The Transport System.

Manila has a rail system similar to the other Asian and Indian systems where everybody is packed like sardines into containers for maximum efficiency. Probably the only difference is that urban power lines prevent riding on top of the carriages.

Getting off a train at the right stop requires planning. It's a matter of physically pushing your way to a door before the train gets to the station. This presupposes you know where you will get off beforehand. 

Newcomers to the system have no chance. 

If you don't have a guide; forget it. Jeepneys and buses go everywhere but buses don't show route numbers. Instead, they show destinations.

Your best advice is to have a trusted guide who will not only save you money but can recommend sights along the way. 

It is better usually to get a taxi but then you have the world wide taxi scam (the long way) to contend with. Some taxi companies are combating this at the airport by a pre-agreed fare system that works very well to ensure you pay the correct fare to your hotel and don't get ripped off.