The unexpected Manila

There are places that I didnt put in my travel list but it doesnt mean i didnt want to visit. Manila is one of them. I went to Manila not once but 3x, 3 years in a row to follow my partner for work. I didnt have any expectation, it was probably just going to look like any other capital cities. Well Manila is huge and the city seems going beyond the horizon..so vast! a city within a city..I would say to be in Manila is to experience, be amongst the locals, do what locals do and check out things yoi dont have in your country. I prefer Quezon city, it is less crowded and properly manicured area. Places I went that deserve some acknowledgement and you can check them out: 1. Intramuros- the former capital of Spanish East Indies, it goes way back to 20th century. It is a huge area and a fortress from the outside. Not far from Quezon, take Jeepney, or grab and walk a bit, you will get there 2. Manila Bay. I like sunset and it is only natural i'd come here just like the locals to see good sunset when the weather is good. The waters here observed the battle between US Navy and Spain in the 1800s, that brought down 300-year old of Spanish ruling. 3. The jeepney experience is something I will carry with me. It is a cheap, preffered transportation mode in Philippines. So it is like a covered short pick up truck that can fit more rhan 10 peoplw in 1 ride. Hoe did you pay the fare? You pass it all the way up to the driver from the passengers in front of you. it is unique to see people passing money around from the back of the Jeepney to get to the driver. 4. Local cuisine. i was introduced to nice local cuisine and observed how different the food culture between Malaysia and Philippines. They dont have lots of cafes where people dine in like i Malaysia. People dont really eat out except in shopping malls. I tried halo halo and i am fond of Mang Inasal and i love how their 7e sells rice and fried chicken 5. Metro is packed full of people! all the time. 6. You can see contrast in the city - on the left tall, fancy building and on the right, a slum. they give the city characters. The people are nice and friendly and it feels like home. I like Manila. i would go there again.