Manila, the first place I visited from the lands of Luzon. Before, I could only see the place through the television with a negative view - the traffic, crimes, pollution, and impatient people - but Manila has a lot to offer and I really did enjoy my stay there.

When we first stepped our foot in Manila, we were greeted with wide roads and very tall buildings. Cebu is not even half of it. Everything were so busy.

After more than an hour flight, we immediately proceeded to the condo, Grass Residences, which I booked through booking.com. It was located at Quezon City, near SM North Edsa. The place was really nice and extravagant. For a 3-person room we only paid P3,500 good for 3 days and 2 nights. Plus you can enjoy the swimming pool for free.


Our main purpose in visiting Manila is to attend the concert of an international band, Turnover. With the help of Uber, we were able to arrive at the venue safely on time.

TURNOVER

On our second day in Manila, we were finally able to ride the LRT train from Roosevelt to United Nations and went to the most famous tourist spot of the land, the Luneta Park. It was huge and there are so many historic attractions nearby. From the drop off point we decided to walk inorder to see all the attractions. We stopped first at the Lapu lapu statue, next to the planetarium, to the monument of Jose Rizal, then to the kilometer zero spot. Unfortunately, the Philippine National Museum was closed when we went there.

LRT

Lapu-Lapu

Planetarium

Rizal Monument

Kilometer Zero

Our last spot for the day, Manila Ocean Park. It was trully amazing especially the Symphony Live Show. Do not miss this place and this show when you go in Manila. For 10 attractions we paid P699 which includes a visit to oceanarium, watch different kinds of jellyfish, insects and reptiles, touch the sharks and rays, and many more. Additional P150 if you want to visit the Yexel's Museum where you can see limited edition collectibles.

Oceanarium

Seal

Yexel's Museum

On our final day in the city, we visited the famous SM Mall of Asia. All I could say is that SM Seaside in Cebu is nicer. The total cost of our trip is (drum rolls) around P7,000 per person. Expensive, but worth it.