Intramuros, Binondo, and CCP Complex

The revival of Intramuros and Roxas Blvd as a destination for people looking for a nightlife is part of Mayor Atienza's beautification process. Jon, being a med student, complains that his focus is entirely on that aspect that he has neglected health services. Encouraged by Atienza's fascination with raising pride in the history of glorious Manila, the Filipino-Chinese community would not be left behind... the Chinese community in Manila existed as far back or maybe even farther than the Spanish era.

This afternoon, the first Inter-school Lion Dance Competition was held at Ongpin Street Binondo. There were ten groups competing from around 6 or 8 Chinese schools. Some schools sent two teams. It turns out that there are two variations to the Lion Dance ... one is "Lion waking in a cave" and the other is "Lion crossing a bridge". The schools who sent in two teams showed both.

The competition was supposed to start 4pm, but it begun much later - probably because the organizers waited for the politicians to arrive. Jon and I watched the first five teams and the exhibition by the fire volunteers of Binondo. We met Victor who passed by Ongpin on the way to his in-laws' place. Victor is half Chinese and rents a room in Binondo.



It was past seven when we left Ongpin street. We passed by Eng Bee Tin to buy some hopia, machang, peanuts, sweet tapa, and ofcourse the food associated with Chinese New Year - Tikoy! We wanted to eat in a Chinese restaurant but didn't know which one was good or what food to order. While we were figuring out where to exit from Soler Street, I met an old college friend, Roanna Ong. Well, she was Ong when we were studying, I don't know her married name now. Roanna was walking with an older woman and seemed to be in a hurry so we just exchanged his... I never got far to asking how the hell do we get out of Chinatown.

We finally found our way out when we saw some jeepneys. Jon and I ate dinner at Max's Restaurant in Harrison Plaza.

Afterwards, we trekked over to the CCP to view the Amazing World of Lights and Lanterns ... which I've seen but Jon hasn't. We were lucky to catch part of the show featuring Chinese acrobats.




A couple of the lanterns:


One of the dioramas:


After seeing all ten lanterns, we crossed over to the next block to Star City.

I haven't been there since I was in college and since then, they've added new rides, a theater, and a second floor. Most of the rides that used to be in open air are now under a roof. The layout's crazy that it seems like you're walking through a glass maze that one would put a pet mouse in. Going through loads of people in a maze like layout means an eventual head ache.



Around 11pm, Jon and I left and passed by Starbucks before heading home. We were surprised to find out Papa did not eat dinner because he was waiting for us to arrive with his machang!

A Day in Manila

Met Sam at Beraldi's Cafe in SM Southmall. We could have gone to Tagaytay, but went to Intramuros instead. Good thing we both brought our student IDs (I'm taking my MBA, she's gone back to school to get a music degree) ... we were able to visit the San Agustin Museum and Casa Manila at discounted prices.

We totally loved Padre Blanco's Garden at San Agustin ... we both agree that it's one of those gardens one would love to wake up to in the morning. It's the only place that one can take pictures of ... taking pictures, especially with a flash, is forbidden in the other parts of the San Agustin Museum.


In Fr. Blanco's garden.


A view of Fr. Blanco's garden from the San Agustin Museum window.

We also visited Casa Manila - a preserved house from the old Intramuros days. You get an idea of how life was walking through the house. Too bad taking pictures inside is also prohibited.

Pictures outside Casa Manila.



Saw a calesa being drawn by a carabao. It was full, so apparently, people pay to enjoy the ride.



After walking on a part of the wall, we left Intramuros, crossed Roxas Boulevard and headed towards the boardwalk at Manila Bay.

The Christmas lights are still there and the place looks pretty at night. It was evening and we decided to eat ... we ended up eating at Cafe Adriatico's stall by Roxas Boulevard. Walking by the bay at night isn't scary these days as Mayor Atienza installed lots of lamp posts and allowed restaurants to set up stalls there.

Along Roxas Blvd. are a variety of sidewalk cafes and restaurants to eat from and depending on the establishment, you either listen to acoustic music, pop rock, a live band or watch a movie while you eat with your family or friends and enjoy the breeze and soothing sound of waves coming from the bay. If you're early, you get to sit in the few lounge chairs facing the bay or one of the swings.

After dinner, Sam and I walked towards the Cultural Center and took a jeep going to Taft Avenue where we parted ways.

All in all, we had a good day. We'll reserve Tagaytay for another time... when we can leave early!