Intramuros is the place.
though you might feel like it was a jollibee or SM mall, or at night a karaoke bar. These three things - shopping, fast food and karaoke are the modern cultural indicators of the Philippines!

LANDMARKS OF MANILA: Intramuros, Luneta Park, Liwasang Bonifacio, Baywalk, Manila Hotel, Manila City Hall, Metropolitan Theater, Coconut Palace, Cultural Center Of The Philippines, Philippine International Convention Center (1994 Miss Universe's venue),
Folk Arts Theater (1974 Miss Universe's venue), Araneta Colesium, Film Center of the Philppines (Amizing Philippines Show's venue), Bonifacio Monument in Kalookan City, PB Comm. Tower in Ayala Avenue, Makati City (The highest in the Philippine towers), SM Super Malls, Glorietta Mall, Greenbelt Malls, The Fort, and a whole lot more>>>>>>