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Manila, Philippines

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A Filipino city of incredible contrasts, variety and rich history, some of the earliest parts of Manila were getting going in the 16th century long before it would become one of the world’s most densely packed cities. One example of the early days: the neighborhood of Intramuros actually started as the neighborhood fortress… and you can still visit their local landmarks today, like San Augstin Church, Casa Manila and yes, even the old kid on the block, Fort Santiago itself. In Manila, the influences come from all over, with Malay, Chinese, American, Spanish and Arab cultures helping to create an international mix you can experience right on the street… or perhaps best through the arts? If you agree, check out the Rizal Park, home to multiple museums, or Cultural Center of the Philippines for live performances, screenings and more. And we haven’t even mentioned the tropical countryside, or nearby Corregidor Island with its kayaking, birdwatching and extensive World War II memorial history.

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Cruise to Manila, Philippines

Manila shore excursions, amazing experiences coming soon., sorry, there are no excursions for this port at this moment., things to do in manila.

Walled-In Wonders

A stoned wall entrance to the Intramuros from the Spanish conquest in Manila, Philippines

The walled city of Intramuros will take you back in time to the Spanish conquest of Manila in the late 16th century. See the Fort Santiago Citadel itself and the treasures within, like the Spanish Colonial San Agustin Church and Bahay Tsinoy Museum, which is dedicated to the Philippines' Chinese immigrant community.

Modern Manila

Manila isn't just about the past. The vibrant Makati district is pulsating and futuristic. Its tree-lined boulevards are home to modern architectural landmarks like the Ayala Museum and contemporary shopping malls, like Glorietta and the Greenbelt, which are marvels of architecture (and air conditioning) in their own right.

Local Cuisine

Whether you opt for outdoor stalls around Intramuros or upscale Makati restaurants such as Sentro 1771 in Makati, make traditional Filipino cuisine your priority. Manila cruises offer you the opportunity to try pancit bihon guisado , fried noodles with soy sauce, citrus and veggies. Tuck into sisig , a crispy pork casserole spiced with chilies and flavored with calamansi, a local citrus fruit.

If there's one thing Manila's got plenty of, it's shopping. From the shopping malls, to souvenir stalls both inside and outside the walls of Intramuros, you'll be spoiled for choice. Buy "Jeepney" keychains that depict the rural Filipino vehicle for a high kitsch factor, or choose colorful Banig crafts made from traditional Manila hemp grasses for a more rural, traditional souvenir.

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Manila, Philippines

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Dynamic Manila never slows down, so go with the flow by delving headlong into the attractions, including the elegant Malacanang Palace, the National Museum of the Philippines, verdant Rizal Park and the poignant American Cemetery and Memorial. The walled medieval district of Intramuros is also well worth exploring.

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The cruise terminal is located at pier 4 within walking distance of Old Manila (by Rizal Park). The locals will be putting on a nice welcoming party on the pier, not only for the passengers but also for the Filipino crew on your ship. If your cabin attendant is Filipino, it is a nice gesture to give him/her the day off.

Originally scheduled to open in August 2021, Solaire is a luxury cruise centre located within an integrated resort. Upon completion, the cruise port will accommodate two mega-size cruise ships simultaneously, one berth for vessels up to 365mtr and one for vessels up to 345mtr, in a linear berth configuration. Expected to be ready in 2024.

At times pier 15 may be used.

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Sightseeing:

Up until World War II, Manila was considered the most beautiful city in Asia but the war put the city into complete ruins. It was the second most destroyed city after Warsaw, Poland. But this modern capital-city is the premier Christian city of Asia and considered as one of the most cosmopolitan cities in the world with a population of over 1.5 million people.

Historic, bustling, awe-inspiring, Manila is a blend of cultures and flavors that offers an endless serving of places to see, sights to behold, and experiences to never forget.

Manila Cathedral Dating from 1571, this is the sixth cathedral on this site and the only church to be rebuilt after the war. The cathedral is dedicated to the Immaculate Conception of the Virgin Mary. Main features are the octagonal dome and the impressive stained-glass windows.

The National Museum The museum collection totals more than one million items from the fields of anthropology, art, botany, geology and zoology. As the museum is in the process of being relocated, only a limited amount of the collection is on display.

Manila was a colony of Spain from 1565 all the way until 1898. From that point in time the United States occupied and controlled the Philippines (as a territory), until 1946. Because of its history, the Philippines still has may influences from, and ties to, the West.

Tours Excursions Transportation:

When in Manila, get around as the Manileños do-via the colorful, ubiquitous jeepneys. These "kings of the road" not only get you almost everywhere around the city on a minimal fare, they also provide insights into the Filipino psyche and allow a liberal glimpse of pop art.

Taxi: Taxis are available in cities and in many towns. Make sure meters are used, as some taxi drivers will set an exorbitant and arbitrary rate.

Popular shore excursions at this Cruise Port include city tours (usually focusing on either the historic Old Manila section of the city or the more modern sections of the city) and boat trips to the island-fortress of Corregidor. Corregidor is an island located right in the entrance of Manila Bay. Over the years it has been the location of many important battles in the history of the Philippines, and is a popular tourist attraction today.

It pays to compare your cruise line tours here .

Nearby Places:

The city of Tagaytay is located about 55 km (about a 90-minute drive) from Manila. It's a popular tourist destination during the summer, because of its cooler temperature (because of its high elevation) and great views of Taal Lake and the Taal Volcano.

