Date: September 28, 29, 30, October 1, 2 2011
This is my first Manila trip this year with the following purposes in mind. (1) follow up my Abu Dhabi Nurse application, (2) to accomplish list of tourist destinations to visit in Manila, and (3) ride the space shuttle in Enchanted Kingdom. But I failed my purpose of visiting this city, especially the last part, maybe because of inevitable reason (Bagyong Pedring and Quiel). On the other hand, the first reason was partially accomplished. I fully thought that I was for medical examination already since that was the advised of my agency and became my major reason for leave from work and my trip in Manila. But when I was on the said agency, I knew something that was out of my plan and decided to back out from their offer (thanks to Shelanne for helping me form this decision). Luckily, and I hope I am lucky this time, something came and I always keep my fingers cross for a good news this time. Well so much for that, here are the details of my Manila trip Part2 (actually my fourth time in Manila).
Day 1. Departure Day (the most dreaded day LOL) 09/28/11
BADSHOT. My schedule for departure via Airphil was at 6:30am. It was so very unfortunate that I came in 20 minutes before the departure and check in for Manila was closed and I was not permitted to ride the plane. I plead with the attendant and gave excuses but they did not gave me the chance. I was so shattered that time that I do not know what to do next. I was pacing back and forth that at some point I was noticed by the security guard and questioned my doing. (LOL). That was one thing in my life that I can not forget. I promised that I will never be late for the plane again (hopefully) and that I will never ride AirPhil express planes anymore in my future flight (though it was really my fault LOL). :( (a very sad experience really and it was already strike 2 unfortunately for Airphil and first was the super delayed flight last year, imagine my flight was 4pm but we were scheduled to leave at 6-7pm due to numerous passengers and that I really do not like the plane's noise that is even worst with Airphil's plane engine)
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| Zamboanga International Airport (09/28/11) |
Good thing, I brought in some cash and I purchased on-the-spot a ticket for the next available flight. Cebu Pacific was set to depart at 7:45am and I purchased a not-so-good-deal ticket price. But I bought it anyways with close eyes. It was worth Php3800 plus a 15 kg baggage worth around 500, all in all the ticket was worth around Php4300. It even became a joke made by my sis, to quote "malay mo ang 4300 magiging 43k". Anyways, maybe that was just an attempt to mend my heart (LOL).
And so, I made it after all. I was in Manila and arrived around 9am at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 3. But then again unfortunately, I got lost in Sampalok, Manila. (LOL). I rode this yellow cab that is registered with the airport authority but the driver didn't know the street that I am abound for and I was totally out of my mind that time (probably the delay thing was not yet out of my system). We were literally roaming around the streets of Sampalok until finally I decided to just drop me off at a certain street and just walk and find my way. I rode a certain bicycle ride, they call it pajak then I found out that I was just a block away from Aunt Marcelina's house (super LOL). What a day!!!
MY APPREHENSIONS. Actually, I was so scared on the reactions I get especially from Kiking's wife, that was my concern during I planned my Manila trip. Because last year, we had this argument over the phone regarding something that she accused of that I am certainly innocent. But good thing, nothing happened, I don't know what happen but good thing, the thing that I expected didn't happen. Then, I fixed myself and my things and I was set to go.
First agenda, meet with my co worker friends and they are currently at the POEA. I rode a bus the G Liner bus straight to the agency. I knew from that route that I can be able to drop at Greenhills and super lush Wack Wack Village. At the POEA, I met Amor, her elder sister and Hyacinth. I knew then that the only country hiring that time was Japan and they tried they're luck. I did not even care to just even register at the POEA computer registration counter because I was feeling so secured with the offer offered by this certain agency in Cubao (but it turned out false and I will tell you later on why and made me realized the time lost and the chance to register at the POEA).
Sorry, but because of the heavy load of people on this certain area I did not have the chance to take some photos.
Second stop was the Robinsons Ortigas. A mall just right across the POEA by accessing the overpass connected to the mall. Here, again I saw the statue of the historical EDSA Shrine and we all agreed that it is small compared to what we visualized before in television. Since my friends haven't yet taken their lunch, we headed straight to their food court and we were beamed with lots of choices. There was Tokyo Tokyo, Yellow cab and all sorts of unheard names of restaurant. To find out where we ate click here, Robinsons Ortigas.
