Manila

Inquisitor77

Hey guys, due to a somewhat last-minute business trip, I'm in Manila for the next two weeks. Any advice on things to do? I'm going to be working during the day, but I have some evenings and the next two weekends free, so hopefully that's enough time to at least wander around a bit. I'm staying in Bonifacio Global City, which I've been told is a nice area, if a bit touristy (although apparently not as bad as some other places).

I'm open to anything, as long as what I'm doing doesn't include the risk of bringing additional...passengers, back home. And yes, I'm totally going to try balut. =D

Thanks!

Quid

Oh God balut is awful.

I don't have much advice besides that if you're alone do yourself a favor and don't walk around by yourself.

Otherwise enjoy the fact that everything is ridiculously cheap. My friends and I just ate big and enjoyed regular massages on the cheap. If you've ever wanted to know what it feels like to be absolutely loaded and not care about money, PI is the place to do it.

Quid

Oh and if you do walk around by yourself or with a group for the love of god don't give anyone money and don't carry food.

Wearingglasses

Bonifacio Global City is the posh area of urban life in Manila. There are plenty of bars and party places you can go there. Plenty of shops too if you're into shopping. Check out BGC's Boni High Street area for both.

Here's a link for spots to go within Makati (technically the real city BGC's in) if you're looking for nightlife activity: http://www.virtualtourist.com/travel/Asia/Philippines/City_of_Manila/Makati-1392820/Nightlife-Makati-TG-C-1.html

If you're into sightseeing, Intramuros is less than 15 kilometers away.

Advice on survival:
Seconding not giving street urchins money; they're like... piranhas, the smell of blood will attract more.
Taxis are relatively cheap compared to other countries, but they tend to be picky during rush hours / rainy days, and there's the rare douche that will try to rip you off by going around in circles. If you have any friends who knows their way around Makati, ask for directions. The taxi franchises that are relatively decent are MGE and EMP. Also: Do NOT agree to a fixed rate with the driver.
This is a no-brainer, but always keep an eye on your valuables.
Manila's got two weather modes - HOT, or RAINY, so try to dress in preparation for that. Also try to always bring a small umbrella, as it's going to be rainy next week.

Wearingglasses

Oh yeah, I thought of a few other things:

Health Stuff
In case you get sick and need to go to the ER, there are two hospitals in Makati, and both have good rep, but also have a reputation for being "for rich dudes mostly":
- St. Lukes Medical Center, which is probably nearer your place, and;
- Makati Medical Center
If you need to buy medicine, or over-the-counter stuff drugs, there's: Mercury Drug (logo's a red silhouette of the Roman god, with red font on white background). Plenty of them in the city, should be easy to find; South Star Drug, dwarfed quantity-wise by Mercury but still a decent option.

More Food Stuff
Market! Market! is also a short walk's distance from BGC. It has a wet market where you can find produce, if you're into cooking, or looking for fruits.
Try the lechon (aka roast pig). The one Anthony Bourdain praised as the best pig he ever tasted is far away in Cebu, but there are plenty of restaurants offering the dish here in Manila.
Sisig (aka sizzling pork) is good either with beer or as a meal of its own (eaten with rice).