Part 62: Crazy things to do in Manila
I'd spent the last week doing my best to stick to my budget which meant strictly no restaurants and taxis, instead living off a heady diet of baked potatoes cooked in the hostel microwave and tinned tuna. Breakfast was included in the price of the accommodation, so this was great opportunity to save some money - bottled water was also free.
Occasionally the hostel staff would bring out free ice cream or snacks whilst we watched films in the evening which was another added bonus. So the £6 a night was well worth it and represented full value for money.
It was a mixed bunch of characters in the hostel from old time travellers to newbie backpackers. I'd met a Ukrainian couple at breakfast who where fleeing the street riots back home. Thing is they seemed visibly shaken and equally petrified of Manila, which was odd considering the violence back in the Ukraine. They wanted me to take them around because they were so nervous, thinking it was unsafe, or believing that they would get mugged!!
I did my best to reassure them, but sadly to no avail. They booked the first flight out of Manila.
This is precisely the point I've been trying to make in my blog about the Philippines. Admittedly Manila can be a wee bit intimidating - no where else in Asia has so many fully armed guards on the streets which makes some people nervous. But you need to see through this and appreciate the city for what it is - sadly it did not work with this particular couple who very quickly left.
I do work hard at changing some of the stereo typical views travellers seem to occasionally have about the Philippines but at the end of the day, it's their loss should they choose not to visit.
I made interesting conversation with a Spanish traveller in his 50's who retired 20 years earlier to see the world.
His story was a fascinating insight into travelling, and one worth listening too unlike some of the cliche conversations you cant help overhearing from some backpackers. He lived his life travelling from one country to the next, choosing to stay in hostels over hotels. Staying for months at a time to fully absorb each and every culture, taking his time to understand not only the people, but their way of life, I was engrossed in a deep discussion with him. Although the conversation was somewhat over shadowed by a batch of condoms accidentally falling out of his pocket, to which he casually picked up. Eventually admitting to me he had a unhealthy addiction to brothels. Strategically picking this hostel close to the red light for good reason in his eyes.
Travellers came and went over the next few days and I found myself in the position of helping many of them out with either suggestions on places to visit, or advice on visa extension - didn't mind one bit, even compiling lists of crazy things to do in Manila.
Of course there were the regular must see sites, which most of them already knew about but the quirkier things aren't so obvious.
So I took on the responsibility of the hostel's very own concierge - it was something I very much enjoyed.
Some of the essential things I recommended were.....
Jeepney's:
For a start no trip to Manila would be compete with out a ride on the jeepney's. Expect Amazing passenger etiquette and girls that smell of flowers - despite how crammed and hot they get, this is the only way to travel and its really cheap. Don't worry if its to packed. Top loading is standard. Hop right on and enjoy the ride....
Balut:
Filipinos are very proud of their street food, and none more so than the boiled duck egg foetus, Balut.
Not the most appetising of dishes - slurp the embryonic juices first then get stuck in to the rest.
Apparently its good for the knees of all things, and often described as the Filipino Viagra. Try it - if you are feeling brave....
c*** fighting:
This one is for the more daring, but something that is part of Filipino culture.
Experience the mad max style amphi's with seriously loud shouting, lots of crazy hand waving and bet taking.
Beginners are considered lucky, especially Westerners so expect to make plenty of friends....
Dine at The singing cooks restaurant:
This is one of the most unique ways to eat and a truly one-of-a-kind experience.
Head to Roxas boulevard and track down this famous eatery where the cooks, waitress's and even security guards serenade, and not only sing, but dance your food to you with world class voices.
Think a Disney musical on steroids and you'll get the picture.
Surprisingly delicious food too served in traditional Filipino pottery....
Play street basketball with locals:
This is an absolute must. Just wander off the main strips into some of the nearby villages or suburbs and you will almost certainly find a hastily cobbled together basket ball court with locals gathered round playing.
You will be asked over to join in the fun for sure. Trust me the smiles on everyone's faces will make your day....
Go to church on sunday:
This is definitely nothing compared to church back home.
Think live 10 piece bands, musicians, visual shows, club lighting, huge gospel choirs and electric atmospheres with amazing audience participation. Preachers give surprisingly inspirational speeches, lending an already real carnival and family atmosphere a wonderful thought provoking touch. Has to be seen to be believed....
Midget boxing:
Despite all the obvious mixed connotations, this is one of the quirkier things to do in Manilla. Head to the read light on Makati avenue
Not the most technical of showdowns between two evenly matched midgets. Keep an open mind, and even have a go at MC'ing the fight. Beware of extortionately priced drinks though....
Get drunk with locals and sing karaoke:
I read somewhere online that drunk Filipinos and westerners don't mix.
Nonsense. Visit one of the many karaoke bars, and sing like no one is watching. They take it very seriously and will clap and cheer even if you murder the song.
Expect 'badass' gangster looking young Filipino boys singing slushy love songs like 'lady in red' hilarious - another way to make great new friends....
Visit Quiapo market on Saturday:
Manila's largest and craziest outdoor market.
Not for sufferers of claustrophobia but an absolutely electric atmosphere.
Barter and eat your way around the hundreds of stalls trying delicious local dishes, whilst watching the vendors take the stage.
A wonderfully unique cauldron of a place sandwiched between China town and Binondo, Manila's oldest cathedral. An absolute must....
As well as any of these suggestions I'd also visited art galleries plus museums of Filippino history and culture, which I would also recommend. It was inspiring learning about the art scene here - my social circle was expanding by the day.
Walking around now I felt more like a local than a tourist and this was mainly down to the hospitality of the local people and how welcome they made me feel here.
Three weeks of alternative sightseeing later and my next leg of my journey was once more around the corner.
With no plan in mind or an onward flight booked this was a brilliant opportunity to test if my newfound confidence was as good as I'd bragged about in my blog. Well there was only one way to find out.
Next stop Vietnam...