First agenda, meet with my co worker friends and they are currently at the POEA. I rode a bus the G Liner bus straight to the agency. I knew from that route that I can be able to drop at Greenhills and super lush Wack Wack Village. At the POEA, I met Amor, her elder sister and Hyacinth. I knew then that the only country hiring that time was Japan and they tried they're luck. I did not even care to just even register at the POEA computer registration counter because I was feeling so secured with the offer offered by this certain agency in Cubao (but it turned out false and I will tell you later on why and made me realized the time lost and the chance to register at the POEA).
Sorry, but because of the heavy load of people on this certain area I did not have the chance to take some photos.
Second stop was the Robinsons Ortigas. A mall just right across the POEA by accessing the overpass connected to the mall. Here, again I saw the statue of the historical EDSA Shrine and we all agreed that it is small compared to what we visualized before in television. Since my friends haven't yet taken their lunch, we headed straight to their food court and we were beamed with lots of choices. There was Tokyo Tokyo, Yellow cab and all sorts of unheard names of restaurant. To find out where we ate click here, Robinsons Ortigas.
The time swept so fast that the sky was gloomy that time (probably because of the recent Bagyong Pedring) but we decided to call it a day before the rain starts pouring. We parted ways on the exit and I was bravely going alone home and that I was as if acting so confident that time (despite the unfortunate incident both on the taxi and airport :). And because of that, I was walking on a certain street looking for the G Liner bus that I reached the back portion of SM Megamall. I realized that I was walking almost a mile. So I decided to freshen up at the Megamall and revived my draining energy and because the little rain drops started to fall. Since this place is familiar I decided to just ride a jeep bound to Quiapo for P14-15. So I walked along the Shaw Boulevard but then plans changed that I wanted to visit Abba Agency. So again I walked an additional extra mile. While walking I saw my shoes as if wanting to surrender from this treck. So finally I rode the jeep and stop at Jollibee Bustillo. (this time I got it right :).
I dropped by at the newly opened Mcdonalds Store adjacent to the Jollibee and had my dinner with sundae, french fries and chicken burger.
Day 2. ammmm.... A sosososooso day 09/29/11
Generally it was just the usual day full of falls hopes and aspirations. Falls hopes because of that dreaded promises made by that certain Ms. Rich. :) but in actuality, she was telling me the things that I got but not the things that I expected and hoped. Damn it, I should better have enough thoroughly thought the good and bad sides because jumping right away. To tell you the truth, I was at the point of twilight, looking for the shine of good words driven by Ms. Rich and darkness of the bad experienced I had before in 2010. But because of a certain friend in high school (actually my lower class man in SSC) of the current situation he is in with the agency, I finally decided and went directly to our office to file leave. But it is not just that, there were some unexpected events happened. Read more to know what happen.
So much for the introduction, lets move on.
On this day, I woke up early. I did not take my breakfast before leaving because Shelanne told me to maintain NPO so that I would be ready for medicals. Off I went to LRT Line 2 Legarda Station to LRT Cubao. That was my first time to go solo via the LRT. I stopped at the Cubao station that is link to a certain mall. Outside the mall is this huge Araneta Coliseum. That was actually my first time to see this building. It was huge but not as huge as I expected. It was also colorful with blue and yello like the PBB house. Outside its parameters is occupied by most cafes and restaurants.
I stopped at a certain grocery store at the back portion of this coliseum (I thought it was the front portion that I am facing that I totally gave Shelane a wrong direction) and waited for her.
When I met Shelane on the said spot, I finally saw her and she really lost weight a lot. I was also happy to see her again for almost a year. Then after chitchats and his and hellos, we went directly to our main route for the day (to that ever famous agency in Cubao).
I had a very bad impression when I entered the agency. ( I think first gut is always correct.) I had this awkward gut feeling on the entrance. It made worst when I was asked for a fee (P10 per form) when they handed me their registration form. Then after that we were escorted to a certain room to wait for their main source personnel ( I think they were the owners).
After much talks with them, I am not fully convinced with their explanation and that there were raised questions that was given incomplete details. To top that, they asked for a certain huge fee (although they reasoned out good) but definitely a NO-NO for most especially to me. One of the applicants mentioned that there are some agencies that do not require these fees and gave better benifits and basics salary.
