Adventures in Manila

Ugh, babes, the flight to Manila was a total madness—thirteen hours of recycled air and my skin was literally crying for help. I landed feeling like a literal swamp monster because the humidity is absolutely no joke, and don't even get me started on the traffic; it took ages to get from the airport to the hotel, but the vibes were immediately immaculate. The city is this wild mix of chaotic energy, massive malls, and the most gorgeous, friendly locals who treated me like a total queen from the jump.

I spent my first day living my best historical life in Intramuros, which is this stunning walled city that feels like you’ve stepped back in time. I hopped on a bamboo bike—yes, a bike made of actual wood, so chic—and cycled around the old Spanish ruins before heading to the National Museum to see the Spoliarium. It’s this massive, dramatic painting that’s basically the OG influencer post of the 1800s. For lunch, I did the Binondo Food Wok tour in the world's oldest Chinatown, and oh my god, the dumplings were life-changing. I also squeezed in a cheeky sunset session at the Mall of Asia, which is basically a city in itself, before heading to BGC for cocktails.

Honestly, Manila is such a mood if you love a bit of a bargain and a lot of flavour. It’s surprisingly affordable if you use Grab to get around, though I definitely spent way too many Pesos at Greenhills Shopping Center on 'designer' bits. It’s the perfect spot for a high-energy city break before heading to the islands, and I’m totally obsessed with the contrast between the old-school ruins and the shiny skyscrapers in BGC. 10/10 would recommend for the food alone, just bring a portable fan or your makeup will literally slide off your face!