Best · Best Places · Hotels · Manila
20+ Budget-Friendly Places to Stay in Manila
Hostels, staycations, and hidden gem hotels—here are the best affordable places to stay in Manila without breaking your budget.
Author: Julie Anne Loquinario
professional overthinker & lifestyle writer
travel • eats • excessive coffee by necessity
here to help you find your next favorite meal and weekend escape, usually functioning on caffeine and cat treats
-
-
19+ · Best · Best Places · Date Ideas · Manila · Nightlife · Things To Do
15+ Best Girls’ Night Out Ideas in Manila
From chic rooftop cocktails and must-try restaurants to fun paint-and-sip nights, we’ve planned your perfect Girls’ Night Out in Manila. See the full list.
-
Best · Best Restaurants · Food · Japanese · Manila
15+ Best Japanese Restaurants in Metro Manila
Explore the best Japanese restaurants in Metro Manila! From sushi bars to cozy izakayas, here are the top spots to satisfy your cravings for authentic Japanese dishes.
-
Best · Best Places · Manila · Nature
15+ Best Places for a Mental Health Break in Manila
Feeling overwhelmed by the city? We found the most peaceful parks, quiet museums, and creative studios in Manila for your next much-needed mental health break.
-
Best · Best Places · Food · Japanese · Manila
20+ Best Sashimi in Metro Manila for the Freshest Eats
From the legendary spots in Little Tokyo to the best all-you-can-eat buffets, we’ve rounded up the absolute best places to get your sashimi fix in Metro Manila.
-
Beauty · Best · Best Places · Manila · Skin
15+ Best Skincare Stores in Manila for K-Beauty
On the hunt for your holy grail K-beauty products? We’ve rounded up all the best and most trusted stores in Manila, from the aisles of Watsons to the best online shops.
-
Best · Best Places · Best Restaurants · Food · Tagaytay
11 Must-Visit Restaurants in Tagaytay You Need to Try in 2026
If you are hunting for the absolute must-visit restaurants in Tagaytay, you no longer have to settle for predictable, generic ridge-side dining. From world-class fine dining estates like Antonio’s to hidden garden-to-table sanctuaries and bubbling, marrow-filled bowls of authentic bulalo, we have curated the 11 ultimate culinary institutions dominating the highlands this year.
-
Facebook And Messenger Users Report Widespread Technical Issues Today
It is a chaotic Friday for millions of social media users worldwide as major Meta platforms are currently suffering from widespread technical disruptions. From the Philippines to the US, users are reporting sudden login failures, automatic logouts, and persistent error messages across Facebook, Messenger, WhatsApp, and Instagram.
-
Secure Your Slots For The Angat Bayanihan Run 2026 This July
Make your steps count this July for health, education, and community resilience. Non-profit organization Angat Buhay has officially opened registrations for the highly anticipated Angat Bayanihan Run 2026, kicking off at the Ayala Triangle Gardens in Makati on July 19. With extreme demand already causing temporary slot closures for the 5K and 10K legs, runners need to act fast. Discover the updated race categories (including a pet-friendly 1KM walk), complete race kit inclusions, and how to secure your early bird discount before prices increase after June 14.
-
Best · Best Restaurants · Japanese · Makati
15+ Must-Visit Japanese Restaurants in Makati (2026 Edition)
When it comes to authentic culinary crawls, this city boasts one of the most stacked and unapologetic dining scenes outside of Tokyo. If you are hunting down the absolute best Japanese restaurants in Makati, you no longer have to settle for basic, watered-down rolls. From legendary hole-in-the-wall izakayas hidden deep inside Little Tokyo to exclusive car-dealership-tucked omakase bars and sizzling A5 Omi Wagyu joints flying in premium cuts straight from Shiga Prefecture, we have mapped out the 15+ ultimate dining institutions that local foodies and expats actually defend.
-
Activities · Attractions · Best · Boracay · Things To Do
22 Best Things to Do in Boracay for Foodies & Travelers
Boracay has officially transformed from a wild college party hub into a world-class premium destination for young professionals and foodies. If you are desperate to trade your office laptop for a pristine sunset, our ultimate travel guide uncovers 22 of the absolute best things to do in Boracay.
-
Best · Best Places · Best Restaurants · Boracay · Filipino · Food
16 Best Filipino Restaurants in Boracay for Your Next Island Getaway
Finding authentic local food on a busy tourist island can be incredibly frustrating. Stop settling for overpriced tourist traps and dive into the real, bold flavors of the Philippines! Our ultimate foodie guide uncovers the 17 best Filipino restaurants in Boracay, mapping out everything from late-night sizzling bulalo at hidden Station 2 eateries to elevated heritage dining right on the white sand.
