MANILA

On a six month journey like this there is no way everything can go according to plan. Sure enough we woke up the morning of December 16th excited to start our volunteer program in Tacloban, Philippines to news that our flight was cancelled due to a Typhoon. The cherry on top was that the next available flight was not until December 25th (what a way to spend Christmas).

Thankfully we purchased supplemental travel insurance for our entire sabbatical and Nate’s credit card benefits came into full use. We could have gotten upset about the situation, but instead we maximized our benefits and made the most of Manila.

We didn’t do much. The nine days were spent eating our way through the city and cooped up in Manila’s top hotels. Here’s an overview of our favorite spots for if and when you visit:

Hotels:

Picasso Boutique Hotel (Makati): For its mid-range price, this hotel was a bargain. Situated next to our three favorite lunchtime restaurants (listed below), Hippo-Linds was more than satisfied. A short 50 steps got us to three healthy jackpots with some of the best smoothies Nate has ever tasted. The bedrooms were modern and spacious with funky art and colored walls. It had a kitchenette for extra snacks and chef-ware to make our morning breakfast. There was also a decent gym that was pretty much just for us since no one was ever in there.
Makati Shangri-La Hotel: Once we found out our flight was cancelled and we were savagely reaping benefits we decided to swap over to the famous Shangri hotel line. We knew Shangri-La was a luxury brand hotel and had yet to stay at one so figured this was an opportune time. The hotel was massive. A grandiose entry with multiple five-star restaurants situated in the lobby, a buffet breakfast fit for royalty, and our favorite gym of all of the places we stayed. The rooms were gorgeous with fancy decor and a modern feel. This place had a resort feel with a live pianist in the lobby, a life-sized gingerbread house and a garden of Christmas trees.
Discovery Primea Makati: We split up our stay at hotels in order to experience different nooks of Makati. Discovery was the absolute winner. The Primea is one of the tallest buildings in the Philippines and it has won numerous well-deserved hotel awards. It was hands down one of the best hotels we have ever stayed at. I originally told Nate that this building gave me the heeby-jeebies and sure enough we ended up staying there and absolutely loved it. We splurged and got the executive suite complete with a full kitchen and dining area, washing machine, separate lounge room, gorgeous bedroom, a majestic bathroom with two sinks, a massive tub with a TV, and a rain shower. Never leaving. Although we can’t vouch for the buffet breakfast there as its totally overrated in our opinion, the room service was on point. We felt like we were in our own pad because of its homey yet modern feel.

Food:

Blackbird: $$. Situated in Manila’s first air terminal, the restaurant has managed to maintain the integrity and feel of the original structure. Banging food with surprisingly reasonable prices. The fish curry was amazing and Nate’s Wagyu steak was melt in your mouth delicious. Make sure to order the chocolate rice crispy dessert to cap off your experience. We came twice and sat on the back patio each time. Intimate restaurant with great food – where we had Christmas Eve dinner!
Sala: $$$. Intimate and swanky ambiance. Recently renovated with beautiful white marble slabs. Not too many tables which we loved so be sure to make a reservation. Trust in the chef and order the 5-course meal. Grilled octopus, Pumpkin gnocchi… we left with full and happy tummies.
Old Manila: $$$. Date night at the beautiful and famous Peninsula hotel. Swanky as ever and great food as expected. Wouldn’t have eaten here if it wasn’t covered by insurance though.
Spices: $$$. Another restaurant in the Peninsula hotel. Great Indian and Thai options. Food was great, but the spiced gin & tonics took the win.
Wholesome Table: $$. Your typical all natural, no GMO, everything healthy spot. Some of the best smoothies Nate has ever had.
Saladstop: $. Quick and easy. Chipotle style but for salads. They LOAD up your bowl with all the good stuff. Smoothies were on point. All natural ingredients made with love.
Vengo: $. When you need your taco fix.
Wildflour: $$. We went for lunch pretty much every other day. Great ingredients, great feel. This place is a hotspot for locals and for travelers/workers. It is a must try.
Toby’s Estate: $$. Delectable coffee and hearty salads. Right next to Wholesome and Wildflour so worth a try if you wanna switch things up.
Nikkei: $$. Lindsey’s favorite by far. A Japanese Argentinian fusion restaurant with some of the most creative rolls your foodie heart could desire. Tuna mango rolls, Argentinian twist on classic sashimi, another wagyu steak over sweet potatoes paired with a homemade blueberry purée. Order six ruby sake cocktails and start your night off right.

Nightlife:

Finders Keepers: Top-rated and for a reason. Great low-key place to grab drinks, don’t look at your phone, and simply enjoy company. Had some of the best gin and tonics here and the staff was incredible. It was a Thursday and around 1-2am the small venue turned into an epic dance party.
Black Market: Warehouse-style club right next to Finders Keepers. Really fun vibe so head here after you pregame at Finders Keepers.
Cove Manila: Absolute must visit. Brand new massive club that is changing the nightlife scene in Manila for good. Influenced by a number of Vegas clubs, it has a ridiculous indoor club where the DJ is complemented by a massive Star Trek like dome with pools and cabanas. We were able to see Laidback Luke here who crushed it as always.

The travel insurance/credit card benefits are officially capped. Off to Tacloban City to finally start our health/nutrition project!