Another thing As for all the haters this is what I think about this blog and other like it. We tend to say bad things for other people to see.. like you. like us. and for us TO DO SOMETHING. We hate then WE DO NOTHING about the ISSUE.
This is good! This is so TRUE! Well I am a Filipino and I am tired to having this kind of experience here in Manila. You know why I am happy about this? Because you totally described what is happening in Manila right now. Sad to say that the GOVERNMENT and the WEALTHY people who owns Hotels etc. doesn't have time read blogs or just pause for awhile and listen to other people's opinion. "CORRUPTION" that's the first thing that hinders Manila or Philippines to push through. Second, NO DESCIPLINE."People doesn't care. Look at Edsa. A highway with fences (you already know why). Trash all over. etc. And the Government Officials just sitting there thinking on how they can manage to get money out of projects. Funny how this kind of people are very desciplined once they are on another country. Shall we inherit the "Beheading" rule in UAE? The "no spitting" in Hongkong? etc. Well I think those kind of RULE wont work since the so called "Public Servants" (Police and the like) are the first one who VIOLATEs it.
I Thank you for letting this out. KUDOS TO YOU!
Hello. Your blog wasn\'t exactly easy to read but it was greatly informative. I learned something, I suppose. I am aware of the sad truth and honestly, I always wished someone would do everybody (public, private, adult, kids, me) would do something about it. I grew up in Manila and my parents always insisted on leaving. I know, you\'re not surprised. Same here. But, I can tell you there are a lot of things in Manila that I\'ve come to love and it\'s definitely NOT the traffic, dirt, poverty or politics. It\'s the small things like walking along Dapitan or eating at Lola Ely\'s, shopping in Quiapo and stopping for some street food, taking random pictures of people in Luneta and Intramuros or to simply go in the National Museum. I like going around UST because it\'s near. Going to CCP is my favorite. I know these trips/activities are small, simple things compared to what manila could give during its glory days but I wasn\'t alive to witness that (im just a kid) so, I (or maybe we - my generation) found something else to do, to see. These are small things but it\'s not insignificant. it breaks my heart that my parents want to leave.
Anyway, those are my little things :) I still love Manila and I can\'t force you to be same =)) . But, I hope my simple things helped in showing you today\'s Manila a little differently. thanks for sharing <3
where to even start. a country that had help so many opportunities. they could have had the worlds largest rice crops. they have some of the worlds beautiful beaches and diving reefs now taken over by terrorist. a country that could have had tourist pouring in. shipping ports.remember the the miss universe contest the girls where in shock of the pollution and expressed this in the contest .this country has destroyed there own natural resources they have polluted there water supplies destroyed there reefs with explosives to get every fish they can.there forestry illegal logging causing landslides.Well enough. I love the philippines and its very sad. Will it ever change. Would educating people and children help this country become the beautiful place it could be again will the water ways run clear and the fish be plentiful again . will the sky and air over Manila be blue again?
Honest Opinion I totally understand you with all your opinions. We are entitled for that. And if you haven't spoken about this issue, will they ever notice these problems? You are indeed true to say that the government has less investment on the country. because they focus more on corruption and investing their wealth for their own selfishness. I do understand why some Filipinos reacted so negatively because it's always beautiful great comments. but truth hurts sometimes. Do not take it as a criticism take it as a way for improvement. We, Filipinos leaving in Manila know more worse scenarios that what he did. And we cannot just cover them but rather solve them! We also have comments regarding other country, how they smell, awful food, etc. but these are our opinion. we are entitled for that. Instead of saying things bad, think again. you might just be the one who throw the candy wrapper he saw on the street. I am a Filipino. but it doesn't mean I will cover up even the faults and neglect of my country. I, too, shout and look for prosperity and change. It will not only benefit me but the rest of the people leaving under this country.
Africa I haven\'t been to Africa for over 12 years. I am afraid of the Malaria risk, since I havent been able to get medical insurance in Germany where I live. I am sort of tempted to just use lot of mosquito repellant and take the risk.
