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Philippines: Day 9 – Cebu: Fort San Pedro, Basilica of Santo Niño, Taoist Temple

Date: April 25th 2011

I woke up really early today as I had to catch my AirPhil Express flight to Cebu at 7am. I checked out of my hotel and took a taxi from Pasay to the airport. It cost ₱70 ($1.6/€1.2) but I reached the airport in under 20 minutes and there were long queues because of the security checks. I checked in, got my window seat and whipped out my phone to take a few snaps.

NAIA Terminal 2 Manila airport
I paid the airport user fee of PHP200 ($4.5/€3.4), which Aimee told me is something every airport in Philippines makes travellers pay
Ninoy Aquino bust airport Manila Philippines
Philippines' main airport is named after this revolutionary
Ninoy Aquino history Manila airport
And this is his story

My flight was unfortunately delayed by nearly 45 minutes due to poor weather conditions (apparently), but it was better than hearing some flights being cancelled, leaving passengers frustrated.

Aerial photography cloud mountain Philippines
I asked for a window seat because I read online that one could see Mount Pinatubo on this route. Though I feel I ended up on the wrong side.
Aerial photography valley road Philippines
Not that the views were disappointing or anything

Aerial photography Cebu green plateau PhilippinesPhilippines islands Cebu flights

Cebu city aerial photography Philippines
An hour later, we were above Cebu
Cebu shallow waters coral marsh Philippines
Shallow waters along the coast of Cebu

Aerial photography Cebu shallow waters

Cebu airport Airphil Express flight landing Philippines
A little late, but the weather seemed perfectly fine

I called Aimee and informed her about my arrival and she told me where to get a taxi from.

Cebu airport ramp Philippines
Though there were taxis available where I was standing, Aimee told me to get a regular cab from outside this other building
Bridge to Cebu city Philippines
It cost ₱160 ($3.6/€2.7) from airport to where I needed to go

I had reservations at Sugbutel Bed & Bath for two nights. I chose this place because, as per the map, it was close to the pier. I needed it to close to the pier because tomorrow morning, I was to go to the island of Bohol by ferry. But when I arrived at Sugbutel, I must say, I had the look of disappointment on my face. It was bang opposite the pier, sure, but there was little else around it. No restaurants and it didn’t look like it was within city limits. Anyway, I checked in, paid ₱700 ($16/€12) for my dorm bed for two nights and went upstairs.

Sugbutel dorm bed Cebu Philippines
I got an upper bed. It was clean and had all the essentials - universal plug point, night lamp and an air-conditioned room. If you like shipping containers, then the view is fantastic!
Sugbutel dormitory floor Cebu Philippines
This is the dorm floor. Toilets are clean and large enough.

Since today was the only day I had to check out Cebu city, I wasted no time and took a jeepney straight to the first attraction on my list, Fort San Pedro.

Road to fort San Pedro in Cebu Philippines
The ride from Sugbutel took just 5 minutes (cost around ₱7)
Cebu pier ferry Philippines
I walked all the way to the pier to find out when the first ferry to Bohol was
Cebu pier ships Philippines
There are several ferry companies plying daily to the neighbouring islands

Cebu Mariners court Philippines

Fort San Pedro Cebu Philippines
I walked to Fort San Pedro, which is very close to the pier

Cebu tree in front of Fort San Pedro

Fort San Pedro Cebu Philippines entrance
There is an entrance fee of ₱30 to Fort San Pedro
Fort San Pedro Cebu Philippines flag
Fort San Pedro, built by the colonial Spanish in 1783, is one of the oldest in the country

The Founding of Cebu Fort San Pedro Philippines

Fort San Pedro lawn Cebu Philippines
Didn't look very promising from here

Fort San Pedro steps railing Cebu Fort San Pedro wall red flowers Cebu Fort San Pedro domes Cebu Fort San Pedro wall Cebu Philippines Fort San Pedro lawn Cebu Fort San Pedro cannon Cebu Philippines Fort San Pedro wall facing Cebu port office Fort San Pedro shed Cebu Philippines Fort San Pedro gardening Cebu Fort San Pedro corridor pillars Philippines Fort San Pedro lawn Cebu Philippines Fort San Pedro boy fish statue garden Cebu

Fort San Pedro exit Cebu
And that was it! I was done with the fort in 10 minutes.

I felt it was a bit of a waste of money. Maybe it’s because I’ve seen countless forts, both in India and in other places like Malaysia. After a while, they all start to look the same.

Cebu sea near pier
I walked on
Magellan's cross Bank of Philippines islands Cebu
Next up, Magellan's cross

Ferdinand Magellan was a famous Portugese explorer who became the first European to land in the Philippines. He ordered this cross be placed here signifying the arrival of the invaders explorers.

Magellan's cross chapel Cebu Philippines
The cross is housed inside this chapel
Magellan's cross Cebu Philippines
Magellan's cross, it marks the spot where the first Christian Filipinos were baptized
College St .Nino Cebu Philippines
It's right in front of this college
Cebu bakery sweets pastry
I got distracted by the sweet smell coming out of a bakery/eatery/other junk college kids eat/stationary shop attached to the college
Cassava cake Cebu Philippines
Ordered a Cassava cake as it sounded interesting to me. It was quite yummy, though I felt they used a little too much condensed milk for the sweetness
Basilica del Santo Nino church Cebu Philippines
I walked towards Cebu's most famous attraction, the Basilica Minore del Santo Nino, the oldest church in the Philippines
Basilica del Santo Nino red candles Cebu Philippines
Saw a lot of worshipers near these red candles

Basilica del Santo Nino church red candles praying PhilippinesBasilica St. Nino candle holders Cebu Philippines

Basilica St. Nino candles Cebu Philippines
That's a lot of wax...
Basilica del St. Nino candle wax Cebu Philippines
...which is recycled to make new candles I presume

