Manila Mayhem: Sweat, Street Food, and Seriously Strange Vibes
okay, so like, i’m pretty sure i’m running on fumes and lukewarm coffee right now. manila. wow. just…wow. i landed yesterday, and honestly, my brain feels like it’s trying to assemble a jigsaw puzzle with missing pieces. the humidity is intense. i just checked and it's...there right now, hope you like that kind of thing. it’s clinging to everything - my clothes, my hair, my sanity. the pressure is 1009, feels like a solid brick against my chest.
seriously, the chaos is beautiful. it’s a beautiful, overwhelming, slightly terrifying kind of beautiful. i spent the morning just wandering around *Intramuros, trying not to get completely lost. it’s like stepping back in time, but with way more scooters and jeepneys. i swear, the jeepneys are a whole other level of organized mayhem. i almost got run over three times.
I heard that the best kakanin (Filipino rice desserts) are in Binondo, the oldest Chinatown in the world. i found a place called “Aling Ising’s” - it was a tiny hole-in-the-wall, overflowing with families and the smell of coconut and sugar. i got a sapin-sapin and a suman and…okay, i’m pretty sure i’m going to need a nap.
Speaking of locals, if you get bored, Baguio is just a short drive away. I’m talking pine trees, cooler air, and a whole different vibe. someone told me that the strawberry farms there are legendary. i’m not entirely convinced, but i’m definitely adding it to the list.
I’m staying in a little guesthouse in Malate. the owner, Lola Elena, is a total character. she’s got a parrot named Pablo and a collection of vintage postcards. she keeps telling me to “relax, hija, enjoy the buhay!” which basically means “stop stressing and embrace the chaos.” i’m trying.
Here’s the gear I’m rocking:
My battered Roland *TR-808 (essential for capturing the city’s rhythm)
A ridiculously oversized camera bag (because, you know, photos)
A portable charger (because my phone dies faster than a houseplant)
A ridiculously large bottle of sunscreen (seriously, the sun is brutal)
And a whole lot of bug spray.
Someone told me that the best street food is found around Legazpi Village. Apparently, the isaw (grilled intestines) are a must-try. I’m still debating whether or not I’m brave enough.
I stumbled across this amazing street art scene in Makati. it’s insane. like, seriously, murals everywhere. it’s a total feast for the eyes. i spent a good two hours just wandering around, snapping photos. check out this link for more: https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g298460-d1234577-Reviews-Makati_National_Park-Manila_National_Capital_Region_of_Metro_Manila.html
And for a little bit of retail therapy, head over to Divisoria. it’s a total sensory overload - mountains of clothes, electronics, and everything in between. be prepared to haggle!
I heard that the best coffee in Manila is at Coffee Project. Apparently, they roast their own beans and have some seriously strong brews. I’m on a caffeine mission.
I’m already plotting my next adventure. maybe Tagaytay for some cooler weather and stunning views? or perhaps a trip to Puerto Princesa for some island hopping?
Seriously, if you’re looking for a place that’s going to challenge you, excite you, and completely overwhelm you, manila is it. just…bring bug spray. and maybe a therapist.
Check out this local board for events: https://www.facebook.com/events/search/?q=manila
And for more food recommendations, Yelp is your friend: https://www.yelp.com/manila
Okay, I’m officially exhausted. time for another kakanin* and a serious dose of sleep.