Cheap Sushi in the Philippines? How to Enjoy Manila and Cebu
The Philippines holds a unique appeal among Southeast Asian countries. English is an official language, the beach resorts are excellent, and the prices are low.
I visited Manila and Cebu. This time I want to write honestly about everything, from losing at the Manila casino, to the strangely cheap sushi and sea urchin bowls, to the taxi negotiation troubles.
Manila Is Urban, Cebu Is Resort
Manila
└ The political and economic center
└ Few tourist attractions
└ Casino resorts increasing in recent years
└ Caution needed at night
Cebu
└ A resort famous for its beautiful sea
└ Diving and snorkeling
└ Relatively safer than Manila
└ Nightlife to enjoy too
English as an Official Language Brings Many Students
English is an official language in the Philippines. Thanks to this, the country is known for offering affordable English-language study.
When I visited, I noticed a striking number of Koreans. Drawn by the chance to learn English cheaply, language students gather here from across Asia. Hearing Korean so often around the city left an impression on me.
At the Manila Casino, I Lost (Of Course)
Manila is a city without many tourist attractions, but casino resorts have been popping up in recent years.
Since I was there, I gave one a try. The result? I lost, of course. Following my defeat at Marina Bay Sands in Singapore, it seems I’m genuinely incompatible with casinos. A man who never learns.
Still, Manila’s casino resorts are large in scale and fun just to soak in the atmosphere. There are huge casinos like Okada Manila. If you play, please set a budget before you go in.
Sushi and Sea Urchin Bowls Are Astonishingly Cheap
This was the biggest surprise in the Philippines.
Filipinos don’t have a custom of eating raw fish. Perhaps that’s why, even when sea urchin is harvested, they may not eat it. Whatever the reason, when I went to Japanese restaurants, sushi and sea urchin bowls were astonishingly cheap.
What’s more, even at places with a proper sushi chef, prices were very reasonable. And the taste was excellent. Being surrounded by the sea, the seafood is fresh. A sea urchin bowl that would be out of reach price-wise at home was something I could eat casually here. That was an unexpected discovery.
Taxi Negotiation Troubles and Grab as the Savior
On a past visit to the Philippines, I had some unpleasant taxi experiences.
Riding in a taxi with another person, we got into a serious dispute after getting out over whether the fare was per person or per vehicle. This happened about twice. When negotiation is the premise, these troubles are unavoidable.
But things are different now. The Philippines has Grab, so I’ve become free of these troubles. The fare is confirmed in advance, so there’s no arguing after you get out.
Manila in particular is a little dangerous to walk at night, so Grab is a huge help for nightlife at casinos, pubs, and bars. For safety too, Grab is an essential app.
Even Shisha, Banned in Thailand, Is Available
A small aside, but shisha (water pipe), which is banned in Thailand, could be smoked freely in the Philippines.
It’s interesting how rules differ by country. Having gotten used to Thailand’s strictness, I felt a little liberated here.
Cebu Is the Island of Diving and Nightlife
Cebu is a resort famous for its beautiful sea.
You can enjoy diving and snorkeling, and it’s also reassuringly safer than Manila. Enjoy the sea by day and the nightlife by night. It’s a well-balanced resort destination.
Popular spots around Cebu
└ Oslob
Swim alongside whale sharks
└ Sumilon Island
Island hopping with high water clarityNext Time, I Want to Visit Boracay
Actually, there were about five Filipinos at the same school during my language study in Taiwan.
When I asked them, they all said the same thing: “Boracay is more beautiful than Cebu and highly recommended.” If the locals say so, it must be true.
Boracay is said to have White Beach, boasting some of the finest beauty in the world. After an island-wide renewal for environmental protection, the sands have apparently become even more beautiful. That’s homework for next time. I definitely want to go someday.
You Must Have a Return Ticket on Entry
I want to strongly emphasize this point.
On entering the Philippines, my return ticket was checked. Not only that, my ticket was strictly checked again even when entering the airport for the return journey.
Philippines entry cautions
└ An onward/return ticket is required
└ Without it, you're highly likely
to be denied boarding
└ Checked at the point of entering the airport
└ Keep it readily accessibleeTravel registration is also required. Register on the official site (etravel.gov.ph) up to 72 hours before departure and save the QR code on your phone. Registration is free.
Don’t Worry If the Food Doesn’t Suit You
Even if Filipino food doesn’t suit your taste, there’s no need to worry. Fast food restaurants are everywhere.
The most common is the Filipino-born fast food chain “Jollibee.” It’s the national fast food of the Philippines, said to be even more popular than McDonald’s. Fried chicken and spaghetti are the signature menu items, an easy way to try a local flavor.
And the perfect sweet for a hot country is “Halo-Halo.” It’s the Filipino version of shaved ice, piled high with purple yam ice cream, beans, jelly, and fruit. For a body overheated by the sun, this cold and sweet Halo-Halo is the ultimate refreshment.
Travel Basics
Best season
└ Dry season (December-May) is ideal
└ January-March especially has little rain
and calm seas
└ Rainy season (June-November) is typhoon season
Cost guide (USD)
└ Local eatery: USD 3-5 per meal
└ Island hopping tour: USD 25-50
└ Mid-range hotel: USD 50-120/night
Cautions
└ Don't drink tap water
└ Toilets often have no paper
└ Watch for pickpockets in busy areasFilipino Food Is Delicious Too
Recommended dishes
└ Adobo
The national dish of pork or chicken
simmered in soy sauce, vinegar and garlic
Goes great with rice
└ Lechon
Roast suckling pig, Cebu's is the most famous
└ Sinigang
A soup with the sourness of tamarindThe balance of sour and sweet is characteristic, and it suits the Japanese palate well.
Final Thoughts
The Philippines is a surprising hidden gem where English works, prices are low, and you can even eat sushi dirt cheap. Enjoy the casino and urban nights in Manila, and soak up the sea and resort life in Cebu.
I lost at the casino and once argued over taxis, but now, thanks to Grab, travel is comfortable. Next time I want to see the world-class White Beach at Boracay, recommended by my Filipino friends.
Just watch out for the return ticket check on entry. Get that right, and the Philippines is a top-value resort paradise.