We Were WRONG About MANILA 🇵🇭 Philippines, Our FIRST Impressions!

The video chronicles a return visit to Metro Manila, Philippines, highlighting the significant changes and advancements the city has undergone in four years. The hosts express surprise at the city's growth, improved livability, and cleared-up areas, noting its continued development since their last visit. They mention the ongoing Manila Metro project, anticipating a positive impact on traffic. The journey begins in Legazpi, at the Citadines Benavidez, an apartment-hotel offering spacious rooms with amenities like a large balcony, smart TV, and kitchen facilities. The hosts appreciate the hotel's "apartment-like" feel, providing more space than typical hotel rooms. They also commend the hotel's eco-friendly approach with refillable water containers. Breakfast at the hotel's Kappo restaurant offers a variety of options, from traditional Filipino dishes like "tapsilog" to more standard breakfast fare, with the hosts particularly enjoying the coffee machine and scrambled eggs. The hotel's location, rooftop pool, and gym are praised, with a nightly rate of around $100 considered good value. Next, the hosts travel to Bonifacio Global City (BGC) using an Ankas motorbike taxi, described as the best way to navigate the city. BGC is presented as the "most perfect utopian part of Manila," known for its development, livability, and American military history (formerly Fort McKinley). It's also home to the Philippine Stock Exchange. They observe an increase in tourists in BGC compared to four years ago and admire the abundant street art. Despite BGC already being a highly developed area, the hosts note its continued expansion, with new high streets seemingly added. A key objective in BGC is to find a genuine Philippines football (soccer) jersey, a surprisingly difficult task. After visiting "Boot Camp," a sports shop, they successfully purchase a jersey for 3,000 pesos (approximately $45), acknowledging it as the most expensive item in their collection but worth it for its authenticity. They note that fake markets don't sell these jerseys, and other sports shops also lack them due to football's lesser popularity in the Philippines. Lunch is at Shake Shack, where they enjoy burgers and try local craft beers like "Encanto," which they find impressive. They also highlight the unique menu items, such as the Philippines-exclusive Ube shake and dog treats. The dining experience is enhanced by the views of BGC. Following BGC, a 45-minute Ankas ride takes them to Quiapo, an area described as "very very different" from BGC, offering a grittier, more lively, and colorful experience. Quiapo, established by the Spanish in the 16th century, is known for its Quinta market, built in the 19th century, where everything from street food to designer goods is sold at incredibly cheap prices. The area is also notable for its religious diversity, with a cathedral and a mosque located directly opposite each other. In Quiapo, they purchase a Philippines basketball top for 350 pesos (around $4), finding it a significant bargain compared to the football jersey. They also haggle for aviator sunglasses, securing a pair for 150 pesos. A peculiar encounter involves "magic water," sold in small compartments. Despite initial apprehension, they try it and find it to be a sweet, fruity drink with gelatin, vanilla essence, and mineral water. From Quiapo, they take a tricycle to Intramuros, the old walled city, paying 150 pesos. They highlight the tricycle as a classic mode of transport, banned in modern areas like BGC and Makati. Before entering Intramuros, they explore the recently revamped Pasig River Esplanade, which now features a pleasant river walk with food stalls and initiatives to keep the area clean, a stark contrast to its previous state. Entering Intramuros, they note the brand new ticket office and the 75-peso entry fee. Intramuros, established in the 16th century by the Spanish, is described as the most historic and touristy part of Manila, evoking a European feel with its cathedrals, colonial buildings, and horse and cart rides. They visit Fort Santiago, the main defense fortress of Manila, which also served as the headquarters for the Japanese secret police during World War II. A cross within the fort commemorates the 600 Filipinos and Americans who died in its dungeons during the war. The hosts reflect on the extensive damage Intramuros sustained during the liberation of Manila, with up to 95% being destroyed. They also observe a nostalgia photo booth and the Manila Cathedral, an eighth version of the original structure due to damage from wars and natural disasters. The square in front of the cathedral has been transformed into a lively market, a new addition since their last visit. They revisit the Cathedral Cafe, known for its rooftop views of the cathedral, noting that while it was once extremely popular with long queues, it is now more accessible and serves beer. The day concludes with dinner at Illustrado, a Spanish restaurant in Intramuros, established in 1989. They enjoy paella and croquetas, accompanied by live music and a serenade. The meal, costing around 1,600 pesos (£20), is deemed a bargain. The hosts conclude by expressing their delight with Manila's transformation and their intention to return to the Philippines annually. They reiterate their recommendation for Citadines Benavidez and highlight the diverse experiences available in Manila, from the bustling markets of Quiapo to the historic walls of Intramuros and the modern utopia of BGC.