A Weekend in Manila
20th to the 21st of January 2007
Part 1. Morning in Binondo
Location: Poblacion, Sta. Maria, Bulacan, PHILIPPINES
Composition: Notes
Despite a stomach that still wasn't 100%, I took a risk by spending the weekend of the 20th and the 21st of January in Manila.
Ate Mireille had planned a day and night out with her friends for the Saturday, and I could tag along. Originally, the plan was a weekend in Ilocos Norte. But that idea was shot down quickly because at least two days would be devoted just for driving to and from the place - two more days no one else could spare. Then Baguio - but that too didn't fly for the same reason. Then the idea of going to Tagaytay was explored - but I was just there a few weeks prior. So, finally, it was decided why not just a weekend in Manila instead? I have only seen it passing through the windows of an airconditioned motor vehicle a few times since I landed on the 30th of November 2006. As well, during my first 15 years in the Philippines, I have only been in Manila for specific purposes; Malls for shopping, visiting relatives who lived there, special functions and events... etc. In short, this would be the first time I'd be spending time in Manila devoted solely to nothing else but to have a good time and chill.
Funny how this trip is forcing me to look at the things that I have and haven't done - beyond me introspecting about where I've been, where I stand now, and where I'm going.
I hitched a ride to Metro Manila with cousin Jojo and spent the early morning in Binondo. He treated me to a congee place in that Chinatown of the Philippines. With us was his nephew thru Ate Jellie, Miggy. Marco originally was supposed to be with us, but having sold the trusty Mini Cruiser the night before, he was in no mood to travel.
Binondo. What a cool place! Though our time was short, I enjoyed my time just seeing the place and walking the streets. The shops, the visible heritage of the people, and the general atmosphere lent a different feel to the place. What feel? I wanted to say a Non-Philippine 'feel' to the place, but thought "No. For that too is the Philippines" - the Chinese heritage is an indelible part of being Filipino.
From Binondo, I went with Ate Jellie to St. Luke's Medical Centre - where she worked as a Dietitian, and where I had arranged to be picked up by Ate Mireille.
20th to the 21st of January 2007
Part 1. Morning in Binondo
Location: Poblacion, Sta. Maria, Bulacan, PHILIPPINES
Composition: Notes
Despite a stomach that still wasn't 100%, I took a risk by spending the weekend of the 20th and the 21st of January in Manila.
Ate Mireille had planned a day and night out with her friends for the Saturday, and I could tag along. Originally, the plan was a weekend in Ilocos Norte. But that idea was shot down quickly because at least two days would be devoted just for driving to and from the place - two more days no one else could spare. Then Baguio - but that too didn't fly for the same reason. Then the idea of going to Tagaytay was explored - but I was just there a few weeks prior. So, finally, it was decided why not just a weekend in Manila instead? I have only seen it passing through the windows of an airconditioned motor vehicle a few times since I landed on the 30th of November 2006. As well, during my first 15 years in the Philippines, I have only been in Manila for specific purposes; Malls for shopping, visiting relatives who lived there, special functions and events... etc. In short, this would be the first time I'd be spending time in Manila devoted solely to nothing else but to have a good time and chill.
Funny how this trip is forcing me to look at the things that I have and haven't done - beyond me introspecting about where I've been, where I stand now, and where I'm going.
I hitched a ride to Metro Manila with cousin Jojo and spent the early morning in Binondo. He treated me to a congee place in that Chinatown of the Philippines. With us was his nephew thru Ate Jellie, Miggy. Marco originally was supposed to be with us, but having sold the trusty Mini Cruiser the night before, he was in no mood to travel.
Binondo. What a cool place! Though our time was short, I enjoyed my time just seeing the place and walking the streets. The shops, the visible heritage of the people, and the general atmosphere lent a different feel to the place. What feel? I wanted to say a Non-Philippine 'feel' to the place, but thought "No. For that too is the Philippines" - the Chinese heritage is an indelible part of being Filipino.
From Binondo, I went with Ate Jellie to St. Luke's Medical Centre - where she worked as a Dietitian, and where I had arranged to be picked up by Ate Mireille.
posted by StrayDog at 9:14 AM
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