Cheap Flights to Manila  

Manila is a city of many striking contrasts. Glass and steel skyscrapers stand alongside the concrete images of heroes past. Sleek cars drive past horse-drawn carriages. Ancestral churches are a stone’s throw away from posh shopping malls. Manila is a fast growing metropolis with countless possibilities for the enterprising tourist. Manila took its name from a white-flowered mangrove plant, called the nilad. A small tribal settlement along the Pasig River, Manila was ruled by Rajah Sulayman until the 16th century when the Spaniards invaded, built a wall around it, and claimed it as their own. Spain ruled the walled city of Intramuros, Manila, and the Philippines, for the next 300 years. Tourism is the largest industry in the Philippines and adds over $2 billion U.S. to economy each year. Manila is a fast-paced city which has had to deal with a high crime rate and rising terrorism threats in the last few years.

Currency: The Peso - $1 Canadian equals 44 Philippines pesos

Best time to visit: The Philippines’ weather has become more unpredictable in recent years, but January to May usually brings the best weather to most of the country.

Getting around: The city’s LRT is the quickest way to get around and it’s very cheap. Manila also has a very good bus system and the local jeepneys (made from U.S. military jeeps left over from World War II) are fun and inexpensive but not very safe.

Our favorite hotel: Casa Nicarosa Hotel ( www.casanicarosa.com/) – This boutique beauty is located in the heart of the picturesque and entertainment district of Malate. The  Casa Nicarosa is a cozy, private retreat for both the elite business travelers and tourists and offers good value for the money. It is a short walk from the Manila Bay sunset strip, World Trade Center, embassies, Philippine International Convention Center, malls, Intramuros and Ermita - an area famed for its bohemian art galleries and wide variety of bars, clubs and  restaurants. The hustling Makati  business district is less than a 10 minute drive

Our favorite restaurant: Manila Restaurant (1236 Albany Highway, Cannington) – This restaurant is all about fun set in a traditional setting. The chefs here specialize in the authentic tastes and delicacies of Philippine cuisine and offer up a fantastic selection of dishes from a buffet and an extensive al a carte menu. Karaoke is also popular at the Manila Restaurant.