I share travel information, all meal prices, and my honest impressions of the flavors here.
Travel Period: February 18, 2024 – February 25, 2024
Impressions of Manila, Philippines and Places Visited
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Malate
A nightlife district frequented by many Japanese. It has plenty of hotels and restaurants, making it convenient for stays. The moderate chaos gives it a dazzling atmosphere at night that is very fun. However, be cautious of safety. MAP of this location
There is a large shopping mall, Robinsons, which is convenient for medium-term stays. Although the area is technically in Ermita rather than Malate.
There are many Korean-run establishments in Malate. The Korean wave seems to be steadily permeating the Philippines.
Malate is near Manila Bay, one of the three world-renowned sunset spots. Although it used to be a dirty, trash-strewn area, it has been cleaned up to reveal a fine, sandy beach.
The nightlife is lively and fun. If you enjoy persistent street vendors, Malate is ideal—but be cautious. Avoid dark, deserted areas.
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Many Stray Dogs and Cats
Not only dogs, but getting scratched by cats can potentially lead to rabies, so it’s best to just admire them from a distance. There are also “Sakura cats” in Cebu, and in some areas, efforts are underway to control their breeding.
I might prefer the one with slanted eyes.
Their bright, wide eyes appear gentle, but don’t let your guard down.
A mother cat. Stray breeding is an issue, but she’s adorable.
Many of the dogs are skinny. The white one might be suffering from a skin condition.
Filipino cats sleep a lot. They seem to have very low alertness.
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Divisoria Mall
Personally, I like it, but it’s a chaotic spot that might not be for everyone. It offers a huge array of inexpensive miscellaneous goods, including suspicious knock-offs. The food court provides a wide selection of affordable gourmet options.
It also has a rich history, having developed as a major commercial center in Manila from the late 19th century to the early 20th century, particularly flourishing under Chinese-Filipino merchants, and serving as an economic hub in the Philippines.
You can truly experience Filipino culture and history here.
MAP of this location
The exterior. The area is bustling with many street vendors.
The narrow alleys filled with countless goods are characteristic of this mall. It’s unclear if the people sitting there are employees.
Oh, I discovered a famous Japanese chocolate... but somehow it doesn’t seem quite right?
This area is well-known for better or worse, so tourists are common. There are so many people that you need to watch out for pickpockets.
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Cowboy Grill Mabini
A venue where you can enjoy dazzling Filipino singing and dancing on stage, along with delicious drinks and food. Located in a less secure area, it is recommended to take a taxi rather than walk.
MAP of this location
The entrance. It’s reassuring that security checks your belongings.
The second-floor seating is somewhat inconspicuous, making it a hidden gem. The atmosphere varies by day, so if you prefer a lively vibe, the weekend is ideal.
I was amazed at how genuinely delicious the “CowboyEspeciale” pizza was—crisp yet juicy, perfectly paired with beer. Price: 475 PHP.
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Wagyu Manila
As the name suggests, this restaurant is famous for its delicious Wagyu beef. It is expensive, but the taste is guaranteed.
MAP of this location
Wagyu Manila has a name that reminds me of the "Wagyu Mafia" produced by Horiemon. Speaking of which, there’s also a restaurant called Wagyu Studio in Manila. There’s even an anecdote that when Horiemon was preparing to open the Wagyu Mafia in the Philippines, all the supplies were taken by the local staff, causing the project to collapse—but that didn’t happen here.
The interior is compact. There is a second floor, but it has not been verified.
The Wagyu sirloin features mild, unintrusive fat and tender, lean meat that is easy to chew—a truly authentic taste.
Looking at the cross-section is reassuring; it confirms quality.
The smoky highball from Saburo Maru Distillery exudes an aroma that captivates whisky lovers. The scent is very strong, so by the third can it might become overpowering—but it’s definitely worth a try.
The Wagyu dumplings are delicious, though they might not be so exceptional as to warrant ordering them by force.
The Wagyu sushi has a texture that might be mistaken for sashimi if you close your eyes. It’s perfect for directly enjoying Wagyu beef.
Food Expenses and Taste Ratings for a Solo Trip to Manila, Philippines
Gourmet Images with a Brief Comment
There are also some gourmet images not listed here.
Palabok Noodles
Manila, Malate, Jim's Pares & MamiA man longing for his hot days in Davao heads to Manila. Hearing about delicious pares mami in Malate, I go! The bustling locals clearly indicate a famous spot. Pares mami's broth, with tender beef and voluminous noodles, made for a hearty meal. Manila might leave me longing too.
Tapsilog
Manila, MalateFilipino local breakfast, tapsilog. The rice is fried rice-like, but slightly burnt and hard. The beef is chewy and sweet-salty, perfect with the rice. It's a light, fitting breakfast, but tapsilog and I aren't compatible. I can't wake up early.
Take-it (Kit Kat-style)
ManilaThe joy of snapping and crunching, and perfect sweetness—that's Kit Kat. The joy of snapping, crunching, and bold sweetness—that's Take-it. In the Philippines, craving a Kit Kat? Take-it is your answer! Eat it during a work break? It’s sure to be delicious! Eat it while slacking off? It’ll cut my pay...
Tilapia
Manila, Malate, Bistro RemediosIn Manila, I ate plapla (tilapia). Drawn by the local vibe, I found a gem of a restaurant. The plapla was massive, with flaky white meat, perfect with vinegar and ginger sauce. Great with beer too! I tried to come up with a witty ending for "plapla" but failed to keep it classy.
BITES TIME!