I did not form any decision yet that time. I asked Shelanne what she thinks and she was also on the same side and recommend to go to other agencies. So off we went to our second destination.
Agency in Ortigas.
I was here before last year but I did not follow up my application (so maybe it was already ripped off or thrown away). In here, I met again Amor, Hyacinth and Nathaniel (their college friend). They were all applying for Saudi Arabia. I was the only one for Abu Dhabi because of my additional credential (HAAD Papers). Since I already have companions, Shelanne left me as she still have some work to do.
Compared to last year, this time I am more prepared and this time I am armed with a longer working experience and better position. Unlike last year, this time I was permitted for a preliminary interview with their Senior Nurse recruiter and she gave me details of my application after reviewing my credentials. I was referred to Ms Khrys and she gave me additional instructions for the application. But while I was waiting for my turn, my friends left me and went to an agency in Ermita.
So this time, it is solo again. After the short interview with Ms.Khrys, I reminisced the moments I had on the area. The one with finding nemo (Sentosa) theme, it is like looking for a needle in the haystack. :)
After that, I went to Robinsons Ermita where I met again my friends. I was actually acting as if I am really well versed with the place. And since I saw the Starbucks stall near the entrance door I suggest them for a try. This time I ordered for Green Tea Frap the one that Jeralyn really recommend when I was trying the Mocha Frap.
To know the story whether I like the Green Tea Frap from Starbucks, click here StarBucks Green Tea Frap
Officially the first day of the month and I was dreadfully lost because of a not so informed upcoming weather situation on my city tour.
Day 3. Some spark happened 09/30/11
Better day than yesterday because finally, I breathe a fresh air of hope for this leg. And my first time to go solo for a day in Manila armed only with google maps, power of tongue and sense of direction.
I was updating and revising my resume on a certain net shop near my aunt's house when I happened to received an email from a certain agency in Roxas Boulevard. I saved some important information on my phone and planned to visit this agency once I am done with my first agenda.
So off I went to the Ortigas agency and submitted the resume to Ms. Khrys but I forgot my USB on the net so I walked back to the shop near the agency. I did not utter this but I was thinking why did they not returned the USB probably because of an agenda. I hate to admit but sorry to say I had a very bad impression on them.
From MRT Shaw to MRT Taft then to LRT United Nation. I rode a jeep bound for Del Pilar and stopped at the Seven Eleven Store. Just walked some few steps then voala I am now on the said agency. This time, this agency is in a hi end building. It is like the Sentosa Agency situated on Jollibee Condominium. It is actually fronting the US Embassy. Then, I met Ms Laisa. She explained the job offer in details including its location and actual pictures on the web. It sounded so good and I was given this instruction that she will either call me or drop an email to notify an interview with the employer coming 3rd week of October after their holiday trip. (But until now, I did not see her shadow again :( 11/5/11 ).
Then I went on looking for the agency in Taft. It was near 6pm when I reached the place but still they permitted me to get inside and submit my requirements. But I was instructed to be back tomorrow for additional requirements but I was soooooo consumed up with false hopes that I did not came back.
On my way home, I passed by Goldilocks and bought some pasalubongs.
On my way home, I passed by Goldilocks and bought some pasalubongs.
Day 4. Day City Tour Yahoo!!! 10/01/11
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I practically have lots of plan to visit places but because of limited amount of time and because of the dooming effects of the storm surge (Bagyong Quiel), It was trim down to this list.
First stop, the ever famous Quiapo Church. Actually, this is my first time to be in this place and I had some unforgettable experiences. I also knew how Manilenos worship the miraculous Black Nazarene and the parade of stalls outside this church. To know more of the uniqueness of this place click this link Quiapo Church.
After the mass, we were headed to another church. This time in Baclaran. We rode the LRT Train Carriedo Station to the last station, the LRT Line 1 Baclaran Station. But there was a funny incident that happen, to know click this link
Since it was pass 12noon, we decided to have lunch and we spotted this Mang Inasal Restaurant on the second floor of the tiangue tiangue in Baclaran. It was a good sumptous meal ever since I arrived. (Because I was too shy to fill in my plate at my aunt's house although it is okay for her, it is just my thinking). An dto know how many servings I finished and the funny reactions of the Koreanos on the next table click this link.