Basilica del Santo Nino saints statues Cebu Philippines

Basilica St. Nino candles fountain Cebu Philippines

St. Nino Basilica church Cebu Philippines
I walked towards the church

Basilica del Santo Nino Cebu PhilippinesEntering Basilica del Santo Nino Cebu Philippines Basilica del Santo Nino church arch Cebu Philippines
Basilica del Santo Nino baby angels Philippines
Basilica del Santo Nino man praying Philippines
Basilica del Santo Nino chairs Cebu Philippines
Basilica del Santo Nino chandeliers Cebu Philippines

Basilica del Santo Nino golden Cebu Philippines

Basilica del Santo Nino Jesus cross Cebu Philippines

Basilica del Santo Nino church figure Cebu PhilippinesBasilica del Santo Nino conversion of locals Philippines

Basilica del Santo Nino ceiling paintings Philippines
Ceiling paintings
Basilica del Santo Nino Cebu Cathedral ceiling
The main ceiling

Basilica del Santo Nino gated hall Cebu Philippines

Basilica del Santo Nino prayers Cebu
It was time to leave
Basilica del Santo Nino Cebu cathedral open hall
Some courtyard right opposite the church

Basilica del Santo Nino christian statues Cebu Basilica del Santo Nino Cebu stone artBasilica del Santo Nino visitors Cebu

Osmena Blvd Santo Nino Jollibee Chowking Cebu
Across the road was a Jollibee (of course) from where I had lunch from

As I sat there, eating my burger, I wondered what to see next. It was only the afternoon and I… felt bored already. Maybe it was the lack of sleep. Anyway, I hopped on a jeepney and decided to go towards Robinsons Mall.

Osmena blvd traffic afternoon Cebu Philippines
I just hopped into any one going straight up the road
Osmena Blvd jeepney name Cebu Philippines
The names of some of these jeepneys 🙂
Cebu city North district pedestrian overbridge
I got down here
Robinsons Place mall Cebu Philippines
And this is Robinsons Place mall. Closed. Like, for good/for renovation/for demolition kind of closed.

I walked around some more, since I didn’t know what else to do.

Cebu Mango Avenue nightlife road Philippines

Robinsons Cybergate Osmena Fuente Cebu Philippines
Robinsons Cybergate is an office building

After converting some dollars at a nearby plaza, I got into another jeepney and decided to head towards the Philippine Taoist Temple.

Cebu provincial capitol building Philippines
Cebu provincial capitol building; take a right from here

The Maxwell hotel Escario street Cebu

Escario street Cebu Philippines
I got down a bit further ahead

From the main road, I was instructed to cross over to a road on the other side.

Entrance to Beverly Hills road Cebu
There were bike taxis (licensed or not, who knows) who offered to take me up for 10 pesos. Since I didn't feel like walking uphill and not knowing how much I would have to walk, I got on.
Road to Philippine Taoist Temple Cebu
Took this sitting behind the driver

It was only a short drive and the driver dropped me at a guarded entrance from where on, he told me, I would have to continue on by foot.

Beverly Hills road Cebu Philippines
Apparently it's private property from here on and so, bike taxis aren't allowed
Beverly hills road Cebu Philippines
Guess what this locality is called -- Beverly Hills 🙂
Philippines Taoist temple from afar Cebu
And that's where I needed to get to
Beverly Hills junction to Taoist temple Cebu
Took the left

Beverly Hills road to Taoist temple Cebu

Beverly Hills uphill road to Taoist temple Cebu
It's a good 10 minute walk

View from Beverly Hills Cebu

Philippine taoist temple entrance Cebu city
The entrance
Philippine Taoist temple garden Cebu
There is no entry ticket or anything

Philippine Taoist temple steps CebuPhilippine Taoist temple lion statue CebuPhilippine Taoist temple drum CebuPhilippine Taoist temple hall Cebu

Philippine Taoist temple prayer hall Cebu
The prayer hall is to the left, but photography of the hall and the idols aren't allowed
Philippine Taoist temple red staircase Cebu
I went up

Philippine Taoist temple inside CebuPhilippine Taoist temple door design Cebu

Beverly hills neighbourhood Cebu
Pretty posh neighbourhood
View from Philippine Taoist temple Cebu
The view from up here

Philippine Taoist temple dragon statues roof Cebu Philippine Taoist temple fisherman statue Cebu

Philippine Taoist temple steps down Cebu
Went back down

Philippine Taoist temple bell Cebu Philippine Taoist temple design CebuPhilippine Taoist temple dragon CebuPhilippines Taoist temple office Cebu

Philippines Taoist temple Cebu panorama
Panorama comprised of 6 shots
Philippine Taoist temple exit Cebu
I was done
Philippine Taoist Temple Inc. second entrance Cebu
I know this temple was built by Chinese businessmen but '... Temple Inc.'?
Cebu Beverly hills stone wall
A lot of rich people live in Beverly Hills, though I wonder which came first -- the name of the hill or the residents?

Road behind Taoist temple Beverly Hills CebuBeverly Hills afternoon sun shadow Cebu PhilippinesWoolbright drive Beverly Hills Cebu Philippines

Villa Beverly Hills Cebu
Nice looking pads
Beverly Hills road downhill Cebu
Walked all the way back down
Cebu Beverly Hills horse riding Philippines
Rich people = own horses
Cebu Beverly hills slum shanty homes Philippines
But just like India, regardless of any fancy name, it doesn't take too long to come back down to the reality of the majority in Cebu
Locals near Beverly hills Cebu
I bought some credit ('load' is the term in Philippines) for my phone and had a drink from here

The bike taxis approached me again and asked me if I would like to go to a higher viewing spot, which was a bit further up from here. They said I could watch the sun set from there. I was honestly bored, so I said “No thanks” and just walked on.