Marikina , which is about 21 km from Manila, is one of the cleanest and urbanized cities in the Philippines. It's known as the "Shoe Capital of the Philippines" because of its well known shoe industry, and is a really charming place to visit. The Shoe Museum houses a lot of shoes and is an interesting place to check out. SM City Marikina is a huge shopping mall, located by the Riverbanks Center in Marikina.

Shopping and Food

A foray into the shopping malls and commercial complexes, bazaars and markets can be both exhilarating and exhausting. Local products range from arts and crafts, ready-to-wear apparel and knitwear, shoes, bags and fashion accessories to fine Philippine embroidery. Bargaining is generally accepted in the open markets and bazaars.

More than just a Mall, the SM Mall Of Asia is a tourist destination that has raised the standard of shopping, leisure and entertainment in the Philippines.

Try the experience of the Dampa Seafood Market on Malapagal, buy your own seafood and bring it to one of the restaurants just behind it to have it cooked the way you want.

There is a free shuttle bus from the pier to Robinson’s Place shopping center.

The local currency is the Philippine peso.

American Express, Diners Club, MasterCard and Visa are widely accepted in major establishments throughout the big cities of the Philippines. ATMs are available.

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Communication:

Most Filipinos speak English well, no matter their level of education.

Opening Hours and Holidays:

1 Jan - New Year's Day 24 Feb - Edsa Revolution Day 9 Apr - Bataan Day (Araw ng Kagitingan) Maundy Thursday Good Friday 5 May - Labour Day 16 Jun - Independence Day 31 Aug -National Heroes' Day 2 Oct - Eid Ul Fitr (exact date varies) 1 Nov - All Saints' Day 30 Nov - Bonifacio Day 25 Dec -Christmas Day 30 Dec - Rizal Day 31 Dec - New Year's Eve

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Manila, Philippines

Fast-paced and endlessly fascinating, modern Manila is one of the most densely packed cities in the world, with some 1.6 million residents. Characterized by intense contrasts—soaring skyscrapers next to shantytowns, atmospheric food markets as well as air-conditioned malls—it’s also an impressively multicultural city, with a swirl of languages, cuisines and cultures. To catch some historic atmosphere, head to Manila's oldest neighborhood, the fortress enclave of Intramuros, which was founded in the 16th century and features sights such as Fort Santiago, Casa Manila and San Agustin Church.In the upscale financial center of Makati, visitors can find an array of bars, spas and restaurants in addition to malls like Glorietta, the landscaped Greenbelt Park and Ayala Museum, which showcases archaeological artifacts and indigenous textiles and art. In and around Rizal Park are several good museums, while the creative spirit of the city—from live music venues to independent art galleries—is sprinkled throughout several districts, and spaces such as the Cultural Center of the Philippines host shows, film screenings and plays. For day trips, Corregidor Island should not be missed.

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Discover the best cruise from manila, how can i find a cheap manila cruise.

With Expedia, you can find plenty of Manila discount cruises and cruise deals from Manila to fit your travel wants and needs. For cheap cruises out of Manila, consider staying in an economy-style cabin, booking an all-inclusive trip, or traveling with a low-cost cruise company. Regardless of your budget, you’ll likely be able to find deals from several of the top Manila cruise lines. Planning and booking a 2025 cruise from Manila in advance can help unlock even more discounts and a greater choice of itineraries. Booking last-minute cruise deals from Manila can also be another way to experience new destinations at wallet-friendly prices.

How can I find good deals on cruises from Manila?

You can search cruise ships leaving from Manila throughout the year and then sort the results by price. Manila cruise deals are automatically updated, so you can be sure you’re getting the right price at the right time. Manila cruise prices will vary depending on your destination and the time of year you plan to travel, as prices can fluctuate with demand. However, booking 2025 cruises out of Manila in advance can often lead to big savings and additional perks. If you have some flexibility or are just the spontaneous type, you can also find discounts on some of the best cruises out of Manila by looking for last-minute deals.

What to look out for when you book your Manila cruise?

When booking a Manila cruise vacation on Expedia, you can look for the cabin experience you want, the amenities you’d like included, and which cruise lines out of Manila you’d like to travel with. Whether you’re looking to book a romantic getaway, a family vacation, or an adults-only trip, you’ll be able to choose from a number of cruise ships out of Manila, all while getting fantastic Manila cruise prices. Expedia’s Manila cruise finder will present you with some of the top cruise deals out of Manila – and on some of the most popular cruise ships out of Manila – so that you can plan and book with ease.

How to book a cruise from Manila on Expedia?

Seamlessly find cruises departing from Manila by inputting your travel dates and the number of travelers in the search wizard. The results will present you with a variety of cheap Manila cruises and the most popular cruise lines from Manila so you can find your dream Manila cruise vacation. Our search wizard also allows you to select your cabin type, the included amenities, and the cruise type. Depending on the time of year, your preference of Manila cruise ships, and your travel requirements, your choice of cruises departing from Manila will vary. Once you’ve chosen your Manila cruise, you’ll be redirected to cabin selection and be asked to finalize your details. After that, you’re ready to embark!

Do you need a passport to cruise out of Manila?

Depending on your itinerary, you may be required to bring a passport for cruises leaving from Manila. Passports are not required for closed-loop cruises out of Manila to certain destinations. It’s advised to check entry requirements prior to your Manila cruise vacation to ensure you have the right documents with you. While you may not need a passport for certain Manila cruises, you will be required to show a valid ID card and your Manila cruise ship boarding pass.

Can I cancel my Manila cruise booking?