Intramuros Electric Chariots Tour Launched For the first time in Philippine history, an Electric Chariots tour of Intramuros has been launched
by White Knight tours at Hotel Intramuros fronting San Agustin Chruch. The Electric Chariots
are 2 wheel equipments with automatic balancing electronic gadget that moves forward if your
body leans forward and stops or move backward as you lean backwards. The guided tours using
electric chariots amplify the most recent tourism slogan of “It’s more fun in the Philippines”
for indeed, the exhalation as well. White Knight offers 30 minutes and 1 hour guided tours of
Intramuros with price ranging from Php500 for 30minutes and Php1000 for 1 hour. Unlike riding
the horse driver Chariots tours which provide passive involvements for passengers and tourist,
the Electric Chariots reinvigorates the user with its interactive role of balancing and inspires a
sense of adrenaline rush. It’s an experience in a life time that one should never miss! For further
info, White Knight Tours contact details are telephone: +6325 5252381 or +632 5266181
one of the 'smart' ones who went back of course i'm only 26 years old and could probably hop off again .. but still, yup you hit it right on the head. hoping ADB doesn't pack up to China... not that the western powers would allow that i think .. in any case, yes i wish more of the bright ones would also join government; if you read PM Lee Kuan Yew's autobiography, he does let on certain facts about singapore's roots, reminiscent of where Manila is now. That gives hope, but we are too large a nation with too few competent authority figures in control, if any, are divided, and too few hopeful and enlightened citizens across the countryside with the resources to stay and rough it out to better days. Most are forced to leave.
Although i have to say, I've been to phnom penh and do not see much progress there yet either.. civil war yes, and AWESOME hotels given the prices, especially in angkor wat. but seriously, once we drove down to the capital from the serene countryside, the smog from the tuktuks killed the mood for me. Well, cheers.
This is my two bits about your post. I am Filipino and I am currently living in Manila. I've been away 3 years but decided to come back because, man, there is nothing like the Philippines. I've lived all my life in the provinces, Leyte to be exact, and although its not as cosmopolitan as say, Manila, it was home. The thing is, I agree with what you said: Manila is just plain old ugly. I have friends abroad who want to come here and visit, but I am at a loss to tell them where to go. I have a Korean friend who wanted to come here, and I told her, no, just don't go.
Which in some ways made me feel terrible. But honestly, I don't want her robbed or hurt in any way, being a single female. I kept telling my friends, its the war's fault. Manila was the second most destroyed country during the war. But I also tell them, some countries actually welcome the destruction for a chance to create something beautiful and well-planned. Take Paris or Dresden or Hiroshima and Nagasaki. Filipinos being the way they are, just decided to randomly sprout ugly buildings over ugly buildings. No urban planning, no desire to preserve any sort of cultural heritage in the city.
Which leaves me with a feeling of despair. Because this is the only place where one can get a reasonably decent salary and a job that can actually make use of my talents. And I will live here, and I am feeling a lot confused.
Manila, for its faults, is beautiful in an ironic way. I think one has to be Filipino to see the irony and the hilarity on top of these chaos. Trust me, you as a tourist or a business traveller passing through, will never get it. It is something distinctly Filipino that even I can't explain it. Manila has become, for all intents, a city for Filipinos and no one else. For provincial breeds like me, it has its novel charms, but i don't see myself living here long-term. The Philippines for me is not Manila. It is charming Cebu, genteel Dumaguete and old-world Iloilo. It is the far-flung beaches of the north, the quaint Castillian town of Vigan, the virgin shores of Palawan. It is the happy faces in the South and the wide open seas, mountains and rivers.
So pass through Manila. Then take a plane out into the other islands. Then you can better appreciate what this country has to offer. Manila is the place where we do our dirty work, make money and buy the things we desire. And then we go be happy and live simply out in the other islands.
