Don't let the fact that you've just landed at Southeast Asia's, and possibly the world's, worst airport and sat in equally horrible traffic on the way to your hotel to carry too much influence on how you view Manila and The Philippines going forward.  What lies beyond is worth the introductory headache.  By some measurements, Manila's metropolitan area exceeds 20 million people or roughly 20% of The Philippines total population.  As such, it's not only the political capital but also the entertainment and financial capital as well.  

The Makati area is a good base area to enjoy the upmarket restaurants and nightlife.  Two of the city's primary attractions, Corregidor Island and Intramuros, are nearby and the airport is reachable in less than 20 minutes assuming light traffic. 

CORREGIDOR ISLAND

"The Filipinos had courage" said my guide with a grit of his teeth to emphasize courage.  During the proceeding tour I saw most of Corregidor Island - starting in Malinta Tunnel, a bomb-proof storage area built into a hill, to barracks and headquarter offices, to long-range batteries...even a war ravaged movie theater.  The Japanese expected a quick and decisive victory but they were met with great resistance.  The Phillipines did not surrender until May 1942 after nearly five months of fighting.   

I booked my tour through Sun Cruises which offers a wide range of options to see the island.   
I shall return! And a bombed out building.
The remnants of barracks and a movie theater.
Walking around the few batteries, which were in need of replacement prior to the war, it was hard to imagine how the Japanese could have been withstood for so long.  The delay prevented Japan's full conquest of Asia and allowed Allied forces to regroup and eventually recapture Corregidor and The Philppines in February 1945.  The two military campaigns earned Corregidor Island the distinction of the most bombed land area of WWII.

INTRAMUROS

Intramuros is Manila's historical center.  The city walls contain restored Spanish colonial area buildings and cathedrals with Fort Santiago as the centerpiece - it's more reminiscent of Old San Juan or Cartagena than the historical core of any other Asian city.  Once you've passed through the fort Rizal Park is a short walk south.  Both areas are near a metro stop.
Rizal Park:
For additional Manila photos see FLICKR ALBUM.