Well, I had to say the very first time I went to Malate was me being on shore patrol around 2010 when we stop in port (carrier USS George Washington)...You can imagine my reaction to that "reality". And, most of you that are prior military, it hasn't change....militaries like to go in port mostly in the "dirtiest" ( I mean that literally), hooker infested, sleazy bars,...cheap bed bites hotels areas or love hotels....but thats after a month of showing the sailors videos of what sort of diseases you might get from associating yourself to such establishment. Yet, thats the area we are "allowed" to go. Its always Makati/Malate/Pasay area. Anyways, I wouldn't make that a first impression place to show PI but I think its good to expose a foreigner or anyone to that reality as well. Its no different than being in Pattaya or any other countries when you go to areas that are known for that type of establishment.
You'll be better off going to Tomas Morato area in QC if you're on the budget, (you still get that sleazy bars) but there are more variety things to do that fits all ages--lots of local college hang outs, KTV bars, clubs, comedy lounges.....
JJ....stay away from Malate...LOL!