I stepped into a nearby mall, mostly to get some air-con. I dropped by a travel agency and asked them how much a tour to Bohol island tomorrow would cost. They quoted just over ₱3500 which I knew was exorbitant, since I did look it up online and had a fair idea as to how much the tours approximately cost.

I messaged Aimee telling her I was bored in Cebu and she told me to go check out Ayala Mall. So I got into a jeepney and headed to Ayala.

Cebu business park Ayala Philippines
Got down at an area that looked like a business park
Cebu business park IT office building
A lot of IT offices here
Wipro Cebu office Philippines
Well look who's here! (Wipro is an India IT/BPO major)
Ayala mall interiors shops Cebu Philippines
Anyway, this is air-condi... I mean, Ayala Mall
Ayala Mall Convergys call center hiring banners
Call center hiring is all over the mall

30 minutes of store-hopping, got bored (again) and left. I was pretty sleepy by now and decided to just take a taxi back to the pier instead of a jeepney.

Cebu pier at night
This was at 7pm
Supercat office Cebu pier Philippines
Came to the pier for Supercat's office & to know when the first ferry to Tagbilaran (Bohol's capital) was

The tour of Bohol when purchased from Supercat themselves cost around ₱2800. I opted not to buy the tour package and instead, decided to do it myself.

I left the pier and walked back to the main road. As soon as I got to the main road in a minute, I realized why I booked at Sugbutel. You can literally walk to Supercat’s terminal from here.

Pier road Sugbutel Radisson hotel at night
If you don't like Sugbutel's budget offerings, you can move up to the Radisson up ahead

I dropped my camera bag back at the dorm and stepped out again wondering where I could have dinner. There are hardly any eateries outside Sugbutel.

Pier area at night Cebu
The surroundings aren't exactly what you'd call 'great'

But walk all the way up to the Radisson Hotel and right next to it is one big-ass mall!

SM City cebu mall restaurants
Felt stupid just wondering a few minutes back, where I could get some decent food! No dearth of options here.
SM City Cebu mall Philippines
SM City is the biggest mall in Cebu!
SM city Cebu mall foodcourt
I ate from here
SM City Cebu mall shops
Walked around the mall a bit. It was past 8pm and many stores were done for the day.

I walked back to Sugbutel, freshened up and hit the bed early. Tomorrow was going to be another early wake-up call.

I know Cebu residents will be going “Oh, there’s more to Cebu than just these sights you saw!” and you’re probably right. Aimee told me if I headed up north in a vehicle, I could have explored the beaches and other sights Cebu has to offer. But I’m keeping all my “beach and sea” experiences for Palawan, which is why I only used Cebu as a stopover point to get to Bohol and then fly to Palawan.

Previous posts in this series:

Philippines 2011: Day 8 – Manila tour: Rizal Park, Intramuros, Manila Cathedral, China Town

Philippines 2011: Day 7 – Leaving Angeles City for Manila, Mall of Asia

Philippines 2011: Day 6 – Good Friday in San Fernando, San Pedro Cutud Lenten Rites

Philippines 2011: Leaving Sagada for Baguio, and arriving in Angeles city (Days 4 & 5)

Philippines 2011: Day 3 – Sagada’s Lumiang burial cave, Sumaguing cave, Hanging Coffins of Echo valley

Philippines 2011: Day 3 – Banaue town; heading to Sagada via Bontoc

Philippines 2011: Day 2 – Banaue rice terraces; trekking to Batad village

Philippines 2011: Day 1 — Manila American Cemetery and Memorial, Fort Bonifacio

Philippines 2011: Flying over South China Sea for the first time

Other posts in this series:

Philippines 2011: Day 10 – Bohol tour: Chocolate Hills, Loboc river cruise, Tarsiers, churches

Philippines 2011: Day 11 – Arriving in Puerto Princesa, Palawan

Philippines 2011: Day 12 – Puerto Princesa Underground River tour, Palawan

Philippines 2011: Day 13 – Puerto Princesa to El Nido by bus

Philippines 2011: Day 14 – El Nido island hopping tour A and sunset at Las Cabanas beach, Palawan

Philippines 2011: Back to Manila, shopping, and my final thoughts about the country  (Last post)

Philippines 2011: Day 8 – Manila tour: Rizal Park, Intramuros, Manila Cathedral, China Town

Date: April 24th, 2011

Sunday, the concluding seventh day of my first week in Philippines. Today’s itinerary involved meeting my friend Aimee, and then letting her show me around Manila’s famous landmarks.

UN Avenue metro station Manila Philippines
Aimee asked me to get down at U.N. Avenue MRT station (taken on my Nokia E72)

After meeting her at a nearby 7-11, we stocked up on fluids and Aimee told me why its named U.N. Avenue.

UN Avenue Manila Philippines
The World Health Organization has an office here

Aimee first took me to Rizal Park, one of Manila’s largest public parks.

Rizal Luneta park Manila Philippines
It's also called Luneta Park
Rizal Park islands geography display Manila
This used to be filled with water. When viewed from higher ground, it's the geography of the Philippines

Metro Manila skyline buildings Rizal Park Philippines

Rizal Park Sunday morning Manila Philippines
We just walked through the park
National Museum Rizal park Manila Philippines
The National Museum building
Rizal Park Lapu Lapu statue Manila Philippines
That's a statue honouring Lapu Lapu, considered to be Philippines' first national hero
The Orchidarium Manila Philippines
The Orchidarium and Butterfly Pavilion

Rizal Park road Manila Philippines

Rizal park Philippines National heroes Manila
More national heroes
Chinese garden Rizal park Luneta Manila
The Chinese Gardens. They have a Japanese garden too.
Rizal Park Luneta monument Manila Philippines
This monument is in honour of Philippines' greatest patriot, Jose Rizal. It was on these grounds the revolutionary was executed by the Spanish, who colonized Philippines at the time.

