Hi Carolina, this reply is from Philippa who lived in Manila with her two kids. Hope this helps!

Hello, it will be a very exciting move for you. Brazil and the Philippines have some similarities – both are tropical with Spanish influences. The Philippines is devotedly Catholic and loves celebrating the major holidays such as Christmas and Easter. The Philippines is a very friendly country and kids are treated really well. The international schools are brilliant. ISM and the British School have fantastic reputations. My children attended the French School which is far from the main business districts but is a lovely school for young children.
The traffic is a real headache so I would advise to live close to the kids school and your work. Having said that the schools are mainly in BGC and there are few options for housing there – although Pacific Plaza Towers and the top of Forbes Park are close. We lived in Bel Air Village which is the best place to live if you like to walk – since it is walking distance to the shops as well as the lively “authentic” Poblacion area.
For us the best aspects of family life were being able to spend time on the beautiful beaches, dive resorts and Cordillera. Life in Manila can be tough, but there are perks such as friendly communities, weekly massages, amazing hotels and delicious restaurants. Our children loved the capital. They spent their free-time at Kidzoona (indoor play area), Climb Central Manila (climbing walls), playing games (football ect..) in Bel Air Park, swimming and making friends at the Rockwell Club and ice skating at Mega Mall (when it is sweltering outside ice skating is a great way to cool off) followed by Chinese dim sum at Ding Tai Fung.
I am now in Miami and the things I miss most about Manila Family Life are the regular date nights (many families opt for a nanny who can babysit any night of the week), wonderful friends from all corners of the world, and the smiling faces of the friendliest people in the world.
Good luck with your venture.

Hi Niccolo, Philippa, who lived in Manila with two young kids for five years, doesn’t recommend letting your kids explore Manila with a babysitter on their own. In the hotel is fine but out and about is risky without the parents present. Especially in big public places. Sorry not to be more helpful!

Hi Niccolo, Thanks so much for your comment. I’m going to ask my Philippines writer if she has any suggestions. Thanks!

Thank you Rose! I’m so pleased that you found the post useful. Have a great time with your grandchildren!

Your write-up is super informative for us (two seniors who had been away for so long from this country). We just flew-in three days ago. Our grandchildren will be in Manila to visit in two weeks time and your write-up gave us so many options where to take them. Thank you so much for your detailed information.

Rose

Hi Caroline, I’m going to get our Philippines writer to get back to you with some suggestions. Thanks!