Hawaii News Now - KGMB and KHNL HomeManila Tour Offers Unforgettable Experience

Manila Tour Offers Unforgettable Experience

By Diane Ako and Ericson Cristobal

MANILA, The Philippines (KHNL) -- Historic, bustling, awe-inspiring, Manila is a cosmopolitan destination that offers visitors an unforgettable experience. Jump in for a quick tour of metro Manila!

It's home to more than 1.6 million people, so be prepared for standstill traffic and lots of street vendors.

If you can deal with that, you're in for a treat.  

"Manila is such a wonderful city. It's got rich history, beautiful antique quarters that were preserved after World War II, and it's rich in its people," said Marilia Duffles, a Hawaii tourist. "Its people are loving people."

This city on Manila Bay is a blend of cultures and flavors.

A developing nation that is a bustling metropolis.

But it hasn't forgotten its roots.

We enter the Medevil City of Intramuros, built in 1571 when Spain colonized the Philippines.

Grab a tour on a horse drawn carriage past San Augustine Church, where the last Spanish governor of Manila surrendered to the Filipinos in 1898.

And Fort Santiago, used as a pow camp by the Japanese during World War II.

"I've had the time of my life," said Representative Tom Brower, (D) Waikiki, Ala Moana, Kakaako It's humbling for me. It's exciting."

Some Hawaii Filipinos say Manila is still nice but very different from the city they remember from their youth.

"Oh the traffic, yes, very congested," said Rey Piros, a Maui resident. And people. So many people!"

Rizal Park is a popular spot for family picnics.

Taal Volcano just outside the city is the smallest active volcano in the world.

And after hours, check out the hobbit house, staffed entirely by little people. We found Hawaii lawmakers Tom Brower and Kalani English there.

"Being in Manila is a humbling experience and exciting," said Brower. "I really understand the Hawaii Filipino community more after being in the Philippines."

Manila: an endless serving of places to see, sights to behold, and experiences to never forget.

Manila is about 10 and a half hours from Honolulu -- if you take a direct non stop flight.

More than 275,000 Hawaii residents, or almost a quarter of the state's population, are full or part Filipino.