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Guest post by Janice Jaramillo
More distinctly known as the National Capital Regional Region of the Philippines, Metro Manila is widely regarded as a concrete jungle that is densely populated due to its innumerable opportunities for career growth and job offers.
Apart from that, the metropolis is also known to be an avenue for entertainment and a business hub of all sorts. In fact, one might say it is a cosmopolitan city of diverse offerings—culture, governance, trade, and economics to name a few. Today, it is the 11th-most populous city in the world.
Metro Manila is characterized by its progressive development. Unfortunately, with every growth comes with its own downfalls. As the main gateway to the rest of the Philippine provinces, many tourists make Metro Manila their main jump-off point in getting to remote areas in the country, and as it is, it has been notably exemplified for its smog, pollution, and onslaughts of traffic. However, do not let these deter you, as Metro Manila still retains some of its subtle charms if you care enough to look.
So, if you ever have the opportunity to visit or are simply looking for new ways to fall in love with this city again, take a gander at this list for some things you can do while there.
Party at the Hottest and Most Exclusive Clubs
There has never been any question that Makati Philippines hosts a series of the country’s best and most happening clubs. Nightlife is never wanting in city centers such as Makati, Eastwood, and Bonifacio Global City, and if you are lucky enough, you might just even spot a local celebrity partying it up in the VIP room.
If you have a streak of the wild side in you or simply have a penchant for dancing the night away, visit one of Manila’s most exclusive nightclubs and be prepared to be blown away by the unique party scenes each club has.
Observe Old and Gothic Churches
A former colony of Spain and also a devoutly Catholic country, one can expect to find a myriad of churches in the Philippines. In Cambodia and Thailand, tourists are known to temple hop. In the Philippines, you can church hop.
Note the ancient and aesthetic architecture in each of the churches that have been preserved so well and withstood the test of time.
Explore the Chinatown: Binondo Manila
If you have a hankering for authentic Chinese cuisine, you are in luck. Look no further than Manila’s very own Chinese community scene in Binondo where they serve authentic Chinese dishes that would appeal to even the most discriminating palate.
Established in the early 1500s, Binondo is the oldest Chinese district not only in the Philippines but the world as well. The district is rather well known for its Chinese New Year celebrations as well as its specialty stores and unique places of worship. Binondo is definitely a place of interest if you are looking to satisfy the foodie in you.
Go Shopping at Divisoria
In these days where prices of goods and commodities are skyrocketing, it would not only be a welcome change but a miracle to find something so cheap. Well, this is the main allure of Divisoria, a shopping district located at the heart of Manila.
It is comprised of malls and markets that would sell you basically anything you need for a fraction of what you would pay at the mall. In fact, a $20 bill would go a long way at this shopping district. It is not known for being the bargain hunter’s shopping mecca for nothing after all. If you are looking to stretch your budget or simply doing your Christmas shopping, go for the more affordable alternative in Divisoria.
Let the Manila Bay Sunset Take Your Breath Away
For all the flak Manila has gotten for its unbearable traffic, thick fog, and pollution, it seems like all these things are well compensated for the fact that it has one of the most beautiful sunsets.
If you have a rather romantic side to you, take a stroll along the bay walks of Mall of Asia and Roxas Boulevard in good weather. Just pick any spot and bask in the breathtaking golden sunset. Do not forget to take as many photos as you can while you are at it.
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