Area code: (02)
Currency: Philippine Peso (PHP1 = US$0.02)
TRIVIA Why is the name Juan dela Cruz used to personify the Pinoy? Supposedly, a Scottish journalist with The Manila Times in the early 1900s started the practice because this was the most common name appearing in police blotters
TOUCHDOWN From the airport, the ride to commercial centers takes around 40 minutes, for a fare of about PHP450 by registered airport taxis. There are also metered cabs
BY DAY Visit the Mall of Asia, one of the biggest malls in the world. It’s filled with stores, movie theaters, cafés, bars and restaurants, all situated by the breezy Manila Bay
BY NIGHT The Fort in Makati has many upscale bars frequented by partygoers of all ages. Not your thing? Visit Cubao Expo in Araneta Center, for its many art galleries and funky shops
SLEEP The Palm Plaza Hotel is a full-service boutique business hotel in the very hip Malate district in Manila. Major business and tourist spots are very accessible. www.palmplazahotel.com
LOCAL LIFE
Geth Savellano
restaurant owner/chef
Best breakfast
Café Via Mare for Vigan longganisa or spicy tuyo flakes and bibingka for dessert
Best night out
Listen to local indie bands at Route 196 in Katipunan Avenue, Quezon City
Best dinner
Get your fill of modern Filipino cuisine at Fely J’s in Greenbelt 5
Best buys
168 shopping mall in the Divisoria area is lined with stalls that sell unbelievably cheap things
Best souvenirs
A Team Manila designed t-shirt. Stores are located in Powerplant Mall and Mall of Asia
Must-do experience
You must take a Carlos Celdran tour — very well done (www.celdrantours.blogspot.com)
Must learn…
End your sentences with “po” when you want to show respect to elders
Insider’s tip
When shopping in tiangges (bazaar-type stores), always haggle for a big discount
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