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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!

1. Embassy at the Fort

   Do you want to party in class and style? Then head off to the superclub in the country and experience the Embassy Cuisine! The music played by their DJ is usually house and trance but on Wednesdays, it's time to have a crazy and wildtime because it is the night for hiphop and RnB lovers. Their staff are approachable and nice. This is really the place to be!

2. Alchemy

   This bar is ready to compete with Embassy. This place is rumored to be a "must-see" because it is a one stop clubbing destination because of its 3 floors that accomodates a variety of genres. It can accomodate about 700 guests. It's located near Tiendesitas. So, check it out for you to experience their European Style.  

3. Warehouse 135

   This party place is making a noise in the scene. The venue is unique because of its mixed styles of Asia and Europe.  

4. Ascend

   Are you energetic and classy? So, you may party here. It's known for its triple "D" dance-dine-drink and its impressive audio systems. It has a very stylish cocktail lounge.

5. Piedra Bistro Bar (Fort)

   What will you love in this place? It's the couch, the music, the atmosphere around you, and the high-quality service. You'll fall in love in this place.  

6. Dolce (Tomas Morato)

   The music hereis what i call the bomb! This is the counterpart of Embassy in Quezon City,the only difference is the price and the people.  

7. Capones

   This is the right place for partying after work because you can chill, lounge around and enjoy the company of your peers while enjoying their sumptious meals.  

8. Prince of Jaipur

   The best Indian restaurant in the world and a dance club at the stroke of midnight. The venue is inspired of the Indian style because of its paintings of maharajahs and maharanis, vibrant rugs, bejeweled tapestries, bronze deities and other object d'art covering every inch of wall and ceiling in that venue.  

9. Basement (Eastwood)

        This is the place of younger people. Mostly high school students. The best in this place is the House beats that keeps the floor pumping.  

10. Club Industry

         It is said to be the No. 1 bar in Quezon City. This is only the place that plays all types of music. The ambiance is cool with lots of black and blue.

The SM Mall of Asia is the largest shopping mall in the Philippines and the 7th largest shopping mall in the world. In terms of gross floor size, it is next to the South Dongguan Mall, Golden Resources Mall, Central World Plaza, Seacon Square, Runwal Arcade - Mumbai.

The newly constructed and aptly named SM Mall of Asia has captured the imagination not just of Filipinos but also of tourists from around the world. The sheer size and uniqeness of it is enough to draw day tripper's curiosity.

The numbers can be mind boggling: 600 shops, 150 restaurants, 5,000 parking spaces and an Olympic size skating rink which is described as the biggest of its kind in Southeast Asia. Two elevated walkways from the second level of the mall that extend across an avenue towards the Manila bay. The result is a clear and wide ranging view of the most spectacular sunset in the world.

One of the mall's main attractions is the first ever IMAX theater in the country, along with a Director's Club Theater for intimate screenings, a Premiere Cinema, and the CenterStage Cinema which can used for live musical concerts and theatrical performances.

The Mall of Asia is far from just being a mall, it's an extension of the Filipino home for the rest of the world to see and visit.