Stages of the consumption process and its considerations

 That Journey to Manila: Extracting Each of the Memories through Meetings

I arrived in Manila to attend a closed-door meeting in December. For three days, I was left in the confines of the conference rooms, unable to escape beyond the hotel walls. It felt as if I hadn't traveled but just moved from one space to another. This was not how I imagined my trip.

On the third evening, the schedule seemed to journey towards completion, and we took our first foray into the night, witnessing the city bathed in light. Slowly, the city unfolded its unique coexistence of modernity and history. But only on the fifth day did I meet Manila during the day. Manila jumped to life with its colorful architecture and really lively streets; while the people seemed to resemble Nepalis, they walked with quite a different disposition. Their warmth, kindness, and smiles completely won me over.

Manila is a city that opens its arms to every tourist, and I got to feel that hospitality first-hand. There was life in every part of the city, and I felt a certain sense of security wandering the streets even at night. However, there was one instance that served to remind me of the need to be careful. In the wee hours of the morning when we had all stood up to retire, a teammate of mine had been saved from an armed mugger. She acted smartly and came out unscathed. It was indeed an eye-opener to stay aware of circumspection on our part, even when the city wore a rather inviting countenance.

Nonetheless, our friends, and other personalities, were already accommodating to the rest of the visit, with short visits to other infamous and beautiful sites in and around Manila. So while the investigation began, let me offer a curious glance at a representative profile of the people I met in Manila.

Landing in Manila flung me immediately into the vibrant pulse of the city-the alive, thriving melange of colonial history and modern luxury with a hint of invitation from street foods. This tour around the capital of the Philippines would therefore be a vortex of flavors, views, and events from hectic markets to bucolic getaways.

A Feast from the Streets to the Stars

My culinary journey began with the Manila Food Tour, an immersive exploration into the vibrant world of Filipino street food. Each bite became a new adventure, from the crunchy pleasure of kwek-kwek, crispy deep-fried quail eggs, to the smoky allure of isaw, grilled chicken intestines. My afternoon stroll was filled with unforgettable flavors.

Rice Cake

For breakfast, I savored traditional Filipino rice cakes, or kakanin, made from glutinous rice, coconut milk, and sugar—a true indulgence.

 I also enjoyed puto, a slightly sweet and airy steamed rice cake, often paired with dinuguan (pork blood stew), though I opted for a comforting chicken soup instead. 

sipping Taho

taho, a warm, comforting dish of smooth tofu topped with caramelized brown sugar and sago pearls, perfect for a morning pick-me-up.

To cap it all off, I indulged in gulaman, a refreshing dessert of pandan-flavored jellyand young coconut—pure bliss in every bite!

From the lively streets to an evening of refined elegance, my culinary experience took a captivating turn.

As the day transitioned into evening, I found myself dining in the heights of Manila's tallest building, where the city stretched out beneath me like a dazzling jewel. The atmosphere was one of sophistication,

yet the flavors remained deeply rooted in local tradition, expertly paired with international flair. It was a gastronomic experience like no other—a seamless blend of local tastes elevated with the elegance of five-star dining, creating a memory I will cherish forever.

Intramuros: Walking Through History

Stepping into Intramuros, the historic heart of Manila, was like walking through time. Cobblestone streets, well-preserved Spanish-era architecture, and horse-drawn kalesas transported me to a different era. I visited Fort Santiago, where the heroic José Rizal spent his final days, and marveled at the grandeur of San Agustin Church, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

A Breathtaking Escape to Tagaytay

From Manila, a short drive brought me to the cool, verdant highlands of Tagaytay. A country tour afforded a panorama of Taal Volcano, one of the smallest yet most active volcanoes in the world. though I couldn't imagine to sipped steaming bulalo, or beef shank soup, but my group explained how fitting it was for the chilly breeze as I enjoyed the serene landscape.

Binondo: The World's Oldest Chinatown

Back to Manila, I invaded Binondo, the world's oldest Chinatown. The streets were abuzz with dumpling and roasted duck and hopia vendors. A food crawl through decades-old establishments offering a glut of authentic Chinese-Filipino delicacies, real ambrosia to Manila's multicultural past, could not be resisted.Binondo was a whirlwind of energy—bustling streets, the irresistible aroma of sizzling street food, and people savoring every bite of the city's famous delicacies. The sight of dumplings steaming, noodles being tossed, and sweet pastries filling glass displays was tempting, but my stomach was already delightfully full from my earlier indulgences. Though I missed out on Binondo’s street food, I didn’t miss the thrill of shopping! I wandered through vibrant markets, finally picking out a pair of colorful pants and a stunning blue dress—perfect for my New Year’s celebration. The excitement bubbled within me—I was about to welcome 2025 in the heart of Manila, and I could already feel the magic of the moment!

Makati's Glittering Nightlife

By night, I plunged into the heart of Makati's bar-hopping scene. Trendy rooftop lounges and speakeasy bars turned out to be the perfect combination to make one memorable night. And from live jazz performances to chic cocktail bars that afford panoramic views, the city's nightlife simply pulsed with energy.As the sun dipped below the horizon, painting the Manila skyline in shades of gold and crimson, I raised my glass—a delicate sip of mimosa, its citrusy effervescence dancing on my tongue.
The night, however, called for something bolder. With a hearty gulp of ice-cold San Miguel beer, I embraced the city’s vibrant energy, the crisp bitterness perfectly complementing the symphony of flavors that had defined my day. From the sizzling street stalls to the heights of fine dining, every taste, every sip was an adventure—one that lingered long after the last drop.

A Serene Getaway to Hidden Valley Springs

Escaping the electric pulse of Manila, I found myself in the serene paradise of Hidden Valley Springs—a world where nature reigned supreme. Every step led me deeper into a tropical haven, where towering trees and vibrant flora flourished in breathtaking abundance. The air was thick with the scent of fresh earth and blooming flowers, a stark contrast to the city's relentless energy. Warm thermal pools shimmered invitingly, their soothing embrace melting away the remnants of urban chaos. Cascading waterfalls sang a rhythmic lullaby, their cool mist kissing my skin as I surrendered to the tranquility of this hidden oasis.

 Waterworld Adventure and Shopping Spree

I did not stop until I saw, for myself, one of the water theme parks in Manila. I beheld a display of sea life ranging from brightly colored corals down to awesome sharks. At last, shopping around in a tony high-fashion boutique or just an indigenous art market before closing my activities in Manila in true style. Food and a drinking spree could end my holiday. 

From street food to skyscrapers, historic streets to hidden springs, vibrant nightlife to serene escapes, Manila had it all. This city was a perfect blend of the past and the present, which left me with unforgettable memories and a longing to return for more adventures.