From Europe Interesting post, thanks for sharing. I lived in Manila for 6 months. Company I worked for had an outsourced business there in Eastwood. It was interesting to read your post mainly because I have a complete opposite opinion on the Philippines.
Manila is not Philippines and I'm sure you will agree with me. Same as NY is not US or Moscow is not Russia. I think Manila as a metropolitan city has not been thought through it terms of basically everything.
Discovery Suites is for sure overprices place, but do you know a hotel with such good location, same level of service and same quality which is at least a bit cheaper?
Airport. Yes, here I fully agree with you, it could be much better. But what is "funny" about this is that Ninoy represents Manila style. If I think about it this place works exactly like everything else in Metro Manila. It is dirty, not logical, crowded, not controlled and over-controlled at the same time and so on.
When I went outside Manila, first to Tagaytay, then to Boracay and some other places...how amazing this country is. I think Philippines and Manila are unique, with all Americanization happening there it still manages to keep it's own style.
Here I have an article about Ninoy and some tips about it. Maybe you and your readers will find it interesting - http://tipsfortravel.net/the-philippines/guide-ninoy-aquino-airport/
Thanks again and good luck!
i agree. i hate manila too. the heat, dust, dirt. nothing's good. btw im from this country. the every day traffic. no body seems to do something about it. i really really hate it! i hate is very much, i know it's true for other things than the traffic. there are many ugly things in the philippines. this country is sinking...
Qatar Airways - no thank you. Another drink Madam? I also had a bad changeover at Doha. Mine consisted of 48 hours in prison. Discussions with "locals" informs me that it is a fairly common occurrence but no-one knows about it. Read the link and tell anyone else who intends to fly Qatar Airways including those planning to go for the World Cup in the future
http://www.travelblog.org/Middle-East/Qatar/Doha/blog-674894.html
Thefts of identities are becoming more and more common as the Internet gradually becomes engrained in our society. However, the fact that this crime is very common does not make it less serious in the eyes of the courts. Cyber crimes, including these type Thefts of identities are becoming more and more common as the Internet gradually becomes engrained in our society. However, the fact that this crime is very common does not make it less serious in the eyes of the courts. Cyber crimes, including these types of thefts of personal information, leave a nasty trail behind, making it harder for attorneys to fight for their clients in these cases. This is why it is so vital to have one who understands the nature of the crime as well as the laws that surround computer crimes.
Identity Theft Thanks for the comment on this subject. My daughter's identity was stolen. On Facebook. There was ZERO support or concern from Mr. Zuckerberg's egregious organization. So I took down all my F'Book pages. Oddly enough, life goes on.
Hello there! I understand your sentiments about Manila and as a Filipino living in the city, I have to agree with you. Manila is the most chaotic capital city in Asia. The Filipinos are nice but some of them lack in discipline that's why they don't care if they pollute their own habitat or disrespect others. The only reason why I live in the city is that we have everything here therefore, its more convenient to have a fast-paced life. You're right, it's better to visit the countryside just to experience the wonders of this country where there are no garbage and rudeness. However, the Philippines is still a beautiful country and we have some sights and values that no other country could have.
You are a 2011 TravelBlog favourite blogger! * Check this out, and feel free to add some 2011 TravelBlog favourite anythings of your own. :) http://www.travelblog.org/Topics/30521-1.html
Sad but true I\'m a Filipino and wholeheartedly agree with this review. It\'s awful in Manila. No city planning, no upkeep, nada. The Philippines still has a lot to offer in terms of travel destinations but CROSS OUT Manila. A crapton of squatters with small pockets of progress - Makati, Fort Bonifacio, etc. - Everything else is one giant mess, or in your words, a dump.
It\'s pathetic for our countrymen to be offended by the truth. Wag kau mag bulag bulagan, naka2hiya ang condition ng Manila.
On the other hand, the author also has to take into consideration that he\'s visiting the heart of a 3rd world country, and 15 years ago is a long time. The country has fallen since then and his expectations should have fallen as well. It\'s \"not so bad\" for a 3rd world country.
