cHoKoLoKo world: I came! I conquer! Manila October 2010

I consider my travel to Manila as out of planned. Well originally, I had plans to go to

this place to venture out my luck this year. I have been waiting my application for New York for two years now and I am so itching to go out. My desire for that ultimate dream starts to wane. But the original plan then was Canada, closest to my dream land. It was already talked about when my grandma visited the Philippines last August. But things turned out not the schemed plan. It was when Aunt Maribel, who just arrived from Qatar brought out the idea of applying to her workplace. She is an emergency room nurse for 10 years in Hamad Medical Corporation. Well aside from her previous working experience in KSA for four years. She stressed out that a certain hospital is currently halfway finished and are looking for medical staff to man the said institution. It is, accordingly still part of the Hamad Medical Corporation, which is a huge health sector in Qatar. She also maintained that recruiters who were mentioned as Mr Mohammad and a certain chief nurse will be coming to the Philippines and are her friends. So, this brought me to thinking to make it a try. Who knows, I might be in Qatar for the next month and that New York is not yet ready for a certain me.

So off I went to purchase my plane ticket to Manila. Right when I was about to procure my airfare ticket round trip, there were several predicaments I encountered. First, was when

Aunt Nilda forgot to purchase the said ticket during the PAL payday promo. And this gave me major headache as I have to shed some more additional bucks. Second was the event when I burst out my anger worsen by my hunger that time that I even thought of cancelling my contemplated plan. Third was my unending thought of trying to figure out as to where and to whom to borrow a credit card. Fourth was my plan to maybe ride a ship instead so I could earn some. Fifth was the alarming news that Bagyong Juan will have its landfall on Monday. And lastly was my apprehension of travelling alone. But all these worn out and fade when I was encouraged, my determined desire, and when pop gave me additional cash.

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October 19 2010

I left Zamboanga around 6pm on this day. I flew with Philippine Airlines and seated on the last window seat. The flight was okey but again, like the usual ride with airplane you won’t get away with bumming engines worsen by the air turbulence brought about by upcoming storm.

I was so excited to see their flight instructions as it was news all over television, but it was not. The gimik that was showed all over multimedia was that of Cebu Pacific, the one by the PAL was more of a classy one. Overhead televisions pump out from the ceiling and showed the safety instructions.

I arrived in Manila at around 8pm. I texted immediately Aunt Marcelina and Kelly that I arrived. Along my way outside, I met my former schoolmate in college. He is currently working as a nurse in KSA. He is on his way back to KSA after a month of vacation. He mentioned of his agency before where I could apply. But it was just a short chitchat with him because Kelly is already waiting for me.

Outside the terminal 2, I went out looking for Kelly. I did not notice him that he was just right in front of me. I was too shy to shy to talk but I had to. Kelly used to be staying at our place. His family moved out to Manila when I was five years old. And after that time, they never had their visit here. So it was a long long time ago that I had to cover up and show that we are close. We arrived at their home in Montaña Street, Sampalok around 9pm. There I met Aunt Marcelina, Uncle Kelly, Kelly’s wife Ate Inday, Tata, Tata’s wife, the three children namely Kenneth, Kevin and the boy of Tata that I forget the name. I had to talk much, reach out and be as polite as possible. Right after the long conversation, its finally time to call it a day. Right there I knew that Mercigette move out to Taguig as she was called by her aunt. Otherwise, I could have ended sharing with her the bed.

