Even without nightclubs and bars, there is life in Manila. Is there?

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There are contradictions in life, and you don't have to look far. Whatever it is, there is still more in life than anything else.

A truly unique destination in the galaxy can be found in Southeast Asia. If you're from the Americas - across the vast expanse of the pacific. If you're from the Asia mainland - beyond the South China Sea. Covering 636 square kilometers of land area, the pearl of the orient seas has been left untouched for thousands of years. So be prepared for a deep breath. Let's dive and get it.

EDSA, Metro Manila - An Aerial View

May you have a pleasant stay here even if the airport is not that good, as recent flights to the city have been rerouted to Clark Field due to faulty navigation equipment in the NAIA. I know it will be fixed soon. If your taxi driver does not care that you'll be late for your appointments, just smile and say “how are you doing?”. The traffic in the nerve center of the more than seven thousand islands should not ruin your day. Look out and ask the driver to lower the window of the taxi. The site may be untidy, as garbage is piled along the way. But you can also see fine-looking men and gorgeous women who speak like British and walks like an American. Sounds may be so noisy, videoke singing is everywhere. But everyone wants to be a rock star. (I also tried to be...and the microphone likes me...). American Idol has a huge following here. And the aroma may not be so good, as scents of smoke from cramped buses and WWII jeeps with the stench of garbage and sewer along the way. But folks you'll meet smile well, and smell well. 

So this is it. I say the place is unique. There are shanties of city dwellers and slums that you can see. But there are also huge billboards along EDSA and thoroughfares. People love to see these sights even if it is the skin that they can only see. What is left to advertise if not for the underwear? And if you'll have to pee and poo, at the gas station you can do it...but not all the time. Shoppers fill the malls even if it's the window that they only shop. You may not wear your jewelry if it's fake. If you want to... Achtung!..at owner's risk. But if the policemen are not so friendly all the time...probably because there are hidden cameras installed to watch. I have to ride on the bus or train and be prepared to stand all the time. It isn't now a fad for a man to share a seat with a woman. Not then, but now. Why? But on Sundays, more and more people go to church. Jollibee is filled with families dining together and so with McDonald's and Chow-king. Movies can be watched in every mall, with the best from SM i-max, of course. Life is full and vibrant here. At night you might forget what these contradictions really mean. Having good times in bars and nightclubs here is beyond compare.

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The Filipina Painting by Fernando Amorsolo

 

So this is Manila, the capital city of the Philippines. On this day the city goes on a holiday to celebrate its foundation day. It has a rich cultural heritage because of mixed Malayan, Chinese, American, and European influences. You call the city dwellers, Manileños. They are known for being hardworking, neat, and honest. I hope that day if you'll search for “Filipina” and “Pinay” on the internet, the hits will not be very revealing and not grossly disappointing...online dating, and maid.

 
Images from:
Manila
The Filipina Painting by Fernando Amorsolo