Rizal Park statue Manila Philippines

Rizal park map layout Aimee Marie Manila Philippines
Aimee checks where we are

Rizal Park Philippines flag mast Manila hotel Roxas Boulevard

Jose Rizal park Luneta monument Manila Philippines
It was time to leave Rizal Park
Rizal Luneta monument Mithun Manila Philippines
Aimee took one of photo of me and we moved on
Kilometer zero Rizal park Manila Philippines
The clock structure you see on the left is called Kilometer Zero. It serves as a point from which every road is measured.
Horse chariot ride Roxas boulevard Manila Philippines
They have horse cart rides around this area, in which they take you all the way to Intramuros and other tourist attractions
Manila Hotel Roxas boulevard Philippines
The oldest hotel in Manila. Manila Hotel has seen everybody from The Beatles to John F. Kennedy among other famous guests. In other words, a very expensive place to people like you and me.
Plant trees outside Intramuros golf club Manila Philippines
We walked to Intramuros next
Tree plantation Intramuros golf club Manila Philippines
There's a golf course just outside Intramuros
Intramuros pavement sun shade Manila Philippines
It was scorching hot by the way

Department of labor and employment Intramuros Manila Philippines

Intramuros main entrance Sunday Manila Philippines
There is no entrance fee for Intramuros
Intramuros entrance panorama Manila Philippines
Panorama comprised of 9 shots

Intramuros literally means “walled city” and was created during Spanish colonial rule. It’s the oldest district in Manila and one of the city’s biggest tourist attractions. It was built to keep invaders away, although, it eventually failed to do so as years progressed).

Intramuros road school zone Manila Philippines

College of Nursing Intramuros Manila Philippines
There are many colleges and other educational institutions in Intramuros

Silahis arts artifacts Intramuros Manila PhilippinesVictoria Intramuros road Manila Philippines

Colegio De Santa Potenciana Manila Red Cross Intramuros Philippines
This building was formerly the Colegio De Santa Potenciana, the first girl's college in Manila. Now it's used as the office for the Philippines Red Cross.
Patio Victoria Intramuros Manila Philippines
This is a really popular venue for weddings and events
NCCA office Intramuros Manila Philippines
Office of the National Commission for Culture and the Arts
Intramuros filipino children playing Manila Philippines
A few people still call Intramuros their home
San Agustin church back walls Intramuros Manila Philippines
There are two main attractions inside Intramuros. One, the Manila Cathedral and two, the above -- San Agustin Church, the oldest church in Manila.

San Agustin road Intramuros Manila Philippines

Urdaneta house Intramuros Manila Philippines
Intramuros still retains many of the colonial architecture

Intramuros building corner brick roads Manila Philippines

Jojie's jasper classic photography building Intramuros Manila
Despite the modern offerings, the overall classic look is still retained

Intramuros Spanish colonial design door Manila Philippines

San Agustin church cars parked Intramuros Manila Philippines
I wanted to check out San Agustin church, but unfortunately (for me) there was a wedding scheduled for today, being a Sunday that too.
San Agustin church world heritage site Intramuros Philippines
San Agustin church is a UNESCO World Heritage Site
Barbara's hotel Intramuros Manila Philippines
Hotel Intramuros inside

The papier tole shop classic Spanish building Intramuros

Ironcon builders road to Manila cathedral Intramuros Philippines
We walked towards the Manila Cathedral

Building Intramuros Manila PhilippinesManila Cathedral Intramuros Philippines

Manila Cathedral front Intramuros Manila Philippines
We went in
Manila Cathedral hall praying Intramuros Philippines
While Aimee prayed, I continued shooting
Manila cathedral hall gothic architecture Intramuros
I love gothic architecture. Heck, I like all good architecture.

Manila cathedral architecture design interiors PhilippinesManila cathedral Mother Mary Intramuros Philippines

Manila Cathedral interiors ceiling dome Intramuros Philippines
Panorama comprised of 8 shots
Manila Cathedral mother mary statue glass art Philippines
Panorama comprised of 4 shots

Manila cathedral benches Intramuros PhilippinesManila Cathedral organ pipes Intramuros Philippines

Manila Cathedral organ pipes panorama
Panorama comprised of 6 shots
Manila cathedral Christian glass art window Philippines
I have always been enamored by glass art like this
Manila Cathedral pipe organ history
A little bit of history about the very old pipe organ
Manila cathedral pipe organ musical scores
There's a section of the church dedicated to historical trivia and relics

Christian statue Manila Cathedral panorama

Manila cathedral glass painting church Philippines
More wonderful glass paintings

Manila Cathedral mary glass art window PhilippinesManila Cathedral statue glass art window PhilippinesManila Cathedral glass painting Christian art Philippines

Manila cathedral pillars panorama
Panorama comprised of 5 shots

Glass painting art church Manila Cathedral PhilippinesManila Cathedral benches glass art PhilippinesManila cathedral chandeliers dome Intramuros Philippines

Manila Cathedral hall benches Intramuros
We decided to leave
Manila cathedral door carving Philippines
Carvings on the heavy wooden doors of the cathedral

Manila Cathedral door caring Intramuros

Manila Cathedral Intramuros Philippines panorama
Attempted the fish-eye look

Walking out of the cathedral and past some of the ‘No to RH Bill’ banners around, I couldn’t help but turn the conversation about the controversial RH bill. Aimee told me how, even to this day, the Catholic church has such an influence over the people and policies in Philippines. The RH bill is basically aiming to promote the use of contraceptives and family planning in a bid to control population growth.

But what was even more shocking news to me was when Aimee told me divorce is yet to be legalized in Philippines! I mean, I considered a predominantly Christian country to be far more progressive in many regards, besides being educated. Clearly that wasn’t the case in Philippines. Now all the single pregnant women I saw across Philippines made sense. It’s like men abuse the law (or the lack of it) because they know there is little the woman can do.

