9 Revelations from a Manila trip

- The city is best experienced from the convenience of a hotel residence.

- It offers the most satisfying "value for money" shopping, combined with the fact that there is no language barrier.

- No matter how much time you allot for seeing people, it is always never enough.

- You will never be able to accomplish eating at all the restaurants you have decided you want to eat. And even when you manage to dine at "quite a number", unexpectedly, the most tantalising instance in your memory will be the time you ate at Shakey's.

- You will invariably run into someone you don't want to run into.

- The cash you have withdrawn from the ATM will run out sooner, rather than later.

- Supremely worthwhile activities will include a massage (or two or three) and a haircut.

- No matter how old your kids are, if they are below 15, it is worthwhile to bring a yaya.

- Even those who make a date to see you because they really want to, will be late.