36 hours in the Philippines??

Fun fact: I currently live on Guam as a travel nurse, which means I’m closer to Asia than I am to the States. So when I saw a quick window to explore, I booked a day-and-a-half trip to Manila — and I’m so glad I did.

While I didn’t do much sightseeing, the highlights were worth sharing:

Hotel Okura Manila

I stayed near the airport (great call, Olivia), and this hotel was giving luxury. Japanese-inspired, sleek, and serene — it felt like a five-star experience for a fraction of the price. In the U.S., this would’ve easily been $500+/night, but I paid just $195. From the bellman to the fifth-floor check-in (you know it’s fancy when check-in isn’t even on the ground floor), everything was top-tier. The room? Incredible. And yes, it had a mini onsen. I’ll absolutely be back.

Whiskey Library

I stumbled upon this speakeasy cocktail bar and instantly fell in love. Think library vibes — but swap the books for liquor bottles. The cocktails were great, the ambiance even better. It’s the kind of place you want to return to with friends… or just solo, dressed cute and feeling yourself.

I think I forgot to mention that I currently live on Guam, that’s a fun fact about me. I’m currently travel nursing on Guam. This little island is in the middle of the Micronesia, so it gives me easy access to Asia. I’m actually closer to Asia then I am the states — anyways, I decided to go to Manila for a day a half.

Pros

• Incredible rooms — spacious, luxurious, and beautifully designed

• Directly across from the airport — unbeatable convenience for short trips

• Free shuttle — quick and easy airport transfers

• 24/7 service (including room service) — soft‑life approved

• Amazing staff — warm, attentive, and professional

• Bridge access to Newport Manila — restaurants, shops, and entertainment right next door

Cons

• Casino attached — Filipinos love their casinos, so expect a casino on-site.

• Because of this, elevators can smell like smoke, so make sure to select a non‑smoking room if that’s not your vibe.

• Hinoki onsen rooms can smell moist — the wooden tub can leave a damp scent.• My first room smelled way too moist, but concierge switched me immediately.

• Just something to note if you choose the Hinoki‑yu room type.

This trip also wouldn’t have been complete without a little shopping. My coworker told me I had to visit the MOA (mall of asia). One of the biggest malls in all of Asia..a 4 story mall with hundreds of shops. I’m gonna be honest..finishing 3 12 hour shifts, hopping on a plane, with little rest.. I did not have the mental capacity to shop to that Excalibur.

However comma I did end up at the solitaire mall. A small luxury mall connected to an incredible hotel/resort that I would not mind visiting next. I was able to get my Louis Vuitton passport holder stamped with the cutest ‘Jeepney’ stamp as well as did a little damage in Gucci.

Manila may have been a quick getaway, but it reminded me why I love living on Guam and being so close to Asia — I can hop on a plane and be in a whole new world in just a few hours. From the luxury of Hotel Okura to the cozy vibes of Whiskey Library, this little trip gave me exactly what I needed: rest, good drinks, and a new place to add to my “I’ll be back” list.

On to the next adventure — because living on this side of the world makes it way too easy to Liv‑a‑Little.

-Liv