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What To Do in Manila

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There are a ton of things to do in Manila for your week vacation – actually much more than you can do in a week! Here are some of your options:

Shop –
One very big influence on the city of Manila is its commerce, which happens to be a high point of Manila’s economy. In plain English – this means great shopping! All districts in Manila except for one have their own public markets which have dry goods and wet goods. In the mornings, sales here are heavy with business from locals and tourists. Also, the pleasant weather in Manila allows Filipinos to enjoy Manila’s modern shopping malls.

Recent years have been especially good to the growth of these shopping malls. Where one lone department store used to stand, there may now be clusters of shopping centers. Devoted shoppers go beyond these shopping complexes, however, to the cheapest buys in Manila at the “flea-market” shops in Divisoria and Quiapo where haggling is completely acceptable. Indigenous crafts and desired products from throughout the Philippines can be found here at fractions of the normal prices. Even as department stores and other modern shopping become popular, these markets are still very popular among Manileños.

Experience the Great Food –
Manila usually has a little bit of everything to suit the tastes of its people. The fare you’ll find at a restaurant in Manila can range from Italian food to the typical Filipino, and dinner will usually cost about $15 a person. Some favorite dining establishments in Manila are:

• Café Bola - Filipino
• MyLK – variety
• Ortigas Center Wasabi – Japanese
• Ortigas Center – variety
• Illustrado – Spanish
• Mario’s – Italian

Watch a Cockfight –
One of the popular activities for Manileños to take part in is cockfighting. While some visitors find it gory and cruel, the Philippine cockfight is for Filipinos the same as bullfighting is for the Spaniards – a national pastime that brings a feeling of pride and slight nostalgia, despite the blood. Many people are involved in the games; gamecocks are raised with care, pampered, prepared for their battle (by placing blades on their feet), bet on, and watched with frenzied screams of excitement. One of the major locations for this cockfighting is the Libertad cockpit, where you can see cockfights any day but Thursday; however, there are also many other cockfighting venues. You can just check the local papers for listings of possibilities. There is usually a charge for admission into these games.

Experience the Nightlife –
The nightlife in Manila is nothing less than pulsating. Many people – local and visitors – party into the early hours of the morning, and happy hour in Manila lasts for 18 hours a day. Plus there are a variety of types of bars – from risqué to reputable. Clubs in Manila also range greatly; you’ll find everything from ballroom dancing to raves. Finally, casinos are also a fun nightlife option, if you’re in the mood for a little gambling on your three day stay.

Explore the City –
When you’re in Manila, you have to try to uncover its cultural riches! You have your option of exploring on your own or taking a tour (on foot or by bus). Either way, there will be many of opportunities for sightseeing and experiencing first-hand the “Pearl of the Orient” – Manila.

Search and discover:

• Parks and Key Landmarks like Rizal Park, Intramuros, Fort Santiago, Manila Zoo and Botanical Garden, and Malacañang Palace and Museum.
• Religious Sites comprised of San Agustin Church, Quiapo Church, Manila Cathedral, Manila American Cemetery and Memorial, and more.
• Educational Establishments including the National Library of the Philippines, Polytechnic University of the Philippines, and University of the East.

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