Missing Manila

Written by Warren |Posted on September 11, 2008 | Comments

A few more days and we’ve already stayed in Angeles for 4 months
I can’t believe I’d survive in a place like this
I’ve never been away from Manila for more than 2 weeks
but now here I am
my lifestyle was forcefully changed in an instant
I have made a list here of the things I miss in Manila

- – -
Greenbelt 3 Mall at Makati
this is where I hang out with friends
buy clothes, cds, etc
this is also where my favorite movie house is located
- – -
Saisaki at Glorietta mall, Makati
I just love japanese food
eat all you can salmon and tuna sashimi, futomakis, sukiyakis, tempuras…etc
what a great way to celebrate events and pamper yourself by eating
- – -
Gold’s Gym at Glorietta mall, Makati
though I only worked out here for less than a year,
I have to say that it has really cool amenities
hot showers
steam baths
fresh towels from the counter
TV in all treadmill machines
lounge area where I can rest before I hit the shower
such a relaxing way to spend time right after work
- – -
Chinatown Manila
the smell of horse urine
somehow made me feel at home
not because our house smells similar
but because I also spent my early toddler years there
also where I was born and raised for 3yrs I think
the food here is authentic chinese
you know those chinese restaurants around Makati or other big cities?
they’re not even close to the food from Chinatown
plus the food in Chinatown is cheaper
only you can get occasional dirts from it
Hazel made a post concerning Chinatown for more details
- – -
Trinoma mall
where Hazel and I would read books over coffee right after work
- – -
Here are the things that we really don’t miss and in fact we’re thankful that we’re not experiencing them on a daily basis at least:
- – -
Manila traffic
its everywhere!
traffic in the MRTransit
so crowded
even if you came in early you’re still always late
disorganized traffic police men
dirty streets
walking the streets you need to watch your feet and watch your head at the same time
not to mention watch for pick pockets
- – -
Everything is far from each other
like when you need to do a simple task
you need to plan at least 1 week ahead
and you’re gonna expect to spend the rest of the day for it
that is why keeping up with your social life is too difficult
everyone has their organizers filled up
- – -
so those are just about it
but all in all it was really quite a big leap of faith for me to move away from Manila
and we thank God for His continuing support and grace for our family inspite of the risk we took