Back to Manila

I left Puerto Princesa around midday of the 28th and got back to Manila in the late afternoon. This time I had picked a base in another area of Manila – in the city of Pasay, close to the Mall of Asia.

Originally I only had planned a night here, but with my return flight being canceled, I had to extend my stay by a further night.

With the weather on the rainy side, my options were kind of limited … and I pretty much spent my time either in the hotel or in one of the malls in the area. With the Mall of Asia one of them (currently the 12th biggest mall in the world) there was certainly enough to see and do – including the fireworks (ever Friday and Saturday at 19:00) or the little amusement park (a ride in the Ferris Wheel surely was a must). Otherwise I concluded my packing, got some last minute souvenirs, did feast on the famous jollibee spaghetti 😉 – before making my way to the airport midday of the 30th to catch my flight home.

In retrospect I have to say, the second part of the trip was different from the first. It turned out less active and less involved (which was probably not a bad thing, given my ankle condition). Yet, I thoroughly enjoyed the activities done, though – after a perfect first part – it felt as if something was missing, also as there were no real options beyond the activities already covered – despite the time still available.

In any case, it was a good thing, that I had seen and experienced both parts of the trip and as such also the two extremes on offer in the Philippines. Overall I have to say, the Philippines are really a country of options, there is literally something on offer for anyone and for any interest – add the friendly people, good food and there is everything necessary for a great holiday destination. And with me just having touched about six islands of more than 7000 – who knows, I might well be back …

First Farewell Dinner

This first part of the tour had come to an end and here we were sitting in the (almost)-rooftop restaurant of the Bayleaf Hotel in intramuros for this first farewell dinner for this trip.

For me this was with mixed feelings. On the one hand side, there was still a second part of the trip coming – plus the relief, that my ankle was indeed just sprained (and not broken) and I – as such – was able to continue. On the other hand though, only three of us were continuing and another tour leader was waiting for us – so it felt a bit like our little family falling apart – it indeed had been a nice group, with everyone getting along with everyone and everyone looking out for everyone else …

The tour to the highlands of Luzon clearly had been up to my taste. A great combination of individual destinations with different focuses (culture and nature), yet all put together in an active way and truly Philippine – with great people and a great tour leader – – oh, and a bit of gin …

Now let’s see, how the second part scores here …so stay tuned, there is more to come here …

Early Morning Pork

Today was a travel day, used to make the trip to Banaue in the central highlands of Ifugao province. An overall distance of about 370km was ahead of us, so a drive of about eight hours.

We left Manila in the early morning, but already had a first stop a few meters after crossing the city limits. We were now in the La Loma district of Quezon City – the heart and core of the Filipino lechon production (and arguably the best of the country). Here we had the chance for a quick glimpse of the many, many pigs, doing their turns, while roasting over the coals …

Well – I am not too fond of pork, but the sight and the smells here, really got my saliva flowing – and that’s despite the fact, that it was just about seven in the morning.

Samples were not available though, pigs were only sold as whole … so we kept the saliva flowing and continued our trip North.

Welcome to Manila

Over the last couple of years it has become a habit for me, to have a break towards the end of the year – either in November or December. In the end it is just too convenient, to get away from the cold and dark at home and simply do something else.

This year was not different … I was bound for the Philippines this time, which – on my previous trips to South East Asia – I had not covered (and that for no particular reason). So – to make a long story short … my motivation, to pick the Philippines as a destination, was simply, because it was about time – so, it was then just a matter, to run across the right trip and – once dates did work out, it was a quick decision and I was booked.

I got into Manila on Sunday morning after a lengthy flight via Taipei; it was midday until I reached my hotel. I spent the rest of that day basically fighting the jet lag and fatigue – and the best way, to do so, is, to keep oneself busy … which is exactly, what I did. I basically spent the afternoon walking around the area; made my way up to Rizal Park, spent some time in the excellent National Art Museum – as well as the downtown Robinson mall. It was at the most unexpected place (Starbucks in that mall), that I discovered an unexpected Filipino specialty (as it is only on the Starbucks menu in the Philippines): the Matcha & Espresso Fusion – basically a matcha latte combined with a double espresso – delicious², I don’t see, how there can be a better source for caffeine 😉

With the tour only starting Monday evening; I had a full day for further exploration. I made my way up to Rizal Park (this time just passing through though) and on for Intramuros –  essentially Manila’s colonial heritage within walls.

I did head out straight for Fort Santiago (with various church stops on the way) and then had a walk around the area. From Intramuros I continued to China Town, just across the Pasig river – again another area, to discover …

From here it was back to the hotel, to freshen up – in time for the group meeting at the start of the tour.

I turned out, there were eight of us. From the initial discussions it seemed to be a well traveled group of like-minded people … add to that an enthusiastic tour leader – so overall a good prospect for the tour – let’s jump straight into it.