MANILA, Philippines – On our last family holiday, we lived for five days aboard a sailboat docked in a Singapore marina. There was no air-conditioning, weather was over 34 degrees, muggy and alternating between intense rain and heat. Taking a shower was like being inside a bathroom smaller than a Port-a-Potty atop a rocking chair.

Still, I enjoyed every minute of it, because the marina had one thing that made every little inconvenience bearable.

Free wifi.

Yes, I am a self-confessed wifi whore. A place only becomes truly civilized in my eyes if it offers free wifi. When booking hotels, it is my “non-negotiable.” If I could learn one phrase in different languages, it would be, “Do you have free wifi?”

Since I am always out, whether on location or doing creative research (e.g. shopping), I’ve short-listed some favorite places where you can spend some quality time with your netbook, laptop, iPhone or favorite mobile Internet device.

The Malls—Free wifi in a place with pretty little things that you can have in exchange for multi-colored rectangular pieces of paper (a.k.a money) is probably the closest thing to heaven on earth for me. If you have the time, it can even help you become a more savvy shopper, e.g. check out the reviews on a book you’re thinking of buying, or see if that gadget you want will be cheaper if your US-based relative can buy it for you online instead. That is, if you can overcome the lust for immediate gratification first.

Powerplant Mall

Powered by Wigo, using the free wifi requires an initial registration process and download of a toolbar (if using a laptop). The wifi is pretty fast. There are fairly strong signals throughout the entire place (though it’s strongest on the side near the cinemas). You can park your butt at any of the numerous restaurants and coffee shops around the mall.

Notable spots are Seattle’s Best Coffee for the cozy padded chairs and comfy booths and Cibo, because the food is always great there.

There’s also a Manila Diamond Hotel cake shop near the Archaeology wing with overstuffed chairs and to-die-for ensaymada.

The Podium

The Podium was instrumental in keeping me sane during the horrific typhoon that was “Milenyo.” If you remember, “Milenyo” wreaked havoc throughout the metro and rendered my house electricity-less for almost four whole days. I have fond memories of sitting in a corner booth at Dome, partaking of the mall’s extremely far-reaching free wifi to download all my favorite TV shows, fully charge my laptop battery and go home only when the mall guards asked me to do so. Podium also has comfy lounge chairs and coffee alternatives like Jugo Juice & Fuzion (if you want a healthy fruity fix with your surfing).

Glorietta

While there are no cozy seats or steaming mugs of frothy beverages, Glorietta 3’s topmost level, Digital Exchange, houses free wifi powered by Globe WIZ. It’s the perfect place to shop for phones and other gadgets since you’ll be able to compare prices, specs and go through user reviews if you bring your netbook along.

Robinsons malls

Robinsons malls, like Galleria, for instance was one of the first malls to go free wifi all the way. Great surfing spots on weekdays. Avoid during three-day sales, for your sanity’s and wallet’s sakes.

Surf n’ Turf—For a minimal food purchase, you can get your password of the day from the cashiers of these dining establishments. A caveat though: expect your caloric intake and byte consumption to run at par with each other with the temptation of goodies before you.

Burger King

By far the most tech-savvy fastfood joint around, Burger King offers free wifi along with your Whopper. Aside from fueling you, they also have charging stations set up for mobile phones of different brands and models. They don’t discriminate between purchases; you can purchase just fries or a full meal and they’ll give you the password (my password of the day was “freshbakedcookies”). Not only that, they also have a “Wifi Station” where there are outlets nearby in case your laptop battery starts sputtering. Expect the noise level to be at an all-time high which can be easily solved by in-ear headphones and your favorite band on iTunes or blip.fm. It’s a good place to get work done, except during lunchtime when the crowd is thickest. Seats are hard and plastic, but it’s not bad at all when you can snag one of the corner booths.

Krispy Kreme

Another place that gives you the password after your glazed doughnut purchase, Krispy Kreme is another cozy place to hang out. Expect the tempting aroma of freshly made doughnuts to drive you crazy, though. Not the best place to hang out if you’re planning to check out your ex’s Facebook photos of his latest beach trip with the new SO.

Echo Store

Tucked along the Serendra driveway, this favorite haunt of mine has shopping, great food and free wifi all under its tiny roof. Don’t miss out on the carabao milk pastillas cheesecake and malunggay pandesal. Browse through their all-natural health and beauty products sourced from different local communities promoting sustainable development and environmental well-being. Plus, dogs are welcome, too.

The Coffee Chains

Coffee shops and wifi are inseparable. While many coffee shops offer “free unlimited wifi”, it’s not really free. They will only give you the password with a minimum purchase, which I learned the hard way. One barista at The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf refused to give me the password since I had only bought iced tea (a minimum P250 purchase is required, which is average for most coffee chains). Figaro’s “Sip & Surf” promo requires a P300 receipt first before access as well. A cup of tea does not grant you access to their wifi world, you have to throw in a sandwich first. Coffee shops are great wifi ports when you’re sure to stay long or for business meetings requiring heavy Internet usage. Otherwise, you’re better off at malls with free wifi.