We flew into Manila from Romblon airport, with 3 flights a week the smallest airport we’ve flown from until now. We had been warned by our friend Lupi, that Manila is a tough city and it is. Our hotel was situated in the Malate neighborhood. Malate is because of its geographic location a great home-base, because it’s near Rizal Park & the Intramuros neighborhood. Intramuros is the old town built by the Spanish back in the time when Manila was ruled by Spain. Just next Intramuros, there is in the middle of the city a golf court where the rich are playing golf. Just outside the golf court, people are living on the streets. This sums up Manila. Huge contrasts, when walking on the streets we often didn’t take pictures because we felt too much out of place. When it gets dark, some parts of Malate become very busy & nightlife starts.
Christmas Shopping at SM Mall of Asia
The SM Mall of Asia is currently the biggest shopping mall of the Philippines & 5th biggest mall of the world. Normally shopping during holidays isn’t our cup of tea, but this opportunity couldn’t be missed. Time to buy new clothes.
Intramuros & other parts of Manila
Intramuros is the touristic heart of town, with its old European style of buildings. Fort Santiago is also situated in this part of the town, a fort built by Spain to defend the town.