Since it was pass 12noon, we decided to have lunch and we spotted this Mang Inasal Restaurant on the second floor of the tiangue tiangue in Baclaran. It was a good sumptous meal ever since I arrived. (Because I was too shy to fill in my plate at my aunt's house although it is okay for her, it is just my thinking). An dto know how many servings I finished and the funny reactions of the Koreanos on the next table click this link.
Second stop, Baclaran Church. This is also a famous church in the Philippines like the former. Just like in Quiapo, churchgoers in this church have also a unique way of showing their faith to our Blessed Virgin Mary. To know what it is click here.
Third stop, is my childhood dream and it is to visit the Manila Zoo . To tell you frankly, it was not that zoo that exceeded my expectation. It was just a plain normal usual OLD zoo that needs MAJOR renovation. Can you just imagine that we are the first in Asia to have had an urban jungle and we just left it decaying and rusting. This is a notable place that is ought to be cherish and treasure and not to be neglected and put in oblivion. To know more of my insights of this pressing issue and the different species inside this zoo, click this link.
Fourth stop, a national landmark, the Luneta Park. I was so impress with the scenario that was showcasing on my sight when I was standing infront of this monument. I only saw this in postcards and pictures but now it is here infront of me. To know more of my exage emotions while on this site, click this link.
We were headed north of the park to ride an LRT Train to Roosevelt. Along the course, we were greeted by a heavy rain that totally made us wet and broke our already wrecked fragile umbrella. While waiting for the train, I grab the chance to take this photo below.
Third stop, is my childhood dream and it is to visit the Manila Zoo . To tell you frankly, it was not that zoo that exceeded my expectation. It was just a plain normal usual OLD zoo that needs MAJOR renovation. Can you just imagine that we are the first in Asia to have had an urban jungle and we just left it decaying and rusting. This is a notable place that is ought to be cherish and treasure and not to be neglected and put in oblivion. To know more of my insights of this pressing issue and the different species inside this zoo, click this link.
Fourth stop, a national landmark, the Luneta Park. I was so impress with the scenario that was showcasing on my sight when I was standing infront of this monument. I only saw this in postcards and pictures but now it is here infront of me. To know more of my exage emotions while on this site, click this link.
We were headed north of the park to ride an LRT Train to Roosevelt. Along the course, we were greeted by a heavy rain that totally made us wet and broke our already wrecked fragile umbrella. While waiting for the train, I grab the chance to take this photo below.
After a 30 minute ride, We finally arrived the second to the last station north. This station has better facilities and new building. I was discreetly taking a picture of Shellane while she was on the counter.
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| LRT Roosevelt to SM North |
We went down stairs and look for a jeep to SM North EDSA. We noticed this midget who is really so active in helping out passengers especially those who are a bit lost. I really can not remember where we stopped but I think it was on a lane that we access the overpass heading to the main entrance of the mall on the second floor.
This mall is really nice and one of a kind. I mean in the intersection of buzzling EDSA, this kind of mall with a garden like theme exist. I love the canopied pathways that is especially spectacular at night with all those light effects. I also like their man made river along the path that ends at a certain man made waterfall. Truly, mall is a big business in the Philippines and that Filipinos are higly creative unimaginably.
For more stories, click SM North Edsa Link.
Inside the mall, we were so cold. Imagine from all the rain our clothes got from the Luneta Park tour to the cold LRT atmosphere that is made worse by the freezing temperature inside the mall. That is a hell experience. :) Good thing, I was using my jacket.
After 3 hours of looking for Shelanne's present for the baptismal the next day, we were darn tired and hungry. So we went out looking for a restaurant, but due to the enormuous choice and tight budget, we nibbled at Gilnoks stall near the grocery entrance where we had those unheard japanese delicacies names. During the meal, I had the chance to talk with Shelanne seriously about her current life situation and the things that happened right after she resigned from work.
It was already 7pm when we decided to call it a day and since the travel back to Sampalok is way to long and far. I rode a jeep bound for Quiapo and during the ride, I was too afraid and apprehensive (because of the news being flash on reports about kidnappings and ambush on jeeps at that crazy hour).
Until things got finally familiar, I felt relieved. I got home safe and sound. But when we passed by Espana, I decided to get inside the UST ground to witness what was the crowd making noise for. I knew that the UST is holding a youth campaign that is in conjunction with their 400 years celebration.