Casa Rocha Intramuros Manila PhilippinesIntramuros house flower pots ManilaIntramuros building Manila Philippines

Intramuros way to Fort Santiago Manila
Aimee took me next to Fort Santiago. Entrance fee was a steep PHP75.

Fort Santiago garden sculpture Intramuros Manila

Fort Santiago wall Intramuros Manila Philippines
The fort is of historical importance because it was where national hero Jose Rizal was imprisoned before his death

Fort Santiago pool Intramuros Manila Fort Santiago history fact Manila PhilippinesFort Santiago entrance Intramuros ManilaFort Santiago plants vines ManilaFort Santiago brick wall Manila

Fort Santiago wall path Intramuros Manila
We walked along the walls
View from Fort Santiago Manila
The view from the Fort
Fort Santiago prison cells Manila
Chambers used to hold prisoners
Pasig river behind Fort Santiago Manila Philippines
Got distracted by Pasig river
Pasig river slum children swimming Manila Philippines
There were children jumping into the river for a swim

Manila children jumping in Pasig river Philippines Tugboats Pasig river Manila PhilippinesAnyway, back to Fort Santiago.

Fort Santiago coins prison Manila
People throw coins into these chambers now... I don't know why
Fort Santiago dungeons Manila Philippines
Walked around to the side where you had these dungeons

Palm trees Fort Santiago Manila Philippines

Jose Rizal statue Fort Santiago Intramuros Manila
The man himself, Jose Rizal

Rajah Sulayman Theater Fort Santiago Manila Philippines

Jose Rizal's steps Fort Santiago Philippines
They re-trace Rizal's final steps before he was executed by the Spaniards

Fort Santiago Rizal last walk map Intramuros

Rizal's final steps Fort Santiago Philippines Rizal last walk golden steps Intramuros PhilippinesFort Santiago Rizal last walk ManilaFort Santiago water pool Philippines flagFort Santiago ducks pond ManilaIntramuros tram ride Manila Philippines

House near Fort Santiago Intramuros Manila
We left Fort Santiago

Brick road Intramuros Manila Philippines

Manila Cathedral zebra crossing Intramuros Philippines
We walked past Manila Cathedral again

Manila Cathedral ambulance Intramuros Philippines Old building Intramuros Manila PhilippinesIntramuros graffiti Manila PhilippinesGraffiti Intramuros walls Manila PhilippinesTamayo's catering building Intramuros Manila PhilippinesWe walked back to San Agustin church hoping the wedding would have been over by now…

San Agustin church door wooden carving Intramuros
... but it wasn't. So I took a photo of the door and left.
Marine Officer's Seamen Union Philippines Manila
HQ of the Associated Marine Officers and Seamen's Union of the Philippines
Houses Intramuros Manila Philippines
We decided to have lunch
Filipino food chicken gravy beans rice Intramuros Manila
Stepped inside a small eatery and had some Filipino food. Totally came to PHP62 ($1.4/€1)
Intramuros alley Manila Philippines
We resumed our walk

Intramuros arches Manila PhilippinesSan Francisco building Intramuros ManilaIntramuros Lyceum road Manila PhilippinesLyceum Philippines University Intramuros ManilaIntramuros wall ramp ManilaBrick wall boundary IntramurosIntramuros kids playing ManilaIntramuros dormitory better billiards ManilaHerald newspapers building Intramuros ManilaIntramuros wall walk ManilaIntramuros wall walk Manila Philippines

Intramuros exit entrance Manila
We finally decided to leave Intramuros
Intramuros entrance under the bridge Manila
We left via another exit
Manila post office building fountain Philippines
Manila Post Office building
Manila Metropolitan Theater Philippines
The Manila Metropolitan Theater, renovated many times over but hardly in use nowadays
Way to Chinatown Manila
Aimee and I now walked towards 'Chinatown,' known locally as Binondo
Chinatown bridge Manila
We walked across a bridge

Bridge to Chinatown Manila Philippines

Bridge to Chinatown graffiti Manila
The bridge was decorated with lights...and graffiti
Pasig river Manila Philippines
Pasig river
Way to Chinatown fountain Manila
Not a very glamorous entrance, but apparently Manila's Chinatown is the oldest in the world
Arch of Goodwill Chinatown entrance Manila
This is the most famous street in Chinatown
Ongpin street Chinatown Manila Philippines
Ongpin is what it's called
Ongpin jewelry center Chinatown Manila
A lot of jewelry stores here
Chinatown betting OTB locals Manila
Betting on horse races is a popular pass time for many (broke) locals

Chinatown Manila afternoon PhilippinesGolden stone KTV Chinatown Manila

Hopia mooncakes Filipino sweets Chinatown Manila
We (okay, okay... I) got distracted by the sweet smell of fresh hopias (mooncakes) being made at this bakery. Ended up buying a pack.
Aimee Marie Chinatown vegetable market Manila Philippines
Aimee, my wonderful 'guide' throughout Manila. She enjoys walking a lot just as much as I do.

Royal garden far eastern moon cake Chinatown ManilaChinatown bridge ManilaBlack spots polluted river Chinatown ManilaChinatown residential apartments Manila Philippines

Election posters criminal mugshots Chinatown Manila
Those photos make them look like wanted criminals. Oh wait, politicians, same thing.
Manila Chinatown Mithun Divakaran Philippines
One shot of yours truly before leaving Chinatown

Ongpin street Chinese god worship Manila

Chinatown purple fire engines Manila
Chinatown gets cool looking purple fire trucks!
Chinatown Ongpin street security cameras Manila
Since a lot of affluent businessmen in Manila are Chinese, kidnappings are high. Aimee told me they have security cameras installed on this street.
Binodo church Ongpin street Manila
At the end of Ongpin street is Binondo church, also known as Minor Basilica of St. Lorenzo Ruiz
Binodo church Sunday prayers Manila
Today was Easter Sunday
Binondo church Chinatown Manila Philippines
The church was first erected in 1596, making it one of the oldest churches in Manila

Aimee decided it was enough of walking. She and I got into a jeepney and we thought of watching the sunset at Manila Bay.