Yes, you can cancel or modify your cruise from Manila via the ‘My Trips’ section on Expedia. For help canceling your cruise booking, it’s advised to contact customer service. Cancellation and refund policies are determined by your Manila cruise line. Generally, the further in advance you cancel your Manila cruise trip, the more likely you are to receive a refund.

Why should I book a cruise from Manila with Expedia?

Searching for cruises leaving from Manila is a seamless experience with Expedia, your one-stop-shop for all things travel. We put the best cruise lines out of Manila at your fingertips, and all deals and discounts will be automatically applied to the displayed price. Expedia compiles the deals offered by top Manila cruise lines so that you can find a cruise ship from Manila that’s perfect for your needs – and at a price that won’t break the bank. Booking Manila cruises in advance for 2025 can provide you with better flexibility, more itinerary options, and an abundance of Manila cruise destinations.

Pre and Post Cruise Hotels in Manila

The Heritage Hotel Manila

Reviewed on Apr 22, 2024

Dusit Thani Manila

Reviewed on Apr 26, 2024

City Garden GRAND Hotel

Reviewed on Apr 28, 2024

Holiday Inn Express Manila Newport City, an IHG Hotel

Reviewed on Apr 20, 2024

City Garden Hotel Makati

Reviewed on Apr 23, 2024

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Cruises to Manila, Philippines

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Manila, Philippines Port Guide

Manila has a storied past of incredible resilience, and you’ll discover the heart and history of the Philippines during a stop here on a cruise to Southeast Asia . After being nearly destroyed during World War II, Manila has since regained its footing as a city known for its urban cool, dozens of museums, historic sites, and fine dining in many global styles of cuisine. Manila was once called “the pearl of the Orient,” and today the city is slowly revitalizing itself as more visitors flock here each year. 

On your Manila cruise, tour Fort Santiago, a historic guard tower that once carefully guarded the city. Art lovers will find plenty of ambitious contemporary art in the city’s sculpture gardens and plentiful museums, like the Metropolitan Museum of Manila or the Pinto Art Museum. When you’re ready for a rest, enjoy a leisurely walk along Rizal Park. There’s plenty to do here during your stop, particularly if cool artisan goods and quality shopping appeal to you.

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Top sights & attractions for cruises to manila, fort santiago.

Fort Santiago looms over the Pasig River, watchfully guarding Manila as part of the walled city called the “Intramuros”. Built in the 16th century to mark Spanish occupation of the area, today Fort Santiago is a lasting monument to Old Manila. You can take a walking tour through the fort, admire the life-size sculptures, and enjoy river views from the fort’s bastions.

Take a stroll in Rizal Park, also called Luneta Park or Luneta, which is considered Manila’s Central Park. Admire monuments erected to honor Filipino heroes from the Spanish colonial era to the modern day, or stop in the visitor’s center to discover events and attractions nearby.

Metropolitan Museum of Manila

A guided tour of the Metropolitan Museum of Manila is a must-see for art lovers, where you’ll find impressive pieces by local artists. Watch the waters ebb in Manila Bay from the museum’s waterfront location after marveling at centuries of Filipino art.

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Top things to do in manila, tour san augustin church.

As one of Manila’s most enduring monuments, San Augustin Church is a must-see during your Manila cruise. After the devastation of World War II, most of Manila was in shambles, though San Augustin Church remained intact. This relic of 16th-century Spanish colonialism in the city serves as a reminder of the Old Manila that once was.

Visit the National Museum of the Filipino People

You may hear it referred to as the Museum of Anthropology as well, but the core element here is that this museum is a must-see for those who want a full understanding of Filipino history, culture, and artifacts.

Hang out along Manila Bay

After you disembark in the South Harbor, you can explore Manila Bay on foot. Stop in the oldest hotel in the city, the Manila Hotel, to grab a drink and enjoy bayside views.

Top Food and Drink Spots Near the Manila Cruise Port

Buffet-style meals are popular in Manila, where fusions of Malaysian, Spanish, and Chinese cuisine offer an elevated take on all three cultural influences. Dine at the courtyard of Ilustrado for a plate of paella in a historic, old-world ambiance. If you’re willing to make a reservation ahead of time, call Purple Yam in nearby Malate, which offers a delicious five-course fine dining experience. For quality java, visit Coffee Empire to watch the talented baristas make expert brews.

Culture & History of the Manila Cruise Port

Various groups have settled in Manila for thousands of years, and it wasn’t until the 16th century that Spanish settlement came to the area. Manila’s old nickname was “the Pearl of the Orient,” for its incredible growth, arts, and culture during the 16th to the 18th centuries. However, World War II largely destroyed the city during the 1945 Battle of Manila, which was a month-long conflict between the Japanese and American forces. The city has worked tirelessly to recover and grow in the decades since then. Today, Manila is one of the Philippines’ biggest cities, and careful efforts to grow tourism to the city attract thousands of new visitors each year.

Manila Port Facilities & Location

You’ll disembark in the South Harbor, which is primarily a commercial port. The cruise industry is growing in the Philippines, and a new Manila cruise port dedicated to passenger travel is planned to encourage more tourism in the future.

Transportation in Manila

The cargo port where you’ll disembark is within walking distance to some attractions in town. If you want to travel by car, it’s best to take a taxi rather than rent a car yourself. A light-rail train system, known as the LRT, operates throughout the city. When you book a shore excursion, your transportation will come included.

Shopping Near the Manila Cruise Port

On a cruise to Manila, head into town for higher-end shopping. There are some souvenir sellers at the port, but it’s best to take a quick peek and then continue on with your exploration via taxi or on foot. Head into the expansive Mall of Asia to explore its hundreds of shops or just cool down in the A.C.

