A Photographer’s Lifestyle Guide to Metro Manila, Philippines

Comprising 16 cities, Metro Manila is the bustling capital region of the Philippines. From historic Intramuros to trendy BGC and artsy Cubao, every corner of this metropolis has its own flavor. It’s an eclectic mix of jeepneys alongside horse carriages, centuries-old churches next to modern high-rises, and flea markets nearby massive malls. Whatever it is that fits your vibe, there’s a spot for you somewhere in Metro Manila.

A true gem only 1 hour driving away from Metro Manila, Pintô Art Museum is a contemporary art museum located in Antipolo, showcasing modern Filipino art. The museum is set in a Mediterranean-inspired complex with open-air galleries, lush gardens, and stunning views. It features paintings, sculptures, and installations that explore themes like identity, culture, and social issues. It’s a popular destination for art lovers, photographers, and those looking for a scenic escape near Manila. Photo by jb420

A true gem only 1 hour driving away from Metro Manila, Pintô Art Museum is a contemporary art museum located in Antipolo, showcasing modern Filipino art. The museum is set in a Mediterranean-inspired complex with open-air galleries, lush gardens, and stunning views. It features paintings, sculptures, and installations that explore themes like identity, culture, and social issues. It’s a popular destination for art lovers, photographers, and those looking for a scenic escape near Manila. Photo by jb420

Grand Heights Subdivision, 1 Sierra Madre St, Antipolo, 1870 Rizal, Philippines
Every photographer visiting Manila should make a quick stop at Hidalgo Street at least once! Located in Quiapo, Hidalgo is famous for being a haven for camera geeks. Explore the shops and find vintage cameras or meet some of the iconic repairmen recognized by the local analogue community. Mang Dado’s stall has been there for decades! Photo by sami-san

Every photographer visiting Manila should make a quick stop at Hidalgo Street at least once! Located in Quiapo, Hidalgo is famous for being a haven for camera geeks. Explore the shops and find vintage cameras or meet some of the iconic repairmen recognized by the local analogue community. Mang Dado’s stall has been there for decades! Photo by sami-san

R. Hidalgo St, Quiapo, Manila, 1001 Metro Manila, Philippines
Experience a different mode of transport by taking the “water bus” of Manila! From Quiapo Church, head towards the nearby Quinta Market and you’ll find the Pasig River Ferry. The ferry can take you on a cruise around the city, with 12 stations passing by five different cities including where the Malacanang Palace (the office and residence of the Philippine president) is located. Taking photos and videos is prohibited when you’re in the vicinity of the Palace, but you’re free to document the rest of the ride! Photo by lakandula

Experience a different mode of transport by taking the “water bus” of Manila! From Quiapo Church, head towards the nearby Quinta Market and you’ll find the Pasig River Ferry. The ferry can take you on a cruise around the city, with 12 stations passing by five different cities including where the Malacanang Palace (the office and residence of the Philippine president) is located. Taking photos and videos is prohibited when you’re in the vicinity of the Palace, but you’re free to document the rest of the ride! Photo by lakandula

Pasig River Ferry, Metro Manila, Philippines
The last station in the Pasig River Ferry’s downstream route is located in what used to be the commercial and business district of Manila: Escolta Street. You’ll immediately notice architectural gems like the century-old Regina Building and First United Building, perfect subjects for panoramic shots using the Sprocket Rocket! There, you’ll also find Hub: Make Lab, a commercial space for local artists in case you want to shop for Filipino artworks. Photo by kimpy05

The last station in the Pasig River Ferry’s downstream route is located in what used to be the commercial and business district of Manila: Escolta Street. You’ll immediately notice architectural gems like the century-old Regina Building and First United Building, perfect subjects for panoramic shots using the Sprocket Rocket! There, you’ll also find Hub: Make Lab, a commercial space for local artists in case you want to shop for Filipino artworks. Photo by kimpy05

Mlle. Del Banco Nacional, Binondo, Manila, 1006 Metro Manila, Philippines

Take a short walk from Escolta to visit the Pasig River Esplanade where you can escape the busy city of Manila within the city itself. The best time to walk along this scenic riverside is at sunset until dark when the lamp posts and bridges light up. In the area, you’ll find the Jones Bridge and the Binondo-Intramuros Bridge which are great spots for photos. Have your tripod ready and switch your camera to bulb mode, you can get cool long exposures from the passing vehicles there!

