KLPlates

Hi,

Starting a Project in Manila in August and looking for any top social tips.

Googling around, seems like Makati is the place to go?

Basically, looking for somewhere to enjoy a few beers, possibly some English football and a local pub type vibe with some ex-pat company of a Friday and Saturday night?

I'll be fully intent on immersing myself in the local food/culture/history etc, as I do wherever I work, but of a weekend it's nice to have a sense of some home comforts (especially on a longer term Project) so a good place for a Sunday morning full English would be a bonus as well.

Any pointers gratefully received.

Thanks in advance.

Paracletus

Manila is a massive city, Makati is the most central part with alot going on..or at least, there was alot going on when I lived there (93-98)..heard it's improved. There's always Pasay and Quezon city too..though at least back in the day, they were a bit rougher around the edges than Makati.

jackthehat

Makati is still 'Rough around the Edges' even in 2012!

Crystal Dale

RE: Paracletus
Manila isn't a massive city but is one of the world's most densely populated ones. Seems many think that Makati etc. is in Manila but it's actually one of 16 cities that form Metro Manila. Don't know why but this misconception kind of annoys me a bit?

KLPlates

Thanks for bumping the Thread, fellas. Now if anyone could answer the actual questions posed, then that would be hugely appreciated

Crystal Dale

Ok KPLates. Yes,Makati will meet all your needs so get your ass there and immerse yourself. :drink wine:

jackthehat

Don't immerse yourself too much in the Food Culture! - Most of it is overloaded with Sugar (Even Bread), and if you see 'Pork' on a menu, it actually means 'Pork Fat!'

britishbull

Yes, you will find the food disappointing and the combination of heat, humidity and pollution somewhat debilitating. They do grow world class mangoes and if you deep freeze them and eat one a day it stops your throat from being infected by the pollution. Makati is the main hangout for moneyed expats and all sorts of bars and clubs likely to cater to most tastes, so you will be fine on the nightlife and even expensive places the beer is cheap by London standards. Be aware it is quite easy to stray into the shanty towns on the edge of Makati where life is quite desperate and the streets are strangely empty once night falls (away from the shopping centre), can be quite dangerous if you look rich.

windev

I love going to Bonifacio Global City and Eastwood City, Libis for Saturday night outs (or any other nights for that matter). Try it, you won't be disappointed.

There are a lot more places to go but I am frequent on those two places I have mentioned.

By the way, I am from the Philippines but I am at Leicester currently.

Paracletus

Pardon me..Manila is a massive conurbation. In all my years of living there, I hardly heard anyone refer to manila as metro manila..Officially, yes..in conversation, no. And glad to see you can copy paste from wikipedia.

Also, to OP..there was a pub called 'prince of wales' in greenbelt..about the most british I remember anywhere there.

Paracletus

Supposedly, a fault line runs directly under large parts of the city..I mean conurbation. Not much is publicized on this, could be a massive disaster if there was a quake.

jackthehat

It runs through Libis and Eastwood along the C5

Crystal Dale

RE: Paracletus
I've been to Philippines 5 times and married a (beautiful) Filipina so I don't need to research Wikipedia, Ok!

piero

5 times and you get angry over Manila being called a massive city . So what if i say i don't like rice for breakfast or worse i will never eat balut, maybe your head is stuck somewhere

KLPlates

When you've quite finished bickering

Anyway, I'm here. It's alright, innit. Not had much chance to enjoy the social side of things yet but nailed down a bar that shows the footy so that's one less thing to sort out. I'd invite you all for a beer but you seem an argumentative crowd