Local Currency & Tipping Customs

The Philippine peso (P) is the official currency of Manila and the rest of the Philippines. ATMs are available throughout the city, and credit cards are accepted at major establishments like hotels, fine dining restaurants, and museums. While visiting on a Manila cruise, tipping isn’t generally a requirement, but tipping your taxi driver and tour guide 10% is considered polite.

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Cruises from/to Manila, Philippines

Manila, philippines cruise port.

As the capital of the Philippines, Manila has a strong history behind it. The city was founded by King Phillip II of Spain and was later occupied by many different countries, but eventually returned to the Philippines. In 1946, full independence was granted to the country which now boasts many different memorials and historic buildings. While visiting the island, you will be able to see its colonial past, the nation’s pathway to independence and its more contemporary lifestyle through many different tours and attractions. Visiting La Loma, a market place filled with interesting cuisine and arts, is something to be enjoyed by all. Explore Casa Manila, a replica of a Spanish Colonial home decorated with traditional furnishings from that period to immerse you in their culture. Below, we have listed a number of things we believe are must-sees when cruising to Manila, Philippines:  

• Shop at the La Loma Marketplace, which is known for its interesting cuisine, and try something as the locals would.  
• Visit the Chinese Cemetery, founded in 1879 after Chinese were denied burial in Catholic cemeteries.  
• Discover the Casa Manila, the replica of a Spanish Colonial home that is furnished with the time period’s elements.  
• Tour the war-torn buildings and memorials at the entrance to Manila Bay, which was significantly impacted by World War II.  
• Embark on a full day car tour designed to your liking where you can discover the most interesting sites that appeal to you, such as the San Agustin Church, the historic walled city of Intramuros and more.  

Top 10 Cruises to Manila, Philippines

• Diamond Princess 22 NIGHT Far East CRUISE Departing From Tokyo, Japan (Sep 2024 - Mar 2025)
• Diamond Princess 24 NIGHT Far East CRUISE Departing From Tokyo, Japan (Sep 2024)
• Diamond Princess 29 NIGHT Far East CRUISE Departing From Tokyo, Japan (Sep 2024)
• Noordam 28-DAY CIRCLE JAPAN, TAIWAN & THE PHILIPPINES COLLECTOR Departing From Yokohama, Japan (Oct 2024)
• Noordam 28-DAY JAPAN, THE PHILIPPINES & FAR EAST COLLECTOR Departing From Tokyo, Japan (Oct 2024)
• Noordam 14-DAY JAPAN, TAIWAN & THE PHILIPPINES Departing From Tokyo, Japan (Oct 2024)
• Norwegian Spirit 14 Night Asia - South East (TOK/MNA) Departing From Tokyo, Japan (Nov 2024)
• Norwegian Spirit 12 Night Asia - South East (MNA/KEE) Departing From Manila, Philippines (Dec 2024)
• Norwegian Spirit 14 Night Asia - South East (KEE/SIN) Departing From Keelung (Taipei), Taiwan (Dec 2024)
• Silver Dawn 22 NIGHT Far East CRUISE Departing From Singapore, Singapore (Dec 2024)

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Manila cruise port

• Coordinates 14.610, 120.954
• LOCODE PHMNL
• Local Time 2024-04-29 07:04

Manila cruise ship schedule

• Temperature

Keyword / Category

Location Select Manila Miami

Work Style Select Hybrid Onsite Remote

Onboarding Coordinator (Philippines)

Company overview.

At Carnival Cruise Line, our mission is to create safe, fun, and memorable vacations at a great value. As a valued member of our team, you'll actively contribute to developing exceptional travel experiences and unforgettable moments, every single day. Your Carnival journey begins here!

Our Culture Essentials

Joining the Carnival team means embracing our six Culture Essentials, which are the cornerstone values shaping our identity, principles, and actions. These beliefs and behaviors not only define who we are but also unite us as a team, guiding us in decision-making, fostering relationships, tackling challenges, and reaching milestones. These culture essentials propel us toward a shared vision of success, ensuring a collective effort in shaping our future.

• Respect & Protect
• Listen & Learn
• Communicate

Responsibilities

Job description.

CASI, Cruise Administration Services Inc, a Carnival Cruise Line entity in the Philippines currently has a Talent Acquisition Onboarding Coordinator role available.  

Only candidates located in the Philippines to apply .   

Job Summary:

The position is accountable for ensuring that all crew members have complied, prepared, and submitted all documentary requirements necessary for their assignment, travel, and embarkation by effectively communicating the process and requirements to the crew member, diligently checking all submitted documents and their validity, and accurate tagging of the crew members' status in the system. The role is also responsible for addressing crew members' concerns and inquiries and redirecting issues to the proper department for a quick resolution. Guide the applicant through the Onboarding Journey A-Z whilst keeping up to date with global changes with regards to travel, while ensuring travel readiness is within KPIs established by Talent Acquisition Lead.

Essential functions:

• Guarantee the establishment of positive relationships with the crew members and other stakeholders. Timely and accurate monitoring of crew member status and document tracking in the system.
• Prompt coordination with crew members regarding the documents that they need to submit/upload to the system
• Ensure completeness and authenticity of all training, travel, medical, and documentary requirements for Marine / Ratings crew members
• Proper and prompt notification and coordination with the other concerned departments about the status of the crew member, including planning, operations and talent acquisition.
• Effective guidance to crew members on how to secure the necessary requirements for the application of visas and other necessary documents.
• Timely response to all crew members’ inquiries pertaining to training, travel, medical, and documentary requirements.
• Prompt and timely coordination with the port agents regarding the status of crew members for the generation of the OKTB (Ok to Board)
• Complete all steps involved in the onboarding portal, as per Holland America Line and ensure compliance with all Holland America Line’s policies and guidelines.
• Liaise with external stakeholders for timely completion of reference and background checks.
• Delivering/completing any related additional tasks delegated by the management.