Pedro Gil road to Robinsons Place Malate Manila
We got down near Pedro Gil MRT and walked up the road
Philippines Supreme court Manila Malate
Passed by the Supreme Court
Robinsons Place mall Malate Manila Philippines
We went inside one of Manila's most popular malls
Robinsons Place mall Cabalen Malate Manila Philippines
Plus we felt like soaking up some a/c
Robinsons Place mall elevator fountain Manila
Despite being a few years old, Robinsons Place is still very popular
Malate jeepney trike
We stepped out of the mall and made our way towards the bay
Roxas boulevard road Manila bay evening
Roxas boulevard

Manila Bay high rise buildings PhilippinesWe sat on the ledge and gave our feet a break.

Manila Bay American Embassy Philippines
The white building is the United States Embassy
Manila Bay sunset Aimee Marie Manila
A big thanks to this girl for making the most of my day. I don't think I could have seen everything that I saw today for less than 100 pesos if it weren't for her.
Hotel H2O Manila Ocean park Philippines
That's Hotel H2O, part of Manila Ocean Park
Manila sunset golden sea Philippines
The sunset was wonderful, as always. Look how golden the water is.
Manila Bay Dog walking Philippines
The whole experience is a nice one, even for dogs

Except for a tiny incident which abruptly disappointed me… but I promised Aimee I wouldn’t mention it in the blog. So anyway, time to leave.

Roxas Boulevard hotel Manila bay lights at nightRoxas blvd at night Manila bay Philippines

Roxas boulevard at night Manila Bay Philippines

We walked back to Malate.

Rajah statue fountain Manila Bay Philippines sunset

Malate Church manila bay Philippines
Malate Church
Malate Church sunday evening mass Manila Philippines
Easter Sunday prayers still going on
Robinson Place levels Manila Philippines
We went back to Robinsons Place because I now needed to look for something for my lens *cough*Aimee'sfault*cough*
Robinson Place mall stores Manila Philippines
Scanned a lot of electronics stores but no luck
Jailbreak services chicken Robinsons Place mall Manila
By the way, saw this at some store at Robinsons. I get everything mentioned here... except for the 'chicken' part. Could somebody tell me what it is?

We eventually left the mall as it was getting late for Aimee. We said our goodbyes and she told me which jeepney to get into to head back to Pasay, where I was staying at the Kabayan Hotel.

So that was my Sunday in Manila. Lots of photos, I know! Tomorrow, I begin the second leg of my journey across the Philippines and for the next seven days, it’s all islands. So here come the blue waters!

Previous posts in this series:

Philippines 2011: Day 7 – Leaving Angeles City for Manila, Mall of Asia

Philippines 2011: Day 6 – Good Friday in San Fernando, San Pedro Cutud Lenten Rites

Philippines 2011: Leaving Sagada for Baguio, and arriving in Angeles city (Days 4 & 5)

Philippines 2011: Day 3 – Sagada’s Lumiang burial cave, Sumaguing cave, Hanging Coffins of Echo valley

Philippines 2011: Day 3 – Banaue town; heading to Sagada via Bontoc

Philippines 2011: Day 2 – Banaue rice terraces; trekking to Batad village

Philippines 2011: Day 1 — Manila American Cemetery and Memorial, Fort Bonifacio

Philippines 2011: Flying over South China Sea for the first time

Other posts in this series:

Philippines 2011: Day 9 – Cebu: Fort San Pedro, Basilica of Santo Niño, Taoist Temple

Philippines 2011: Day 10 – Bohol tour: Chocolate Hills, Loboc river cruise, Tarsiers, churches

Philippines 2011: Day 11 – Arriving in Puerto Princesa, Palawan

Philippines 2011: Day 12 – Puerto Princesa Underground River tour, Palawan

Philippines 2011: Day 13 – Puerto Princesa to El Nido by bus

Philippines 2011: Day 14 – El Nido island hopping tour A and sunset at Las Cabanas beach, Palawan

Philippines 2011: Back to Manila, shopping, and my final thoughts about the country  (Last post)

Philippines 2011: Day 7 – Leaving Angeles City for Manila, Mall of Asia

Date: April 23rd 2011

After yesterday’s grueling photo session, I enjoyed a really good sleep. A little too well I suppose. I got up around 11am and only had ‘breakfast’ by noon. Given it was officially half-day, it was too late for me to go to Mount Pinatubo, which I thought of doing today. Because for that, I should get there early since it involves trekking up to the now dormant volcano.

I could have stayed another day in Angeles City and checked out Clark, but in the end, I decided head back to Manila. Figured if I ever come to Philippines again, Angeles City isn’t too far from Manila and I can do Mount Pinatubo & Clark Duty Free then.

I checked out of Red Tulip Hotel and took a trike to Dau bus terminal.

Bus ticket Angeles City to Manila Philippines
They punch the ticket. Notice the 100 and the 8 on the top right (₱108 = $2.5/€1.8).
Bus journey Dau to  Manila mountain Philippines
Was that Mount Pinatubo?

Bus journey from Dau to Manila farm land Philippines

Bus journey from Dau to Manila farm countryside
The journey to Manila took less than one and half hours

I reached Manila by 2pm and I had no clue where in the city I was. All I told the bus folks were that I needed to go to Pasay. They stopped under a big flyover and asked me to get down, saying I can easily get to Pasay from here.

