Tiger Tales

First-Time Traveller

Manila

Never visited the Philippine capital? Sarah Etchells offers four customised itineraries

BEAUTY QUEENS

There is no shortage of pampering options in Manila: salons are ubiquitous. Visit The Spa at The Fort for the ultimate in total indulgence.

Try a Red Wine Sparkler – a luxurious body scrub containing anti-oxidants made from red wine extract – followed by a massage. Pay extra to have your own private villa, where you can soak in a bubble bath between treatments. You’ll leave feeling like royalty. Services start at about S$25/A$19.

Pampering and cocktails go hand in hand. Dashing Diva in Greenbelt 5 offers complimentary Cosmopolitans with any manicure and pedicure on Thursdays and Fridays after 2pm – and every colour of polish under the rainbow. A basic combo is S$15/A$12.

Too exhausted to head out? Asian Massage will come to your hotel or apartment. A one-hour massage costs S$9/A$7.

● The Spa, Bldg 8, Bonifacio High St, tel: +63 (0)2 856 5858, www..thespa.com.ph
● Dashing Diva, Greenbelt 5, tel: +63 (0)2 757 5028, www.beautybar.com.ph
● Asian Massage, www..asianmassageph.com

NIGHT OWLS

Head to Greenbelt where there are a host of great bars to choose from, such as M Café and Spicy Fingers – which has S$1/A$1 drinks most of the day. A good night out in the Philippines isn’t complete without karaoke, so head upstairs to Red Box to belt out some tunes. Private room hire starts at S$9/A$7 per person, including two free drinks. saGuijo Café & Bar is a great place to catch local bands. Set in an old renovated house, it attracts an artier crowd than most bars in the city, which tend to feature cheesy cover bands.

For an unforgettable night out, head to Club Mwah! This theatre-eatery boasts over-the-top décor and an elaborate “dance/musical sex comedy show”. It’s good for group outings. Come in sequins and with a sense of humour. Tickets are S$23/A$19.

● Red Box, Esperanza St., Ayala Center, Makati, tel: +63 (0)2 757 6188,
● saGuijo Café & Bar, 7612 Guijo St, San Antonio Village, Makati City
● Club Mwah!, 3F, The Venue Tower, 652 Boni Ave, tel: +63 (0)2 535 7943

FOODIES

Most restaurants in Manila are chain outlets. Head to any mall and you’re likely to see the same establishments. However, there are a few hidden gems, like Apartment 1B in Salcedo Village. The gourmet comfort food never disappoints, with delicious French onion soup and white Toblerone cheesecake. It’s also great for breakfast – don’t miss the eggs benedict.

Enjoy an unforgettable sunset over Manila Bay while dining al fresco at the Harbor View restaurant. The menu features a mix of western and Asian dishes, the seafood is always fresh and there are traditional Filipino specialties. Mains start at about S$10/A$7.

Try some fresh local produce and homemade delicacies at Salcedo Market (Saturdays from 7am-2pm). Enjoy your meal in one of the shaded seating areas while mingling with local residents.

● Apartment 1B, One Lafayette Square, 132 LP Leviste Corner, Sedeño St
● Harbor View, South Gate A Rizal Park, tel: +63 (0)2 524 1532
● Salcedo Market, Tordesillas St, Salcedo Village, Makati

CULTURE LOVERS

A Carlos Celdran tour of Intramuros, the historic centre, is essential for any visitor to Manila. This patriotic Filipino offers a passionate yet often tongue-in-cheek analysis of local culture and history from pre-Hispanic Manila to the present day.

See the city while cruising around in a jeepney. Various tours are available in these flamboyantly decorated vehicles, whether you’re interested in history or shopping. Many jeepneys even have karaoke systems, another cultural icon of the Philippines. Tours start from S$77/A$60, including a meal.

Do a good deed by helping some of Manila’s less fortunate – whether it is for an hour, a day or a week. Visit a school and teach English or help prepare a meal for street kids. Contact Hands on Manila for volunteer programs.

● Carlos Celdran Tours, tel: +63 (0)2 484 4945, http://celdrantours.blogspot.com
● Jeepney Tours, tel: +63 (0)2 994 6636, www.jeepneytours.com
● Hands on Manila, tel: +63 (0)2 843 7044, www.handsonmanila.org.ph