2 Days in Manila 🇵🇭

Earlier this month, I went to the Philippines for the first time (for yet another concert). If you're planning on dropping by Manila for a weekend for a fanmeet event or concert, this guide will be helpful as it's near the popular concert venues. There's so much to see and experience in this vibrant city 🌆 I'll definitely go back!

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Safety

You can get around quite easily with a Grab. Locals advise to take a Grab at night instead of walking on the streets in the Cubao area, even if your hotel is just a 10 minutes walk away. Avoid take overpasses at night as robberies are common. Otherwise, we felt generally very safe in Manila.

Accomodation

Red Planet Cubao Aurora Boulevard

@singye

This accomodation is a no-fuss budget hotel. The price is affordable and has sufficient amenities to give you a comfortable stay. Don't expect to have toothbrushes or slippers provided, though. This location is a short walk away from most popular concert venues in Cubao and is also close to Cubao Expo, which is a cool area for cafes and thrifting.

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Concert Venues

Smart Araneta Coliseum

@singye

This is one of the most popular venues for pop concerts in Manilla. There are many malls and eateries around for you to check out before or after your show.

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New Frontier Theater

@singye

This venue hosts smaller events like solo fanmeets and ballets.

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The Theatre - Solaire Resort & Casino

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Breakfast

The Brewman Coffee

@singye

This unassuming cafe really impressed me with their pastries! We ordered the Ube Cheese Puff, Truffle Cheese Puff and Pain Au Chocolat. The Truffle Cheese Puff was truly incredible and really gave me such an serotonin boost. The cheese was savoury and tangy, and the truffle was fragrant and just simply delicious. The Ube Cheese Puff is a unique pastry filled with a gorgeous royal purple-coloured ube jam and cream cheese. The staff were very knowledgeable and passionate about coffee as well. Highly recommend this cafe!

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intbar.extcafe

@singye

What drew me to this cafe/bar was the adorable meringue cookies floating on their coffees! It's a different fella each time. The food was delicious as well. Visit them in the evenings to try their alcoholic offerings 🍸

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Food & Entertainment

Butterboy

@singye

This isn't just any regular pastry shop. On Saturdays they have Drag Brunch! Their Drag Brunch events are wildly popular and often sell out in just 2 minutes. Do follow their socials and camp out on their website when the tickets drop to secure your tickets 🤞🏻

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The Singing Cooks & Waiters Atbp.

@singye

This is the most Pinoy-coded restaurant in Manila. The cooks and waitresses will break into sing and dance as they're serving you! (Don't come here if you're hungry and in a rush to be served.) This is a unique experience that can't be missed.

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Thrift

Cubao Expo

@singye

This is an area that hosts cool cafes (including intbar.extcafe and The Brewman Coffee), thrift stores and vintage stores. There's even a party shop and self-camera studio! Come here to try lechon craft beers or just soak in the vibe.

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WCHA Fashion Haus

@singye

This is one of the few thrift stores in Cubao Expo. Why is no one talking about thrifting in Manila? The prices are so affordable (100 Pesos per item???) and the selection is pretty decent. The environment is clean and air-conditioned as well. You can spend hours in the thrift.

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Clip & Hanger

@singye

This to thrift shop (or should I say ukay-ukay) is a bit rough around the edges but a must-go if you wanna thrift like a true local.

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Sing Ye

Hi! I'm Sing Ye, a data analyst living in Singapore who loves travelling solo whenever I can (usually to catch concerts in neighbouring countries). I enjoy seeking out local thrift/vintage shops and wandering the backstreets of new cities using the most optimized route 🤓 These digital tour guides are my tried and tested short trips if you find yourself passing through a city for a few days ✈️✨ Subscribe to get notified when I post new guides ☺️ Upcoming guides in 2023: - 6 Days in Bali 🇮🇩 - 3 Days in Cebu 🇵🇭 - 3 Weeks in Koh Samui 🇹🇭

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