Showing posts with label Philippine Events and Issues. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Philippine Events and Issues. Show all posts

I Toured Manila on a Budget


I was ecstatic the first time my parents allowed me to go on my own to Manila. I was going to attend a seminar in a hotel in Malate. Growing up in Baguio, I was scared of the thought of traveling and commuting on my own in Manila. My boyfriend did come with me because he was also paranoid of me going alone. The culture was different from the place I grew up in. In fact, the last time I visited Manila with my family, we encountered some annoying and rude taxi drivers. As some of you know, the taxi drivers in Baguio are very honest and kind. They would even return your change even if it was just a single peso. With that in mind, I decided to commute and not take the taxi.

Before traveling, I already did some research on the place I would stay and asked some of my friends some directions on how to navigate the area. I really wanted to go around Manila on a budget because my goal was to only spend 2500 for two days. So I did my research.

I wanted to stay somewhere close to the venue of my seminar. Luckily, I learned that there were a lot of cheap places to stay in Malate because the place is also known as a red light district (you pretty much know what I mean). One of the places my classmates recommended me to stay was in Malate Pensionne.



The place was really a good place for backpackers and visitors who just wanted a place to stay for a night or so. I checked out their website and they also had promos. I was able to find an economy room for 2 on a 650 rate. That was really cheap. But, you get what you paid for. The room had only a big bed, a vanity mirror and table, and an electric fan. I wished I got a room with air conditioner but overall, I wasn't feeling luxurious and just needed a place to sleep.


We woke up at 8, showered, and got dressed for the one day tour in Manila. A good friend of mine, grew up in the place and was very familiar of the place. He also helped us find cheap but good places to eat and how to commute around. We walked and rode the jeepneys the whole day and haven't took the taxi.These are all the places (in sequence) we visited in just a day.

Manila Bay
Plaza Rajah Sulayman
Malate Church
Binondo Church
Bonifacio Shrine
San Sebastian Church
Quiapo Church
National Museum of the Philippines
Manila Cathedral
Fort Santiago
If you noticed, most of the places I've been are not in the malls or buildings. I studied history in college and I choose to go to places where there are historical significance. Well, their history is what makes them who they are today. It's sad to say that most of these places are ignored by many people and only few appreciate what still survives from the past.

A Rainy Day in Baguio City for the 39th National Milo Marathon


The Milo marathon is known to be one of the most-attended and longest-running marathon in the Philippines. Baguio City was scheduled on this day of July 5, 2015. Unfortunately, the severe tropical storm "Egay" had made its way to Luzon and has brought PAGASA to announce a storm signal #1 in Benguet yesterday, July 4, 2015. Upon hearing this, people who had registered for the Milo marathon hoped that the rain would subside in order for the event to push through. If not given the chance, a lot hoped for the organizers to reschedule the event on Sunday, July 12, 2015 which was the same date scheduled for Tarlac. 

Despite the rainy weather, the event  was pushed through. A lot of people were disappointed since the marathon was not rescheduled. Most of the participants were under the 3k and 5k category. This means that most of them are younger students from the different schools in Baguio. With the strong weather, a lot of people were not able to attend the annual National Milo Marathon. Although there were still brave souls who were able to join the race, many could not risk their health to get soaked in the rain for hours. It would ruin the very essence of the marathon in promoting good health and an active lifestyle.

We were 4 in the family who were suppose to join the marathon.
I am one of the students who was not able to join the marathon due to the weather. I too, was excited to participate in the event along with the rest of my family. I have been participating in the event since I was in my 1st year in high school. I felt really bad that I was not able to attend the most awaited marathon in the Philippines. For me, it was really a waste of money. It seemed like I payed for the singlet rather than the bonding experience with the family.

Blaming someone or something is clearly not the wisest thing to do. In fact, the marathon was prepared and organized since February 2015. No one was able to predict the typhoon to hit the same day as the race as well. I hope that next time, the organizers would compromise and consider rescheduling if these kinds of situations would arise. Anyway, I still hope to participate in the event next year. Maybe the weather would be cloudy with a chance of meatballs. :)

Also, congratulations to Julius Sermona and Gretchen Felipe for being champions of the 21k category for the National Milo Marathon in Baguio City. We wish you good luck for the National Finals on December 6.  

Adiós!