This is a guest post by Kirsty Leckie-Palmer.
The Salcedo Weekend Market blooms into life every Saturday morning from 7am until 2pm. Under the tree-dappled parasols between Tordesillas and Levistes Street its stallholders collude to elicit dizzying levels of temptation in all who visit. The air is heavy with a variety of aromas. Wandering between stalls you might be struck by the energizing scent of freshly cleaved watermelon or trace the dewy perfume of lilies to its source at one of the organic flower and herb stands. A sudden, smoky rush of griddled meat from an undiscovered corner can guarantee growls from every stomach within a fifty yard radius. Salcedo’s assortment of international cuisine adds balance to the experience; French cheeses, Italian pasta and New York style bagels counterpoint less familiar treats like Himalayan Pink Salt, Lechon Baka and Malunggay Pesto. For a quirky diversion, Salcedo Park also hosts a daily procession of some of the district’s more pampered canines, and is a haven of leafy relaxation in which to watch its affluent residents stroll by. Other markets in Manila include Quaipo, in which it’s possible to pick up cheap Philippine handicrafts and electronics, and Divisoria Night Market, for fabric and clothing.
Corregidor Island is a tiny isthmus shaped like a wriggling tadpole which blocks the mouth of the Manila Bay. Once a stronghold of the Second World War, Corregidor boasts an intricate history as one of its many attractions as a tourist hotspot. Battery Way comprises four 12 inch mortars, and the Mile Long Barracks is a 1,520 foot long structure used by the American soldiers during their time on the island. Malinta Tunnel was used as a center of operations during the Second World War, and it offers an audiovisual show for tourists designed by national artist Lamberto V. Avellana to tell the story of its use. Day tours are a great way to get a concise glimpse of the island’s story, but for a more comprehensive understanding, stay overnight for around 1000 Philippine pesos. Non-historians needn’t feel excluded. In spite of the blasted skeletons of buildings and underground bunkers which litter the island, Corregidor is no fossil. You can choose to go on a vine-slashing adventure hike, challenging cycle tour, or spend some time in pursuit of many species of rare and beautiful birds which populate the island, or head to the Spanish Lighthouse. This historical building marks the island’s highest point. Built in 1863, it offers a beautiful setting from which to appreciate the lush landscape, the Manila Bay and the South China Sea.
Some of the finest sunsets in the world can be seen from Manila Bay, and as such should be included in any trip to the Philippines. Most nights the surface of the water refracts orange and pink opalescence from the sky, and people swarm to the Roxas Boulevard in anticipation. If you want to avoid the crowds, one of the most peaceful methods of spending a dazzling sunset hour is to book a dinner cruise, and soak up the evening on a romantic voyage around the bay from as little as 550 Php.
About the author:
Kirsty Leckie-Palmer has written numerous travel-related articles for a wide variety of online publications. She currently works with various online travel agencies.
Images 1, 2, and 3 from Flickr’s Creative Commons. This was a sponsored post.
I plans on exploring the Philippines for 3 months and the only advantage I really have is that my parents own a vacation condo across from Luneta park in Manila. I know nothing of the place nor what to do, so I’m constantly looking for helpful information such as this, particularly information about the local markets. And, after reading this post, I’m surely going to make time to see the sunset from Manila Bay, too. Thank you!
Hey Sherry! I personally haven’t been to the Philippines but I’m sure there are a lot of interesting things to do there. Kirsty did a great job in giving a glimpse of a few things and places that are worth visiting in Manila. I personally loved how she portrayed Corregidor Island, especially since I’m interested in WWII history. Manila Bay must be amazing too!
Of course, I love any post about my hometown – Manila =) Sherry I suggest you do a walking tour with Carlos Celdran called Walk this Way. Also, there are a couple of other walking tours that will take you around Old Manila- there is one that goes to Chinatown. Lots of good food to eat there!
Thanks for the advice Grace. I went to the Philippines six years ago, but never really got a chance to explore much of Manila. That walking tour sounds fantastic and I will certainly look into it.
I will keep these options in mind for when I have the chance to go there.
Grace, you’ve become my go to girl if I need more info by the time I get there.
I’m glad I saw Corregidor in this post
I went there last April with some of my travel blogger friends and participated in the Corregidor Adventure Challenge. You can read some bits and pieces on my blog. Also wrote about the Manila Bay Sunset Cruise. 
Sherry, you can contact me on my blog just in case you want to meet up
Norbert, you should go and visit the Philippines soon!
Grace, hello, fellow PTB
Micamyx, I’m trying to fit Philippines on my RTW when I’m crossing though Southeast Asia! This post brought my attention to Corregidor, so now I really want to go there!
Norbert, if you don’t mind getting stuffed in a dilapatated, over capacity-boat for almost an hour in the rough ocean, then you’ll be fine to go to Corregidor island. In hindsight, despite this boat experience, I think that as a WWII history buff, you’ll absolutely love it. Its a whole day event, but the experience was captivating, and even provoking. You should also stop by the Manila American Cemetery Memorial – its my favorite place to find WWII solace in the Philippines.
Sherry, I think by now you know I don’t mind getting in a dilapidated boat. I can even get in a canoe if it takes me to a place like this! From what I’ve read, I think I’ll absolutely love Corregidor Island, and believe it or not, it has pushed my desires to go to Philippines way up in the list. I know it is completely different, but it kinda reminds me of my visit to the Wolf’s Lair (Hitler’s bunker) in Poland. It has that eerie look that makes it even more interesting to me. Thanks for recommending the Manila American Cemetery Memorial, I’ll look more into it.