Day One in The Philippines 🇵🇭
My First Day in Manila: A Chill Vlog Recap
Hey everyone! I recently touched down in Manila and spent my first day soaking in the vibrant energy of the city while enjoying the comforts of The Peninsula Manila. If you haven’t seen my latest vlog, “Another Chill Vlog: Philippines Edition | First Day in Manila @ The Peninsula Manila Makati,” you can check it out here:
Let me walk you through my day, filled with exploration, relaxation, and a touch of indulgence.
🏨 Checking In: The Peninsula Manila
After a long flight, I arrived at The Peninsula Manila, a luxurious hotel situated at the intersection of Ayala and Makati Avenues. The grand lobby, with its elegant chandeliers and live music, immediately set the tone for a memorable stay. The staff’s warm welcome made me feel right at home.
🛏️ Room Tour: Comfort Meets Elegance
My room was a perfect blend of comfort and style. The plush bed, modern amenities, and a view overlooking the bustling cityscape provided a serene retreat. The bathroom, equipped with a deep soaking tub and premium toiletries, was ideal for unwinding after a day of travel.
🍽️ Dining Delights: A Culinary Journey
For dinner, I dined at Escolta, The Peninsula Manila’s renowned buffet restaurant. The international buffet featured live cooking stations, home-baked breads, fresh pastas, hand-rolled sushi, charcuterie, Chinese noodles, carving stations, and artisanal ice creams. The ‘farm-to-table’ concept highlighted fresh Philippine produce and popular Filipino dishes. Each dish was a testament to the culinary excellence that The Peninsula is known for.
🚗 Navigating Manila: Traffic and Transportation
Manila’s traffic is notorious, and I quickly understood why. The 2023 TomTom Traffic Index reported that Manila had the slowest travel time among 387 cities across 55 countries, with an average of 25 minutes and 30 seconds to travel 10 kilometers . Despite this, getting around was manageable thanks to Grab, Southeast Asia’s leading ride-hailing platform. Grab’s convenience and reliability made traversing the city’s congested roads much more bearable.
🛍️ Shopping at Landmark Trinoma
Instead of exploring Makati, we headed to Landmark Trinoma in Quezon City. Located at the intersection of EDSA and North Avenue, this department store is a staple for locals and offers a wide range of products from fashion to home essentials . It was a great place to pick up some necessities and experience the local shopping scene.
🏋️♀️ Staying Active: Hotel Gym Amenities
Back at The Peninsula, I checked out the hotel’s gym facilities. The fitness center was well-equipped with modern machines and free weights, providing everything needed for a good workout. It was the perfect way to unwind and stay active during my stay.
🎥 Behind the Scenes: Vlogging Gear
For those curious about my vlogging setup, I used my iPhone 15 Pro. Good lighting, interesting shots and good editing are the most important things. Remember, it’s not about the gear but how you use it!
🌟 Final Thoughts: Embracing Manila’s Charm
My first day in Manila was a blend of luxury, culture, and heartfelt experiences. The city’s vibrant energy, combined with the comfort of The Peninsula Manila, made for an unforgettable start to my journey. I can’t wait to explore more and share it with you all.
https://youtu.be/YJXSClx-LBQ?si=NPSq3agTY_R2L2VU
Thanks for joining me on this adventure! Stay tuned for more updates as I continue to explore the Philippines. Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe. Until next time! 🌍✈️