-
Best · Best Places · Boracay · Cafe
15 Must-Try Cafes in Boracay for Your Ultimate Island Caffeine Fix
Planning an island escape and desperately need your daily caffeine fix? You are in the right place! We are skipping the boring mainstream chains to bring you the ultimate guide to the 15 best cafes in Boracay.
-
16 Best Restaurants in Makati You Must Visit
Overwhelmed by choices in the culinary capital? Whether you’re hunting for a two-Michelin-star feast at Helm or the best pizza in Asia at Crosta, our guide to the 16 best restaurants in Makati has you covered. We’ve vetted the hottest spots in Poblacion, Salcedo, and Legazpi Village to bring you the ultimate verified dining map. Your next unforgettable meal starts here.
-
15+ Best Cafes in SM Mall of Asia You Need to Visit (Updated 2026)
The best cafes in SM Mall of Asia aren’t just convenient pit stops between your shopping hauls—they are world-class dining destinations in their own right. From a stunning botanical glasshouse that completely dominated the 2026 opening season to a homegrown specialty roaster officially ranked among the top 100 coffee shops in the entire world, SM MOA’s coffee scene has officially leveled up. Stop settling for basic, overcrowded mall chains. Use our ultimate mapped-out guide to discover hidden hotel lounges, authentic Japanese kissatens, and viral dessert spots that are worth a trip to Pasay all on their own.
-
Best · Best Places · Best Restaurants · Food · Manila · SM MOA
10 Best Korean BBQ Near Mall of Asia (MOA) in 2026
If you’re looking for the best Korean BBQ near Mall of Asia, you are in the right place—and your next unforgettable feast is just around the corner. The massive MOA complex and its surrounding streets are packed with world-class samgyupsal spots. Whether you are hunting for budget-friendly unlimited joints open until 2 AM to recover after an epic concert, craving premium award-winning dry-aged pork from Seoul, or looking for upscale charcoal grills that cook your food to perfection, we have ranked the top 10 local favorites. Stop settling for low-quality cuts and map out your next ultimate food trip today.
-
Best · Best Restaurants · BGC · Food
15+ Best BGC Restaurants You Must Try in 2026
Bonifacio Global City’s culinary landscape just secured a massive global spotlight. With the arrival of the inaugural Michelin Guide Philippines, the stakes for the best restaurants in BGC have never been higher. Whether you’re hunting down world-class tasting menus at Gallery by Chele, mapping out secret off-menu bowls at Mendokoro Ramenba, or tracking down hidden rooftop heirloom recipes in Taguig, we have mapped out the ultimate dining destinations that are dominating the city. Skip the tourist traps and uncover where local foodies actually eat.
-
Best · Best Places · Hotels · Quezon City
11+ Best Hotels in Quezon City This 2026 (Locals Actually Love These)
Looking for the best hotels in Quezon City this year? Stop guessing and losing hours to reviews. QC is massive, and choosing the wrong location can mean spending your entire trip trapped in EDSA gridlock. Whether you are seeking a luxury high-rise near Vertis North, a brand-new design-forward hotspot in Cubao, or a quiet pet-friendly refuge near St. Luke’s in New Manila, we have mapped out the top-rated properties that locals actually trust. Find the exact vibe that fits your budget and plan your ultimate city escape.
-
2027 · Concert · January 2027 · Music · News
Sienna Spiro Brings My House Tour to Manila This 2027
Filipino fans of the viral heartbreak anthem “Die on This Hill,” your ultimate wish has finally been granted! London-born pop sensation Sienna Spiro is officially bringing her massive global “My House” tour straight to the New Frontier Theater in Cubao on January 9, 2027. Following an exclusive, high-demand sneak peek set in BGC, this upgrades her to a major arena-scale venue to accommodate her rapidly growing local fanbase. Discover the exact TicketNet online presale links, general public on-sale dates, and tracking guidelines so you don’t miss out on this absolute vocal powerhouse.
-
Byeon Woo-seok Returns to Manila This October for His 2026 Fan Meeting Tour
Filipino fans, you can officially stop holding your breath—Grand Prince Ian is coming back to the Philippines! South Korean superstar Byeon Woo Seok has officially announced his grand return to the local stage with his 2026 Asia fan meeting tour, “The Secret Library,” hitting the SM Mall of Asia Arena on October 10, 2026. Following his massive global success in Lovely Runner and his latest hit historical drama Perfect Crown, demand for this arena return is guaranteed to trigger a massive ticketing battle.
-
Ateneo Blue Eagles Mourn Two Basketball Players Lost in Tragic Aurora Drowning Incident
The global basketball community and Toronto’s passionate Filipino-Canadian diaspora are mourning an absolute heartbreak. Ateneo de Manila University has officially confirmed the sudden, devastating deaths of two promising Blue Eagles stars, Rene Baterbonia and Divine Adili. A sudden, powerful current triggered a tragic drowning incident during a team-building retreat in Dipaculao, Aurora, cutting their lives short. Discover the official reports from local authorities, details on the rising athletes, and how sports organizations are rallying to support the grieving families.