This is actually my first time to get inside the campus. It was big, in fact bigger that the university in Zamboanga. The premier and the first university in the whole Asia, I believe.
To know more, click University of Santo Tomas Link.
But I thought it was boring and that it was already late, so I went out and headed home.
Day 5. Buying Time...... 10/02/11
Since I forgot to purchase Lola's nebulizer yesterday and Shelanne does not know the whereabouts of the place, I decided to just make that for today's agenda and ask Aunt Marcelinas help. Good thing, it was Kiking's off day so he accompanied me to Bangbang.
So we went to Bangbang and bought a portable nebulizer machine and blood pressure apparatus. According to Aunt Marcelina, this place is home for medical supplies bargain which is true when I went there. You can almost see all kinds of medical supplies and equipments available for sale. Fortunately, I haggled the price and bought the purchases slim down to P2000.
I checked out my Fb account and I read Jaiton's status about bidding farewell to his co workmates and some pictures uploaded during his despedida. This was the secret that Jaiton never spill though much force made. I called him right away and knew that he was in Manila but I never had the chance too met him that time because of a very tight schedule ( because I am headed to Divisoria).
In the afternoon, I went to Divisoria to find some items for pasalubong but after much time given, I ended up with a class a crocs and the earphone. ( sad to say but I never used my slippers because it really looks odd on my feet and legs). For four hours of walking and strolling on 168 mall, I got tired and hungry and I followed the signage of the mall, brought me to their third floor food counter (when I first visited this mall in 2008, this section is still under construction).
I checked out my Fb account and I read Jaiton's status about bidding farewell to his co workmates and some pictures uploaded during his despedida. This was the secret that Jaiton never spill though much force made. I called him right away and knew that he was in Manila but I never had the chance too met him that time because of a very tight schedule ( because I am headed to Divisoria).
In the afternoon, I went to Divisoria to find some items for pasalubong but after much time given, I ended up with a class a crocs and the earphone. ( sad to say but I never used my slippers because it really looks odd on my feet and legs). For four hours of walking and strolling on 168 mall, I got tired and hungry and I followed the signage of the mall, brought me to their third floor food counter (when I first visited this mall in 2008, this section is still under construction).
Day 6. Adios Manila...... 10/03/11
I woke up this time very early because I don't want to happen the same incident I had during my flight to Manila. Actually, I woke up at 12mn and for the next two hours, I was just lying awake on bed and killing the time. Then, Aunt Marcelina was calling me up and woke me up at 2am.
I traveled around 30minutes then arrived the airport at 3am. As expected, check in counter for Zamboanga is still close so I was seating on the bench waiting for the call. There were some minor changes they made on their counters. You can check in your luggage to any counter unlike last year wherein there is a designated counter per flight route.
Then after that, it was the same routine. There were plenty of check points that I have to remove my shoes and things (what a hussle). Terminal fee for NAIA Terminal 3 is Php200. There were also shops, souveneer items, cafe's and restaurants inside this terminal.
Then, finally I arrived at the pre-boarding area. But flight for Zamboanga was expected to arrived late as announced.
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| Aerial View of Manila |
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| Laguna Lake |
I arrived Zamboanga around 8:30am and mom was already concern about being late because I texted her of my expected time of arrival before the plane departs. She thought that maybe I was left behind by the plane like the scenario I had when I was leaving for Manila. But not it was due to the plane's delayed flight, I ended up arriving Zamboanga late. I received even a call from mom while the plane is preparing for landing and I immediately turned the call off as the captain and the FAs already mentioned to turn off all mobile devices.
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On the arrival, I was so impressed on the welcome made by the local tourism authority. I wasn't so sure as to why the Zamboanga Airport had such preparation. I thought maybe that a national politician or maybe someone VIP on the same plane I ride arrived and was invited in Zamboanga. Then I thought that the city's festival "The Fiesta Pilar" is fast approaching. Then I realized that it was already October. It was one happy festive mood on the arrival section and I do hope that the local authorities will continue this event as this would create a good impression on our city.
I am happy to arrived Zamboanga safe and had a nice Manila trip despite Pedring and Quiel. Hoping for an unforgettable happy fifth Manila Trip soon!!! Ciao... Till next tripping... :)
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