Packed up and headed for civilization..

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We made arrangement for a local driver to pick us up at our guesthouse for our 11 o’clock flight. The arrangement was for us to be picked up by 8:30. So we spend the morning just being lazy, ate some breakfast and take some last minute pictures.

Went to the airport, visited a souvenir shop (with a very “unfriendly” sales lady) and boarded the plane. We arrived at Manila just in time for lunch. Some of our friends then separated ways, while the three of us were heading back to Sucat. It’s a 20 minutes drive and costs around 200 pesos.

Upon arrival at my friend’s house, we rested a bit and the two of us decided to visit Makati city, particularly the Greenbelt-Glorietta-SM/Landmark area. Makati is the business district area, which is definitely looks nothing like Manila. Shopping malls, beautiful cafes, green park are all located here. We went out from her house using a trike to the shuttle services ( special fare for trike is 30 pesos), and get a shuttle going to Makati ( costs 55 pesos per person). Travel time is about 45 minutes to 1 hour.

I was planning to buy some goodies to bring back home. If you are planning to buy in bulk, THIS IS not the place because it is more expensive here. But, if you are just buying 1-2 pieces, I suggest you to come over and just relax and shop like a normal person do. I found some jeepney accessories at Landmark/SM. I also visited Powerbooks - and happy to find a book about Norse Mythology ! I love Philippine bookstores !

Got home using the same shuttle to Sucat ( costs is still 55 pesos), took a trike ( costs 7 pesos ) and packed my bags in preparation heading back to Jakarta.


Notes and suggestions :

1. Our flight to Manila from Coron was actually delayed - but we were not sent any notice on that beforehand. Please always check on your flight schedule.

2. When you are at the airport in Manila, get the “yellow airport cab”. It is a metered taxi, flag down is 70 pesos. I find these taxis are more reliable.

3. When you are in the Philippines, I suggest you to buy the following food goodies to bring back home :

- Philippine dried Mango ( around 30-45 pesos per pack). My favorite treat. I have eaten many dried mangoes, but until now—this is still the best !

- Sinigang mix (about 10 pesos per pack). If you like sour soup, this one is for you. All you have to do is tho mix chicken or fish and veggies, sinigang mix, water and VOILA !! My favorite dish is served !

- Ensaymada. I could go crazy for Ensaymadas. Most bakery shop carries this, but look for Ensaymada Melt stand ! It costs about 16 pesos each, and it worth all the money. Variety includes ube, salted eggs, ham, cheese and plain ! YUM !

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Photos

Busuanga airport
Cute little huts at the airport

Palabok
One of my fave Filipino dishes

Greenbelt
Makati City- the posh mall area !

Comments

[xtineg]

Megamelt
I think you meant Megamelt not Ensaymada melt. ha ha ha. Glad you still love the Philippines. :)

[y4ny4n]

Whoaa...really? NOTED ! :). It's Megamelt !