Summer in the Islands

At the Ninoy Aquino International Airport, the lounge is bustling with tourists -balikbayans and foreigners alike. Amidst the April summer heat is the excitement to experience not only the scenic landscapes and the sea itself but the adventure that only the Philippines can give.

The heat in Manila would hark back to every balikbayan that he is finally home and that means local food, home cooked and those sold in the streets, and local restaurants are now easily accessible.

In the road coming from the airport to whichever destination, you can be sure that there are people who are selling different kinds of food products -that is how Filipinos are, being very fond of food. Some of these vendors are selling cashew nuts and Philippine peanuts laid out in native containers, some are vending fish balls and squid balls in street corners; of course not to forget sago’t gulaman, and the staple summer snack – halo-halo are also being sold in other stalls.

By dusk, balut vendors will be roaming the streets with their famous one-word advertising spiel “balut” with the second syllable prolonged just to make sure that even those in their homes hear that balut and penoy are already available for the taking.

Nightlife in Manila

In Roxas Boulevard, Manila Bay is hustling and bustling with people. Some are having coffee in one of those small coffee shops, while some are seated in the benches waiting for the sun to set.

The whole stretch of Manila Bay is now a tourist destination both for domestic and international travelers. This place is visited not just for the restaurants that offer Filipino and other foreign cuisines but mainly because of the bay’s breathtaking sunset.

This is where the old and the new merges and blends -the brick laden pathways gives a taste of the Spanish influence infused in the Filipino culture while the mani, mais, yosi, diaryo, balut, itlog ng pugo, and mangga vendors is a reminder of Filipino mercantile nature and hard work.

Come night time, the bands in the hippest restos play upbeat music signaling the start of nightlife at the bay.

Just across the street is Malate -where most of the teenagers and yuppies unwind, spending time in the bars dancing the night away or drinking a few bottles of San Miguel beer, Tanduay rum or maybe cocktails for the ladies.

For those who are really interested in the Night Life scene in Manila -Timog, Eastwood, and The Fort are places to see.