Email from a Fellow Inmate I got this email from the very cool gentleman I shared an office with in the Sallyport compound in Baghdad. I thought it should have a wider audience:
"Geoff,
As one of the Grey haired residents of Petra, with several ex wives, that you referred to, I enjoyed your blog. You possibly made it sound more romantic an adventure than it is. At 75, this has to be one of my last Hurrah's, and it would be incorrect to say that I won't miss it, when this kind of life is over for me. It keeps you thinking that you are still young and full of piss and vinegar.
Thanks for sharing it with me.
Al Williams"
islas de los landrones is how we spanish called the Philippine islands centuries ago. I had my regular pizza at my otherwise great and regular pizzeria (once or twice a week) and sadly forgot my wallet on the other chair, at a table outside: i was taken with my company.... Went back on my steps but it had gone in a second. No other customer, only a guard. My table was not cleaned yet. He knows me well as i am regular. I know him too. I have tipped him. But at that specific moment there was no wallet to be seen in a mile. At this point nothing can move forward, we\'re stuck! The value of honesty needs to be explained at grass roots: at home, in school at early stage. Had a chat with the owner, she s a friend. Until now the guard is still around!! And i still order my pizza! Amazing tolerance! Different value system!!!
I agree with you I am a Filipino and I wish there were more blogs criticising the Philippines as a tourist destination. If only to get the politicians to listen up. Don't apologize for your comments, don't back down, my countrymen has to learn how to take criticisms. Thank you.
thank you for sharing your opinions about manila. i am not fond of the place, myself. but i love other cities, especially cebu. while you did recommend going straight to outer islands and other cities in the phils, i think you made other claims that generalized the manila situation to the whole country :( i\'m not offended, just sad that an avid traveler like you disliked the philippine experience enough to discourage other people from visiting. sad, but i won\'t disagree with your opinions.
i am filipina, now in fiji. i\'m not a smart one and leaving the philippines was due to my husband\'s persuation. we are lucky to live in the denarau area, it certainly is paradise... but much of the mainland also has a \"developing country\" feel and i can imagine travelers disliking the business districts and industrial areas. like you, i would recommend tourists here to go straight to the outer islands or denarau. and i do feel sad when we have visitors who just go to suva or lautoka for business and say fiji (as in the whole of fiji) is an awful place :(
if you do decide to travel to fiji, you can send us an email, we\'d love to show you around. we\'ll keep you away from places that might remind you of manila, i promise.
and yes, NAIA is absolutely embarrassing. but people saying it bagged the \"worst airport\" title from sleepinginairports.net is not saying that in context: it\'s the worst airport for snoozing in. nevertheless, it\'s a terrible airport. and the falling structure makes me facepalm.
as for the most hated airports in the world, here\'s the ranking from CNN go this year: 5. NAIA, 4. Toncontin, Honduras, 3. Heathrow, London, 2. LA Int\'l A/P, 1. Paris-Charles de Gaul.
i can\'t happen to find a worst airports list this year. the last one i saw was in 2009, and NAIA wasn\'t even in the ranking (that\'s a surprise): 7. Paris-Charles de Gaul, 6. Heathrow, 5. LA, 4. Senegal, 3. Nepal, 2. Indira Ghandi, Delhi, 1. Baghdad Int\'l A/P, Iraq.
keep writing and keep traveling!
thank you for sharing your opinions about manila. i am not fond of the place, myself. but i love other cities, especially cebu. while you did recommend going straight to outer islands and other cities in the phils, i think you made other claims that generalized the manila situation to the whole country :( i\'m not offended, just sad that an avid traveler like you disliked the philippine experience enough to discourage other people from visiting. sad, but i won\'t disagree with your opinions.
