I just recently came back from Asia, more specifically the Philippines, most experienced travelers would recommend visiting the different islands to enjoy the nature, the water and the different landscapes that Philippines has to offer, however I didn’t have the luxury of time, I stayed only in Metro Manila and was surprised to find that the bustling city has so much to offer and I had so much fun. Here’s what I discovered after a two-week trip:
1. Some or most students hustle hard, maybe because there are not a lot of laws involving minors working or pan handling but, when I was walking through the busy parts of Eastwood and BGC, I saw some high school students selling sampaguita (national flower of the Philippines) and some sell homemade snacks while still wearing their school uniform. This could mean a few things, that those kids are working on an M.O where they attempt to attract sympathy through the optics of a student working extra hard or the student simply just started hustling right after school. Either way it’s still hustling, isn’t it? I commend those who work hard for their dreams or are simply just trying to pay for school, in such a manner. Their determination is praiseworthy and reflects a vibrant work ethic.
2. Running culture is alive and thriving, I went and visited one of the premier educational institutions in the country, The University of the Philippines (UP) in here the public is allowed to use the sports amenities within the premise and I saw about hundreds if not thousands of running enthusiasts going about their exercise, some are in groups, some are going at it solo, others in a complete outfit and gear while some are just there to meet with friends, kids and adults alike in varying types of outfits walking around, students from different schools are there to mingle and chat, it’s almost like a social gathering, street foods in every corner clothing bazaars, arts and sculptures, ball courts packed with both pro and hobbyists battling, multiple soccer fields filled with different kinds of activities, ballers and cyclists as well, and of course people like me who is there to take photos. It is quite refreshing to see that other than the stereotypical Filipino thing of eating, drinking and karaoke, a more dynamic activity that involves a sense of community so to speak is growing.
3. Traffic is real, not much to say about this, a supposedly 15–20-minute commute becomes an hour ride, although GRAB (Southeast Asian equivalent of UBER) is very cheap and reliable still the traffic within metro manila is unreal. It helps that grab drivers offer refreshments or treats while you acquire their services and most of them are really friendly and knowledgeable about the food scene and what is happening in the whole metropolitan.
4. The Culinary scene, is way better than expected, cheap, delicious and most importantly the variety, the variety of options. Think of any cuisine, any kind any style, metro manila has it, and they do it well, this is not an overreaction because that’s what I did, I was surprised by how much option one shopping mall floor could offer. The price is A plus, it is not as cheap as Vietnam or Thailand but I live in Vancouver Canada so everything will be cheaper outside of my domain.
My most memorable items are, Truffle cream pasta from Nono’s in BGC, Pork belly meal at Gubat in Maginhawa QC, Salted egg wings from Sundays also along Maginhawa street in QC. and everything we had at a breakfast buffet in Balay Dako in Tagaytay.
5. The best shopping malls, hands down. There are about 1 shopping mall per 5 to 10 km within metro manila, and all the malls I have been to are top tier, one can spend a whole day just being inside a mall in the Philippines, everything you need for a day of leisure can be found within, it almost feels like a simulation because mall wants you to be in there, there is so much to do. Again, maybe because shopping malls in British Columbia aren’t it. Malls in the Philippines feels like a small city and they are usually segmented into different departments on each floor, there’s the food court or food hall, which usually is on the basement, the dine in restaurants on the ground level, fashion items such as clothing, accessories and outer wear are on the same floor and then footwear on the next, there is a Cyberzone, where tech, gadgets, cellphones and computers are sold, the remaining floors are often dedicated to home furniture, art galleries, books, school supplies, movie theaters and entertainment areas such as arcades, ice rinks and bowling alleys.
Some of the malls I visited are: Trinoma, SM Megamall, SM North EDSA, Greenhills shopping center, Ayala Malls by the Bay and although not a shopping mall BGC High Street, it’s more of a leisurely shopping area sprawled around the city.
6. Fashion forward, I didn’t know that it was a thing until I saw what was happening there, I thought only New York, London or Paris have fashion street as runways, but BGC apparently is another hotspot for this, as I was meandering around the city center, I see highly fashionable people walking, standing by or taking pictures, stylish locals seem always ready for a photoshoot at any moment. The vibrant street style adds to the city’s charm, transforming busy streets into runways. I thought it might have been fashion week or something, but I heard that people actually put effort into what they wear when going to BGC for a chance to be featured in different magazines, publications or fashion Instagram accounts.
Go and see some of these things for yourself, I totally enjoyed my stay there. I found a lively urban landscape rich with culture, food, and community. The heat may be intense, but the warmth of the people and the energy of the city make it a place worth exploring.
XERGIUS 