Manila, a vibrant metropolis, pulsates with an energy that is both chaotic and captivating. As the capital of the Philippines, it stands out not only as a bustling hub of commerce and culture but also as a city with a rich historical tapestry. This episode was written by Chin Liang Teh, a regular contributor to GoNOMAD after he visited the city last year.

Known for its contrasts, Manila boasts towering skyscrapers that coexist with quaint street markets and sprawling neighborhoods. The sounds of jeepneys rattling through the streets create a symphony of life that is distinctly Manila. Our podcast takes you on a journey through this dynamic city, likening it to the 'New York of Asia', where every corner offers a story waiting to be discovered. We delve into the unique experiences that Manila has to offer, from its world-renowned food scene featuring adobo and sinigang to its historical landmarks such as the Manila American Cemetery and Memorial, which honors the sacrifices of World War II soldiers. We emphasize that Manila is not just a destination; it's an experience that challenges you to engage with its vibrant culture and spirited people.

Today on GoNOMAD, we visit the New York City of Asia, Manila. Manila’s streets are filled with colorful characters and stories, and its markets are a feast for the senses. We recommend taking a slow stroll through Intramuros, the city's historic walled area, where colonial architecture tells tales of the past.

The juxtaposition of modernity and history is palpable, making every visit to Manila a unique adventure. We encourage listeners to embrace the city's energy and find beauty in its chaos, discovering the underlying warmth of its people and the richness of its culinary delights. As we wrap up, we invite everyone to consider Manila for their next travel adventure, as it promises a mix of surprises and unforgettable memories.

• Manila is a vibrant city that captures the energy and chaos reminiscent of New York, making it an unforgettable destination.
• The unique contrast of Manila's luxury malls alongside bustling street markets highlights the city's dynamic character.
• Visitors can explore Manila's rich history through its sites, including the oldest university in Asia and Fort Santiago.
• A culinary journey in Manila showcases local dishes like Bacalao chicken insal and the colorful dessert Halo Halo.
• Intramuros, the walled city, offers a glimpse into Manila's colonial past with its cobblestone streets and historic churches.
• Experiencing Manila's cultural diversity is essential; you'll hear multiple languages and see various traditions coexisting harmoniously.

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Welcome back to the Go Nomad Travel podcast.

I'm your host, Max Hartshorn.

Today we're taking you to a city that's loud, proud, and impossible to ignore.

Manila, the capital of Philippines.

The place that's been called many things.

Chaotic, colorful, unpredictable.

But today, we're calling it something else.

The New York of Asia.

Why?

Well, let's start with the energy.

Manila doesn't just harm it, it roars.

From the moment you land, you're swept into a city that never really sleeps.

Jeepneys rattle through the streets, vendors shout over the din, and every corner feels like a story waiting to be told.

It's a city of contrast.

Skyscrapers stand tall beside sprawling slums.

Luxury malls share zip codes with street markets.

And through it all, Manila moves fast, loud and unapologetic.

Sound familiar?

That's right.

It's got that same pulse you feel in New York, the city.

The same sense that anything can happen.

And probably.

But Manila isn't just a copy.

It's got its own flavor, its own history, and its own way of welcoming visitors.

You'll hear Tagalog, English, and a dozen other languages in a single block.

You'll taste adobo, sinigang, and street food that's been perfected over generations.

And you'll meet people who know how to laugh through traffic, smile through struggle, and dance through life.

Manila isn't easy, but neither is New York.

And that's part of the magic.

It's.

It's a city that demands your attention.

And if you give it, really give it, you'll find something unforgettable.

So the next time you're looking for a destination that's raw, real, and full of surprises, consider Manila, the New York of Asia.

The world's oldest Chinatown, the largest US Military cemetery outside of America, the oldest university in Asia, and the first church in the world built entirely of steel.

Yup, Manila's got bragging rights.

If you head to Manila Bay, right in front of the Mall of Asia, one of the biggest malls on the continent, you'll catch a sunset that locals swear is one of the best on Earth.

But Manila isn't just about superlatives.

It's about surprises.

Like a Starbucks in Tangatay, two hours south of the city, perched on a hill overlooking a volcano.

Yep, a volcano.

And that Starbucks has been called one of the most beautiful in the world.

Chin recommends spending at least three full days in Manila.

And he starts day one with a slow, reflective walk.

The Manila American Cemetery and Memorial.

It's 152 acres with over 17,000 fallen soldiers from all from World War II.

The names are engraved on marble walls that open like pages of a book.

Soothing hymns play every hour.

Chin calls it a solemn march through the passage of history, and you can feel that.

You can join a tour or just wander and chat with the groundskeeper in his straw hat, watch him move from stone to stone, checking for cracks for time.

And when you're done, you'll still be in Bonificio Global City, a modern, upscale district that feels a little bit like Beverly Hills.

It's hot, it's humid, so you head to lunch.

Chin recommends Bacalao chicken insal roasted chicken marinated in vinegar, citrus and spices, grilled over charcoal, served with garlic, rice.

And for dessert, Halo Halo, a tower of shaved ice, purple yam, jellies and fruit mix.

Mix in Tagalog, a sweet, colorful collision of flavors.

Churches, colonial buildings, cobblestone streets.

It feels like old Europe dropped into Asia.

You can walk or you can join a bamboo bike tour.

Yep, the bikes are really made of bamboo and eco friendly and pretty cool.

Start at Fort Santiago, once a military fortress and then a prison and then a torture chamber.

During the Japanese occupation, Jose Rizal, the national hero, was held here before his execution.

A short walk away is the San Augustine Church, with Baroque art everywhere, ceilings and walls.

The only church to survive World War II.

Stay until dark, when the Victorian street lamps light up and the whole place feels like a romantic movie set.

That's a slice of Manila for today on Go Nomad Travel.

Thanks for listening.