Things to See in Manila

The Ayala Museum moved into an impressive new building in 2004. It's now an excellent museum with changing exhibits on Filipino culture, art and history. Recent exhibits included a well-curated one on the proselytising of the early Catholic Church. At the heart of the collection are dozens of dioramas tracing the nation's history. Just as stained-glass windows were a way for churches to engage and educate the masses, so too are these models.

As in life, so it is in death for Manila's wealthy Chinese citizens, who are buried with every modern convenience in the huge Chinese Cemetery . There are mausoleums with crystal chandeliers, air-con, hot and cold running water, kitchens and flushing toilets (in case the interred are caught short on the way to paradise).

Another of Imelda Marcos' projects, Casa Manila is a (mostly) faithfully restored Spanish colonial home (the ceilings were made much higher for Imelda who is a well-above-average 178cm) that offers a window into the opulent lifestyle of the gentry in the 19th century. The three-storey house is furnished with antiques from the period.