Photo: Life in Manila, Philippines

By Mark Wiens 22 Comments
Manila, Philippines
Manila, Philippines

Manila, Philippines

Manila is the capital mega-city of the Philippines.

Like any other large city, one of my favorite things to do in Manila, is just walk around aimlessly and observe the life and action. Manila always offers a glimpse of something interesting.

22 comments. I'd love to hear from you!

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  • Vishal Kaushik

    4 years ago

    Nice.

  • Vishal Kaushik

    4 years ago

    Stay Ahead.

  • David Pearl

    9 years ago

    Been to Cebu and felt safe–what is so dangerous about Manila at night ??

  • Bobby J.

    10 years ago

    Hello Mark, Since being on the web have been connected with 3 or more woman in the country. One came to US & got a chance to be with them. My question is about Manila & the life, food, cost of living, & any thing you can add. I have a lady friend
    who lives there. Well she is wanting me to come there to live probably marry & have
    a life with her. I’m concerned about living conditions, the church that I want to be apart of, doctors, hospitals, & more. You see I’m looking towards retirement soon &
    wonder how far my money will budget there. She already has a home planned for us.
    I enjoy the warmer climate but worry about the topical storms because haven’t lived around ocean & high waves. Hopefully Manila is not much danger as southern
    Philippines. Any help or comments is appreciated.

    • Mark Wiens

      10 years ago

      Hey Bobby, good to hear from you. It’s been a very long time since I was in Manila, so I’m not sure exactly how it’s changed. I think it has very similar living prices as much of SE Asia, I think living off $1000 per month or less is very feasible. But I really have no idea about medical expenses. Do some more online searching and I’m sure you can find some forums where you can get a better idea about living costs. Sorry I just don’t know much.

  • Mel

    10 years ago

    Awesome photo you got there!!! You know, 4-5 years ago, that street is car-less. All you’ll see then were vendors lining the street selling a variety of things.

    • Mark Wiens

      10 years ago

      Thanks you Mel, would be great to see it carless!

  • Mari Quijano

    11 years ago

    @Arty I’m a local and I am also stressed when crossing streets so I feel you. Manila is a vibrant city. If you’re a foreigner, just be wary of overfriendly people, they might be up to something not good. Otherwise, enjoy! We have 7, 107 islands to explore. 😀

  • Arty Om

    11 years ago

    This reflects Manila at its best I would say! This is exactly what it is! I remember how stressed was I in the beginning when I wanted to cross the streets 🙂

  • Trevor

    11 years ago

    Hey Mark, stumbbled across your blog and find it quite interesting. I will be in Manila in mid April, traveling alone. Any good tips for a solo traveler in the country? I am young (23) like yourself and I have friends (locals) there but will be by myself most of the time. Thanks again and keep living the dream.

    – Trevor

    • Mark Wiens

      11 years ago

      Hey Trevor, thanks for stopping by and good to hear you’ll be going to Manila soon. I had a great time there exploring. I went all around just by myself and never had any problems. It may be wise, if you go out at night, to be with some friends. Other than that, just have a great time, people are friendly and it’s easy to get around. Hope you have a great trip!

  • JRinAsia

    11 years ago

    This photo has brought back all of the energy and assault on the senses that comes from a visit to Manila! I went there for the first time in November, and am already on my way back in February!

    • Mark Wiens

      11 years ago

      Great to hear that JR. I also enjoyed the overdose of action on the streets of Manila. Have a great upcoming trip!

  • sully86

    11 years ago

    mark: the street looks familiar. It looks like some scene shot for the bourne film, the one jeremy renner was in.

  • Ian of of Borderless Travels

    11 years ago

    Awesome photo Mark!!! Brings me right back to the city. I was there around this time last February and wandering around the city was pretty much all I did. Although, at night I didn’t always feel completely safe, but in the day the city is alive and there are so many cool neighbourhoods to explore 🙂

    • Mark Wiens

      11 years ago

      Hey Ian, glad you enjoyed Manila as well. I agree, the daytime is great, even solo wandering around, but at night it’s best to be with a group of friends.

  • Maria

    11 years ago

    Nail on the head for showing what it’s like! I can hear it from here, I can smell it and the energy you’ve shown us has me up and vibrant.

  • Steph (@ 20 Years Hence)

    11 years ago

    Great photo! I know Manila gets a bad rap, but Tony & I really didn’t think it was that bad. I actually really like how vibrant and busy it was… but then again, we had been in the Philippines for nearly 2 months before we braved Manila, so I guess we were used to Filipino cities by that point. Still, I really do love how in one glance, I knew immediately that this was taken in the Philippines and it made me smile!

    • Mark Wiens

      11 years ago

      Hey Steph, I agree, I enjoyed Manila too. So much action and so much to observe and explore.