Manila Vacations and Tourism

Many tourists make the mistake of taking one glance at Manila running for that Queen of Filipino tourism, Boracay, screaming the whole way to those white-sanded shores. But if you really want to get a taste of the Philippines, you shouldn't miss Manila's sprawling metropolis. At once both quintessentially Filipino and decidedly Western, in Manila you will see the full array of Pinoy life, for better of worse.

The bad news first. Brace yourself for abject and upsetting poverty: families and children living on the streets, shantytowns, and slums. There are other indications of the difficult and, at times, desperate economic situation of the Philippines. Walking past nearly any embassy, you'll notice long lines of Filipinos trying to get visas to go work overseas.

The good news. If you can look beyond these disturbing aspects of the Philippines, Manila vacations offer up the archipelago's richly layered, and endlessly fascinating, culture and history. Begin with Intramuros, the area that was built by the Spanish when they colonized the Philippines. Make sure to also get a taste of the flavor of today's Filipino culture; the Cultural Center of the Philippines is a good place to start.

The best way to get a feel for the Philippines is to immerse yourself in this frenetic mix of Spanish, American, and Asian cultures. Spend a night out on the town, meeting and mingling with the locals. Filipinos are a friendly bunch and, ultimately, you'll find Manila to be a dusty jewel of a city.

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