SM Megamall Shangri-la hotel Manila Philippines
Hailed a taxi, passed by an SM Mall and even Accenture's office
Inside Manila taxi to Pasay Philippines
It was one straight drive, but it cost ₱140 ($3.2/€2.3)! I was NOT happy about spending more on a short drive to Pasay than I did getting to Manila by bus!

I had booked a dorm bed for two nights at Kabayan Hotel, a place I liked a lot. I had to catch an early morning flight to Cebu, so I was going to check out by 5am on Monday.

Kabayan Pasay dorm room bed cupboard Manila Philippines
I got the upper bed. A/C dorm, ₱550 when I booked it. Website lists ₱610 ($14/€10) now. I still think it's worth it. You get all the usual Kabayan inclusions like set breakfast AND lunch, with complimentary wi-fi.
Kabayan Pasay dormitory room cupboard Manila Philippines
Pillow and towel inside the locker. The locker came in handy, since I could keep my camera bag inside it and go out. Most hostels charge extra for lockers, and they are usually outside your room.
Kabayan Pasay dorm room restroom Manila Philippines
They have a well kept toilet and shower inside the room
Kabayan Pasay hotel dormitory hall Manila Philippines
The hallway looks like every other hallway on the other floors. Kabayan doesn't make you feel cheap even if you are staying in the dormitory.
Kabayan Pasay hotel male restroom Manila Philippines
If the toilet in your room is occupied, there are many toilets and shower rooms on the floor
Pasay MRT station Manila Philippines
I stepped out with just my 7D and the Tamron lens attached. I wanted to travel light for once. This is the scene just outside Kabayan and the Pasay MRT station.

I boarded a jeepney and decided to check out Mall of Asia, which was very close by.

Jeepney to Mall of Asia Manila Philippines
I don't remember how much the fare was exactly, but I believe it was around ₱10
SM buildings near Mall of Asia Philippines
The journey takes just 5 minutes from Pasay MRT

Mall of Asia jeepney drop off point Manila PhilippinesWhen it opened in 2006, Mall of Asia was the largest shopping mall in Asia, but has since moved down to third place after Dubai Mall‘s arrival.

Mall of Asia entrance Manila Philippines
I had to take multiple shots using the Tamron lens to get wide shots like this
Mall of Asia Panorama shot
Merging three shots to create this wide shot unfortunately cost that white man his head. Sorry dude, blame Photoshop.
Mall of Asia entrance Filipino crowd Manila
Today was a Saturday, so it was expected the mall was going to be crowded
Mall of Asia store directory guide Manila Philippines
The virtual mall directory assistant

Inside Mall of Asia shop levels

Mall of Asia SMDC property exhibition Manila
There was a small exhibition of properties by SMDC (SM Corp. is the largest property company in Philippines).

Being curious as to how much the cost of apartments were in Manila, I acted as a potential buyer and checked out the properties on offer. A lot of the apartment sizes (compared to India) were pretty small. ‘Large’ flats were 1000-1200sqft, while there were plenty of studios on offer. Prices for apartments ranged from 2 million to 4 million pesos and higher. Expensive, I initially thought. Maybe its because most of the buyers they target are OFWs (Overseas Filipino Workers), who earn higher wages.

But then I realized that it’s 2,000,000-4,000,000+ Philippines pesos. I mentally re-arranged the zeroes into the Indian numeric system and realized that’s 20,00,000 to 40,00,000 (lakh) rupees! It struck me as affordable — and that too in a city like Manila, which has far better infrastructure than most Indian cities! (Yes Filipinos, complain all you want about Manila. Visit Mumbai/Bombay and then compare the two. You’ll appreciate Manila a lot more.)

It pissed me off (not the first time) thinking how over-priced and unjustified the Indian real estate market is. For a minute, I even considered moving to Manila. Then I thought about the lack of Indian food here, and the frequent typhoons.

Back to the mall.

Mall of Asia Ace hardware store Manila Philippines
They have an ACE Hardware outlet here

Mall of Asia ice skate rink Philippines

Inside Mall of Asia ice skating rink Manila Philippines
People watching other people skate
Mall of Asia SM ice skating rink Manila Philippines
This is an Olympic-sized ice rink
ABC music store Justin Bieber 2AM poster Manila
The Biebs was going to be in Manila. Unfortunately, I would miss the opportunity to see 2AM live as I would be travelling that day. They're really good! Loved 'Saint O'Clock'!
Mall of Asia cinema movietime multiplex Philippines
They also have an IMAX screen at the multiplex

Inside Mall of Asia trees Manila Philippines

Mall of Asia roll coin rolling faster Philippines
A novel contraption that makes you curious how fast some coins take to reach the hole. Also a novel way for the mall to get free change.
Mall of Asia bridge to promenade
I decided to walk to the promenade

Mall of Asia balcony baywalk Manila PhilippinesMall of Asia baywalk road Manila Philippines

Mall of Asia esplanade road Manila Philippines
There are over-bridges to get to the Baywalk
Manila baywalk restaurants parking Philippines
Plenty of restaurants by the bay
Manila baywalk evening sun Philippines
Watching the sun set by the bay is a popular activity
Manila baywalk Saturday evening crowd Philippines
Scores of people visit the Baywalk in the evenings. More so on weekends.
Manila baywalk children's playground Philippines
Packed with families too!

