Philippines Expat and Travel Blog April Archive

Manila - A Giant Recreational City

By Kristy May Sandejas at 04/17/08 11:01

This morning I received an invitation for an art exhibit of my friend. It will be an exhibit that will feature his great paintings, poetries and other art composition. I was surprised that he turned out to become a very successful person of the art. When we were still in college, he always rant about being force to enter the course by his parents. He said he really wanted to take fine arts, but cannot afford to defy his parents will. But who cares now, even if he did not achieved the degree, he still became a very famous modern artist.

Another friend of ours was also invited, and we decided that we will go there together. We will sleep on their house in Makati City and the next day, we will tour Manila. It undeniable that for the past 3 years, Manila had undergone a very huge renovation and the results are just spectacular.

Our first planned destination for that day will start at 9 am with the opening of Mall Of Asia to buy something for the long road ahead of our journey. The next destination is to visit the Metropolitan Museum of Manila or commonly known as Ang Museo ng Bangko Sentral (Museum of the Central Bank) because the museum building is inside the Central Bank compound. After visiting the museum, we will walk our way to the Luneta Park, a very common park in Manila, I believe it is also the biggest open park in the country. It is also the place where the monument of the national hero Jose Rizal is located.

We are also planning to witness the globally known Manila Bay sunset, considered as one of the greatest sunset in the world. The Manila Bay, just a few blocks away from the Manila Yacht Club, is also a few walks away from the Philippine Navy headquarters where there is also a museum of naval vehicles.

After that, we plan to visit the Cultural Center of the Philippines to see a show that will end around 7pm. Just beside CCP is the Star City, a small theme park but has world class rides and amenities. Really, Manila has turned into a giant city for recreation where recreation facilities are always close to each other and you don't have to travel anymore.

International Pubs and Bars - Metro Manila

Last night I got the chance to sneak into some of the most private and expensive bars around Manila. Did it out of boredom. I just want to see what the night can offer me for it has been a long long time when I last go out at night. I was with a friend and hr drives the car while I give him the waypoints to our destinations.

I was surprised to see that even if most of the country is experiencing poverty, there are still a lot of people dancing their night out and partying till dawn and drinking themselves at max.

Our first stop was Hard Rock Cafe in Makati. This franchise has been in the country for almost 15 years and I grew up celebrating every graduation or high celebrations here. And I kind of miss it. The place has not change though time, only a few additions like bigger space due to their expansion and more options for drinks and food. There are more people partying than before. I saw the owner, he still recognizes me. Talked for a few minutes and we went out.

On the same street where Hard Rock is located, TGI Friday's and Street Life can also be found. Both bars are pretty good. Known internationally for their service and good selections. But since I don't drink beers nor smoke, I cannot comment on how good their beverages are. But according to my friend its great, and maybe one of the best. They have their own micro brewery inside their own buildings that make it easier for them to make it and serve it.

After that we head onto our next destination, the very famous Nirvana Pub along Taft Avenue in Manila. Nirvana is a chain of pubs and bars from Malaysia, Thailand, Hong Kong and Macau. Nirvana was constructed when I was still in college and it is a common sight and also a landmark if you are aboard the LRT 1. Nirvana has always been busy. It was never without a customer. It was never dull and it is always the place for people looking for bonding moments or meeting new friends.

It was a fun night, and great while looking at the lights fading as we went home.

Free Hugs Manila Campaign

The Free Hugs Campaign already reached Manila last July 5 2007. The Free Hugs Campaign is a worldwide initiative by the Free Hugs Organization and they believe that sometimes, a hug is all we need. True indeed, we all need some hug sometimes.

YouTube Video

The result of the campaign in Manila is very positive. It is evident in the video that it only takes a single hug to give smile to other people.

Filipinos are known for being friendly, welcoming, respectful and emotional. Yes, emotional. And a simple hug means a lot. That is the reason why a lot of people participated in the campaign.

At 0:57 in the video, you can see how much love a simple hug means to a friend. That boy was me, hugging my dear friend Amanda, an advocate for the Free Hugs Campaign.

This campaign aims to give and show some love for our fellows, that even in the middle of the street, in the middle of a hot day, or even at night, love is just waiting around the corner. A hug simply makes you believe that the people around you are your friends thus you need not to worry about your surrounding. Hugging someone is simply relaying that you have a friend and that you are safe with me.

The Free Hugs indeed knocked on the heart of Pinoys. And I'm excited for the next Free Hugs Campaign.

Hug me, people!