Manila, Philippines - February 15, 2006
Back in Manila. Against my previous better judgement, we decided to stay in the Ermita/Malate area. Tons of money changers all along Mabini Avenue harassing me every other step. Unfortunately got a hotel right on Mabini as well. But after scouting around, we found another place on a side street far away from all the money changers on Mabini. In addition, this other place has TV and hot water and its less money! The one we are staying in on Mabini has just about nothing except for tons of broken blind shutters and sheets on the bed. Nothing else there and its around US$18.. whereas the other with everything is US$12. Victoria Mansions is the place we're moving tomorrow (the good one).. the one that kinda sucks is The Ermita Inn (although I've seen much worse around this area of Manila during my 2001 visit to the Philippines.
On the plus side, we're near Robinson Mall which is nice and air-conditioned. I even found a Wendy's Restaurant - which I haven't seen anywhere else in the Philippines and doesn't even exist in South Korea. Strangely the service was extremely slow there (like they were waiting for the food to be ready so therefore warm). But instead we had to wait forever AND the food was extremely cold. It didn't make any sense. Her rice and chicken was like that AND both my burgers and fries. How can they make a person wait for a good five minutes at the cash register AND give you 4 cold items? A mystery.
As to general impressions of Manila. I still like it. We also went to Makati, and I love that area. Its the way all of the Philippines should be.. feels real world-class and could be anywhere in the most developed of countries. Down here in Malate/Ermita just feels really urban. I like the overall feeling all around though. I just have a major greivance with harrassing money changers and random people approaching me on the street. Oh well, its Malate/Ermita of Manila, so what can I expect?
Well, last night was our last night in Palawan and spent Valentine's Day in Puerto Princesa. Found yet another great live music bar with musicians to watch. One of the great treats of the Philippines. I was thinking how whenever you are inside of somewhere in the Philippines - its great. Whether its an air-conditioned mall, restaurant, movie theater, restaurant, live music, or wherever. But when you are just walking around on the streets it feels hot, dirty, and stifling. If I had a car here, it would alleviate all of that entirely. Not that I want a car here, but its the only part of the Philippines that is a sometimes downside.
More on the Philippines..
February 16, 2006
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