When it comes to foreign aid, there’s no one who has given more to us than our the balikbayan. So when they’re in town, they deserve to be shown the time of their lives.
1. Intramuros
For most Metro Manila residents, the first and only time they visited this majestic walled city was on a school field trip way back when. This historial area is home to Instagram-worthy structures like Fort Santiago, Postigo del Palacio, Baluarte de San Diego, Puerta de Isabel II, Plaza de Roma, San Agustin Church, and a couple of other museums and ruins. Sign up for a guided tour of the area (both Old Manila Walks and Walk This Way are popular choices) and then grab a meal or a drink at The Bayleaf Hotel’s Sky Deck View Bar. For modern Filipiniana souvenirs, check out The Manila Collectible behind Manila Cathedral which sells banig mats from Mindanao, among others.
2. Greenhills Shopping Mall
Long considered the Mecca of bargain shopping, Greenhills offers the most complete shopping experience. Amazing deals on gadgets, appliances, computer accessories, games, toys, designer replica bags, clothes, and jewelleries are easy to find. During December they’re also host to the famous “Greenhills Tiangge Night Market” which opens from 10pm and operates to the wee hours of the morning. With their experience abroad, Balikbayans have grown to be more practical; hence, they will surely thank you for this experience.
SEE ALSO: Dining guide for Greenhills shoppers
3. Resorts World Manila
If you want to go all-in and roll out in style, this is the place to be. This is the closest we could get to Las Vegas-style entertainment. Their casino floor offers state of the art slot machines and the latest and most popular card games. However, Resorts World is more than a casino; it features a shopping centre that is home to the most exclusive luxury brands such as Cartier, Gucci, Burberry and more. The Performing Arts theatre offers live shows and special events for the most cultured of guest. Finally, there’s the Opus Lounge and Republiq Super Club, where celebrities and famous personalities are often spotted partying till dawn.
4. Mercato Centrale at BGC
For most Balikbayan’s, Filipino food is the first thing they look for when they come home. The original “Weekend Night Food Market” is a unique gastronomic experience that will surely satisfy their cravings. If on your first visit, you can’t decide whether to get the Angus Beef Tapa, Cebu Lechon, Ilocos Empanada, Paella Rice Toppings, Barbequed Isaw, Tenga, chicken feet, and various street foods, you could always come back and try the Beef Kebabs, Grilled Burgers, Buffalo wings, Baby Back Ribs, Steaks, Roast Beef, Adobo Rice Toppings, and various cakes and desserts. Mercato Centrale is usually open from 10pm to 3am every Friday and Saturday, and would be a perfect night cap a day of roaming around.
5. Duty Free Fiesta Mall
This exclusive to international traveller only shopping mall is heaven for those looking for great deals on imported chocolates, liquors, perfumes, cosmetics, apparels, toys, and grocery items. Duty Free Shopping Mall accepts both Philippine Peso and US Dollar currencies so even the locals can take advantage of this tax free privilege afforded to international travellers. In Fact, in most Filipino families it’s already a tradition that they visit here whenever a family member arrives from abroad. This gives the Balikbayan the opportunity to share with his family this privilege and in most cases let them choose their own coming home presents or “pasalubong.”
Photo by P199 (Wikipedia)
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