Back to Manila
Its been eight months since I was last in Manila and I forgot after that period of time how different it is in comparison to my hometown of Davao City in Mindanao. The traffic and the noise and the people who like any other city in the world are more in a rush and perhaps less prepared to spend time talking or even smiling as much as in the provinces.
Owing to hotel problem I did not stay in my normal area of Ermita but in the centre of the city MAKATI which was a fantastic experience in most ways, however the prices shocked me as a simple sandwhich in a coffee shop was nearly p300 and this was surrounded by places like GREENBELT shopping centres where PRADA and Cartier were the normal and absolutely no sign of any SARI SARI stores.
The plus of course that in most cases I could get anything I want(except a new battery for my video camera),many ATMsand nice places to eat and I even shopped in a well known UK store of Marks and Spencers where I nearly purchased the wrong sized t shirt that I could have fitted three of me inside and I am no skinny boy!!!
One of the great things of course was to meet up with old friends HAROLD and RYAN who have been firm friends for years and of course meeting up with one of our Manila correspondents MIGS.
As I was walking Sunday afternoon I saw a place with a union Jack outside that said they serve British type Sunday Roast, so with Migs I wentwent inton to a fair sized bar with Pool tables and with a great atmosphere from customers and staff,
The bar called SIDS in JUPITER STREET was such a delight that I went back a second night too and met the manager Kelly Penalta whos clients include may from the British Embassy and from many expat business men who sit down and enjoy the European style bar and food with GREAT customer service from Missy,Joyce,Mhay,Venus and Chris(That’s a free drink they owe me), and honestly they were so friendly I really enjoyed my time at the bar. www.sidssportsbar.com
If you are in the area please pop in and say hi and ask the staff for the e mail of JOHN OSBOURNE who I drank with that night and so enjoyed his company that on my return in a few weeks am going to meet up…BUT I GUESS I WAS TOO DRUNK AS I HAVE LOST HIS E MAIL!!!
There is no doubt that Manila is a hive of activity and although it was great to enjoy I have to admit I know its a place to visit for me not a place to live, I suppose that has something to do with working in London for so many years.
Hi john,
ahhh… manila… the place i was born!, There are probably tons of changes in manila nowadays, my homeplace is in mandaluyong city about 15 minutes train ride to neighboring makati city, i haven’t seen manila for ages, it’s been 18 years since the last time i went to makati. i can’t wait to get home and retire!
Manila–the place where I grew up which was in the street of Teresa, & Zobel ( a street perpendicular to San Marcelino). That’s how complicated location is in Manila. If I tell that it’s in the district of Ermita(w/c technically it is), it would (at least it used to) draw snickers from people who think that Ermita is all girlie bars which was so 70s.
I left Manila in 2004 bringing with me pride & joy for this great city. Mindful also that I might no longer see some of the charms and secrets of having seedy downtown & old familiar places in the dark . I saw how we have irretrievably lost “downtown” Manila. And I saw how Makati from the late 70s transformed itself into the “mall” of the 80s. Then it became the Ayala Center right into the new millenium.
I wonder what kind of Manila awaits me.
Hi John: It was a pleasure to have you back in Manila. I am glad that you enjoyed your visit and I hope to tour you around my home city again, even if only for a few days. We won’t be going to Coffee Bean - promise.
I miss the green belt garden area at night, great place to just relax over a proper cup of coffee and people watch ..albiet expensive but heck its the New York city of the Philippines , like yourself john I enjoy visiting Manila but its limited to a 2 day love affair ….love to see it for 48hrs and love to leave it !
HI, John,
so glad you’re enjoying living in the Philippines–a country usually misconstrued
and misunderstood by many who do not bother to do research. At least you and
many expats living there must be having a grand time. Strangely enough, I left my beloved country 28 years ago and living with my British husband in Marbella, Spain, and many Brits have become friends over the years. However, each time
I read about the incredible developments going on there, I really feel rather envious that I’m not there to witness it. Still, I’ll keep reading all about the new things happening there, thanks to the internet, which I’ve been scouring for RP news. So pleased you’ve adapted well in that part of the FAr East, as many true Brits do when they decide to live abroad, i.e., Spain, Greece, France. You’re possessed with true grit, as my English husband, who doesn’t care about other
people’s opinion for as long as he is happy and contented where he is. So, to you John, thanks for that inspired positive attitude and bravery to be out there,
living and enjoying life immensely—minus the moans that seem to characterise the new Brit generation. Meanwhile, be safe always, be healthy and above all, stay happy. Mabuhay!
Hi John
I have never spent much time in Manila, about 5 yrs ago i spent a month in marikina, ive stayed a few nights in Malata and a week in makati years ago. I too spent 25 years in London and i have enough of the big cities. But saying that i fancy a city break to Manila can you recommend any budget hotels that are close to a good Mall and the airport.
Before i have stayed in the Oasis in Pako Park but it would be nice to try something different.
Where is the English bar? how to get there?
Thanks
dans
Come visit soon
Migs
Back in a few days!!!
Hill
Thanks for the good wishes
Graham
Try Citystate hotel in Ermita I use it often