Ganda ng Maynila!!!

Today I had  an early schedule at Department of Foreign Affairs for my passport application. Me, being without sense of direction,has no other choice than to let my husband take  me there via his motorcycle. It's been a long time since I rode with him and somehow it's a good idea that I did. I get to see Manila as if for the first time.

I've been working for eleven years at a hardware company located at Sta. Cruz, Manila. But never did I thought Manila as a beautiful place worthy of visiting. For me it is a place with lots of dirty, drooling and smelly horses which I had a slight phobia of. A place with dirty streets, never ending traffics, haven for beggars and street children, and of course (and still), the horses. 

Today I saw Manila differently. As we entered Abad Santos St., I didn't even notice that we were nearing Divisoria because the place was so calm in the morning. There were only a few people and not a cop in sight! Binondo for me is a mixture of old and new age. Even with its towering establishments, the old chinatown was somehow preserve. I really love the "friendship arc" which is at the heart of Binondo. The Binondo Church was astonishing. Its structure is amazing. I saw the details clearly kanina. I never attended a mass there yet but one day I will. We usually went to Quiapo Church. The Intramuros golf area was a beautiful sight in the morning as if the waters from the garden sprinkler are performing a synchronize dance routine. Wonderful! And I love how the people of Manila became health conscious. I saw lot of joggers, cyclist and aerobic dancers around Luneta. I would have join them if not for my scheduled appointment. I also love Roxas Blvd. in the morning. A kinda-old-school-love-to stroll-in-the-morning way. 

However simple I may sound as I describe the City of Manila, for me it is breathtaking.

P.S.

By the way, my husband took me to the wrong place. He left me at the old DFA office at Arnaiz St. I was supposed to go to the new DFA office at Macapagal  Ave. Thanks to Manong Guard for giving me direction I was able to find the place and be there on time.

luneta

You're not a true pinoy if you've never been to LUNETA!

Last weekend, my 'dabarkads'  and I decided to visit Luneta. I'm so glad to see that it is being rehabilitated to encourage other people to visit Luneta and go outdoors than just visit the mall to spend their time and money.

The first thing I notice is the Department of Tourism building. I didn't notice it before when me and my family frequents the park when I was a child.  I love the facade. The big sun glows when it's nighttime. A big irony according to my daughter.

A new addition to the park is the humongous Lapu-lapu statue that is a gift from Koreans. The only problem with this place is the large steps of the stairs that you have to take if you want to take picture beside the statue. By the time you reach the top 'hingal kabayo' ka na.

This one is actually the Administration and Security Office but we named it "Bahay ni Rizal" because of it's ethnic look. The two girls at the gate are applying as security guards. Hehehe...

Another attraction at the park for the kids is the 'Thomas and Friends' train ride. This will take you on a brief tour at the park in a very slow pace. Beware, this is not for free. It cost P50.00 for adults and P20.00 for kids.

And the most popular addition at the Luneta today is the dancing fountain. It's a far cry from the Khalifa Fountain at the Burj Dubai but still, A for the effort of the Manila City Council for this.

Nice di ba?

No matter how baduy going to the park is, I would still prefer it than staying at the mall.

Mellow Yellow Monday #2: El Pueblo I Condo

 

This is where me and my friends spent our weekends. Ate Arlyn lives here and she is so gracious to allow us to have a sleep over whenever we can. Here we can forget our obligations for a while and enjoy our time together as friends. Last weekend is my second time to sleep at her unit, and I'm pretty sure there will be more to come. We love staying at this place.

not so merry xmas vacation

I admit I am not looking forward for this year's holiday season. With all my money troubles and relationship problems. But still, I am positive for a somewhat happy way to celebrate the occasions because I still have a family and other people around me that will see to it that I will still be happy in spite of all my troubles.

The office xmas party is ZERO. That is, for two years now we don't have a company xmas party. So my friends in the office and I decided to go to MOA to celebrate our last day together for the year 2010. I will rate our "lakwatsa" as 10 (given as the highest). It was an unforgettable, super fun day. Lots of laughter and eating of course. Don't mind the long walks because we always have a smile on our faces every time the camera make its shot.

On the 24th, we celebrate or traditional noche buena and my youngest brother's birthday with a slight twist. Aside from our usual gift givings, we had a mini parlor games. It is such a joy to play and kid around with your own family. The food was adequate but the gifts were enormous. Everybody felt very special with their gifts specially my sister-in-law, Apple. She even shed tears because of the overwhelming feelings she felt. I, too, would have cried if I did not control myself. The party was a sure 10.

Another party we attended is a post-xmas party with our best friends. We went to Dinah and Noel's house at Montalban to celebrate an after xmas party with our other friend Rona and Rodney. we are together with our families as well as Dinah and Noel's extended family. The foods were nice and delicious but I don't like the firecrackers that the guys were crazy about. It was a nice, relaxing party. Well, until it's time to sleep. My husband was possessed with the demon spirit when the night comes. Of all places to quarrel! We went home early the next morning because or fight needs to continue. This one is 5 for me.

After the fight I fell ill. Tonsilitis. For 3 days now I lay on bed because of fever and body pains. I can't eat right because my throat hurts a lot. I puke two times already. So far the medicine is helping. I just hope that I get well as soon as possible. My vacation was wasted. All the things I planned to do never came thou. A perfect Zero for me.

A not so merry xmas vacation right?

P.S.

I also misses someone so much this holiday season. haaaayyyyy....

Divisoria, anyone?

It's been a tradition of a common Filipino to visit Divisoria during the holiday season because it offers various gift items at a very cheap cost. You just have to endure the steep road, exhausting traffic and the ever energetic crowd that is so willing to push you or give you an elbow when you block their shopping view.

Earlier this year, I promise myself not to include Divisoria on my holiday itinerary. With proper budgeting I can manage to shop at Sm or other similar stores without spending so much. Well, that's what I thought. 

Last night, I found myself squeezing with the crowd at Divisoria (where else!). I guess I'm too weak for the allure of cheap prices and wide choices at Divisoria. It's always a very tiring but satisfying experience shopping there.

So, I guess Divisoria is on my blood because a true Filipino Christmas is not complete without a tour and a shopping galore at Divisoria.

Happy shopping.....!!!!!