448, 1000 Riverside Dr, Ermita, Manila, 1000 Metro Manila, Philippines
Your Manila trip would not be complete without a visit to Ongpin Street for a tasty food crawl. Once you start feeling tired and hungry from your photo walk around Binondo, head down to this street for a guaranteed happy tummy. Check out Estero Fastfood, Shanghai Fried Siopao, Lord Stow’s Bakery, and Eng Bee Tin! Make sure you’re carrying a pocket-sized camera like the Lomomatic 110 for quick enticing snaps of the food as you walk by the stalls! Photo by aaronvales

Your Manila trip would not be complete without a visit to Ongpin Street for a tasty food crawl. Once you start feeling tired and hungry from your photo walk around Binondo, head down to this street for a guaranteed happy tummy. Check out Estero Fastfood, Shanghai Fried Siopao, Lord Stow’s Bakery, and Eng Bee Tin! Make sure you’re carrying a pocket-sized camera like the Lomomatic 110 for quick enticing snaps of the food as you walk by the stalls! Photo by aaronvales

Ongpin St, Manila, Metro Manila, Philippines
Also known to locals as the Riverbanks, the Marikina River Park is a multi-purpose open-area spot by the Marikina river. Whether it be chilling with friends on a picnic, going on a LomoWalk to photograph the river, participating in activities like biking or basketball, or joining the city’s cultural events, this spot in Marikina is definitely worth a visit! Bring a roll of LomoChrome Purple and watch the colors of the iconic river shift fantasy-like. Photo by lakandula

Also known to locals as the Riverbanks, the Marikina River Park is a multi-purpose open-area spot by the Marikina river. Whether it be chilling with friends on a picnic, going on a LomoWalk to photograph the river, participating in activities like biking or basketball, or joining the city’s cultural events, this spot in Marikina is definitely worth a visit! Bring a roll of LomoChrome Purple and watch the colors of the iconic river shift fantasy-like. Photo by lakandula

300 Shoe Ave, Sto. Nino, Marikina, 1800 Metro Manila, Philippines
Visit the Museo ni Rizal nestled inside the historic Fort Santiago in Intramuros, Manila. This museum dedicated to Jose Rizal houses letters, paintings, and personal belongings relevant to the life and history of the national hero, and of the Philippines in the Spanish era. Bring your trusty Lomo LC-A+ and explore the museum for a perfect detour while on a LomoWalk in Manila! Photo by kimpy05

Visit the Museo ni Rizal nestled inside the historic Fort Santiago in Intramuros, Manila. This museum dedicated to Jose Rizal houses letters, paintings, and personal belongings relevant to the life and history of the national hero, and of the Philippines in the Spanish era. Bring your trusty Lomo LC-A+ and explore the museum for a perfect detour while on a LomoWalk in Manila! Photo by kimpy05

Fort Santiago, General Luna St, Intramuros, Manila, 1002 Metro Manila, Philippines
Bring your LomoApparat to the serene La Mesa Ecopark in Quezon City and spend a day getting acquainted with local flora and fauna. This sprawling 33-hectare green oasis is a sanctuary in the busy urban city, and offers outdoor activities perfect for photographers and culture enthusiasts, perfect for creative experiments such as multiple exposures in wide perspective. Photo by maisiebelleshoots

Bring your LomoApparat to the serene La Mesa Ecopark in Quezon City and spend a day getting acquainted with local flora and fauna. This sprawling 33-hectare green oasis is a sanctuary in the busy urban city, and offers outdoor activities perfect for photographers and culture enthusiasts, perfect for creative experiments such as multiple exposures in wide perspective. Photo by maisiebelleshoots

P37F+58J, Quezon City, Metro Manila, Philippines

Add the Ayala Triangle Gardens to your Makati itinerary when visiting the energetic and vibrant city of Makati. Just a walking distance away from the Ayala Museum and several open-air restaurants, this spot in Metro Manila has a lot to offer from public art exhibits and events, scenic views for photographers, and of course leisurely nature walks. The gardens is also a popular hangout space for many local stray cats cared for by the community. Capture them with the Lomography Fisheye No. 2 for a unique perspective!

Paseo De Roxas St Cor Makati Ave, Cor Ayala Ave, Makati, 1209 Metro Manila, Philippines

Have your films developed and scanned the same day by visiting the Sunny 16 Lab in Diliman, Quezon City. The lab also has a cafe area best fit for hanging out with fellow film photographers or simply spending an hour or two away from the heat. Don’t forget to refresh your inventory with some Lomography Color Negative film!

Unit 109, 30 Matino, Diliman, Quezon City, 1101 Metro Manila, Philippines
Photo by superkulisap
Photo by superkulisap

Museums, Art, Photography and Culture in Metro Manila

We’ve curated a list of our favorite museums, art galleries and cultural landmarks in Metro Manila to give you an exhaustive guide to the best creative hot-spots to visit on your trip.

Rizal Park
On top of being a central urban park in Manila, this park (also known as Luneta Park) named after national hero Jose Rizal also houses three major museums: the National Museum of Fine Arts, National Museum of Natural History, and the National Museum of Anthropology. Perfect for culture enthusiasts who would like to learn more about the culture and history of the Philippines.

Cubao Expo
Known for its eclectic mix of specialty and secondhand stores, vintage memorabilia, bars, and restaurants, Cubao Expo has grown into a haven for local youth culture since it first emerged in the 1970s as a hub for Marikina-made shoes. Experience its nightlife, vibe with the locals and for sure you’ll meet a fellow film shutterbug in no time!