Qualifications

• Associates degree. Business Administration, Hospitality, International Airline travel or any related
• Graduate of a 3-year Associates degree course from accredited institution in a related field
• Minimum 1 year of related professional-level experience in one or more of the following functions: crewing, HR administration, and logistics services.
• Has a proven ability to maintain a high degree of professionalism, flexibility high-quality customer service, effective verbal and written communications skills, and teamwork to accommodate the high volume, fast-paced work environment
• Ability to work outside of normal business hours as needed. 
• Have the ability to follow directives promptly and thoroughly. 
• Have the ability to take initiative and work both independently and as part of a team

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Excellent knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Access & power point)
• Can exercise astute judgment and follow outlined procedures with strong attention to detail and accuracy.
• Requires strong organizational skills.
• Knowledgeable of immigration and visa requirements related to seafarers in various geographical areas.
• Applies knowledge of flag and port state regulations related to visa regulations and entry documentation necessary for crew movement.

Employee Benefits

Hybrid work environment.

Empowering work-life integration and flexible opportunities for your personal and career success

Wellness Programs

Comprehensive employer wellness programs featuring mental health support and fitness options, including an on-site gym

Cruise Benefits

An array of qualified complimentary and heavily discounted cruise options for the ultimate dream getaway

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Generous parental leave time and adoption assistance programs

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Secure your future with our exceptional Traditional and Roth 401(k) options complemented by valuable company contributions

Employee Stock Purchase

Invest in tomorrow with the opportunity to purchase Carnival shares at a discounted rate from their fair market value

In addition to the above, we offer PTO and company holidays as well as a variety of medical, dental, and voluntary plans

In our virtual contact center, we're all about unlimited growth opportunities and creating a supportive, inclusive environment. We believe in fostering professional development and providing our team members with the tools and resources they need to excel in their roles. Our community values diversity, ensuring that everyone feels respected and supported in a welcoming atmosphere where personal and professional growth knows no limits. Above all, we're committed to delivering an exceptional guest experience, making customer satisfaction a top priority in everything we do.

Carnival is a great place to learn and grow.

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Location Select One Miami, FL Manila, Metro Manila

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Balikatan 2024: missiles, military aid, China tensions in focus as ‘biggest ever’ US-Philippines drills begin

• This year's Balikatan drills kicked off as Manila received BrahMos cruise missiles from India - and had hopes for US$2.5 billion in US military aid
• Manila's armed forces chief says Balikatan is all about 'peace and security'. Critics call it 'warmongering' by the US in it 'proxy war with China'

The start of this year's annual joint US- Philippines military exercises on Monday coincided with Manila's acquisition of several new missile systems - and a proposal from Washington to send an additional US$2.5 billion in military aid to the Southeast Asian nation.

It comes at a time of increased tensions between Manila and Beijing in the South China Sea , with the Philippines looking to counter Chinese expansionist efforts by bolstering defensive capabilities, both through the purchase of new equipment and strengthened cooperation with allies such as the United States and Japan .

Can US-Philippine-Japanese military ties really protect regional security?

The 39th Balikatan ("shoulder to shoulder" in Tagalog) exercises, which will continue through May 8, are set to involve 16,000 armed-forces personnel and observers from 14 countries.

Do you have questions about the biggest topics and trends from around the world? Get the answers with SCMP Knowledge , our new platform of curated content with explainers, FAQs, analyses and infographics brought to you by our award-winning team.

Speaking at the opening ceremony on Monday, Philippine armed forces chief General Romeo Brawner Jnr said the drills represent "the essence of unity, collective responsibility and enduring partnership" between the Philippines and the US "and our partners".

"It is not a partnership of convenience but rather a clear reflection of our shared history, unwavering commitment to democracy and respect for international law in our pursuit of peace and security in the Indo-Pacific region," he said.

Although none of the speakers at the opening ceremony mentioned China , Beijing's presence has loomed large in advance of this year's exercises, given the numerous run-ins its naval forces have had with Philippine vessels in recent months, particularly around the highly contested Second Thomas Shoal in the South China Sea.

Brawner made special mention of the fact that, for the first time, "a number of troops from the special action force of the Philippine National Police and six vessels from the Philippine Coast Guard", were part of the Balikatan exercises. Navies from Australia and France are also taking part this year.

Some drills will take place on and around the island of Palawan, as well as within waters off the Philippine's central and northern coasts closest to Taiwan . A schedule of the exercises has not been released for security purposes.

New missile systems

As part of the Balikatan drills, Filipino soldiers will familiarise themselves with US military hardware and test the Philippines' newly-acquired assets and equipment.

Military Sealift Command, the US Navy's replenishment and transport arm, said it had delivered 554 pieces of equipment and shipping containers for the exercises to Subic Free Port, northwest of Manila, and would conduct a separate bilateral exercise with the Philippine military. It gave not further details about the equipment.

Two sophisticated missile systems, the Spyder and Typhon, are set to be demonstrated for the first time in the Philippines as part of the drills.

