The first thing you’ll notice about Manila are the stares you attract from locals. No one grows up in this city being told that it’s impolite to stare, so the habit has just stuck. Don’t worry, these are just curious glances and the only response is a friendly smile.

The second thing you’ll want to get your head round is the city’s intricate urban geography. Outside of the Philippines, the Metro Manila area is simply Manila but as you navigate your way around, you’ll find it comprises 16 mini cities.

Among them: trendy and cosmopolitan Makati City, Bonifacio Global City and Ortigas City, the financial and commercial hubs. About 10km east is the seat of government, the old town of Manila where a few traces of its Spanish colonial heritage can still be seen in some of the crumbling architecture.