Manila Gave Feeling Of "Old Asia"

Manila

The Metro area is strategically located in the middle of Luzon, on the eastern coast of Manila Bay and at the mouth of the Pasig River, sprawled over an area of 626 sq.km. The city sits in the middle of a swampy deltaic plain formed by accumulated sedimentary deposits from the Pasig River and other streams.

The city is between the bay to the west, the highlands to the east, and Laguna de Bay to the southeast. Most of its densely populated areas are found along the Pasig River running across the metropolis dividing it into two sections - the north and the south.

Temperature in metro area ranges from 210C to 320C with a 270C average. The coolest month is January and the warmest is May. Both temperature and humidity levels reach the maximum in April and May, but these are generally good months for aqua sports and mountain trekking. Some of the most colorful festivals are held during these months.

The time I have spent there has been nice.  The very first time I went I stayed in Makita at the Peninsula Hotel. It was really expensive, I was there for 3 weeks and had a suite. I really enjoys myself as there was a huge bar and a huge pool. At night there was a Spanish Band that sat in a balcony over looking the main entrance. I would sit in the early evening, have a drink and listen to the old time music they played.

The whole experience gave me a feeling of "Old Asia" before the war when things were just developing there. I could imagine how foreigners would meet to do business and spies would meet to trade secrets.

The last time I went to there before getting married I stayed at a new hotel at Quezon City. It had marble floors and quiet rooms. Not like the Peninsula Hotel but nice and across the street from a huge mall. I spent a lot of time there in the shops.

If you are on your first trip you need to prepare yourself. Entrance doors to almost every type of business including hotels, mall, banks, gas stations, etc are guarded by at least one shot gun caring armed guard Some time more. And when you go into a mall and you are caring bags of stuff you have to check them at the doors and pick them up later on your way out.

It is not uncommon to see an army tank go by on the busy streets. I feel safer there than I do in many other countries.

Lots of things to do and a great night life. Gambling is legal in parts of the city and there are many different ways of getting around.

Manila Sky-Line

From Manila hp a Plane and head to Mindanao but be careful. This is where some of the worst unrest is located. But you have to see and experience Davao. This city swings 24 hours per day.