October 20 2010

This was my first day in Manila. I walked around the streets of Montaña and Sampalok until we reached the Philippine National Railway (PNR) España Station. Locals called it the Riles sa Lupa, a train ride that is used mostly by middle class commuters. It was wee hours then that I first hand experience the real scenario inside the train. The talks were right all along. I just heard it over chitchats that trains especially during wee hours are always very full. Now I know. When the train ride is approaching, fellow commuters starts to prepare themselves for something. It was when I realized that they are preparing to let themselves forcefully get inside the train, I luckily get inside it, and there were like too much already. But unlike the elevator wherein passengers must stand out of it when it exceeded the allotted weight, the train door must only be closed and that’s it, it’s ready to roll. We were like fishes in a sardines can that are stuck up inside. What’s making it worst was the bumpy and swaying trail of its course. There were like few overhead handles so commuters have no choice but to open wide his stand and follow the ride. It is as if we’re in a roller coaster experiencing a thrilling ride just had to cut out the speed and the height of course. The bad thing about it is becoming so risky. Snatchers are able to grab this opportunity to pursue their plans and personal space is invaded as sometimes you get to accidentally touch someone’s private parts.

We stopped at Buendia PNR Station. And when outside the station we went out looking for the agency. We were like clueless where to go. We went asking to different people and all gave us wrong direction. Until finally a good policemen gave us the right direction. After several hours of locating the Boyle Street, Palanan and sweats are dripping all over the body, we finally found it. It was not the usual agency I thought in mind. Its structure was more of like a house or apartment. I made a funny entrance when I used the wrong door and Kelly had to raise his voice that I am at the wrong door that made co applicants looked at me.

I get intimidated when I saw my co applicants. They were like older than me and as if they were more experienced and better equipped than me. But I said to my mind, there are things that I know that they don’t know, likewise there are things they do that I don’t know. So this is just a fair competition.

Then after that, off we went to another agency. This time we have to go to Ortigas where Abba Agency is located. I was thinking then, probably I was left by Kelly all alone and have to do the scavenge all alone. But luckily, he was about to ride the train until my SMS arrived and he waited at the Vito Cruz Station.

Right when I met him at the the said station, he confronted me that he still got work and he cannot spend the whole day with me searching for the said agencies. I thought of ways to remedy the situation. I texted my friends who are currently in Manila. But while I was waiting for their replies, he still accompanies me to Ortigas and searched for the Abba Agency at Gold Loope Tower. Gold Loope Tower was then just located at the back of the building from where we were standing. We were like looking for it anywhere but were just going around it.

Upon arrival on the said agency, I saw that it was very busy. Bustling with lots of applicants, employees and the desk with loads of papers. Now this is the agency I am talking about. There were several co applicants who were interviewed at several desks while others were waiting for their turn. I was not admitted to the interview dates as I still lack two months of experience for their minimum two years experience.

Right after I finished my purpose with ABBA, I informed Ms. Zarah that I’ll be dropping by Sentosa Recruitment Agency. Walking through the streets of Ortigas, I considered memorizing the landmarks and towers so to direct me back to the place where I should ride. I asked several commuters as well regarding the street I am looking for. This agency is located at Jollibee Condominium Plaza, somewhere on Emerald Avenue. The directions did not fail me, I successfully located the agency. I went to the 18^th floor of the building, unit 1810. Ms. Zarah knew me right away when I was about to enter the glass door. She remember before when I visited the agency in 2008 when I was still about to take the NCLEX and she mentioned that I was still a lot flabby that day. But too bad I did not receive any good news from her. Like what she mentioned on her email before they are still waiting for the employer’s requirements for my visa petition.

After that, I went looking for the Mercan Agency. It is an agency for Canada and I remember that Aunt Leslie mentioned that it is located just inside the Robinsons Ortigas. I remember as well that she mentioned the mall is just a few meters walk from the agency. But because that was my first time to locate this agency, I went looking around it. I even passed the overpass that brought me to POEA which is on the other street. Until finally, I located it. The tower was just adjacent to the mall and the entrance is inside it near the Robinson’s Bank. I submitted my application and leave.

Now this time, I went back to the place where I came from. (Where Kelly instructed me to ride a PUV to Quaipo). I rode a jeep bound for Quiapo and told the driver that I will drop at Jollibee Bustillo. I was afraid that time because the place where the jeep passed where unfamiliar. I seek help from the girl sitting on the next lane and gave me directions. Of course, before I talked to her, I see to it that she is harmless. She instructed me that Legarda is at the next stoplight. I did not noticed that Aunt Marcelina and Kelley was texting me and dropping me a call during those times. They were all worried about my whereabouts.

