Philippines is a land of cheerful people, very service oriented and colorful. Now what is so colorful other than it’s lovely people, jeepneys!

There are not many buses on the roads, but filled with jeepneys. They are owned and so they can be modified by the owner, some have names painted and look bright and cheerful! I’ve not sat in one but it is one of the most common transportation for the locals. Each ride costs about 8 pesos. The next common transportation is the tricycle, powered by a motorcycle but can carry up to 6 passengers!

Food in the Philippines is a little more adventurous if I compare with Singapore. They enjoy food like balut (developing duck embryo) which I did not dare to try, they like intestines in pig blood, chicharrón (deep fried pork skin) dipped in vinegar, bulalo (Philippine marrow stew), Kare Kare which is a base of stewed oxtail and some other parts of the pig, Cerviche kind of dish, etc were some of the food I’ve tried during my short stay.

Overall, the experience in the Philippines was great (except the airport on the way out of Philippines – no aircon in the international terminal, 1.5hrs spent just on check in and immigration), supermarket was also interesting as they sell most items in small packs. Like sauces, instant coffee, soaps, shower foam, snacks, etc… You could buy them in sachets. This type of shopping the locals call it ‘Tingit tingit’ (not sure of the spelling but that’s how the locals say it’.

Hotel – Marriott Manila, provides Thann toiletries (next to resorts world – RWS) 8/10

RWS restaurant – Parmagiano 8/10

Fely J’s restaurant – 7/10 (dillis taosi rice was yums!)

Nuvali – Eco city on the way to tagaytay 8/10

Tagaytay – approx 90min drive from Manila, cooling highland away from hustle and bustle in the city 8/10

Rowena’s at tagaytay – for sweets and coffee 7/10

Leslie’s at tagaytay – for dinner, great ambience with live band 7/10

Mushroom burger at tagaytay – old school fast food restaurant serving mushroom burgers – 6/10