Discovering Manila

So, you have decided to take a trip to the Philippines. Fantastic decision! Most people have heard stories about the beautiful beaches of the Philippines. It is true that Boracay and Palawan are gorgeous, however, there is much more to the country than the white sands and the crystal clear waters that the beaches offer.

When you first land at the International Airport in Manila, be prepared to be a bit overwhelmed with the amount of families and friends that await their loved ones at the arrival terminal. The people of the Philippines are very friendly and are extremely close to their loved ones. To say that they are hospitable would be an understatement. Having approachable locals who also speak a decent amount of English is priceless. Being able to socialize with the natives is a key factor when it comes to enjoying the country as well as being in the know as far as local happenings are concerned. There are tons of attractions and great deals that the residents can fill you in on that may not be found on websites or travel guides.

There are quite a few things to do around Manila. The weather can be quite hot and humid. The best way to get around would be to take an air-conditioned taxi or if you are feeling a bit adventurous, you can take the MRT which is a train that is also air-conditioned. Start your day with a traditional Filipino breakfast. Some favorites would be beef tapa, longganisa and boneless bangus. This, like most Filipino food is best with a cup of white or garlic rice. While the sun is still out, visit the Intramuros area where you will find old, Spanish style buildings that date back to the 1500s. There are also a good amount of museums, like the Ayala Museum and the Yuchengco Museum that are both owned and operated by influential families in the Philippines.

For those that love to shop, Manila is a dream come true. There are high-end malls, night markets, bazaars and even vendors on the main roads that sell everything from household goods to toys and food. Most shopping malls in Manila are humongous. The Filipinos have found a way to incorporate everything you need under one roof. Majority of the malls have their own movie theater, arcade, bars, restaurants, while some even have bowling alleys and ice skating rinks.

While in Manila, why not spend a few days in sunny Boracay. For more information on Boracay flights and other promotions, please visit www.flyseair.com .