Manila

A Quick Yet Memorable Escape to Manila: Intramuros, Binondo, and More!

It wasn’t my first time in Manila—but this trip was something extra special. Why? Because I finally got to tick Intramuros off my bucket list!

But before diving into the charm of the old walled city, the trip kicked off with a quick visit to Tagaytayand Taal. It was my first time in both, and the cool breeze of Tagaytay paired with the iconic view of Taal Volcano was a refreshing start. I didn’t stay long though—there wasn’t much to do aside from sightseeing, and time was tight. Still, I would’ve loved to explore those old Spanish ancestral homes. Maybe next time!

The next day was the highlight, Manila Cathedraland Intramuros. I was genuinely amazed by the Cathedral’s grand architecture. Such intricate details and timeless elegance! Then came Intramuros, finally! The historic walls, cobbled streets, and old-world charm felt like I stepped back in time. Built in the late 1500s during the Spanish colonial era, Intramuros served as the political and military heart of the Spanish government. Today, it stands as a living museum. It was humid that day (classic Manila weather!), but the joy of finally walking those historic paths made every drop of sweat worth it.

Of course, no Manila trip is complete without food, and Binondo didn’t disappoint. Fun fact: it’s the oldest Chinatown in the world, established in 1594! The bustling streets, authentic Chinese eats, and traditional treats like tanghulu made it a full-on feast. After that, we hit Divisoria, a shopping haven if you know where to look. Let’s just say… shopping galore happened!

On the last day, I dropped by the Pinoy Big Brother (PBB) House for a quick photo-op. Just for the fun of it!

Overall, I’d rate this trip a solid 3 out of 5 stars—with major points for history and food! The only downside? The traffic (you know the drill). It makes me appreciate the calm and fresh air of the provinces even more. Still, Manila, you were good to me.