This promdi does go the big city every now and then. Every occasion to do so is a test of my surviving skills in the concrete jungle that is Metro Manila. One thing I’ve learned in order to get around the metropolis is to bring loads of cash for taxi cab or bring a friend who knows the way. I chose the latter.
I was fortunate to be a blog partner for the Money Summit and Wealth Expo by Learning Curve so there I was, frolicking around Manila. It was my first time to land at the NAIA 3, so that tells you how long I haven’t been to Metro Manila.
We stayed at Bayview Park Hotel so we were quite near the major sites along Roxas Boulevard. So, guess where a promdi like me would go whenever in Metro Manila?
Quirino Grand Stand
We arrived in Manila on July 1, 2010 so we’re late for the inauguration of President Noynoy Aquino. But that doesn’t mean we can’t go the Quirino Grandstand. Workers were already clearing the area when we get there. Imagine just a day before there were thousands of people who flocked here to witness the inauguration.
Manila Ocean Park
Walang ganito sa probinsya namin! Sayang, we did not get to go inside. I’m saving my money for shopping, that’s why. My favorite motto is “take nothing but pictures” so that’s all I did at the Manila Ocean Park.
We also checked out H2O Hotel. It has a nice interior and a good view of the Manila Bay sunset. The staff were friendly and they let us have our pictures taken at the lobby.
Manila Hotel
We’re feeling sushal. I felt a little awkward at first. You know, a shy promdi girl venturing inside one of the Philippines’ most sushalan hotel. Ok lang if we plan to stay there but all we want to do is to make usyuso. The lobby of Manila Hotel was so big I sort of felt the eyes of the staff were on us when we entered. And they have their own x-ray machines! Not one, but two! Oh dear, good thing I did not bring my balisong. They scan you when you enter and when you leave the hotel. Just in case you bring out some fine cutlery with you.
Manila Hotel was built in 1912 so it’s already a historical landmark. Many famous personalities have stayed here and Douglas McArthur may be the most well known among them. Paintings of Amorsolo adorned the hotel’s lobby. It’s a pity we’re not available to attend the walking tour of Carlos Celdran.
Mall of Asia
There are SM Cities almost in every major city in the country but there’s only one SM Mall of Asia. Of course, this promdi has been there several times but MOA will always be part of my itinerary. I bought some bags on sale and ate at Teriyaki Boy. Ngek! Teriyaki Boy? Haller! wala kaya nun sa amin.
Rockwell
Of course, we will not miss to go to Rockwell. This is where most of Makati’s sushalan people can be seen on weekends. We saw Adel Tamano, Gretchen Barreto and Tony Boy Cojuanco. We bought some shirts at Collezione and ate at Korean Restaurant Kaya.
After four days at the metro, I long to go back to the province. It’s so expensive to live here. But then, it’s nice to visit once or twice a year. It’s nice to play manol during these occasions.
