Manila

I've been staying in Manila for a bit, and my experience has been pretty mixed. On the good side, the people here are friendly, and almost everyone speaks English, which makes getting around easier. There are convenience stores everywhere, and you can order pretty much anything to your door using apps like Grab. The food is great with a wide variety of cuisines available, from Japanese to Korean...See more to local dishes. Coffee lovers will find tons of cool cafes to check out. There's also a lot to do in terms of entertainment, like shopping in the malls, visiting parks, and exploring night spots. However, there are some downsides. Free Wi-Fi is hard to find, which really surprised me. Even popular spots like Starbucks and McDonald's don’t usually have it available. Some malls offer a bit of free Wi-Fi if you have a local phone, but if not, you'll have to rely on mobile data. The traffic can be a nightmare, and if you need to go somewhere, be ready to spend a lot on Grab rides, as it can take ages to get around. I also noticed some cultural differences. While people are polite, it can feel a bit fake sometimes. Service can be slow, and interactions can feel a bit awkward, especially on dates. Safety can be a concern compared to other Asian cities, so it's good to be cautious and stay in safer areas. Overall, Manila has its charm and definitely some good spots to enjoy, but you have to be prepared for the downsides too. It’s a bustling city with a unique vibe, but if you can handle the challenges, it can be a fun place to visit! Just keep your expectations balanced.