HISTORICAL INTRAMUROS (Walled City)
by Ric
Go to INTRAMUROS, the Walled City, and see FORT SANTIAGO which contains the José Rizal Shrine. A five-minute stroll away is the the MANILA CATHEDRAL with its beautiful stained glass windows showing Filipino themes, and GENERAL LUNA STREET (toward Puerto Real gate) where the National Council on Culture and the Arts Museum and (further on) Silahis Arts & Artifacts store and the adjoining Ilustrado Cafe are located. Riding the JEEPNEYS, which are unique open-sided, public transport vehicles based upon the army jeep and carrying 10 - 14 people. Each is exuberantly decorated and carry such signs as (in translation): 'pretty girls sit in the front [next to the driver]; ugly ones, in the back,' or (in English) 'God is my copilot.' Payment (minimum fare is P7.50/US$ .14) involves passing your money from passenger to passenger until it reaches the driver. You tell him where you got on and where you want to get off. He makes change which is passed back to you. Understanding Tagalog is a help, although there is always someone who can speak some English. This is definitely getting among the folks.
Getting Around Manila From Airport!
by machomikemd
Ninoy Aquino International Airport (MNL) is eight miles (12 kilometres) south of Manila. Take only official, metered or pre-booked taxis, do not accept rides from people that approach you in the terminal. The taxis in the line in front of ÔarrivalsÕ are metered and will charge around 150-200 Pesos (6USD-8USD) to central Manila hotels. It will take about 20 minutes to one hour for the trip, depending on traffic. Many of the major hotels run cars which you can book in advance, or you can look for a hotel representative in ÔarrivalsÕ. The cost is around 750-950 Pesos (30USD-38USD), and is considered well worth the cost for the convenience and security. Once youÕre in town you may be advised to use the pool of taxis operated by your hotel. They have fixed fares and provide a more convenient and safe way around the city than driving yourself or dealing with the difficult public taxi system Arriving at Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) may be a nearly unique lifetime experience. Because of security, no one without special authorization may come into the airport. All "greeters" must remain outside, across the street from the main entrance. There is an air-conditioned, glassed in raised waiting area, where for a nominal fee, your "greeters" can wait. Because of the huge number of Filipinos who work overseas, Balikbayans, the luggage area can be pure mayhem. Take a deep breath. You're here!
WARNING: Watch your purse and carry on baggage while you are standing at the carousel waiting for your luggage. Although undoubtedly no worse than any other large city, there are pickpockets and thieves about who take advantage of your distraction to rob you. I know of at least one seasoned expat whose welcome to Manila included the theft of her wallet and all of her money, documents, and credit cards. Exercise caution!
Phone card
by Xdrive
If you use your cellphone, you can buy phone card with storage value. You can buy in the small shops, the newspaper stand or this machine in the big shopping centre or airport
Cards can be either 100P or 300P.
Espasol "Rice Pastry"
by machomikemd
Espasol (Rice Pastry) is a cylinder-shaped Filipino rice cake originating from the province of Laguna. It is made from rice flour cooked in coconut milk and sweetened coconut strips, dusted with toasted rice flour and can be given a distinct taste by adding favorite flavorings such as pandan (pandanus leaf), buko (young coconut) or langka (jackfruit) for a heavenly melange of flavors and textures. It has a sweet taste. It is coated with powder to lessen stickiness and prolong shelf life.
Packing List
by rdinsmore
Pack light. If you end up needing extra clothing, it is so cheap to get stuff in the city. You may want to pack bug spray, sunblock lotions and minor first aid kit especially if you intend to travel outside Manila/Quezon City.
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the sauce
inside, darkly lit romantic ambience
Gravestone on an unknown soldier
old pics
