Manila Mayhem: A Drummer's Dizzying Dive
okay, so manila. where do i even begin? i just got back, and honestly, my brain feels like a cymbal crash - loud, chaotic, and slightly ringing. i was there for a touring gig, subbing for the original drummer in this band called 'Neon Mangoes' - seriously, the name. anyway, it was a whirlwind.
i just checked and it’s… a humid blanket draped over everything right now. feels like 30.92 degrees, which is basically my personal sauna setting. the pressure’s at 1011, which means… something? i don’t know, i play drums, not meteorology. the humidity is a solid 79%, so pack accordingly. you’ll be glistening.
my hotel was in *Malate, which was… an experience. it was cheap, which is vital when you’re a touring drummer living off ramen and the kindness of strangers. i found it on TripAdvisor - check it out https://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotels-g298460-Malate-Hotels.html. it wasn't exactly the Ritz, but it had a working air conditioner, and that’s all i ask for.
food. oh, the food. i spent most of my time eating street food. Adobo, sinigang, lechon… i’m pretty sure i gained five pounds just from inhaling the aromas. i even braved a balut - a fertilized duck egg. don’t ask. just… don’t. i found a great little carinderia (local eatery) down the street - Yelp says it’s got good reviews https://www.yelp.com/search?find_desc=carinderia&find_loc=Manila%2C+Philippines.
“Someone told me that if you’re not careful, you’ll end up eating everything in Manila. It’s a trap, apparently.”
getting around is… an adventure. Jeepneys are the main mode of transport. They’re these brightly decorated, repurposed jeeps that zoom around like caffeinated bumblebees. It’s chaotic, it’s loud, and it’s utterly exhilarating. Just hold on tight and pray to whatever deity you believe in. i also used Grab (the Southeast Asian version of Uber) a few times - much easier, but pricier.
“A drunk guy at a bar told me to never, ever accept a ride from someone who looks like they haven’t slept in three days. Apparently, it’s a Manila thing.”
my neighbors? well, if you get bored of Manila, Quezon City and Pasig are just a short drive away. they’re pretty much extensions of the city, but with slightly different vibes. i spent an afternoon wandering around Intramuros, the old walled city. It’s like stepping back in time - cobblestone streets, Spanish colonial architecture… it’s beautiful, but also a little eerie. you can find some interesting historical information here https://www.espi.ph/.
“I overheard a tour guide saying that Intramuros is haunted by the ghosts of Spanish soldiers. Apparently, they still patrol the walls at night.”
pro-tips for surviving Manila:
*Hydrate: Seriously, drink all the water. All of it.
*Bargain: Don’t accept the first price you’re quoted, especially in markets.
*Be aware of your surroundings: Pickpockets are a thing.
*Learn a few basic Tagalog phrases: It goes a long way.
*Embrace the chaos: Manila is not a place for the faint of heart. Just go with the flow and enjoy the ride.
*Bring earplugs: The traffic is… intense.
*Check out local forums: ManilaForums is a good place to get insider tips https://www.manilafortums.com/
overall? Manila was… intense. Exhausting. Overwhelming. But also… amazing. It’s a city that gets under your skin, a city that challenges you, a city that leaves you wanting more. i’d go back in a heartbeat. just maybe with a bigger suitcase for all the lechon*.
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