Ayala Museum
Ayala Museum is a six-story archaeologic, ethnographic and fine arts museum which features an array of exhibitions on Filipino culture, history and arts. Located in the Makati Business District, visiting this museum is perfect to cap off a day of photographing in buzzing Makati!

Comuna, Makati
A sprouting gem in the busy city of Makati, Comuna is a creative neighborhood for artists, photographers, and supporters of local culture. It is also home to an art gallery, food and drink spots, and other specialty stores by local artisans. Capture a day hanging out at Comuna with your favorite pocket cameras such as the LomoApparat, La Sardina and the Lomo LC-A+!

Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP)
The Cultural Center of the Philippines conducts seasonal theatre performances, exhibitions, and film screenings with the goal of preserving and promoting Philippine culture and arts. It is also part of the larger CCP Complex art district, which overlooks Manila Bay, famous for its stunning sunset views. Don’t forget to bring your instant camera such as the Lomo’Instant Square Glass when visiting!

Quezon Memorial Circle & Ninoy Aquino Parks & Wildlife
Quezon Memorial Circle is a famous hangout space for people living in and around Quezon City. It also houses the museum, Museo ni Manuel Quezon. The elliptical lot is also within walking distance of the picturesque Ninoy Aquino Parks & Wildlife, a 22.7-hectare ecotourism destination perfect to capture on 35, 120, or 110 film such as the LomoApparat, Lomo LC-A 120, or the Lomomatic 110!

Vinyl on Vinyl
A haven for pop culture and contemporary artists, Vinyl on Vinyl is an art gallery and toy store pushing against the norm in urban Makati. Visit the creative platform in Chino Roces, Makati and make sure to bring your camera with you!

Street Photography & Lomography Film Community Scene in Metro Manila

The wealth of knowledge and experience that comes from the Lomography Community is simply unrivaled. In this section we share some of our community’s top-tips about the city of Metro Manila. This includes their favorite locations for visiting and photographing and some invaluable tips on shooting in analogue. We will also showcase some of our most inspiring Manila-based LomoHomes and Partners.

Photo by ahebrewprincess
Photo by ahebrewprincess

Intramuros
Travel back in time when you visit the old district of Intramuros. Built during the Spanish colonization period as the seat of government, history seeps through its high walls and well-preserved buildings. Don’t forget to visit the notable Fort Santiago to get to know the landmark and take timeless-looking photos as you go.

Quiapo
The bustling “Old Downtown of Manila” is where you’ll find the famous Quiapo Church. Also in the area are various street food vendors and bargain stores for all kinds of goods. You’ll most likely spot a street photographer in the ocean of people in Quiapo!

Photo: nazicole
Photo: nazicole

Binondo Chinatown
Known as the oldest Chinatown in the world, Binondo is where the Filipino-Chinese culture thrives. It’s the perfect place for a photo walk, especially during Chinese New Year when the area is filled with festivities – you might even get a cool photo of the dragon dancers and fire breathers in action!

Poblacion
If you’re drawn to all things loud and bright, the hip and vibrant nightlife in Poblacion is for you. A compact camera like the Lomomatic 110 might come in handy for taking photos all night long!

Photo byennuhchew
Photo byennuhchew

Bonifacio High Street
Bonifacio High Street is the perfect spot for those who love the cityscape. It’s a center for shopping, dining, and other fun recreational activities. To maximize your visit, bikes and scooters are available to rent so you can roam around and take photos – using the LomoChrome Metropolis film, of course!

UP Sunken Garden
Located inside the University of the Philippines, the UP Sunken Garden is the largest open area in the campus. Although visitors are free to explore the streets in UP, this 5-hectare space is specifically a great place to relax and breathe with nature. How about a picnic-themed photoshoot using the Lomo’Instant Wide Glass?

Alabang
For a more laid back atmosphere, make your way down south and explore Alabang. Westgate Center and Molito Lifestyle Center are among the options of places to visit, both having restaurants, bars, cafes, and lots of outdoor spaces for a photo walk.

Cover Photo by lakandula

Anything missing?

Got a favorite photo gallery, hidden photo spot or local tip we haven’t covered in this city guide? Help us make this the best analogue travel companion! Send your suggestions to travel@lomography.com and we’ll take a look.

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Past Photography Events & Exhibitions

Creative Freedom in Film Photography (Online Workshop)

2021-08-27 · Manila, Philippines
Creative Freedom in Film Photography (Online Workshop)

Experience the ins and outs of creative photography in this online workshop by Photo-Op and Lomography Philippines, hosted by EJ Bagtas and Vince Tanching. Know all about your film camera’s basic functions and features, learn shooting tips and tricks, plus get insights on how to curate your photos from Lomography PH General Manager Edgar Alberto. This workshop is for free–sign up, watch, and get a chance to win exciting prizes!

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Where to Buy Analogue Photography Cameras & Develop Films

CameraHaus - Robinsons Place Ermita

Ermita, Manila, 1000 Metro Manila, Philippines
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Manila Vintage Primes

600 Bulacan corner 2540 Fernandez Gagalangin, Tondo, Manila, 1013 Metro Manila, Philippines
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