Best in Manila - Your Guide to Metro Manila's Finest

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Christmas wreath and festive decorations

Christmas dance practice and performances

Christmas performers in festive costumes

Christmas In Manila: Home Away From Home

Experiencing Christmas in Manila for the first time, exploring the Ber Months celebrations, company Christmas parties, and Filipino family traditions.

View from the Kapitolyo Arts Center with Manila skyline in distance

Kapitolyo Adventures: Make It a 'Kape Toll Yo'

Explore Kapitolyo, a creative enclave between Pasay and BGC, where coffee shops, galleries, and community spaces foster a burgeoning creative scene.

Ati-Atihan Festival 2026: The Mother of All Philippine Festivals

Experience the Ati-Atihan Festival 2026, the "Mother of All Philippine Festivals." Discover the history, cultural significance, and how to experience this vibrant week-long celebration in Kalibo honoring the Santo Niño and indigenous Ati people.

New Year's Eve 2026 in Manila: Celebrations, Fireworks & Party Guide

Back to Binondo: Hola Escolta & the Spirit of the 90s

Our Stories

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Flowers, Fruit Stalls & Al Fresco Dining in Romantic Salcedo Village, Makati

A Cozy Corner of Makati: Finding Community in Legazpi Village

Letters from Escolta: Finding History in Manila's Golden Streets

Best Late-Night Food & 24-Hour Restaurants in Manila

Satisfy your midnight cravings at Manila's best late-night eateries and 24-hour restaurants. From 24/7 Filipino comfort food to Korean dishes open all night, discover places serving food when hunger strikes at any hour.

Nightlife & Entertainment

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Makati vs. BGC for Nightlife: Which District is Better? The Complete Comparison

Compare Manila's two nightlife epicenters. Understanding Makati's complexity versus BGC's polish helps you choose the right night out.

Best Live Music Venues in Manila: Jazz, Acoustic & Local Bands

From intimate jazz cafés to legendary rock venues, discover Manila's best spots for live music. Featuring OPM bands, jazz musicians, and acoustic artists across Metro Manila.

Best Sports Bars for Watching International Basketball (NBA) in Metro Manila

Discover the top sports bars in Manila where you can watch NBA games, playoffs, and championships live. From October through June, find venues with premium screens, international crowd, and cold beer.

Best Comedy Clubs & Stand-Up Venues in Metro Manila

Discover the best comedy clubs and stand-up venues in Metro Manila where you can laugh with friends. From intimate open mic nights to professional comedy showcases featuring local and international acts.

Manila's Hidden Speakeasy Bars You Need to Find

Discover Manila's best-kept secrets: speakeasy bars hidden behind vending machines, bookcases, and phone booths. Your guide to finding these exclusive establishments.

Food & Restaurants

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Best Italian Restaurants in Metro Manila

From fine dining with Michelin-starred chefs to handmade pasta and authentic trattoria flavors, discover Manila's top Italian restaurants with verified locations and specialties.

Best Filipino Restaurants in Metro Manila

From heritage restaurants serving traditional recipes to modern Filipino cuisine elevating local ingredients, discover where to find authentic sisig, sinigang, adobo, and the best Filipino flavors in Metro Manila.

Best Coffee Shops in BGC for Remote Work

Discover the best coffee shops in BGC for remote work with fast WiFi, comfortable seating, and excellent coffee. Perfect spots for digital nomads and freelancers.

The Economics of Eating Manila: Real Food Costs by Neighborhood & Lifestyle

Discover what it actually costs to eat across Manila's neighborhoods. From budget street food to upscale dining, understand food expenses for different lifestyles and income levels.

Best Vegetarian Restaurants in Manila

Discover Manila's top vegetarian restaurants offering creative meat-free dishes, from Filipino vegetarian cuisine to international plant-based favorites. Your guide to the best vegetarian dining in Metro Manila.

Culture & Heritage

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Intramuros Through Time: From Spanish Colonial Capital to Resilient Heritage District

Spanish Colonial Legacy in Philippine Food: 380 Years of Culinary Fusion

The Chinese-Filipino Kitchen: How Migration and Trade Created a Culinary Identity

Sisig: From Clark Air Base to National Treasure -- How a Pampanga Dish Became Filipino Icon

Manila Galleon Trade: How Two Continents Met on a Plate (1565-1815)

Best Historical Landmarks & Heritage Architecture Tours in Manila

Things to Do

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Best Indoor Activities & Things to Do on Rainy Days in Manila

Higantes Festival in Angono, Rizal: A Guide to the Giants Parade

First-Time Visitor's Guide to Manila: 3 Days of Essential Experiences

How to Help Earthquake & Typhoon Survivors in the Philippines: A Guide for Everyone

Moving to Manila: The Complete Expat Guide by Life Situation

Global Recognition of Filipino Talent & Passion: Michelin Guide & UNESCO Film City

Chefs

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Chef Chele Gonzalez

Spanish chef Chele Gonzalez brings the legacy of Spain's finest restaurants to Manila through Gallery by Chele, ranked No. 72 on Asia's 50 Best Restaurants 2025 and celebrating Filipino ingredients through modern European technique.

Chef Jordy Navarra

Trained at Heston Blumenthal's The Fat Duck, Jordy Navarra returned to the Philippines to redefine Filipino cuisine at Toyo Eatery, earning recognition as one of Asia's finest restaurants and a global model for sustainability and cultural preservation.