Experience in Manila, Philippines by Lenard

What is it like to live in Manila? Would you recommend it? What is the city like?

Manila's architecture isn't built to be accessible like other cities. The capital is very big and the mode of transportation such as the jeep and the mrt are unbearable. but uber and taxis are cheap so you can get by the city through transport apps. There's two that are frequently used, uber and grab. Though the former is a lot cheaper. It's an experience to try and use the public transportation but it's not as comfortable as that of other cities. A lot of people prefer to use their own private vehicle instead or use the ride sharing apps. BGC and Makati is the best place within Metro Manila because of the lively night life and it also boasts several scrumptious restaurants

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What is the student lifestyle like in Manila?

Every student in Manila is financed by their parents so you can see several students frequently shopping, travelling or going out but this only specific to the two universities that I will mention. There are only top 4 universities that are considered to be important in the city and these are mostly private schools (Ateneo De Manila University, De La Salle University, and University of Santo Tomas) with the top 1 being a state university (University of the Philippines). Ateneo and De La Salle are popular schools amongst foreigners and have a very profound student community which is different amongst other schools. Students from the two university tend to be a lot more open minded. However this is judging from my experience as I belong from DLSU and also familiar with Ateneo. Those from University of The Philippines are also very liberated but i'm not familiar with their university culture

How much does it cost to live in Manila?

Manila is expensive but it depends on one's lifestyle. if you're a foreign exchange student you can get by with less than 1000 euros per month.

Is it difficult to find accommodation in Manila? Is there any advice you can give?

Accommodation in Manila isn't that hard to find you just have to go to several condominiums with ad placement all over the internet and you're good to go. However the prices differs especially if you're situated close to Ateneo and La Salle it can go from 400-600 euros. but generally there are cheaper accommodations.

What is the food like? What are your favourite dishes?

Manila is melting pot of cultures. Every kind of food you can think of is available. Several fusion food are also available. The most popular kind are the Japanese and Korean food. Several western cuisines are also available but Filipinos tend choose between western and Japanese.

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What places would you recommend visiting in Manila?

The national museum is newly renovated therefore it's a must.

Go to BGC, Makati it's famous for its night life and there are several foreigners staying in the area as well.

Is it good to eat out in Manila? Can you tell us your favourite spots?

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Top food grabs in Manila are as follows:

• Ooma
• Tomo
• Barcino
• Wholesome table
• Village Tavern
• Din Tai Fung

If you're willing to pay a little extra for fancy hotel food that's buffet:

• Manila Hotel (Ilang-Ilang)
• Sofitel (Spiral)
• Okada Manila

Is the nightlife good in Manila? Where is good to go?

People divide manila in two areas the north and the south. Since both are quite far from each other they have their own places to party. However, the middle ground would be going to Bonifacio Global City where all the hippest bars and club are situated currently Early Night is the best bar/club that's hip among the youth. In the south there's also several places however i'm not familiar with it as I am from the North side.

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What advice would you give future students heading to Manila?

You don't really have to worry about budgeting it's not that expensive. You just have to be weary about public transportation. Just use uber or grab app instead. People are very friendly and everyone in Manila can speak and understand english because it's an official language in the country.

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