The capital of the Philippines is technically known as Metro Manila – a grouping of ten smaller urban areas – but is usually referred to simply as MANILA. Today’s accepted wisdom is that Manila will never be a serious tourist destination until the authorities deal with the twin evils of traffic and pollution. Most tourists are in the capital because they have a day or two to kill either at the beginning or the end of a trip to the rest of the country. But all is not lost. In its favour, Manila has friendly people, some excellent nightlife, a few sights that are worth the effort, plus some of the biggest and ritziest shopping malls in Asia. At first sight, Manila may seem clamorous, unkempt and a bit rough around the edges, but what it lacks in architectural sophistication it makes up for with an accessible chaotic charm. The way to enjoy it is to step into the fray and go with the flow, which is exactly what Manilenos have learned to do.