Some trips don’t end with souvenirs but with goodbyes. Our last day in Manila was slow, meaningful, and the quiet ending to this send-off chapter.

Disclaimer: All views expressed on this blog are my own based on my own experiences and do not represent of any entity with which I have been, are now or will be affiliated

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December 29, 2025 (Monday)

Kingsford Hotel + Intramuros, Manila

We began our day with breakfast at Kingsford Hotel, and it was genuinely better than expected. Because it was a holiday, there was a short queue before we could be seated, but the wait was worth it. The food was delicious, and we enjoyed a relaxed morning meal together before heading out to explore Intramuros.

Intramuros, Manila

I’ve visited Intramuros several times—this was my fourth visit since returning to Manila in 2021. I skipped it in 2024, but make it a point to go at least once each year. This visit felt different, not just because I was with family, but also because it was livelier than usual. The holiday crowds brought energy to the historic walled city, making it one of my favorite visits so far.

Parking was surprisingly straightforward despite the holiday season, though the fee was a bit steep at ₱100 for the day.

Fort Santiago

Before exploring further, we headed to Fort Santiago and purchased our tickets:

• Regular admission: ₱75
• Senior/Student/PWD: ₱50
• Intramuros Passport: ₱350 (one-time passport with stamps from various historic sites)

Fort Santiago is open daily from 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM. The new Intramuros Passport is a fun souvenir option—visit designated spots, scan QR codes, and collect stamps inside your passport booklet. Although we opted not to get one this time, it’s a cool keepsake for future visits.

We toured the fort on our own, taking our time and appreciating the history. Thankfully, the weather wasn’t too hot, but it’s still a good idea to bring an umbrella and wear sunscreen. We visited the old prison area and wandered through various sections of the fort grounds. Unfortunately, the Rizal Monument was closed today in preparation for National Heroes Day celebrations tomorrow.

Papa Kape

Inside the fort grounds is Papa Kape (open 8:00 AM–8:00 PM), a small coffee spot worth checking out. I tried the Iced Black Gulaman Amerikano, an inventive twist on traditional coffee. It was strong, refreshing, and a great pick-me-up in the historic surroundings. Papa Kape also has a branch near Rizal Park if you want to visit it later in your trip.

Sorbetes (Dirty Ice Cream)

Outside Fort Santiago, Yves and Lewdan enjoyed dirty ice cream—locally known as sorbetes. Despite the name, it isn’t actually dirty. It’s a classic Filipino street food staple: small-batch ice cream sold from colorful pushcarts. It’s hygienic, nostalgic, and a must-try when visiting the Philippines.

Manila Cathedral

We then walked to Manila Cathedral and were glad to find it open. Officially the Minor Basilica and Metropolitan Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, this iconic church has stood as the mother church of the Philippines since the Spanish colonial era. It has been restored multiple times due to wars and natural disasters. Its grand Neo-Romanesque design, intricate stained glass, and solemn interior make it one of the most beautiful and revered churches in the country.

San Agustin Church

Our next stop was San Agustin Church, also in the heart of Intramuros. The walk there took us along charming cobblestone streets lined with horse-drawn kalesas, adding to the historic ambiance. San Agustin Church is the oldest stone church in the Philippines and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, celebrated for its richly detailed Baroque architecture. On this visit it was closed (likely only open on Sundays), but it’s definitely worth planning a visit around its open hours in the future.

Lunch at Jollibee

After all the walking, we needed a simple and satisfying lunch. We went to Jollibee, where I had two-piece Chickenjoy with rice, and even the AFAM fiancé was delighted with his meal. It was the perfect comfort food after a long morning of exploration.

Final Thoughts

Walking through Intramuros is always a rewarding experience. Its blend of history, architecture, and culture offers a deeper understanding of the Philippines’ past and present. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a repeat traveler, Intramuros remains a must-do for anyone interested in Philippine history and heritage.

Dinner at Din Tai Fung (SM Mall of Asia)

For dinner, we headed to Din Tai Fung at SM Mall of Asia, one of my all-time favorite restaurants in Manila. It’s one of those places I never get tired of coming back to—consistent, comforting, and always satisfying.

We ordered a generous spread: xiao long bao, salted egg shrimp, beef strips, siomai, pork buns, chocolate xiao long bao with salted white cheese, and pork chop fried rice. Every dish was flavorful, well-executed, and worth every bite. Din Tai Fung never disappoints, and this visit was no exception.

Expect to spend around ₱400–₱600 per order, depending on what you get. It’s not cheap, but the quality and consistency make it worth it every time.

December 30, 2025 (Tuesday)

NAIA Terminal 3

The following day, we checked out of the hotel and made our way to NAIA Terminal 3, as Yves and Josh were flying to Japan before eventually heading back to the United States.

After checking in, we had breakfast at Nanyang. We ordered kaya toast, and I had kopi c. The food was just okay—nothing exceptional—and several items on the menu were unavailable. Still, the meal felt meaningful. What mattered most was that my brothers and I were together, sharing a quiet moment before another goodbye.

I couldn’t help but notice how much NAIA Terminal 3 has changed since my last visit. With airport operations now under a private contractor, the terminal feels more organized. There are noticeably more food options, and parking has improved significantly. While there’s still room for growth, the changes so far are promising, and I hope to see continued improvements in the future.

And just like that, our final send-off came to an end! We’re so grateful for the time spent with my brother’s fiancé. In a few months, we’ll be flying to the U.S. to hang out, make more memories, and keep building these family vibes. It’s the start of my brother’s next big adventure—and of course, I can’t wait to share all the fun (and chaos) with you along the way!

See ya!

Maria