The Spyder - a mobile, ground-based, air defence system - is currently in use by the Philippine Air Force's 960th Air and Missile Defence Group.

Will China hold back during the US-Philippine Balikatan military drills?

Army Colonel Michael Logico, the Philippine military's spokesman for this year's Balikatan exercises, told reporters on March 5 that the drills would "test the interoperability between our weapon systems and that of the United States."

For its part, the US military has brought its Typhon systems, designed to launch Standard SM-6 and Tomahawk missiles, to be deployed at Laoag International Airport in Ilocos Norte, the home province of President Ferdinand Marcos Jnr .

The Philippines on Friday received the first of three batteries BrahMos cruise missile batteries from India . The medium-range supersonic cruise missile, produced by Indian-Russian multinational aerospace and defence corporation BrahMos Aerospace, can be launched from submarines, ships or fighter aircraft.

The 18.9 billion-peso (US$328.3 million) deal for the missiles was signed during the administration of Rodrigo Duterte , Marcos' predecessor as Philippine president.

Renato de Castro, an international-relations professor at De La Salle University in Manila, described the purchase as part of the Philippine military's shift from internal security to external defence.

The BrahMos missiles would serve as a "backup through coastal defence", he explained in an interview on state broadcaster PTV, while the military was still developing its naval capabilities to guard the country's territorial waters and exclusive economic zone and the air force was honing its aerial-denial capabilities.

De Castro added that since "we don't have the resources, the technical know-how and training" to conduct external defence, the country's armed forces were using the Balikatan exercises to gain these skills. There has been no announcement on whether BrahMos missiles will be used during the joint drills.

US$2.5 billion in military aid?

To assist the rapid switch from internal to external defence, the Philippine military is now drawing up a lengthy wish list, with two American senators from rival parties signalling their intention to help make these wishes come true.

Republican Bill Hagerty and Democrat Tim Kaine, both members of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, jointly filed a bill to the US Congress on April 11 "to modernise the defence capabilities of the Philippines and for other purposes."

The Philippines Enhanced Resilience Act of 2024 aims to authorise grant assistance of US$500 million per year for five years starting from 2025 under the US Foreign Military Financing programme, for a total of US$2.5 billion.

Under the proposed measure, all purchases would be made exclusively from American companies. The goal is to enhance the Philippines' defence capabilities across a range of areas, including coastal and air defence, maritime security, intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance and cybersecurity.

It's unclear at this point when, or if, the US Congress might pass the bill.

Surveys indicate that most Filipinos approve of closer military cooperation with the US, but a statement criticising the drills was issued on Monday by Bayan Muna (Country First), a member of the left-wing Makabayan political coalition.

"The warmongering thrust of the biggest Balikatan ever is mainly for the advancement of US geopolitical interest in the Asia-Pacific region," said the statement attributed to party executive vice-president Carlos Zarate.

"[It is] a pretext for training the Philippine forces as US pawns in its proxy war with China."

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This article originally appeared on the South China Morning Post (www.scmp.com), the leading news media reporting on China and Asia.

Copyright (c) 2024. South China Morning Post Publishers Ltd. All rights reserved.

Philippines Working to Attract More Cruise Ships

• April 25, 2024

As an emerging cruise destination in Asia, the Philippines is working to attract more cruise ships and cruise brands to its shores.

With 121 cruise calls and 140,000 passengers expected to arrive in 2024, the country is going after different niches of the global cruise market.

According to Paulo Benito Tugbang, director for product and market development at the Philippine Department of Tourism, the main focus is on expedition and luxury vessels, but there’s also potential for contemporary vessels and even homeporting operations.

“We are building interest from cruise ships, trying to attract ships from different segments because we really want everyone to discover that the Philippines has a lot to offer,” he told Cruise Industry News during an exclusive interview.

“In our experience, expedition cruises really like to visit exotic destinations and to be able to explore virgin islands and untouched nature,” he continued.

The Philippines is well suited for these kinds of activities, Tugbang explained, with several exotic ports of call to be discovered.

Another big market for the country comes from upscale cruise lines, he noted, with companies like Seabourn being frequent visitors.

“These brands also like to visit untouched places and really have a bespoke experience,” Tugbang explained.

According to Tugbang, the government recently had conversations with The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection to explore plans for future calls.

“Our strategy includes building up a portfolio that also features more mega-cruises, the big ships that are more family-friendly,” Tugbang explained.

With a year-round cruise season, the country offers various port options, he added, including eight that are regular cruise destinations.

The country is divided into three major island groups, and all of them currently being visited by cruise ships.

“Part of our strategy as one of the newer players in Southeast Asia is to ramp up our experiences, the things that we want to share with the cruise travelers,” he said.

The initiative includes showing the guests the country’s cultural assets, Tugbang explained, in addition to introducing new islands and destinations.

“We are strategically placed in the center of the Asia-Pacific region and offer a cultural mix of a lot of influences, which is an advantage,” he noted.

In the future, the Philippines could also serve as a homeport for cruise ships, with Manila being especially fit for the role, he added.

“Manila is our best bet. We have a new player coming to improve our airport and make it bigger and even more accessible,” Tugbang highlighted.

The government is also working to build additional airports across the country, improving accessibility to different islands.

Developing port infrastructure is part of the country’s plans as well, with a five-year investment plan already in the pipeline.

“Our Tourism Department is working along with our Philippines Ports Authority and our cruise ports in five major destinations to build cruise terminals,” he explained.

