Summary
Highlights
They enjoy a meal at the mall's food court, trying lechon belly with sour Filipino soup and fresh rolls. For dessert, they try 'Taho', a local treat made with soy, tapioca balls, caramelized sugar, and leche flan.
Keith and Dev arrive in Manila, marking their first visit to the metropolitan city after nearly a month of exploring other Philippine islands. They note the city's vastness, diverse neighborhoods, and the initial challenge of navigating its notorious traffic while feeling under the weather.
Their first stop is the Rizal Monument, dedicated to Jose Rizal, a significant historical figure. They then head to Intramuros, the old colonial fort area, learning about its Spanish colonial history and Manila's susceptibility to multiple natural disasters.
Inside Intramuros, they find a peaceful walking street and visit St. Augustine's Church, the oldest church in the Philippines and a UNESCO World Heritage site. They also encounter a memorial commemorating the 100,000 lives lost in the Battle of Manila during World War II, reflecting on the city's tragic history.
After visiting the Manila Cathedral and enjoying refreshing sugarcane juice, they proceed to Fort Santiago. They appreciate the historical signs in English, the peaceful atmosphere within the fort, and the friendly locals, despite the city's pollution and smog.
They travel across Jones Bridge to Binondo, the world's oldest Chinatown, established in 1594. They experience its narrow, busy streets with food stalls and marvel at the intricate power lines, before visiting the Bondo Church and its distinctive architecture.
Seeking refuge from the heat, they head to the SM Mall of Asia, one of Asia's largest malls. They are astonished by its size and diverse offerings, including a football pitch, gardens, a dog park, an arcade, individual karaoke rooms, and an Olympic-sized ice skating rink, highlighting its role as a major entertainment destination.
Reflecting on their day, Keith and Dev express their enjoyment of Manila and acknowledge that they only saw a fraction of what the city offers. They mention the significant traffic and the ongoing development of a metro system, encouraging viewers to explore more of the Philippines.