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10 Great Reasons Why You Should Visit Manila

On a weekend, enjoy a relaxing massage in a luxurious spa or get away to nearby provinces. Along the way, meet warm, friendly Filipinos (and Filipinas, of course!).

Manila Philippines has something to offer everybody. Yes, it is a big, bustling metropolis. But herein lies many 'hidden treasures'and unique travel adventures you wouldn't want to miss.

So if you're planning a trip to Asia, make sure you add Manila to your travel plans.

Here are 10 reasons why you should travel to Manila.

1. History - Manila has been the center of Philippine culture, religion and government for several centuries, and remains so this very day. A trip to the Philippines will not be complete without a visit to Manila, particularly to Intramuros or the "Walled City" was built in 1571 during the Spanish era.

It stands as one of the world's best-preserved medieval cities, where you will find Baroque churches, ancient Spanish buildings that house historical artifacts and treasures.

When you travel to Manila, make sure to also check out the Philippine museums, particularly the National Museum and Ayala Museum - to get a glimpse of the country's rich colonial past and learn more about the unique culture of the Filipino people.

2. Entertainment and Nightlife - Manila comes alive at night! Filipinos work hard and they love to party (yes, even on a weekdays!). Hang out at one of the many exciting entertainment hubs in Metro Manila - from Makati, Greenhills, Pasig, Taguig, Quezon City, Malate and Ermita.

Check out the many themed-pubs, restaurantes in these hubs and enjoy great live band music, one-of-a-kind entertainment and excellent food (and a cold glass of San Miguel beer!). You'll find yourself wanting to go back for more!

3. Golf - If you plan to play golf in Asia, travel to Manila. Tourists (particularly Japanese and South Koreans, who are avid golfers) love to play golf in Manila. Why? Because it offers valuable options, and is way cheaper. Here you can ride (yes, golf carts are available and cheap!) or you can walk. You'll have friendly and able caddies to assist you, so you can focus on your game.

And there are many signature 18-hole courses designed by famous golfers - Jack Nicklaus, Arnold Palmer, Gary Player, Fred Couples, and Bernhard Langer. Love Scotland's golf courses? Then, you'll love Manila golf...guaranteed!

4. Shopping - If you're a bargain hunter, Manila is for you.

Shopping in this vast metropolis is an exciting adventure in itself.

With sprawling mega-shopping malls and centers all over, Manila is a shopping mecca where you can find everything you can imagine at bargain prices all year round! Yes, everything from jewelry (pearls, silver, gold and more!), antique treasures, rattan furniture, crafts, baby clothing, leather goods, to the latest mobile gadgets.

And if you're really lucky, you can even find original designer brand products - Prada, Ferragamo, Gucci and more at 'discounted' prices.

5. Food - Craving for your favorite cuisine? You'll be sure to find it in Manila. Travel to Manila for a delightfully satisfying gastronomic experience. Here you'll find authentic Japanese, Thai, Korean, Vietnamese, Chinese, French, Italian, Spanish, Mexican, American, Mediterranean cuisine...and more. And be sure to sample the many delicious local dishes from different provinces. Yes, you'll experience all these when you travel to Manila.

6. Manila Bay - Most tourists travel to Manila to watch the famous sunset at Manila Bay. This golden red sunset is breathtaking, inspiring the works of many artists, photographers, and poets. A view of this glorious sunset alone is sure to make a trip to Manila worth your while. But there's more.

For decades, Manila Bay's reclaimed area has been stage for cultural shows, attracting renowned local and international performers. The bustling districts of Malate and Ermita provide along Manila Bay. Both offer a "wild" variety of restaurants, cafes, bars, casinos, discotheques that rival those in Miami Florida. Manila Bay is a "must-see" when you travel to Manila.

7. Sights - Manila is the perfect travel and adventure hub. After you've seen all the famous Manila tourist spots, plan on a quick day trip to nearby provinces, most are within 30 minutes to a couple of hours away.

Take a cruise to the historic Corregidor and Bataan. Drive down south to Taal to see the world's smallest volcano. Explore the beaches at Puerto Azul or go scuba diving in Anilao Batangas. Go north and take adventure trails in Subic and Clark. Trek up to Mt. Pinatubo. You won't run out of things to explore!

8. Filipinos - Filipinos are warm, friendly and fun-loving people. Filipinos wear their beautiful smiles all the time. You won't find another Asian country that is as friendly and accomodating as the Filipinos.

In Manila, as in any other part of the Philippines, you will feel absolutely welcome and at home in the company of the Filipinos.

9. Health and Wellness - How about a health holiday?

The Philippines is an ideal health and wellness destination where you can avail of medical treatments, delivered by US-trained medical practioners, at prices that 30% to 50% cheaper than in the US.

Tourists are discovering the many benefits of combining medical trips with a relaxing vacation in the Philippines.

So the next time to travel to Manila, pamper your body. Get a massage, a health check up or treat yourself to relaxing day at the spa.

10. Business - Doing business in Asia? Use Manila as your base. Traveling to other countries and conducting business from Manila is a breeze, because of the Philippines' strategic location. Communications is not a problem, as the telecommunications infrastructure is rock solid. And Filipinos speak English, so you'll have the manpower support you need to run an efficient and profitable business.

While you're here, make sure to check out the various Philippine products and services, which are perfect addition to your growing business. When you travel to Manila, doing business in Asia becomes a pleasurable experience.

Manila Philippines is a perfect destination for you and your entire family. Travel to Manila on your next trip to Asia. You're in for an adventure of a lifetime!

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