More fun in the Philippines?

Anyone visiting the Philippines has probably seen their marketing slogan...

...and over the past two weeks, the people of Manila showed me that, yes, it really is more fun in the Philippines. 

Every time I stepped outside the hotel, I was surrounded by a flurry of activity.  Street vendors were selling everything from bootleg DVD's to knockoff Samsung phones.  I was approached multiple times by ladyboys.  Whenever I passed a bar, someone was already waiting out front to solicit my business.  Some places even had "sexy" women out front, enticing people to go inside what I can only assume were strip clubs.  

The advertising for fun wasn't always so obvious.  A few times, I noticed locals who would simply outline their hands in the shape of a woman and nod at me with an obvious proposition.  There were also some low-key entrepreneurs who were just laying on the grass near the waterfront, next to a blanket and a sign offering massages.  I assume that I would just have to wake them up if I wanted their services.  

To be honest, you only need to walk around the streets for five minutes to confirm that people in the Philippines know how to have fun without any pretentiousness.  

My hotel has a casino that was full almost every night of the week.  For those who can't afford the high stakes, I noticed people placing bets on the side of the road and watching the results on an old TV screen: 

Gambling doesn't get much easier than this

During my first weekend in Manila, I attempted to visit Intramuros (the historic walled part of the city dating back to the 1800's, when Spain colonized the country).  However, before I could reach there, I was enticed by the Shell Eco-Marathon.  This event existed primarily as the showcase for a global student competition to build energy efficient cars, but they also had huge tents set up with games and interactive exhibits. 

One of the energy efficient cars "speeds" past

I didn't wait in line to drive one of the cars, but I did join a fun game that basically involved running in a giant hamster ball.  I expected to win my heat but it turns out that marathon experience does nothing to improve hamster ball performance!  

Hamster ball competition at Shell Eco Marathon in Manila

Once I finally had my fill of the Eco Marathon, I ventured over to Intramuros for some history.  As I walked through the gates, I was approached by several people offering to give me a tour in a "side car" (they pedal on a bike while the passengers sit in a side car like a clown at the circus).  Leave it to the Philippines to make even the mundane historical tours more zany. 

Walking past local people, I definitely heard some Spanish conversations (not Tagalog but actual Spanish).  The streets were full of kids playing - not surprising since the accommodations were minuscule.  For the first time since arriving in Manila, it was evident that the city really does have a high population density. 

Homes and shops in Intramuros area of Manila

Kids playing on the streets in Intramuros, Manila

Intramuros also has a couple historic churches on the UNESCO world heritage list although one is under repair so I couldn't go inside.  Despite the lack of "attractions", I was definitely feeling the Hispanic flair of the tiny district. 

One of the gates to enter Intermuros

Nightlife is one of the highlights in Manila, but the shopping also deserves mention.  Manila is home to some of the largest malls in the world, and I had to see what they were all about.  The first thing I noticed was the massive crowds of people (It is reported that Mall of Asia sees 200,000 visitors every day).  Also, it seemed like the majority of outlets in the malls are restaurants, which is much different than in the United States.  Another thing I found amusing was all the global brands that carry clothing with an "Asian Fit".  (How do Asian clothes fit??) 

"Asian fit" shirt at Zara in Mall of Asia

On my last night in Manila, the team took me out to the Seafood Market for quite the memorable meal.  This place is really fun because you can purchase fresh seafood from vendors and then walk it across the street for the restaurants to cook.  When I say "fresh", I mean that the fish are still swimming in tanks.  

Having some fun in between sales

Negotiating the price of dinner

I was amazed by some of the fish for sale.  From translucent prawns to some of the biggest lobsters I have ever seen in my life, it was like paradise for any seafood lover.  Perhaps the ugliest fish in the tanks is called a "stone fish" and they basically just hop around on the bottom of the tanks.  I wanted to buy one as a pet, just so I could laugh at it all day, but it unfortunately won't fit in my suitcase.  

Stone Fish at the Manila Seafood Market

Some of the biggest lobsters I have ever seen

The final purchases were made without me so that the team could negotiate a better price.  I don't usually care much about food, but I was genuinely excited to see what would come out of the kitchen. We rented a private room with a karaoke system, which provided yet another layer of entertainment while we waited for the seafood to be prepared.  Asian people take their karaoke seriously and Filipinos are no exception.  If their day jobs don't work out, I know about 8 people who would make great lounge singers!   

All in all, it was such a fun night.  I really appreciated the team coming out to celebrate the end of the project and it was nice to just relax and have fun without even thinking or talking about work.  

The group at dinner

Leaving Manila, I already can't wait for a return visit.  If anyone is considering a trip to Asia, I would recommend the Philippines without hesitation...but only for those who like to have more fun.