shops (7Eleven stores in profusion) and one particularly good restaurant which I have subsequently patronised. The only real problem is that a rooster and dog have a loud ongoing crowing/barking match at each other just below my room from about 4.00am onwards! Shotgun required.

So much more to follow and at this rate I will be writing this until Easter…...