7 AM
Let's start from the very beginning...at
Kilometer Zero. The big flagpole here, in
front of national hero Jose Rizal's monument,
is the starting point for measuring
distances to various points in the
Philippines. The park features attractions
such as Chinese and Japanese Gardens,
Orchidarium and Butterfly Pavilion, and
the Manila Planetarium, among others.
8 AM
Buzz into Jollibee for breakfast. Dubbed
the Philippines' number one fast food
chain (claim to fame: sweet spaghetti and
cheeseburger with pineapple), this restaurant
has a branch right in Rizal Park so you
can feed your hungry self right after walking
around the park. Vegetarians, head to
Pancake House - they have all kinds of pancakes
(of course), waffles, salad and pasta.
9 AM
The famous "Walled City" of Intramuros,
will give you a glimpse of Spanish colonial
times in Manila. Tour on your own or
book a walking tour with popular guide
David Celdran. Cobblestone streets; 16th
century houses, churches, and other buildings
abound. Ride the calesa (horse-drawn
carriage) for an enhanced old-world feel.
Whatever you do, do not miss UNESCO World
Heritage-listed San Agustin Church and its
museum; Fort Santiago; and Casa Manila.
12 Noon
Transport yourself back to modern times
into an über modern mall, Robinsons
Place Manila. Choose from a myriad of
restaurants available here - from Italian,
American, Vietnamese, Filipino and much
more. Vegetarians, head to Mexicali, a veg-friendly
Tex-Mex restaurant, that will not fail to satisfy
your taste buds.
2 PM
Don't know much about
history? (Philippine history,
that is.) Then put the National
Museum of the Philippines on your
itinerary. Established in 1901, the museum
is the official repository of things
that have scientific, historical and artistic
value to the Filipino people. You shouldn't
miss the Spolarium painting by Filipino artist
Juan Luna which won the gold medal in
the Exposición Nacional de Bellas Artes in
1884. The painting depicts fallen Roman
gladiators and a weeping woman, symbolizing
the Filipino people's oppression
by the Spaniards during the artist's time.
4 PM
Late afternoon is "merienda" time in
the Philippines, so head off to the nearest
Chowking, Goldilocks Bakeshop, or
Iceberg's (they're often found in malls) and
treat yourself to "halo-halo," a popular afternoon
snack made with several sweet
ingredients like leche flan, sweet garbanzo
beans, nuts, macapuno (coconut meat),
jackfruit, avocado, ice cream, and many others
on a bed of crushed ice with milk. Now
that's what you call an afternoon delight!
5 PM
Clichéd as it sounds, the best things in life
are indeed free. Watch the glorious sunset
over Manila Bay along Roxas Boulevard
to cap your day or to recharge for exciting
nightlife ahead.
6 PM
Before basking in the nightlights of party
town Manila, engage in the ultimate retail
therapy at SM Mall of Asia. Also known as
MOA, it is the biggest shopping mall in the
country, and in outside of China. Check out
Kultura Filipino store if you're souvenir hunting
or just love Philippine handicrafts and other
trinkets
7PM
Take a break from
shopping and head out
to San Miguel by theBay (at the back of MOA) to watch a fireworks
display every Friday and Saturday, at
7 PM.
8 PM
For the last meal of the day, proceed to
the Malate area. Filipino restaurant Ang
Bistro Sa Remedios Malate on Adriatico
Street offers delicious native cuisine while
a group of singers and musicians serenade
your table with romantic old school
Filipino soangs. Vegetarians, my advice is
to stay in MOA to have dinner. You're more
likely to find a veg-friendly place there.
10 PM
Malate is THE party central of Manila.
The streets of J. Nakpil and Adriatico and
other adjacent streets are perfect for bar
hopping. Don't forget to check out Café
Havana with its live Cuban music group;
Hobbit House (folk music place staffed by
little people); Unplugged featuring cool
acoustic music; or for those into hiphop
and dance music, Bedrock or Tia Maria's.
Malate has lots more to offer, and I'll let
your adventurous side discover your own
favorite hangout place there.

www.clickthecity.com - Find the latest gigs,
dining places, and events in this web guide to
Manila.
www.wowphilippines.com - The official tourism
and travel website of the Department of
Tourism.
http://www.celdrantours.blogspot.com/ -
Walking tours with David Celdran, a man who
is "trying to change the way you look at Manila,
one step at a time."