After a relaxing and fun filled stay at the resort, it was time to head back to Manila to hang out with friends. Had a mid morning departure from the resort to get to the airport for an early afternoon flight.

After 90 minutes, made it back to the airport.

ID and ticket check before entering the terminal.

Bit of a queue at check in but was through in 25 minutes.

Security was a breeze, boarding was called on time, departure was on time and after 65 minutes was back in Manila.

Back at the Sheraton and this time checked in at the lounge on the 10th floor.

Met up with a fellow AV enthusiast for dinner at Manam which serves upscale Filipino cuisine.

Yum

After dinner, walked over to Blackbird which was almost next door to Manam. The restaurant used to be Manila’s first commercial airport.

If you manage to get a reservation, ask for a table in the tower. Very private and a cool experience looking out over the building.

Fast forward to the next morning where I had a light breakfast as the plan was to tour Chinatown and do a walking food tour.

Best view to wake up to …

Had a small breakfast at the lounge

Left the hotel around 11am and it took us 90 minutes in “normal traffic conditions” to get to Chinatown.

Passing by the National Museum

Yay, we finally reached.

Starting the tour with a quick coffee at 1919 Grand Cafe. This heritage building was built in 1922 and used to be a HSBC bank branch before being renovated into a coffee shop.

Started our walk along the main artery leading deeper into Chinatown.

Our first stop was down an alleyway

Something similar to a Singapore popiah roll. Filled with hot veggies.

Continuing down the alleyway to our next stop.

Ahma’s Kitchen

It was pretty full and we had a 10 minute wait before a table opened up.

Lots of frozen food.

Two types of deep fried savoury pastries

Continued walking

Final stop

The siopao’s were hot and fresh

We did have another final place to visit but it was closed and we decided to call it for the day. We passed by the Binondo Church (formally known as the Minor Basilica and National Shrine of Saint Lorenzo Ruiz and also as Our Lady of the Most Holy Rosary Parish).

For dinner, I went out for dinner with friends. Since I was craving more Filipino food, we went to Crisostomo at the Newport Mall which is connected to the Sheraton. Got a few dishes to share family style – in no particular order: crispy and deep fried pork belly, inasal, pancit noodles and sisig.

Passed by a whiskey bar on the way to the restaurant – this is what I want my basement bar to look like (one can only dream).