Manila is a vibrant, history-layered capital where Spanish-era walls in Intramuros meet the busy rhythm of modern city life. The city of Manila has a population of about 1.9 million people. The city is named after the nilad plant that once grew thickly along the riverbanks.
What did we do?
Intramuros
Baluartillo de San Francisco Javier was known as the Manila Arsenal during the occupation of the United States.
Entrance to Fort Santiago is one of the oldest fortifications in Manila built by the Spaniards in 1571.
Rajah Sulayman Theatre constructed as military barracks. Destroyed during the second World War.
Postigo de la Nuestra Señora de Soledad
The White Cross in memory of the 600 decomposing corpses, victims of atrocities during the Second World War. They were discovered at the dungeons by liberation forces of the United States and were buried en-masse under this white marble cross.
The Dungeons of Fort Santiago
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Picture of the bodies of dead
civilians inside the dungeon
1945 |
Manila Cathedral -- service was being held for Palm Sunday so we did not go inside.
These palms were being sold all around the church.
Legazpi Sunday Market
Salcedo Weekend Market has been operating for over 20 years.
SM Mall of Asia is the largest shopping mall in the Philippines. You could literally spend days walking around and never see it all.
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| Arcade |
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| Ice Skating |
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| All decorated for Easter |
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| Yes I did a little shopping 🛍 |
Whenever there is a Staircase photos are required.
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I guess the wine
kicked in, lol. |
Random Photos
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Gabriela Silang
The first Filipina to revolt
against Spain. Publicly
hung in 1763
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Strange - The urinal was in the
ladies bathroom
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A jeepney! Rob wanted to ride one for
nastalgic reaons but they were too crowded. |
Where did we eat?
Helm by Josh Boutwood - if you have the opportunity, it is a must try 2-star Michelin restaurant.
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| Prep Work |
Our meal started with snacks!
The main events followed a color wheel theme.
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Purple - Tuna, coconut 🥥 &
radicchio |
Paired with a Zuccardi Torrontès!
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Octopus 🐙
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Blue - Chawanmushi, octopus 🐙 &
spirulina |
Paired with a Ungrafted Gravel Soil Semillon Sauvignon Blanc!
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| They all worked well together |
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Orange - Ford trout, carrot 🥕 &
szechuan peppers 🌶 |
Paired with Gaba Do Xil O'Barreiro Blanco!
Bread course
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| Sourdough bread & brioche |
Paired with Domaine Ostertag Les awarding Riesling!
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Amber - Quail, chanterel &
hazelnuts |
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| Quail leg |
A short video of one of the chefs explaining the dish:
This dish was paired with Domaine de la Rochelierre Privilège, this wine was a mixture of 4 different grapes 🍇 (Carignan, Grenache, Syrah & Mourverde). 😋 😋 😋
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Red - Wagyu, beetroot, fermented
root crops |
Paired with Telmo Rodriguez Gago G!
This course is to transition us into the dessert phase, the last on the color wheel.
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Yellow - Mango, passionfruit &
saffron |
But wait we haven't had enough to eat, have we? It is coffee ☕️ time!
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Chocolate, Chocolate & Chocolate with
caramel sauce |
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Petit Fours
Chocolate caneles, nut caramel crisps &
confection squares |
The service in the lounge was spectacular. I tried to get my own coffee one morning and they practically tackled me, placed my cup on a tray and walked me back to my table.
The Lobby is the luxury hotel lobby restaurant. The Lounge was no longer serving food so we ventured down to the Lobby. At first we couldn't figure out if we were just to sit at a table or find someone to seat us. We managed to get a table and the service was spectacular.
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I ordered a Gin & Tonic not expecting a
cart to be wheeled tableside. Choice of
gin, mixers & garnish. |
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Tagliatlle Seafood
Aglio E Olio |
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| Wonton Noodle Soup |
Spices is listed as a Michelin selected restaurant and we were truly disappointed 😞. The food was lacking flavor and presentation. We paired our meal with a Kingpin Cabernet Sauvignon, which was very good.
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| Papadum chips with chutney |
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| Seafood Laska |
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| Tom Kah Gai Soup |
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| Tandori Murgh |
Señorita's Mexican Grill, Dumaguete Airport was located directly across from the airport. We had lunch here while waiting for our flight to Manila.
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| Rob made a new friend |
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| Tacos 🌮 🌮 🌮 |
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| Burrito 🌯 |
Where did we stay?
The Peninsula Manila was an absolutely six star hotel. I would visit Manila again just to stay in this hotel. We were met at baggage claim and escorted to our transport van. We were then walked to our room and checked in right in the room.
How did we get there? We took a ferry from Siquijor to Dumaguete then flew to Manila. Our Tuk Tuk was scheduled ahaead of time and he arrived right on time. He loaded our luggage on the back and tied another to the top (I wasn't sure if we would all fit). He made it work however at one point I thought we were going to tip over backwards when he gunned it to get up a hill. We had too much weight in the back. Rob moved closer to the front to balance things out a bit. We safely made it to the Ferry Port .
Ferry from Siquijor to Dumaguete.
Once we arrived in Dumaguete we took another TukTuk to the Dumaguete Airport where we flew Phillipine Airlines to Manilla.
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I think he is wondering how
this is going to work. |
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This really nice woman offered
to take the window seat so we
could sit together. Thank you
but No Thank You! |
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| Yuck 🤮 Peas & Carrots |
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| View into Manilla |
After collecting our luggage, we found Ryza holding a sign for the hotel. For a moment we assumed she was our driver, but her only role was to escort us to the waiting chariot.
When did we visit? March 27 - 31, 2026
"Thrilla in Manila" Muhammad Ali