ManilaFamily gatherings call for BITES TIME! Vanilla and rich caramel ice cream wrapped in crunchy milk chocolate, with fragrant roasted nuts. The four-piece pack is perfect for families! Sharing it brings smiles. Even a loner like me can't stop smiling while eating it! Only my lineage ends.
Wagyu Sirloin, Wagyu Sushi, Bean Sprout Namul, Saburomaru Distillery Smoky Highball
Manila, Malate, Wagyu ManilaReaching for my dream, I tried Wagyu Manila! The marbled sirloin’s clear fat melted in my mouth, questioning the need to chew. The Wagyu sushi was like fatty tuna sashimi! The total cost was 3,124 pesos but no problem. As a man, I flashed my card to the server and said, "On installment."
Cracked Pandesal
Manila, Malate, Robinsons Place ManilaWhen products crack, they become new. In the Philippines, pandesal with cracks turns into crack pandesal. Its crispy exterior and moist interior are rich with salt and butter flavor. Labeling cracked goods as a new product is clever. But if a crack pandesal has no cracks, is it a defect? (Philosophical thought)
McDonald's
Manila, Malate, McDonald's Robinsons MalateInvestigating McDonald's in the Philippines: Is it better than Jollibee? Hamburger: Fluffy buns and juicy patty, McDonald's wins. Spaghetti: Salty, like Neapolitan. Sweet Jollibee spaghetti is also good, hard to decide. Chicken: Crispy but slightly dry. Jollibee wins. Conclusion: A hybrid "McJollibee" would be unbeatable.
Cloud9
ManilaA Filipino chocolate that brings happiness for just 30 yen: CLOUD9. One bite reveals a caramel delight. Wait, is this a Snickers? Oh, it must be an illusion. The milky sweetness of the nougat makes me feel like I'm in heaven. Such a sweet nougat would make even the legendary father shout in joy. Papas: “Nou-gat!!”
Lugaw
Manila, Divisoria Public MarketDivisoria Mall in Manila, the best cost-performance spot! It’s more accessible than pre-COVID times. In the food court, I found Lugaw, a traditional Filipino porridge with chicken broth, ginger, and garlic—a perfect drinkable dish! It seems great for colds too! When you're sick, have porridge made by your girlfriend or wife! I’ll just suffer in silence.
Lumpia (Mung Bean Only)
Manila, Divisoria Public MarketEverything sounds delicious when you use the word "delicious." At sunset in Divisoria Mall, I was excited about the street food lumpia! Instead of meat, it was filled only with healthy mung beans. The strong vinegar kick made it irresistibly delicious. The generous oil left a special fullness that lasted for hours, making it a delicious challenge to finish.
Pizza Cowboy Especiale
Manila, Malate, Cowboy GrillPizza + music + Philippines—if this phrase excites you, head to Cowboy Grill in Malate! I'm smitten with Filipino singing and dancing! The pizza was crispy, juicy, and heartwarming. Feeling blissfully tipsy, I returned home late, happy but imagining my wife scolding me... and felt genuinely sad.
Grilled Mackerel Set
Manila, Makati, Little Tokyo, Hana Japanese RestaurantInvestigating Japanese food in Little Tokyo, Makati! First, I visited Hana, a restaurant with over 10 years of history, and ordered the saba shioyaki set meal. The mackerel was oily and tasted just like in Japan! The miso soup broth was very Japanese! The rice was somewhat Japanese? The Japanese owner ensured the food was tailored to Japanese tastes. Despite the name "Little," the cooking skills were "Big."
Tonkotsu Ramen (Hard Noodles)
Manila, Makati, Little Tokyo, Menya IppondoThe second spot in my Little Tokyo investigation: Ippondo. The name sounds charming, but let’s avoid the potential backlash from rumors. The tonkotsu ramen had a light taste but a rich, slightly gritty broth. Despite some shortcomings, like the chashu, a revamped soup might change the game. My stomach and expressions were on the brink after the second spot.
Laplap Sashimi, Tuna Tekka Maki, Asahi Super Dry
Manila, Makati, Little Tokyo, Misaki BistroThird stop in Little Tokyo: Misaki. Overwhelmed by the vast Japanese menu, I ordered lapu-lapu sashimi. It was firm and tasty, but not as fresh. The tekka maki had fragrant nori and solid tuna, but the rice was a bit hard. The extensive sake menu was a plus. I was highly satisfied with little to complain about.
Ensaymada
Manila, Ninoy Aquino International AirportAt Manila Airport, ready to depart, I discovered ensaymada to avoid leaving regrets. I repeatedly asked the clerk, "Is this Filipino bread?" Nervously, I took a bite and experienced the rich cheese flavor and sweet cream with crunchy sugar—a masterpiece! This taught me that delicious food leaves regrets.
Hotel Stayed in Manila, Philippines - Palm Grove Hotel (Palm Hotel Manila)
I forgot to take a photo of the exterior, so here is an image of the surrounding area. Being in Malate, the location is excellent and I had no complaints. Although it is said that the area isn’t very safe, I wasn’t too concerned—but that remains your own responsibility.
Hotel Impressions
- Water bottles were replenished daily
- There was a PC work table, and the Wifi speed was sufficient for work
- You can eat anything at the nearby Robinsons Mall
- There is a convenience store right across the street
- According to the hotel staff, it’s best to avoid stray taxis in front of the hotel
- The nightlife is lively, so you won’t have trouble with bar hopping or finding entertainment
You can book Palm Hotel Manila from the following sites.
*This article contains affiliate links. If you like the hotel, booking through these links would be greatly appreciated!