-
Viral ‘Linda Walker’ Actress Zhang Yingfei Lands In Manila For A Free Meet And Greet
The internet’s ultimate academic weapon has officially landed in the Philippines! Chinese actress Zhang Yingfei, globally famous for playing the genius Linda Walker in the smash-hit viral micro-drama The Heiress Who Won With Brains, touched down on Sunday evening for a massive education campaign. Even better news for Pinoy fans: she is hosting a completely free public meet-and-greet at SM City North EDSA this coming Wednesday, June 10. Discover her full Manila itinerary, her courtesy call with Isko Moreno, and exactly how to secure your first-come, first-served spot before the venue fills up.
-
Alex Eala Secures Second WTA Title After Hard Fought Birmingham Open Final
Philippine tennis sensation Alex Eala has made history once again! The 20-year-old phenom captured her second career WTA title at the prestigious Lexus Birmingham Open in the United Kingdom after an absolute thriller of a grass-court final. Overcoming a tough mental block and fighting back from a set down, Eala defeated Czech star Nikola Bartunkova to join tennis legends like Billie Jean King and Maria Sharapova on the tournament’s roll of honor. Discover her incredible path to the trophy and her heartfelt message to the Filipino fans who braved the UK weather.
-
Fête de la Musique 2026 Hits Makati Lola Amour, French Markets, and 89 Free Stages
The highly anticipated Fête de la Musique returns with a vengeance for its massive 2026 edition! Under the theme “For the People, By the People,” this year’s 32nd festival drops an explosive lineup of local OPM powerhouses like Lola Amour and Morobeats alongside international French acts. Sprawling across 89 free stages nationwide—including a massive Main Stage at Makati’s Ayala Triangle Gardens, intimate neighborhood pocket stages, and 66 provincial destination stages—this month-long music marathon is completely free. Discover the full artist schedules, French markets, workshops, and how to plan your ultimate venue-hopping weekend.
-
Eat + Drink · Mandaluyong · Manila · News · September 2026 · What's New?
Viral Japanese Resto Hikiniku to Come Opens SM Megamall Branch This September
Mandaluyong foodies and North side food lovers, get your rice bowls ready! The ultra-viral Japanese restaurant Hikiniku to Come is officially opening its second Metro Manila branch at SM Megamall this September 2026. Located at the Mega Fashion Hall, this legendary concept brings its theater-style charcoal-grilled 100% fresh beef patties and hagama-cooked rice straight to the Ortigas business district. Discover everything you need to know about the new branch layout, menu essentials, and how to beat the inevitable lines.
-
Massive Magnitude 7.8 Earthquake Strikes Mindanao Prompting Urgent Tsunami Evacuations
A powerful magnitude 7.8 earthquake has jolted Mindanao on Monday morning, triggering a sudden, critical crisis across the region. Striking off the coast of Sarangani at 7:37 AM, Phivolcs has issued a mandatory evacuation order as life-threatening tsunami waves are expected to hit the shorelines. From collapsed structures in Davao del Sur to suspended school openings across the southern provinces, emergency teams are racing against the clock. Read the official list of provinces under evacuation right now to keep your family safe.
-
Activities · Events · June 2026 · Manila · Things To Do
18+ Best Things To Do in Manila This Week (June 8–14, 2026)
Ready to trade your usual mall routine for a world-class violin recital or a massive toy convention? Whether you’re hunting for collectibles at TOYCON X, sampling your way through MAFBEX 2026, or running the Galaxy Manila Marathon, we’ve rounded up the 11 best things to do in Manila this week (June 8–14, 2026). Skip the guesswork and find your perfect plan right here.
-
Eat + Drink · Makati · News · What's New?
Beloved Makati Bakeshop Panaderya Toyo Finally Reopens After 3 Years
The legendary Panaderya Toyo Makati has finally reopened its doors with a fresh, casual twist. Masterminds Chef Jordy and May Navarra have revived their artisan bread haven as a charming neighborhood takeout window along Chino Roces Avenue Extension. From their signature sourdough-leavened Potpot Pandesal to flavor-packed twisted Bicho, discover the updated menu, opening hours, and exactly how to score your warm merienda fix before supplies run out.
-
Eat + Drink · Manila · News · What's New?
Batangas Cult Favorite Ijo Bakery Finally Opens First Metro Manila Branch in Alabang
You no longer need to brave the traffic down to Lipa to score the country’s most coveted, flaky croissants. Cult-favorite Batangas export Ijo Bakery has officially opened its very first permanent Metro Manila home at the Molito Lifestyle Center in Alabang. Founded by Michelin-trained pastry chef Joaquin Katigbak, this legendary bakery is now serving its signature laminated pastries daily. Discover their trial hours, must-try menu highlights, and what to expect before you go.