i am filipina, now in fiji. i\'m not a smart one and leaving the philippines was due to my husband\'s persuation. we are lucky to live in the denarau area, it certainly is paradise... but much of the mainland also has a \"developing country\" feel and i can imagine travelers disliking the business districts and industrial areas. like you, i would recommend tourists here to go straight to the outer islands or denarau. and i do feel sad when we have visitors who just go to suva or lautoka for business and say fiji (as in the whole of fiji) is an awful place :(
if you do decide to travel to fiji, you can send us an email, we\'d love to show you around. we\'ll keep you away from places that might remind you of manila, i promise.
and yes, NAIA is absolutely embarrassing. but people saying it bagged the \"worst airport\" title from sleepinginairports.net is not saying that in context: it\'s the worst airport for snoozing in. nevertheless, it\'s a terrible airport. and the falling structure makes me facepalm.
as for the most hated airports in the world, here\'s the ranking from CNN go this year: 5. NAIA, 4. Toncontin, Honduras, 3. Heathrow, London, 2. LA Int\'l A/P, 1. Paris-Charles de Gaul.
i can\'t happen to find a worst airports list this year. the last one i saw was in 2009, and NAIA wasn\'t even in the ranking (that\'s a surprise): 7. Paris-Charles de Gaul, 6. Heathrow, 5. LA, 4. Senegal, 3. Nepal, 2. Indira Ghandi, Delhi, 1. Baghdad Int\'l A/P, Iraq.
keep writing and keep traveling!
KNOCK KNOCK. A comment from a High School Student Hi :) I was just reading my Aunt\'s blog since I will have a test tomorrow so I figured out I need a break. I love reading, particularly blogs. They’re just ones compilation of opinion yet, it can have an immense impact to another person. Your piece was posted in my aunt’s blog (Violetology). After reading what you’ve written, I was mesmerized. I am a Filipino and I am agreeing to your editorial. I was born and raised in Quezon City, a place that was part of Manila years ago. You are correct about the airport and the traffic and you are certainly right about the Philippines’ economy. The people older than me enlightened me that The Philippines was once a great country. There was a time during Marcos’ presidency; the peso value is equivalent to the dollar value. I was shocked about that information I never thought that happened. Anyway, I know that you have several comments to read I sum up some of your comments and I’m pretty sure you can divide it by two; one is the “I-love-your-article-but-I-still-love-being-a-Filipino” comments and two “You don’t even know the Philippines and you are just purely racist” comments. I’m not going to be that kind of critic. What I’m trying to say here is that, As a Filipino high school student, I’m educated enough about the overall account of my country. Sadly, our country’s state is no longer in its glorious days but, I hope that there will be a time that those days will be back.
I hope that there will be a time that every Filipino has equal human rights. I hope that one day; every Filipino child will be erudite more than being used as an asset to unlawful activity. I hope that one day, O.F.W workers will come home to their families and eradicate their anxiety of not having a job. I hope that one day; politicians would be bothered more about the condition of others than their own life. I hope that one day; Every Filipino’s voice will be heard. I’m yearning for the day when I read this blog again and I would not feel offended but, rather thankful because you changed a little part of me. I want you to write more and it will be a joy to read your posts. Today, I will be a Filipino striving to be better and to have a better country. Thank you because of your candor and lexis, a part of me was awakened.
Now, I deserve a better life and I will work hard to get it every day. Be an inspiration to others. Thank you.
I could be described as a flaneur - Dictionary definition: "an intellectual and physical wanderer, observer of life".
I travel extensively in Asia, the Middle East and East Africa.
My tales, stories and rants here are part fact/part fiction but, I hope, always stimulating and sometimes irritating. PLEASE don't take them too seriously - they are meant to inform but also to amuse and to get under your skin. I hope there's a bit of an "edge" in what I write sometimes.
For those that take themselves over-seriously: it's a BLOG! Not "the Truth"... just my weird personal take on... full info
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Another thing
As for all the haters this is what I think about this blog and other like it. We tend to say bad things for other people to see.. like you. like us. and for us TO DO SOMETHING. We hate then WE DO NOTHING about the ISSUE.