10 things you didn't know about Manila (that you should before moving)

Are you thinking of moving to

Manila? Whether you are about to relocate there or if you are just interested in knowing more about the Filipino capital, there are plenty of things that you may not know about it. Take a look at these 10 things you didn’t know before moving to Manila, so that your transition will be smooth and satisfying!

1. Life here is really fast
   Time seems to fly by even faster than in other countries. That might be because everything happens with an intensity that can be described as manic, especially during rush hour. You have a five-hour work day? Get ready for a 14-hour workday! Living here is like living in your own fast forward movie. While Filipinos seem content with their busy lives, I feel like there’s always something else to do or another party going on somewhere else. Although I miss slow days from time to time, I love how every single day feels different from all of my others—in a good way!

2. People are friendly and helpful
   The Filipinos are one of the most friendly people I've ever met. While there are plenty of unpleasant individuals, those who don't enjoy meeting and helping others are few and far between. Whenever I have a question, even when it's completely random, I can be certain that my new acquaintances will stop what they're doing to make sure that they give me a complete answer - or better yet an introduction to someone else who might be able to help me out. The same goes for accommodation: if you're staying with locals in a private residence, it's common for your host family to cook meals for their guests and provide them with clean linens and toiletries.

3. It’s too hot here in summer
   Yes, we get it. It’s hard to stay cool in a city where summer temperatures can reach as high as 100 degrees Fahrenheit. And that’s why we have these 10 ways to keep cool during Manila’s sweltering heat. With these tips, your summer will be better than ever and you might even learn how to embrace Manilans’ tropical attitude towards life!

4. The traffic is crazy
   You might be used to city traffic jams, but here they are even worse. You’ll learn to be content with starting and ending your day early because traffic will drive you crazy otherwise. Getting caught in a traffic jam during rush hour is like going through purgatory: every minute feels like an hour, every second seems to last forever. The good news is that public transportation exists; however, just make sure not to get run over by a jeepney while crossing or walking down EDSA! Traffic accidents are common in Metro Manila—you won’t believe how scary it can get!

5. Everyone talks to everyone (so much so you get tired of it)
   You think everyone talks to everyone? You’re right. Everyone does talk to everyone in Manila. And so do their grandparents, cousins, in-laws, second cousins twice removed and even people they don’t like – just because that’s how it works here. It doesn’t help that Filipinos are usually very social people; we go out on weekends to eat, drink and talk with friends and family. We also travel a lot—which means more opportunities for us to meet new people! Filipino families are also pretty big compared to other countries -- which means we have more relatives than most other countries. In short: The odds of running into someone you know is actually much higher than it is back home!

6. There are an overabundance of malls, restaurants, and cafes
   It’s a common joke amongst expats that there are more malls than people in Manila. There’s a reason for that: We love our malls! The sheer number of malls, grocery stores, restaurants, cafes and bars in town is enough to make most Westerners dizzy—we have more options than we could ever dream of, and they’re all accessible via air-conditioned comfort on a traffic-free underground train. However, unless you want to live your life within walking distance of your favorite mall or restaurant, plan on buying yourself a car or scooter. You can even get your driver's license here if you wish.

7. Filipinos love their family and friends gatherings
   Unlike in other countries, families and friends get together often. This is probably because of Filipinos are give people. You will have family members or friends who will offer their time to help you out when you move to Metro Manila even if they don’t live close by. Be open-minded about it and accept your kindness with gratitude. Do not take for granted as these are gestures of love that Filipino's share with each other.

8. People look out for each other
   One of my most surprising discoveries when I moved to Manila was how many people, strangers included, go out of their way to help you and make sure you feel welcome. Locals and expats alike will chat with complete strangers on buses or subways; expats regularly throw meet-ups at local bars so everyone can get together and meet one another. And everyone seems genuinely pleased if they see a foreigner in their neighborhood—I’ve been approached by people who ask me where I’m from, what I think of Manila and just generally want to learn more about foreigners. It seems that being inquisitive is something our new home has in common with us.

9. It's not cheap but the weather isn't bad either
   Manilans are accustomed to a tropical climate. But more than that, they're used to hefty electricity bills—the average residential rate in 2014 was P227 per kilowatt-hour. That's higher than Tokyo and second only to São Paulo among metropolises of Southeast Asia. The good news is that rates go down during nonpeak hours, usually after 8 p.m., and usually by 10 percent or more (depending on your grid). So if you're expecting large power bills, either adjust your budget or at least be conscious of when most power is being consumed and try to shift usage toward low-demand hours.

10. Filipino food is addictive
    We love food. A lot. And we like to think that it shows in our cuisine, which combines a surprising number of flavors into something new and delicious. Unlike other countries with a variety of regional cuisines, though, Filipino food is pretty much found everywhere—from fast-food restaurants to fine dining establishments. Some people say that's because most Filipinos have such an acute sense of taste and are super finicky eaters; others say it's just that Filipinos really love to eat! Whatever your reason for finding Filipino food addictive, there are more reasons than these ten