Manila - The Pearl of the Orient

Located in the middle of Southeast Asia, Manila is more popular as a stopover (due to its proximity to other Asian countries) than as a tourist attraction.  It may get a lot of bad publicity but many feel this is unfairly deserved.  Those that take time to explore Manila are often pleasantly surprived with what this city has to offer.  In Manila, visitors can discover a city with a rich past, a vibrant lifestyle, and warm, hospitable people.  And once you find that hidden gem, you'll no longer wonder why so many foreigners have fallen in love with the city and have chosen to live in Manila as permanent residents.

For the curious, Metro Manila is made up of: City of Manila, Pasay City, Parañaque City, Makati City, Quezon City, City of Mandaluyong, Pasig City, Quezon City, Municipality of San Juan, Municipality of Taguig, City of Las Piñas, Kaloocan City, and City of Navotas. 

English and Filipino are the primary languages in Manila.  Most Filipinos know how to speak English, so you should be able to get by without knowing a word of Filipino.

Where to Stay.  The Makati Central Business District is the primary business center where most tourists and business travellers opt to stay.  It is very close to most businesses, world-class facilities, and malls, and is a generally safe area for tourists.  Ortigas Center in Mandaluyong City is a booming business district as well, although tourist attractions are more scattered and sparse in this area. 

If you're more into culture, stay in one of the hotels along Roxas Boulevard in Manila that are closer to the sights of Old Manila.  Note, however, that tourist areas in old Manila are usually not within walking distance of each other, and some run-down areas in old Manila may not be safe for tourists to navigate without a local guide.