Totally grateful for this competition created by Steemph that encourages writers from Mega Manila to showcase the beauty of it. The Philippines, with its seven thousand six hundred and forty-one island, is hella Instagram worthy but it is a little easy to overlook Manila. Manila is through and through a 'concrete jungle' - alive for long hours, always buzzing and hustling.

Escape - when I think about it - requires not being in the city but with jobs and responsibilities, going away isn't always an option. I racked my brain so hard to think of a place that makes me feel, happy. Manila may be hours away from pristine beaches that so often provides much needed R&R for people, but it'll never disappoint with the extensive list of things you can do in the city. Whether you're the type to escape through food, Manila got you covered with its extensive list of places to satisfy your craving; may it be Japanese, Chinese, Korean, English, etc. If you're the adventure escapee, the city offers both indoor and outdoor activities; ranging from archery, skating, firing range, rock climbing, and even hiking nearby mountains.

As for me, #MySweetEscape is pretty simple. My escape is going to bookstores.

"Reading gives us someplace to go when we have to stay where we are."

Fully Booked, a popular bookshop in Manila. It has a lot of franchise branches all over the city but their main branch, albeit a little far from where I live is such a delight to visit. Whether I'm looking or not looking for a particular title, I usually go to Fully Booked BGC because they carry more titles than a smaller branch. It's a massive three or four-floor building that contains not only books but also comics, and records. There is also a Starbucks conveniently located inside the building, for when you decide you can't wait to get home to start whatever book you bought.

I know, it's a little nerdy but simply being surrounded by so many books gives me the same feeling of peace and exhilaration as when I was traveling, or hanging out with my friends. Manila, may not be perfect but it is home, and this is my favorite escape.

Disclaimer: All photos are taken by myself. Check it out on Instagram.