Mall of Asia promenade bay restaurants Manila Philippines

Mall of Asia baywalk music Manila Philippines
They have band performances here

Manila baywalk local sitting Philippines

Manila Port bay Philippines
Manila Port
Mall of Asia baywalk zip line Manila Philippines
They also have fun zip line activities

Mall of Asia zip line baywalk Manila baywalk zip line mall of asia PhilippinesManila baywalk zipline end Philippines

Mall of Asia Manila panorama
Panorama comprised of 11 shots
Philippines working heroes statue Manny Manila baywalk
A stature paying tribute to hard working Filipinos -- and Manny Pacquiao, the most famous Filipino in the world currently.
Filipino jabbawokeez dancers Manila baywalk Philippines
Faux Jabbawockeez preparing to do... something

Manila baywalk bungee fun Philippines Manila baywalk sunset PhilippinesBaywalk Manila crowds Saturday PhilippinesFilipino couple watching sunset Manila baywalk PhilippinesManila Baywalk filipinos sitting sunset Philippines

Manila baywalk Jabbawockeez mall of asia Philippines
People had gathered to see faux Jabbawockeez perform. Though these guys seemed like a mime act.
Mall of Asia convention center Manila Philippines
The convention center, where Maroon 5 was also scheduled to perform in a few days
Manila baywalk zipline Filipino mall of asia
"Hello to you too!"
Manila baywalk zipline above crowds Philippines
I decided to walk back to the mall and come back once the sun had set

Mall of Asia sunset view baywalk Manila PhilippinesManila baywalk mall of asia zip line queueManila baywalk mall of asia road PhilippinesManila baywalk evening crowds PhilippinesMall of Asia Justin Bieber poster Manila Philippines

Mall of Asia stores Manila Philippines
The interiors of this big mall aren't all that impressive, but then nothing is, compared to Dubai Mall
Mall of Asia led globe Manila Philippines
This globe apparently lights up at night
Mall of Asia interiors stairs panorama
Back outside...
Evening sunset baywalk Manila Philippines
Love the colours!

Given it was really humid, I craved for some ice cream. Bought one, which began melting by the time I tore through the paper wrapping. Had to gulp it up quick.

Mall of Asia baywalk Manila at night
Left the baywalk once it had gotten dark
SM mall of asia at night Manila Philippines
There was little else left to see

Comics Alley Camerahaus Mall of Asia Manila PhilippinesMall of Asia Stoked The North Face branch Manila PhilippinesMall of Asia evening crowds Manila PhilippinesDespite being one of the most famous malls in Philippines, Mall of Asia still offers a lot of affordable shopping. It isn’t one of those glamorous malls that draws a lot of people in but where you hardly see any of them actually shopping. There’s something for everyone at Mall of Asia.

Mall of Asia Globamaze LED advertising Manila Philippines
The LED globe was lit, and was showing ads among other visuals

Mall of Asia globamaze led at night Manila Philippines I really didn’t have anything else planned after this. My friend Aimee and I had initially thought of catching up, but we decided to push it to Sunday as she was going to show me around Manila tomorrow.

I took a jeepney and headed back to Kabayan Hotel. I left the camera in my locker and decided to take a stroll camera-free for a change.

Pasay pedestrian bridge Manila at night
I decided to explore the Pasay area a bit more, which wasn't a very clean area to be honest
Pasay market under MRT track Manila Philippines
I began walking under the other line of the MRT and came across what looked like a street market
Pasay flea market under MRT track Manila Philippines
Hawkers selling everything from fake goods, toys, fruits, clothes, t-shirts, pirated CDs and other fashion accessories
Pasay street market under MRT track Manila Philippines
It extends a fairly long way
Pasay market end of MRT track Manila Philippines
I walked all the way to the end of the track

And then I walked all the way back. Quite an unexpected discovery this was for me. I refrained from buying anything though, as I decided I would keep all my shopping for the last two days of this trip.

When I got back to the main Pasay junction, I decided to try out Chowking, the Chinese food offering from the owners of Jollibee.

Chowking pork fried rice root beer combo meal
Ordered their pork fried rice, dumplings and root beer combo meal for ₱80 ($1.8/€1.3). How was it? Bleurgh! Probably the worst fried rice I've ever tasted. The momos were alright, but then again, how hard is it to screw that up. Sorry Chowking.

After the poor dinner, I went back to my room and decided to spend a few hours on the internet.

Kabayan hotel Pasay recreation hall Manila
The dormitory floor has a recreation lounge with a big screen TV, comfy chairs, and a few computers. You can bring your laptop here and use the wi-fi. Even though the speed wasn't great, I wasn't complaining. I have never experienced such a value-for-money hotel anywhere!

If I ever decide to start a hotel of my own, I would look to Kabayan for inspiration. I really appreciated the quality of service Kabayan offers its customers.

So this what I did today. Basically, nothing much.

Previous posts in this series:

Philippines 2011: Day 6 – Good Friday in San Fernando, San Pedro Cutud Lenten Rites

Philippines 2011: Leaving Sagada for Baguio, and arriving in Angeles city (Days 4 & 5)

Philippines 2011: Day 3 – Sagada’s Lumiang burial cave, Sumaguing cave, Hanging Coffins of Echo valley

Philippines 2011: Day 3 – Banaue town; heading to Sagada via Bontoc

Philippines 2011: Day 2 – Banaue rice terraces; trekking to Batad village

Philippines 2011: Day 1 — Manila American Cemetery and Memorial, Fort Bonifacio

Philippines 2011: Flying over South China Sea for the first time

Other posts in this series:

Philippines 2011: Day 8 – Manila tour: Rizal Park, Intramuros, Manila Cathedral, China Town

Philippines 2011: Day 9 – Cebu: Fort San Pedro, Basilica of Santo Niño, Taoist Temple

Philippines 2011: Day 10 – Bohol tour: Chocolate Hills, Loboc river cruise, Tarsiers, churches

Philippines 2011: Day 11 – Arriving in Puerto Princesa, Palawan

Philippines 2011: Day 12 – Puerto Princesa Underground River tour, Palawan

Philippines 2011: Day 13 – Puerto Princesa to El Nido by bus

Philippines 2011: Day 14 – El Nido island hopping tour A and sunset at Las Cabanas beach, Palawan

Philippines 2011: Back to Manila, shopping, and my final thoughts about the country  (Last post)

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