“It’s really a whole-government approach and effort to ramp up The Philippines’ role in Asia’s cruising playground, positioning ourselves as one of the best new destinations in the region,” he said

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A New Pacific Arsenal to Counter China

With missiles, submarines and alliances, the Biden administration has built a presence in the region to rein in Beijing’s expansionist goals.

By John Ismay ,  Edward Wong and Pablo Robles April 26, 2024

U.S. officials have long seen their country as a Pacific power, with troops and arsenals at a handful of bases in the region since just after World War II.

U.S. military or partner bases

But the Biden administration says that is no longer good enough to foil what it sees as the greatest threat to the democratic island of Taiwan — a Chinese invasion that could succeed within days.

The United States is sending the most advanced Tomahawk cruise missiles to Japan and has established a new kind of Marine Corps regiment on Okinawa that is designed to fight from small islands and destroy ships at sea.

The Pentagon has gained access to multiple airfields and naval bases in the Philippines , lessening the need for aircraft carriers that could be targeted by China’s long-range missiles and submarines in a time of war.

The Australian government hosts U.S. Marines in the north of the country, and one of three sites in the east will soon be the new home for advanced American-made attack submarines. The United States also has a new security agreement with Papua New Guinea.

Potential submarine bases

Xi Jinping, China’s leader, and other officials in Beijing have watched the U.S. moves with alarm. They call it an encirclement of their nation and say the United States is trying to constrain its main economic and military rival.

Since the start of his administration, President Biden has undertaken a strategy to expand American military access to bases in allied nations across the Asia-Pacific region and to deploy a range of new weapons systems there. He has also said the U.S. military would defend Taiwan against a Chinese invasion.

On Wednesday, Mr. Biden signed a $95 billion supplemental military aid and spending bill that Congress had just passed and that includes $8.1 billion to counter China in the region. And Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken traveled to Shanghai and Beijing this week for meetings with Mr. Xi and other officials in which he raised China’s military activity in the Taiwan Strait and the South China Sea, calling it “destabilizing.”

Mr. Xi told Mr. Blinken on Friday that the United States should not play a “zero-sum game” or “create small blocs.” He said that “while each side can have its friends and partners, it should not target, oppose or harm the other,” according to an official Chinese summary of the meeting.

Earlier in April, the leaders of the Philippines and Japan met with Mr. Biden at the White House for the first such summit among the three countries. They announced enhanced defense cooperation, including naval training and exercises, planned jointly and with other partners. Last year, the Biden administration forged a new three-way defense pact with Japan and South Korea.

President Biden held a trilateral meeting earlier this month with the leaders of Japan and the Philippines at the White House.

Yuri Gripas for The New York Times

“In 2023, we drove the most transformative year for U.S. force posture in the Indo-Pacific region in a generation,” Ely S. Ratner, the assistant secretary of defense for Indo-Pacific security affairs, said in a statement following an interview.

The main change, he said, is having American forces distributed in smaller, more mobile units across a wide arc of the region rather than being concentrated at large bases in northeast Asia. That is largely intended to counter China’s efforts to build up forces that can target aircraft carriers or U.S. military outposts on Okinawa or Guam.

These land forces, including a retrained and refitted U.S. Marine littoral regiment in Okinawa, will now have the ability to attack warships at sea.

For the first time, Japan’s military will receive up to 400 of their own Tomahawk cruise missiles — the newest versions of which can attack ships at sea as well as targets on land from over 1,150 miles away.

The Pentagon has also gained access rights for its troops at four additional bases in the Philippines that could eventually host U.S. warplanes and advanced mobile missile launchers, if Washington and Manila agree that offensive weaponry can be placed there.

The United States has bilateral mutual defense agreements with several allied nations in the region so that an attack on the assets of one nation could trigger a response from the other. Bolstering the U.S. troop presence on the soil of allied countries strengthens that notion of mutual defense.

In addition, the United States continues to send weapons and Green Beret trainers to Taiwan, a de facto independent island and the biggest flashpoint between the United States and China. Mr. Xi has said his nation must eventually take control of Taiwan, by force if necessary.

“We’ve deepened our alliances and partnerships abroad in ways that would have been unthinkable just a few years ago,” Kurt Campbell, the new deputy secretary of state, told reporters last year, when he was the top Asia policy official in the White House.

What Deters China?

Taiwan’s foreign minister, Joseph Wu, said in an interview in Taipei that the strengthened alliances and evolving military force postures were critical to deterring China.

“We are very happy to see that many countries in this region are coming to the realization that they also have to be prepared for further expansions of the P.R.C.,” he said, referring to the People’s Republic of China.

To some Chinese military strategists, the U.S. efforts are aimed at keeping China’s naval forces behind the “first island chain” — islands close to mainland Asia that run from Okinawa in Japan to Taiwan to the Philippines.

U.S. military assets along these islands could prevent Chinese warships from getting into the open Pacific waters farther east if conflict were to break out.

Leaders in China’s People’s Liberation Army also talk of establishing military dominance of the “second island chain” — which is farther out in the Pacific and includes Guam, Palau and West Papua.

First Island Chain

Second Island Chain

philippines

But several conservative critics of the administration’s policies argue that the United States should be keeping major arms for its own use and that it is not producing new ships and weapons systems quickly enough to deter China, which is rapidly growing its military .

Some American commanders acknowledge the United States needs to speed up ship production but say the Pentagon’s warfighting abilities in the region still outmatch China’s — and can improve quickly with the right political and budget commitments in Washington.

