Blogs from Metromanila, Philippines, Asia - page 5

I just want to share my plight with Globe last April and May. Last April, I was able to jailbreak my Iphone thus I called up globe two weeks before my period cut-off to install the internet. I was told that I only have to text TIME so that I can have internet using my iphone anytime I want. This being said, my understanding is that I control the flow of gprs in my Iphone because of "TIME". Then after two weeks, a globe representative suddenly called me and informed me that my bill reached to P6,000. I told him that I didn't know that it accumulated to that huge amount that I immediately told him to cut off my internet facility. In turn, I removed the "internet.globe.ph" in the configuration of my iPhone. The globe ... read more

I'm feeling pretty tired now after the last two days of 'getting my bearings'. On Friday night I was invited out for a meal by my new boss and the team. When I was asked I didn't feel like it because I was so tired but I'm so glad I went. It was a great chance to meet most of the people I would be working with and to eat some Filipino food. Everyone was really nice and they were all welcoming which has put some of my fears to rest. Although they said they wouldn't bully me too much, which I found concerning. Luckily we didn't talk 'shop' for too long as my brain was in no fit state after 36 hours without sleep. I just hope I can remember all their names for my ... read more

When you're in Manila, consider a visit to the sprawling Manila American Cemetery and Memorial. It is located at Old Lawton Avenue at the Bonifacio Global City (Fort Bonifacio) in Taguig, Philippines. Upon entering its gates, I was immediately struck by the tranquility and sublime beauty of the place. The pristine plaza with its circular fountain, the long central mall leading to the memorial, the lush greenery, and the distinct chapel were simply breathtaking. Truly, its architect, Mr. Gardener Dailey, left no stone unturned to create a fitting tribute to those who lost their lives during the war. For me, the Pearl Harbor Memorial in Hawaii, which I had the opportunity of visiting a few years ago, paled in comparison to this memorial. The Manila American Cemetery and Memorial is not only the resting place ... read more

It is Lent. Time to go visiting the Churches. The norm for Catholics here is to visit 7 Churches, preferably on Maundy Thursday. But I have decided to instead do the 7 during the entire Lenten Season, and to choose the 7 Churches with lots of history. First off: San Agustin Church in Intramuros, a 16th century church claimed to be the oldest stone church in the country. Filipinos A Strange Race? From Makati where I live, we drove along Roxas Boulevard with a lovely view of Manila Bay towards the Pier. We took the right towards Intramuros, where one finds Fort Santiago and the Manila Cathedral. We skipped both, and drove directly to San Agustin Church and Monastery. Standing right in front of the Church and looking around, I found how un-Asian this corner in ... read more

Just a few more days and it is Christmas. I have not done any serious Christmas shopping, and feel happy for it. There are far more important things to do, ei? Naaah, I was simply plain lazy . Been so for many past Christmases. Merry Christmas to Everyone! Before long, my Sydney-based niece will be here to spend the holidays with us. That makes one set of family complete. Another set stays (complete) with my sister in Sydney, Australia. My 2 close friends/sisters are spending the holidays together too in Washington DC, so that makes a 3rd set complete. And of course, my other close friends are here in Manila just a phone call and a short drive away. It's almost a year ago when my family spent the holidays in Boracay ( )---- how time ... read more