sharpf8 said:
My advice to you is this: When you want comfort and fun with your vacation, (please) don't spend it in Manila.:angel: Europe or Australia, is the place for a relaxing, energizing and fun-filled vacation. We (Pinoys) vacation in Manila, exclusively to visit our relatives. If you expect, comfort and first class accomodation in Manila, you would be frustrated, and consequently will throw the white towel and complain.🙂
I think Manila, and the Philippines in general is a great place to vacation. My only complaint is the long flight to get there from the East Coast.
When we were there last year, we spent a few nights at the Westin Philippine Plaza. For those who don't know, this is a five star hotel by the Manila Bay. I think the accomodations were just as good, if not better, than similarly classed hotels in Europe and the US that I have stayed in. The president of Indonesia was staying one floor above me. The best thing - it cost $88 a night.
I also had a chauffered car service 24 hours a day, and could drive to Baguio if I wanted to. Sure traffic is bad, but in an air-conditioned car with driver, the traffic is more bearable. No hassles with traffic. And besides, on vacation, i am rarely in a hurry. Besides, traffic is just as bad in many places. Thailand, Rome, Hongkong, for instance. I also lived in NYC for a few years. How much - $20 a day.
Of course, you have to stay with family and not in a hotel the whole time, or else be labeled as a supladong balikbayan. Still, I don't see the problem with accomodations. Meals cooked and served for you. All your clothes laundered and pressed for you? I don't think you can get that in Australia or Europe.
I was in "Old Panama" last week. The tourists were going around the old Spanish ruins. Intramuros is much better (not meaning any disrespect to any Panamanians) since rather than ruins, it is well preserved.
Street photography - the streets of manila certainly has lots to photograph. And moreso for a Filipino, who can speak the language. Most importantly, being a Filipino, you can get photos that are more than superficial, for lack of a better description.
I suppose it depends on what you look for in a vacation. Living in the west, I really do not look for the usual Western sites and amenities when I go on vacation. However, you can still get these in the Philippines, if you spend a little money. Still, much more inexpensively than in Europe or the US. Same for "fun and relaxation."
If you do it strictly to stay with relatives for free, often in an overcrowded home (God-bless them for their hospitality) with (for some) less amenities than you are used to, and rely on the family jeepney for your transportation, then that is hardly "Manila's" fault.
😉