Is Manila really as bad as Filipinos say?

Luke Bugbee

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Creative Director at 8VCUpvoted by 

Ann Reg

, lives in Metro Manila, Philippines (2012-present) and 

Cristine Lim

, lives in The Philippines (1987-present) 6y

Originally Answered: Is Manila really bad as what Filipino says?

Im an American who grew up in Manila. I moved there when I was 6 and graduated high school there. I've traveled the world and Manila is still my favorite city.

This is one of those questions where context matters most. Depends what you mean by ‘bad’. The traffic in Manila is terrible, the rivers are polluted and full of trash, there are stray dogs everywhere, there is a lot of poverty and garbage everywhere. There are a ton of things about Manila that are simply not logical as Filipino culture is not built upon a framework of logic the way many western cultures are, but is instead grounded in family and relationships. But Manila has many awesome things that you won't find elsewhere.

Filipinos are an incredibly friendly and down to earth culture. They are able to be self deprecating and easy-going despite horrible circumstances many find themselves in. What this means for their capital city is that wherever you travel you are surrounded by friends ready to have a good time. I can hop out of a taxi anywhere in the Philippines an pick up a conversation with a random stranger as though they're my best friend I've known for years.

Filipinos are incredibly hardy, able to fix any problem with any set of supplies. This is cool when in Manila because you can find someone to fix or build anything you can dream of. Generally Filipinos are always eager to help anytime any day any where.

The Malls in Manila are unmatched, far better than any western mall or even malls in other south East Asian countries I've been to. SM Supermalls have everything you would ever want to do for a half the price you'd expect to pay. They have cheap clothes, endless supplies of restaurants, movie theatres, arcades, grocery stores, internet gaming cafes etc all in one building. Manila has mastered the mall game.

Manila has a ton of really cool markets, each catering to whatever need you may have. You have green hills for all the super cool midline knockoffs. Divisoria to get anything dirt cheap. Etc.

I could go on and on, Manila is great. Dirty, polluted, and crowded… but great. Go there and put a smile on your face and be ready to have a good atttitude and the wonders of the city will reveal themselves to you :)