Manila

Manila is a sparse urban sprawl consisting of large malls and lots of villages. It is busy, polluted and traffic is unbelievable but you can get or do anything you want in Manila.

I go there because that's we're my family is now based. I get to stay with my Lola who is the greatest little Filipino. My uncle and aunty look after us incredibly and we have the best time seeing the sights and going to the malls. Going to the cinema for a fraction of the price than at home. We have seen Taken 2, Wreck It Ralph, Rise of the Guardians and Cloud Atlas. On our last evening in the Philippines my aunty treated us to The Hobbit at the IMAX in 3D. It was incredible! Ive never rated the 3D experience in a cinema as I don't like wearing the glasses but in an IMAX the surround sound and huge screen make it mad good!

You can get a hair cut for £3 and a wax for £6 and a foot spa, Manicure and pedicure it's a good life if you have a little but of money to spare.

I love the Filipino's they work hard and love to eat, especially rice 3 times a day !

From Manila you can get to all the other parts of Philippines by bus or plane so the perfect base. Even though we have my uncle to drive us everywhere we still managed to experience all forms of public transport and the hectic commute people do daily; jeepneys, tricycles, bus and taxi. It was exciting and a great experience but couldn't imagine doing it daily and the traffic is insane.

My family is based all over Manila so it's hard to see everyone as they work but I got to see my cousins new baby who is the most adorable thing. We have also spent lots of time watching the many Filipino soaps with Lola and Jhing (she lets us know what's being said) I will miss Celine and Margo the twins on Ina Kapatid Anak, the love triangle between Edward, Jen and Leo in A Beautiful Affair and the rape baby story line with Miguel, Andrea, Raphael and Veronica. But most all I will miss Lola.