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For anyone who's ever lived in Manila, the first thing that registers with that place is chaos. Traffic, overcrowding, pollution, not escaping the fact that there's a mall within a one-kilometer radius of each other that could cause all of the aforementioned whenever there's a weekend sale going on.
Oh yes, welcome to the Philippines' bustling 76 million-manned capital.
But people who have been searching for a different, more homey kick may be pleasantly surprised that not everything you seek costs an arm or a leg (or both!). In this age of disposable gadget satisfaction, nothing can beat fun living at the barest essentials. Have you strolled in a park lately?
Here's a little guide on how to achieve that "natural high" without spending a lot. For the travelers, this is for you. For native Manileños, do open your eyes.
Get Some Air
The Rizal Park, our national landmark, can be one for starters -- ingest in a little heritage. But the Roxas Boulevard area is a vast expanse of land that you can spend an entire day doing whatever you want. You can exercise with the resident fitness group, ride a bike, read a book, see the boats sailing, have a picnic, go over to the gardens. Along the way you can see the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) Complex where a lot of shows events happen, the Quirino Grandstand where there's a occasional gathering or two, and of course, the Manila Bay where the most beautiful sunsets can be viewed.
Kick the Water
There's the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex in Manila with an Olympic-sized swimming pool, and the Ultra Pool with a 10-lane Olympic pool, and the Makati Aqua Sports Arena with the 8-lane Olympic pool. All are well-maintained and clean -- not bad for public pools, huh? They are open every day (except Mondays).
Sitting Pretty
Well, there's not much calorie-burning involved here, but you've got to hand in the effort of beating the traffic! There's the Pasig River Ferry, which was just launched in 2007, for the purpose of easier transport (and some sight-seeing). It takes passengers to different drop-off points such as Escolta, Intramuros and Guadalupe. Smooth sailing ahead with air conditioning, and you'll get to see magnificent structures like the Malacañang Palace (the Presidential residence and office) and the Greek-inspired Manila Post Office. Although the more eye-opening could be the stark poverty you'll encounter as you go along the river.
Connect with Animals
You don't have to be a kid to be able to enjoy going to the zoo. The landmark Manila Zoo bevys an assortment of animals, like the lions, monkeys, hippos, giraffes, zebras ("Madagascar" for real!), elephants, rhinos, snakes, eagles, and more. There is also the Ninoy Aquino Parks and Wildlife Center on Quezon Avenue, and in there is a mini-zoo where you can see rescued and confiscated wildlife like pythons and hawks.
Commune in Green Spirit
The La Mesa Ecopark in Quezon City is not just any other park -- it's a lush sanctuary in the middle of the metropolis. There's green everywhere, and you can breathe in smog-free air as you follow up a trail of trees, shrubs, and flowers. There's also a small duck pond, a mini-forest trail and an exercise trail. Something to escape in.
Go Bird-Watching
Meanwhile, avian aficionados will be astounded with the breadth and variety of birds flocking in the city -- the Philippines is a favorite destination of migratory birds, and you'll often see them in the early morning and late afternoon. The best places to go birding are: The University of the Philippines' National Institute of Geological Science in Quezon City; Fort Bonifacio American War Memorial in Taguig, and the Tambo Mudflats in Parañaque. People who'd like to view the birds much closer can go to Avilon Zoo in Rizal (a 2-hour bus ride from Manila), which features a plethora of our feathered friends in all colors, breeds and sizes. The zoo also has many other animal species -- common and rare, so bring in the kids for a great educational experience! (Personally, this is my favorite.)
Certainly, there are other places to visit and things you can do while in Manila. But if you're on a budget, why not try these? Let's make it worth your while!
