Philippine Visa Extension and Food Tours in Metro Manila: Philippines Travel Diary
A 3-day tour (Day 15-17) in the lovely island of Gigantes was such a challenging experience. We didn’t let the unpleasant weather hinder us from enjoying the view from the top of the island’s historical lighthouse. Also, we went on an island-hopping trip where we met friendly locals and went around the spectacular lagoon, beach, and sandbank on the island.
We were scheduled to go back to Manila and spend 3 days (Day 18-20) processing our Philippine Visa extension, so that we can stay a little longer in the country.
Travel Diary 18-20:
Manila, the capital city of the Philippines is located at the heart of the island of Luzon in the northern part of the country. Being the country’s capital for approximately 4 centuries, this bayside city is full of life. Serving as the archipelago’s economic, political, social, and cultural hub, Manila functions as an administrative region after merging with the surrounding cities and municipalities to form the National Capital Region (NCR).
Today (Day 18), we kickstarted our Philippine adventure in Manila to process the extension of our visa. Of course, we couldn’t afford not to try the mouth-watering food that this city can offer.
Day 18: How to Apply Philippine Visa Extension in Manila?
10 March:
We left early to get to the Bureau of Immigration Department in Intramuros Manila to renew Zak’s visa because he can’t stay longer than 30 days on a standard tourist visa. We were expecting a long procedure but it was done and dusted very quickly. After an hour, his Philippine visa was extended for another 30 days. But, it did cost him almost PHP 7000 or USD 140.
If you are ready for your next adventure, check the passport & visa guidelines when coming to the Philippines before booking your flight to the country.
The entire administration and bureaucratic system in the Philippines have changed under the new president Rodrigo Duterte who has been trying to eliminate corruption and make public transactions faster. The country is in the midst of a big change under his leadership. We are even curious in what direction the country will be heading in the future.
The political history of the Philippines is very interesting. Get a quick overview from the time of the Spanish colonization to its current democratic government.
How do we Visit the Poblacion Area in Makati?
In the afternoon we went to see Marc, our Swiss-Filipino friend, whom we requested to safekeep some of our things at the start of our trip.
Zak and I stayed in Manila with Marc, which is why we got to see his childhood home in the Makati Poblacion Area, Southern Metro Manila in Luzon Region. There are lots of backpacker hotels, bars, and best food places in the area.
Makati City is home to the best places to visit in Metro Manila, Luzon. Just like any other travelers visiting the country, you will definitely love to dine in these delicious food-serving hubs. Also, setting your feet on the astonishing cultural heritage sites is a must-added option in your itinerary. Although these sites can be best enjoyed by the younger generations, they are originally designed for guests of all ages. So, why not pay it a visit?
We had dinner at El Chupacabra, a Mexican street food restaurant located in Felipe Street, Bel-Air Makati City. This is a highly recommended and very popular restaurant in the area that doesn’t have much seating capacity.
Summing it up, we had a great time in Makati City, the Financial Capital of the Philippines. Surely, you also will.
What are the Best Accommodations in Manila?
As the Philippines’ capital city, Manila is the main arrival destination for foreign tourists visiting the country, before they can travel further to the different stunning destinations in the country. With the constant increase in the number of tourists, the accommodation facilities in the city have also grown throughout the years.
You can find many accommodations to stay. Whether you are looking for guesthouses, budget hotels, five-star luxury hotels, or even Airbnbs, Manila provides you a wide range of alternatives.
Day 19: How do we Buy Travel Essentials in Manila?
11 March:
Today (Day 19) was all about relaxing, writing some emails, and creating content samples. We checked our equipment and decided to buy a few necessities. We couldn't afford not to get these things done in such a long and exciting Philippine adventure like this.
In the afternoon, we went to a store that sells a lot of GoPro accessories and outdoor products. The way to ogre.ph. in Boni Avenue, Mandaluyong, National Capital Region (NCR) took us a lot longer than expected. And, finding the store wasn't easy either. Luckily, we got there in the end. The store is home to a good selection of outdoor brands, and really has a lot of GoPro accessories – offered in limited stock.
Buying top essentials for travel in the Philippines is very important. Packing the right stuff can save you time and money.
Google My Maps Visa Extension & Manila Food Tours: Day 18-20
If planning a trip to Manila, check out the Google My Maps below to experience activities and adventures, and get to know different routes and directions, accommodations to stay, attractions to visit, and restaurants to dine in. Visit the Manila travel Google My Map to learn more about our Philippines Travel routes and adventures.
How do we Find a Place to Eat in Manila?
We were starving after hours of touring around the city, so we looked for a restaurant nearby. We asked the sales lady in the store if she could recommend a good place to dine. She pointed us to the PVL Restaurant and Shabu-Shabu, an Asian Restaurant in Brgy. New Zaniga, Mandaluyong City, National Capital Region. It is a huge buffet-style restaurant with meats, fish, noodle dishes, desserts and a lot more.
You can eat and drink all you can after paying Php 500 or USD 10 per person. Are you wondering how it works? Here’s the catch. You take whatever food you want from the buffet, and have them cooked by yourself at the table. Tables have a barbeque and two pots for soup, which the Filipinos call it Shabu-Shabu. The food was excellent, and its diversity was incredible – highly recommended for an empty stomach.
Whether you are looking for a budget-friendly place to eat or treat yourself to a fine dining restaurant, there are many top restaurants in Manila to choose from.
Day 20: How do we Explore the Best Foods in Manila?
Google My Maps Philippines Travel Diary: Day 1 to Day 51
Check out the Google Maps below, to have an overview of the entire 51 days of Philippines travel adventure including exciting attractions and activities we did, destinations we explored, and travel directions in the Philippines.
Philippines Tour Adventures from Day: 1 to Day: 51
There are lots of things to do and places to visit when you go to the Philippines. If you are also planning to come and explore the country, here is a complete overview of the 2017 Philippines Travel Diary experience for our 51 Days trip to the different tourist destinations in the archipelago:
Day 1-2: Manila Adventure Tours
Day 3-4: Bantayan Island Adventure Tours
Day 5-6: Cebu City & South Cebu Adventure Tours
Day 7-8: Southern Visayas Island of Negros Adventure Tours
Day 9-11: Siquijor Island Adventure Tours
Day 12-14: Guimaras Island Adventure Tours
Day 15-17: Gigantes Island Adventure Tours
Day 18-20: Philippine Visa Extension & Food Tours in Metro Manila
Day 21-23: Puerto Princesa Adventure Tours
Day 24-25: El Nido Adventure Tours
Day 26-27: El Nido Motorbike Adventure & Puerto Princesa Island Hopping Tour
Day 28-29: Baguio City Adventure Tours
Day 30-31: Sagada Adventure Tours
Day 32-33: Buscalan, Kalinga Adventure Tours
Day 34: Banaue, Batad Rice Terraces Adventure Tours
Day 35-36: Pangasinan Adventure Tours
Day 37-38: Hundred Islands National Park Adventure Tours
Day 42-47: Metro Manila Adventure Tours
Day 40-41: Leyte Eastern Visayas Adventure Tours
Day 48- 50: The Bamboo Paraiso Beach Resort & Hundred Islands Adventures
Day 51: Best Tour in Pangasinan & Back to Manila