Metro Trippin'
October - November 2007
Vol. 1.2

Manila Favors and Flavors
By Veigh C. Hernandez

I spent some time in Zamboanga City and was lucky enough to make friends with Marian - for no one could have made me taste, journey, and live the Chabacano life the way only a true Zamboangueña could.

When the chance to do the same for her came up, I gave her the taste, journey, and life of Manila the way only a true Manileña could. And being Manileña does not only mean "someone born and raised in Manila." It also means someone who still loves Manila, at its best and worst. I only had three days.

Day One
I picked her up at the airport. She was welcomed with the steady downpour of November rain. If she was not with someone who loves the falling rain, this would have been an ominous sign. But then rain could not stop us from having fun.

I brought her to my office at the IT company I work for, and she observed how young and dynamic the people were. She overheard how each were talking about the fun they had last night and where they would go after work. She was amazed at the lifestyle differences because from where she came from, most people go home after the day's work.

For her first meal, I took her to Saisaki. She liked the gyoza at least, but she was not much of a sushi and sashimi fan. She also did understand why we like ebi tempura. We then went around Greenhills Shopping Center, and shopped for items the place was famous for.

In the evening, I took Marian to the Araneta Center. We had dinner at Dencio's and I made her taste the best sisig. She liked it and we had to order for another serving. She almost did not want to go inside the Gateway Mall - she was so intimidated by its posh appearance.

We had tea at Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf and Marian was astonished at how a cup of tea could cost so much. I told her to just sip and relax. She liked how the lemon chamomile was light and soothing. I had ginseng peppermint to infuse myself with the energy I needed because I still have two more days to show her around.

Day Two
From me, Marian learned to choose the cabs we flag down. I told her which taxis never refuse passengers and those with accurate taximeters. We went off to UP Diliman so she can register for the bar exam review. Then I took her around the campus and told her my personal history along with it.

A tour of UP would not be complete without a trip to Vinzon's Hall, the campus's student services building, for some siomai. I then took her to the Carillon Tower and told her how I love it there when it's dusk - how the edifice filters the light and silence - because then it is easy to imagine the gentle sound of the tolling bells as if paying homage to another day. And lastly, I brought her to the amphitheater and told her how it became, for me, one of the places where it rains most beautifully.

Trinoma, the latest addition to the Metro malls, was our next destination and Marian particularly liked the zen garden at the deck. She opted to have brunch at Bacolod Chicken Inasal so she can taste the Chicken Ysabella of the Judy Ann Santos TV series.

I made Marian experience an MRT ride. And she relished the moment but got dismayed when the people who couldn't get off the train started to yell at the security guard. Marian thought that city people were easily irritated and very exacting.

Our next stop was Greenbelt. Marian's gentleman-friend asked us out to lunch and he picked Cafe Via Mare. We had what the place was known for: kare-kare, baby back ribs, and bibingka. The café had always been special and it did not fail us. I then took her around Greenbelt, and she was impressed at how the mall's garden provided a respite from the hustle and bustle. She was in awe of the chic shops and the lavish dining places at Greenbelt.

We then walked down the stretch of Ayala Avenue and I pointed out the attributes of each building. She noticed how fast everyone moved. That almost no one had the time to stop and look around them.

Next was The Fort - Market Market, Bonifacio High Street, Serendra, Bonifacio Stopover, Forum, and The Fort Square. We stayed at Jill's; it was 80's night on Fridays. Marian had a taste of urban nightlife and found out a girl could never have too much fun.

Day Three
Breakfast was at Tiffany's - a tapsilogan in Bambang. We were at the Divisoria - Tutuban area and went to Divisoria Mall and 168. It did not matter that the alleys were "standing room only." We spent half of the day there shopping.

We walked down Juan Luna St., rested at Plaza Calderon dela Barca, and stood gazing at the Basilica de San Lorenzo. We marched down to Ongpin St. and bought endless boxes of hopia at Eng Bee Tin. Lunch was at Estero - she enjoyed the racket and energy of the place. Marian wanted to take a calesa ride but I told her to take pity on the exhausted horse.

Next stop: Intramuros. We made our way to Puerto Real, down to Baluarte de Sa Diego. We stopped at San Agustin Church and since it was a Saturday, it was a day of weddings. I told her about the Saturdays when I would just sit around inside the church to watch the happily-ever-after that lasted only for a day. We walked the path of Father Blanco's Garden - the most romantic place for engagement proposals. We crossed a short cobblestone street to get to the Manila Cathedral. I told Marian that I love Intramuros because it makes me feel connected to those who lived hundreds of years ago.

We had to hurry down to Baywalk to catch the Manila Sunset. And sunsets, be it in Manila or anywhere else, simply rooted one to the spot.

Our last stop was the Mall of Asia. We witnessed the spectacular fireworks display while a marching band played Christmas carols. Marian was expecting it to be bigger and more different. But then, the view of Manila Bay more than made up for it. It was a good place to end our journey. We just sat there, had tea and in between silences, we both reassured each other of our friendship.

I could have taken Marian to other places around town but I gave her the part that holds much meaning to me. An infinite universe lies in each of us. It is held together by the ties of love, friendship, and gratitude. It grows when shared with others.