Manila Soul: Romantic, Ancient and Gastronomic

When I first set foot in Manila, I didn’t think I would see a “miniature Venice” in the heart of the city. At Venice Grand Canal Mall (McKinley Hill, Taguig), the scene was truly impressive: a blue canal flowing around a row of houses imitating Italian architecture, gondolas drifting slowly with boatmen singing loudly. Even though I knew it was man-made, standing in the middle of that space, sipping a cup of coffee and watching people walking, I still felt strangely romantic.

Leaving behind the modernity, I went to Intramuros – an ancient citadel built during the Spanish period. The mossy gray stone walls, horses clattering on the paved streets, the majestic San Agustin Church… all seemed to bring me back to Manila of the previous century. I especially enjoyed walking around in the afternoon, when the golden sunlight covered the citadel walls, the scenery was both ancient and peaceful.

Another place I was curious to visit was Malacañang Palace – the Presidential Palace of the Philippines. Although I can’t always go inside, just standing outside the gate, looking at the large green campus and the solemn white building, I can clearly feel the history and power here.

Manila’s cuisine also surprised me. Adobo – chicken or pork braised in soy sauce, vinegar and garlic – is simple but flavorful, and goes extremely well with hot rice. I also tried sinigang – sour and salty tamarind soup, which is both sour and salty, and goes very well with rice. In particular, don’t forget lechon – crispy roasted pork, with a satisfying “crack” when bitten. If you like street food, you can find balut (boiled duck eggs), a somewhat “challenging” but extremely famous experience.

👉 To me, Manila is attractive because of its contrasts: there is a colorful artificial Venice, and a time-worn Spanish citadel; there are majestic mansions, and there are simple, hearty dishes. And it is this contrast that creates the special appeal of this city

#philippines #manila #venice #intramuros

Post by NaNa_w | Aug 17, 2025