So, I just got back from Manila, and let me tell you, I had no idea what to expect. It's funny, really—I thought I had a handle on the best things to do in Manila, but the whole experience was so much richer and messier than I'd imagined. My trip was a whirlwind of chaotic streets, loud vendors, and unexpected delights. I'm still trying to wrap my head around it all, so let me spill some of the highlights over this coffee.
This spot? Total surprise.
I mean, you know how it is when you're not sure which end is up. I arrived and headed straight for Intramuros, the “Walled City.” My friend who has traveled there before kept raving about it, so naturally, I was all in. But honestly? I expected to do the typical tourist thing—snap a pic by the gates, maybe buy a trinket and call it a day. But y'all, I stumbled across an art installation that completely caught me off guard.
It was this small alley tucked away behind all the usual tourist spots. I don't even remember how I found it. One minute I was dragging my feet past some overly enthusiastic tour guide, and next thing I knew, I was peeking into this narrow passageway that looked like it had been forgotten by time. The walls were floor-to-ceiling covered in vibrant murals, and I stood there in awe while the sound of someone playing a guitar filled the air. I felt like I'd walked into a secret club. Talking about finding the hidden gems, right?
The afternoon that changed my whole mood
Let's talk about my first full day because boy, did it start with a bit of a disaster. I woke up late—classic move, am I right? I thought, “No big deal, I'll just grab some street food and be on my way.” But I ended up ordering something that apparently was a bit too spicy for my mediocre taste buds. I started sweating like I just ran a marathon while standing in line, and for a second, I doubted my entire trip. Is this what I signed up for? Maybe I should just head to a chain restaurant and have something familiar. But then I remembered I was in Manila and thought, “Screw it, let's make this work!”
So, I decided to wander around in search of something soothing—not that overly spicy stuff. I ended up at a random café I found on Google Maps, and honestly, guys, if you need to drown your sorrows in caffeine, this place was it. It was small and cozy, with mismatched furniture that made me feel like I was in a friend's living room rather than a café. They had this avocado toast that was just perfect—creamy, a bit tangy, and honestly a revelation. And the barista? Super friendly! He even threw in a traditional Filipino dessert for free after hearing my coffee-exploring woes. You've got to love the sense of community in places like this.
I almost missed this, no thanks to my bad sense of direction
Later in the trip, I decided to visit Quiapo, which I'd heard was the heart of the city. Let me just say, my sense of direction is notoriously awful. I swear I could get lost in a one-room apartment. But I was determined, and as I tried to make my way to the Quiapo Church, I ended up walking in the opposite direction. Classic me.
I finally did find the church, which was significant for so many locals. It was much more modest than I expected, quite charming in its own way. Inside was bustling with people feasting on everything from candles to flowers. I almost felt overwhelmed, but not in a bad way. It's comforting to walk into a place and feel the energy of so many lives intersecting at once. And you know what? I met a couple of locals there who were so kind—I learned a few Filipino phrases along the way, like “Salamat!” (thank you) and “Masarap!” (delicious). My embarrassing attempts at speaking the language brought more laughter than judgment.
But what really threw me off was the street market outside the church. I had no clue this was a thing, but there it was, a whole labyrinth of vendors with everything from textiles to street snacks. I'd been meaning to try some local delicacies, so I followed my nose. And boy, did it lead me to the best ever lumpia (spring rolls). Don't even get me started—they were crispy, flavorful, and better than anything I could find back home.
The meal that left a strong impression
Then there was dinner at this little place called Romulo Café. I vowed to try some classic Filipino dishes, and when I laid eyes on the kare-kare, I was sold. It's this oxtail stew with peanut sauce, served with a side of bagoong (fermented shrimp paste), and it just blew my damn mind. I mean, seriously, who thought of mixing those flavors? It was rich and complex in a way I never expected, all while feeling like a big warm hug after a long day.
But what made dinner so special wasn't just the food; it was the atmosphere. The place had this charming, vintage vibe, and halfway through my meal, the owner came over and struck up a chat. She told me about the dishes and shared stories about her grandmother's recipes. It felt more like a family gathering than just another meal. I left with a full belly and a heart full of connections—way more than I expected when I started the day.
So, the best things to do in Manila? Maybe they're not just the tourist spots but the little moments that catch you off guard, the meals that linger on your tongue, and the conversations that warm your soul. I guess sometimes the beautiful messiness of travel reminds us that we can find magic in the unpredictable.
As I sit here finishing my coffee and reflecting on my trip, I realize that Manila feels like a piece of my heart now. I can't wait to go back and see what other charming surprises await me on the next adventure. You never really know what's out there until you get lost, right?
