The Trip - Part 2

Who says there’s nothing interesting to see in Manila. I am not talking about the big malls which is the easiest place to go. And because my husband does not support to stay in Manila our plan to hang out for 2 days was religiously followed. Morning of our arrival we went directly to my parent’s house before going to the hotel near their place for easy access. My father passed by Fort Bonifacio Global City and I remember this place late 1987. Fort Bonifacio used to be a part of armed forces base camps where Ferdinand Marcos incarcerated hundreds of his opponents. My vivid memory from many years ago of Fort Bonifacio was the military headquarters, the detention hub, barracks, army bureaus and training fields which are now long gone. At present, it turns out to be the location of an expansion of the economic quarter. The rapid construction of residential buildings, offices, trading businesses and a dozen schools are rising in hasty progression. I observed that in spite of global crisis economic is trying to improve its state.

At that same day, I knew that my brother (who lives in Cebu) will come together with wife and daughter to meet up with us. The last time, we went to visit them in Cebu. Normally, Filipinos love to go Malling just to eat and not spending to much, to get away from the heat , window shop, people watch and I would say, because it’s a less expensive way to do during free time. Moreover, the Philippines was reportedly the second largest market of karaoke and almost all Filipinos indulge in that activity. Manila is known to be a capital of nightlife of the Philippines, thus for dancing crowds who loves loud music, disco and bar hopping too are one of them.

However, among the things mentioned we didn’t do anything not even malling. Now, don't ask me how big Asia Mall is !! Since Ate (elder sister) took a 2 days off she had a brilliant idea of inviting us to Club Manila East located in Taytay Rizal. It was our first time to discover an enjoyable resort proximity of Manila. Generally, to find a resort it could be out of Manila. It was a sort of an advance Christmas get together of the family. Okay, I have to tell you that the resort prohibits bringing food inside as they want to maintain the cleanliness of the vicinity which is comprehensible.

The moment we saw the resort we were undeniably impressed because of its cleanliness and architectural construction. It’s not exceptional but satisfying to see. The amenities include 19,000 square foot giant wave pool for surfing, it is a business and leisure resort, with 70 air conditioned rooms and fully furnished bungalows. They also have kiddie pools and fountains and waterfalls, adult pool with a giant 3-looped slide, the kayaking area, lap pool, covered pool and the bean shaped pool. If in case you are within the Manila area try to visit this place. Overnight accommodations are available at a very reasonable price of P2,900/night.

Given that bringing food is not allowed we went out to the nearest fast food restaurants and had the food taken out. We just assembled everyone at the parking area and had lunch there. Don’t worry, the parking is a private area with closure. It’s clean, few cars and guests since it was not a peak season. Probably, we only spent 30 minutes lunch break and then get on with our gears and swimsuits. These 2 days stay in Manila was such a memorable period of my vacation with family. Time maybe short and brisk but eventful ! There's much to appreciate every details whether it's a comedic and silly jokes or the beautiful sunset.

On the third day, we went to Sariaya, Quezon Province to visit my other relatives. I consider Quezon my first home as I spent half of my childhood there. I don’t recall how many summers, holy weeks and family get togethers I spent during my early years but I can only tell you that memories are still alive and unsullied . Those recollection gives me comfort and eternal bliss throughout our stay. When I saw my children playing non-stop with other kids I can’t help but remember my beautiful childhood souvenir. Souvenir that I can go back on and on. Climbing the Mango trees, picking up guava in the forest, asking chicos or caimitos from relatives were absolutely delightful and amiable story of my early days. Not to mention, playing all the local games of my epoch until the sunset which I enjoyed every bit of my youth. Enough of that, I feel old when I talk about my younger years .

Though there was communication barrier, my kids managed to play as children do. We had an enjoyable stroll at the village. Merely talking with the neighbours on how the village has changed a lot. Before there we few houses near my grandparents house. At present, new houses are springing up like mushrooms after the time and so the population is definitely expanding. Eating buko (young coconut) and fresh fruits like Pomelos and bananas were one of the highlights of the day. Sorry, I wouldn’t be able to shares pictures of foods because we were spontaneously promenading and did not consider to bring the camera arrghh!

In between days, our feet brought us to Province of Marinduque as I would like to see my Auntie who’s in the Monastery of St. Claire. I’ve been wanting to see her from our previous vacation but the time didn’t permit us since we needed to take the ship going there which a bit risky because of heavy rains. Imagine, I haven’t seen my Auntie over the past 10 years or so.

This post is lengthy. I think I need to continue on my next post. Hang on there .