Manila - the city throbs with pulsating energy that the minute you step out of the airport and into a waiting car, you are caught in the confusing maze of people, cars, jeepneys and buses as they juggle for space on the highway. Acquire a deeper understanding of the country’s culture and learn to appreciation it in all its diversity. Experience and observe local color and be like the locals as you venture out on a commuter river boat ride on Pasig River, wander around Intramuros in a calesa, jostle for a ride with the crowd in a train and tricycle, and discover Manila in the raw as you go along.
Early morning departure for Guadalupe Station where we catch the Pasig River Ferry that leaves at 0900h in the morning. Inside the twin-hulled, double engine passenger boat pick a good spot where you may get ample views of the cities and municipalities as we cruise along the riverbank. Pasig River is 25 kilometers long and was once the economic hub and lifeline of Manilenos during the Spanish times. In the early eras of Philippine history, prominent cities of Tondo, Maynila and Namayan came to life along the riverbanks and drew its wealth from it; at the southern bank near the mouth of the of the river, the Spaniards built the walled city of Intramuros; and on its northern bank stands Malacanang Palace, the official residence of the President of the Philippines.
As we glide along, we pass by gleaming skyscrapers standing cheek by jowl with less than distinguished-looking structures. Chance upon children diving into the river from a makeshift diving board underneath a bridge, old folks lolling in pocket gardens, fishermen trying their luck with their poles and basketball games played out in the heat of the sun.
Disembark at Plaza Mexico Station, located just a stone’s throw away from Fort Santiago. Walk towards Fort Santiago and stroll along its ramparts, reliving history as you go along, then board a Bamboo Bike for a 1.5 hours tour of Intramuros.
Hop on a calesa and cross MacArthur Bridge and alight at Sta. Cruz Church, then cross towards Chinatown in Ongpin Street and walk the whole length of the road where a full gamut of Chinese herbal stores, jewelry shops and other oriental knick-knacks are being sold. Drop by an authentic Chinese tea house for some refreshments before finally hailing a ‘trisikad’ to bring you on to the Philippine National Railway Station, the country’s oldest commuter rail service that was established in 1892. End the tour with a train ride back to Buendia Station, passing through one of the country’s most densely populated areas. Get off to grab a jeepney or a taxi back to your hotel.
