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Manila vs Bangkok
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Why do I see some people prefer Bangkok over Manila, though I visited both of them and I found Manila is more elegant, advanced, and better planned?
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First, I would like to emphasize that Manila is a different city from Makati or Taguig where BGC is located. However, all three, together with 13 other cities, are part of the so-called National Capital Region or Metropolitan Manila which is the country’s trade and commerce center. Now, to directly answer your question, many prefer Bangkok over Manila simply because of the quality of life. I’ve only been to Bangkok once but I could say that as a business district and tourist destination, it’s way better than Manila. Manila is old and congested. You can see poverty almost anywhere. Infrastructures are no good too as many of them were built decades ago and are now deteriorating. It is highly polluted and traffic is one of the worst, if not the worst, in the world. Bangkok, on the other hand, is more progressive. Thailand managed to turn the city into a promising trade and commerce district without sacrificing its environment and beautiful sceneries. Instead, the government took advantage of its many tourist attractions and made it more accessible by upgrading the city’s transportation system. Yes, I would have to agree that Bangkok’s streets are also much safer than Manila, specially at night. Given these issues, it’s understable that Bangkok is preferred by many over Manila. I, myself, won’t promote living in Manila and had relocated a couple of years ago here in the serene island of Cebu. Manila has lost its shine a long time ago. It’s no longer an attractive tourist destination or a good place to live in. But, given the right modernization opportunity, it could potentially turn into another Asian powerhouse city someday. Also, despite the many flaws of our city capital, I won’t discourage anyone from visiting Philippines. Afterall, Manila is just one city. There are other places to see. More fine beaches and mountains to explore. More warm and hospitable people to meet. An edge that Philippines has over Thailand.
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I have lived in both. 7 years in Manila and 6 (and counting) in Bangkok. Whilst I absolutely prefer Manila, the idea of it being advanced, better planned or more elegant is laughable. I lived right next to some amazing malls in Manila (Makati) where my very good annual salary could be spent on a necklace. A month’s earnings on a handbag. There’s Gucci, Prada and other names that my wife would recognise. There were rows and rows of shops selling $30k+ watches and excellent restaurants. However, none of it is on the same scale as Siam Paragon. Mall of Asia, S&M and other malls are fine but neither as advanced or elegant than BK. The infrastructure in Manila is awful. The MRT is appaling and traffic is terrible. Roads were designed when there was an 8-story limit on buildings. I lived on the 40th floor. The roads can’t take the people. There is no way I would ever try to travel at rush hour(s). Thanks to the Japanese and Americans, there are few elegant buildings. Manila had a horrific bombing campaign against it during WWII and because of this most buildings are ugly and concrete. I don’t think Manila is more advanced. It is dirty and polluted and noisy and busy and the infrastructure makes it dangerous. The poor are poorer and more numerous. In answer to the question, the premise is incorrect. However, I think Manila and the Philippines is an amazing place. The people are welcoming and friendly. They have drive and spirit and interest in others. They are outward-looking, kind and enterprising. The country itself is stunning. As ugly as Manila is, the rest of the country is amazing. Incredible mountains, beaches and (chocolate) hills. Volcanoes, jungles and vistas. The main reason I miss The Philippines is the black and white difference between the xenophobia in Thailand and the absolute acceptance of others in RP. I miss Manila. I won’t miss BK or Thailand.