Manila, Philippines: A Foodie's Hilariously Honest Journey Through the City of Dreams (and Buffets)
Yo Manila, your prodigal daughter has returned after 15 years! Not just for any reason, mind you, but for a high school reunion so epic, it required escaping across the freaking globe. Boston to LAX, Tokyo pitstop, then bam - Manila, land of my parents, endless buffets, and questionable Dunkin Donuts (spoiler alert: it's amazing).
Forget the "eat, pray, love" cliché, this is more like "eat, shop, spa, repeat" with a healthy dose of snark thrown in! Buckle up, folks, because I'm taking you on a whirlwind tour of Manila, a city that stole my heart (and probably my arteries) with its deliciousness, chaotic charm, and questionable buffets.
First Stop: Planes, Trains, and...Cheap Flights?
My journey began with a transatlantic leap of faith (and miles) on American Airlines. Let's just say, their business class was business-y enough to soften the blow of flying halfway across the world. Next up, a gamble on ZipAir's "business class" (which was basically a fancy cot) landed me in Manila for a steal. Hey, a budget queen gotta budget, right?
R&R Manila Style: Pampering on a Peso
Manila's secret weapon? Affordable pampering! From hour-long massages to fancy haircuts, I emerged feeling like a million bucks (or, well, at least 1,200 pesos). Korean hair spa with Dad (because why not?). Let's just say, self-care in Manila is next-level affordable. Shoutout to The Spa and BenchFix for making me feel like a million-peso queen!
Tasting Menus: A Tale of Two Cities (and One Big Letdown)
I treated my parents to some award-winning grub at Hapag. Top-notch service, delicious food, and enough courses to feed a small village - my parents were in heaven! But Metiz, another "prestigious" spot? Let's just say the only thing "award-winning" was the price tag. Slow service, forgettable food, and a general air of disappointment made it feel like the Shein version of a Michelin star.
Buffet Bonanza: From Taho to Tiffany's (of Food)
Filipinos love their buffets, and Manila doesn't disappoint! From the taho-tastic breakfast spread at Seda Vertis North Hotel to the cheese-room extravaganza at Okada Hotel (complete with its own mini-Bellagio fountain show, minus the grandeur), my inner foodie was in seventh heaven. Plus, Medley's Php3,400 price tag paled in comparison to Metiz's underwhelming experience – win-win!
Filipino Food Fiesta: From Manam's Magic to Jollibee's Chicken Joy
My mission: devour Filipino food like it's going out of style. Manam's modern twist on classics had me coming back for seconds (and thirds), while Romulo Cafe, despite its historical charm, left me feeling like I'd stepped into a time warp (not in a good way). Thankfully, Mesa came to the rescue with its delicious and affordable dishes, proving you don't need fancy names to have amazing food. And of course, no Manila trip is complete without Jollibee and their legendary Chickenjoy. Seriously, is there transfat in that breading? Whatever it is, it's magical!
BGC: The (Cleaner) Makati with a Gondola Ride on the Side
Finally, I ventured into the FOMO-inducing BGC. Think Makati, but shinier, newer, and with more shopping malls. My highlight? The Back Room, a speakeasy serving up amazing cocktails made with local ingredients (including sampaguita gin, who knew?). The vibe was on point, and the drinks were worth the splurge. Bonus points for the gondola ride at Venice Mall, even if it was a tad overpriced.
Final Thoughts: Food Coma and Zip Air Tokyo to Manila Full Flat SeatFuture Plans
Manila, you stole my heart (and maybe my liver with all those buffets). But hey, no regrets! I can't wait to return next year, this time with my son Enzo in tow. Paalam for now, but I'll be back for more food, fun, and maybe even another questionable spa treatment (because why not?).
P.S. Don't miss the Dunkin Donuts munchkins - they're like the Boston version's cooler, tastier cousin! Just sayin'.
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