Ria Jose in Binondo

I’m Leaving on a Jetplane…

Well, not really on a jetplane. But I'm leaving for a while. Gonna take a trip to Manila. And to Iloilo. My Manila trip will be full with official functions and work meetings. But I am going to squeeze in some fun. Will try very hard to everything on my Manila checklist. Really looking forward to Binondo, Mercato Centrale, the museums, and the MRT! And I might be able to cook for my friends again. ;) It will be a long trip full of stuff to do, work to accomplish, and people to get in touch with. Might be a bit stressful, but it will definitely be fun. The Iloilo trip will be much shorter but I'm looking forward to doing as many things as I can while I'm there. Iloilo is one of my favorite places. Mostly because it's like Davao, but also because it has a lot of heritage spots and great, great, greaaat food. Won't be able to do a lot in 2 and a half days but I hope to enjoy the trip a lot. :) I know I'll be leaving a lot of work while I'm gone and a lot of things will be put…

Binondo Chinatown Manila Philippines

Checklist for My November 2011 Manila Trip

I'm going to Manila this November to attend some functions, have a few meetings, and for a little bit of vacation. I want this trip to be a bit different. Instead of coffee shops, malls, and the usual places I go to, I want to go to unique places. Binondo The first time I went to Binondo was sometime 2005 or 2006 with my cousin. We had joined a walking tour. I was fascinated by the temples, old houses, and old buildings. I also enjoyed the food and the other sights that I saw. Kuya Andrew, several friends and I went to Binondo for another walking tour in 2008. Aside from the yummy food we ate, I found walking through Binondo to be an interesting experience. I'm not really Chinese but I found the culture, the sights, and sounds to be very homey. And I do want to go back for another walking tour. Philippine National Museum People suggested that I visit museums. Silly me. I have never been to the Philippine National Museum. Not even when our History professor asked us to go there. But I do want to go. It's embarrassing to be almost 30 and never having…

Manila Day 9: Politics and a Rock Fest

Late start... Had sinigang and beef steak for lunch. Ate it when I woke up at 2 pm. LOL! Spent the afternoon online. Then prepared for a looong night! I was a bit early for the dinner with political bloggers so I went to Theatre Mall. Had a very delicious Iced Cafe Mocha at Starbucks, then bought a nice hair accessory. Naks naman... nagpapaka-girl. LOL! I had a hard time finding a cab from Theatre Mall, but lining up and waiting paid off. Hurrah! And the people beside me were nice so I didn't really have a bad time while waiting. Had a very interesting dinner at Barrio Fiesta along Wilson, with my idol, MLQ3, Juned, Butch and Noemi Dado, Arbet Bernardo, Schumey and Marck. We had discussions about GMA, federalism, Davao politics, the church, Martial Law, and blog chismis. LOL! I felt quite insecure but proud to be among them. ;) Had my picture with MLQ3. FINALLY! :P (To be posted later. Stupid me lost this file. :( ) Fritz happened to pass by when we were getting out of Barrio Fiesta so we walked to Bela Bar together where we met up with Kring and Poyt. The three…