“We have actually grown our combat capability here in the Pacific over the last years,” Adm. Samuel J. Paparo Jr., the incoming commander of the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command, said in an interview. “But our trajectory is still not a trajectory that matches our adversary. Our adversaries are building more capability and they’re building more warships — per year — than we are.”

Mr. Paparo said new American warships were still more capable than the ones China is building, and the U.S. military’s “total weight of fires” continued to outmatch that of the People’s Liberation Army, for now.

Warplanes on the flight deck of U.S.S. Carl Vinson, an aircraft carrier, during a joint U.S. and Japanese military exercise in the Philippine Sea in January.

Richard A. Brooks/Agence France-Presse — Getty Images

The Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty , a Cold War-era arms control agreement between Washington and Moscow, prohibited land-based cruise or ballistic missiles with ranges between 311 miles and 3,420 miles. But after the Trump administration withdrew from the pact, the United States was able to develop and field a large number of small, mobile launchers for previously banned missiles around Asia.

Even with the deployment of new systems, the United States would still rely on its legacy assets in the region in the event of war: its bases in Guam, Japan and South Korea, and the troops and arms there.

All of the senior U.S. officials interviewed for this story say war with China is neither desirable nor inevitable — a view expressed publicly by Defense Secretary Lloyd J. Austin III. But they also insist that a military buildup and bolstering alliances, along with diplomatic talks with China, are important elements of deterring potential future aggression by Beijing.

Wang Yi, China’s foreign minister, told Mr. Blinken on Friday in Beijing that “the negative factors in the relationship are still increasing and building, and the relationship is facing all kinds of disruptions.” He warned the United States “not to interfere in China’s internal affairs, not to hold China’s development back, and not to step on China’s red lines and on China’s sovereignty, security and development interests.”

U.S. military or

partner bases

The new deterrent effort is twofold for American forces: increasing patrolling activities at sea and the capabilities of its troop levels ashore.

To the former, the Pentagon has announced that U.S. Navy warships will participate in more drills with their Japanese counterparts in the western Ryukyu Islands near Taiwan and with Filipino ships in the South China Sea, where the Chinese coast guard has harassed ships and installations controlled by the Philippines .

A swarm of Chinese militia and Coast Guard vessels chased a Philippine Coast Guard ship in the South China Sea last year.

Jes Aznar for The New York Times

To the latter, Marine Corps and Army units already in the Pacific have recently fielded medium- and long-range missiles mated to small, mobile trucks that would have been prohibited under the former treaty.

These trucks can be quickly lifted by Osprey tilt-rotor aircraft or larger cargo planes to new locations, or they can simply drive away to evade a Chinese counterattack. A new flotilla of U.S. Army watercraft being sent to the region could also be used to reposition troops and launchers from island to island.

In an interview last year with The New York Times, Gen. David H. Berger, then the Marine Corps’ top general, said the service had begun analyzing strategic choke points between islands where Chinese forces were likely to transit throughout the Pacific. He said the service had identified sites where Marine assault forces like the new Okinawa-based littoral regiment could launch attacks on Beijing’s warships using these new weapons.

Philippines

Partner bases

The Pentagon announced in February last year a new military base-sharing agreement with Manila, giving U.S. forces access to four sites in the Philippines for use in humanitarian missions, adding to the five sites previously opened to the Pentagon in 2014. Most of them are air bases with runways long enough to host heavy cargo planes.

Plotting their locations on a map shows the sites’ strategic value should the United States be called upon to defend their oldest treaty ally in the region , if the Philippines eventually agrees to allow the U.S. military to put combat troops and mobile missile systems there.

One, on the northern tip of Luzon Island, would give missile-launching trucks the ability to attack Chinese ships across the strait separating Philippines from Taiwan, while another site about 700 miles to the southwest would allow the U.S. to strike bases that China has built in the Spratly Islands nearby.

In 2023, the United States committed $100 million for “infrastructure investments” at the nine bases, with more funds expected this year.

The Pentagon has forged closer military ties with Australia and Papua New Guinea , extending America’s bulwark against potential attempts by the Chinese military at establishing dominance along the “second island chain.”

The Obama administration moved a number of littoral combat ships to Singapore and deployed a rotating force of Marines to Darwin, on Australia’s north coast, giving the Pentagon more assets that could respond as needed in the region.

Last year, the Biden administration greatly elevated its commitment to Australia, which is one of America’s most important non-NATO allies.

The U.S.S. North Carolina, a Virginia-class submarine, docking in Perth, Australia last year.

Tony Mcdonough/Agence France-Presse — Getty Images

A new multibillion dollar agreement called AUKUS — for Australia, the United Kingdom and the United States — will permanently transfer some of the U.S. Navy’s newest Virginia-class attack subs to Canberra . The location of the new bases for those subs has not been announced, but the first group of Australian sailors who will crew them graduated from nuclear power training in America in January.

These stealthy submarines, which can fire torpedoes and Tomahawk missiles, will potentially add to the number of threats Beijing faces in case of a regional war.

Just north of Australia, an agreement in August gave U.S. forces more access to Papua New Guinea for humanitarian missions and committed American tax dollars to update military facilities there.

To Admiral Paparo, this growing network of partnerships and security agreements across thousands of miles of the Pacific is a direct result of what he calls China’s “revanchist, revisionist and expansionist agenda” in the region that has directly threatened its neighbors.

“I do believe that the U.S. and our allies and partners are playing a stronger hand and that we would prevail in any fight that arose in the Western Pacific,” the admiral said.

“It’s a hand that I would not trade with our would-be adversaries, and yet we’re also never satisfied with the strength of that hand and always looking to improve it.”

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