I fixed my sight outside and located for several signages. Until the jeep stop at a certain stoplight beside a Jollibee and I noticed the big billboard of Legarda. I immediately moved out from the jeep and went inside the restaurant. I asked the counter what branch is the restaurant and happily got the correct answer. I was so hungry that time that I ate two pieces of Barbeque chicken, rice and large coke.

Finally things are familiar. I noticed the two churches on the street and a certain cheap hotel along the way. I also noticed the campus of National University and finally, the Montaña Street. Aunt Marcelina was waiting for me outside and she felt relieved that got home safe.

October 21 2010

This day is set for our tour in SM Mall of Asia. I met JenJen at Jollibee Bustillo around 9:30am. This was the first time I met her after three years and she gained weight a bit. I did not even recognize her at first not until she smiled. We had our breakfast together. Mine was the Pan con egg and ham with hot chocolate.

After the meal, we rode a jeep bound to Quaipo and dropped at Loyola Street near the University of the East main campus. From there, she taught me the way to Andreas Dormitory where Sherwin is staying. A few meters from the main road (CM Recto Street) we finally located his dorm. It was fronting the Professional Regulation Commission like he use to tell.

We went pass by the NC CLEX where he took his training for ACLS and inquired regarding the next schedule.

After that, we went to España Street and rode a taxi to the mall. During the ride, we passed by the underpass to Quiapo Church, the Quezon Bridge, Luneta Park and the Rizal Shrine, Manila City Hall, United States Embassy, the Fort, Oceanarium, Star City, PICC, Sofitel Hotel, Baywalk and the Roxas Boulevard. That was my first time to see these structures.

We stopped at a certain stoplight and just adjacent to our mobile was an animal carrier. It was carrying carabaos that were tied up to a certain steel attached to the carrier from their noses. Now the funny thing was when Sherwin mentioned regarding the movie Planet of the Apes. What if the world we are currently living in was like that of the movie where human beings are just merely second creatures and that monkeys rule the world. We would end up like that of those carabaos on our side. I was shocked that Sherwin showed his animal advocacy ideology.

We arrived at the mall and the taxi dropped us on its back. We first pass by the Camera world where Jenjen bought a tape for the video camera and a battery for the digital camera. Then we went on strolling.

We stopped on their ice skating ring and took some pictures. We saw a certain little girl practicing and gracing her moves with her ice skates. There were lots of people watching the rehearsal.

Beside the ice skate ring was a certain religious booth that was manned by a certain religious group from Manila. They exhibited numerous life sized Mama Mary statues of different places.

Then we stopped at a certain Halloween Booth. It was timely then because the event is fast approaching and they were like selling all sorts of Halloween costumes and stuff. We grab the opportunity for a photo shoot and luckily the stall owner allowed us to have it.

After that, it was 12noon that Jenjen thought of having our lunch. We went to their food stall outside fronting the scenic MOA Boulevard. There were lots of choices to choose from and we ended first at the Fish Co Restaurant.

One funny thing that happened was when we were inside the said restaurant and the server gave us their menu list, we were shocked. Imagine, an order of Grilled Fish is worth a thousand. So we sneak out from this establishment and act as if we don’t like their menu. I did not saw the reaction of the servers but I guess they were like thinking same with us. Hahaha that was very funny because we even took some pictures inside it including their menu list.

So, we continue our quest looking for the right restaurant that is good and easy to our pockets. (I mean Jenjen’s pocket of course). We finally ended up at Lamesa Grille. It was like the Fish co that it offers a fine dining cuisine but a lot cheaper. Of course numerous photos were taken during that feast. There was chitchat, laughs and reminiscing during our lunch and we spent almost two hours talking.

Again a funny thing happen. This time not with the price, but the similar order we had. We did not realize that Sinampalukang Manok and Garlic Chicken were alike. We thought that the former was a soup base viand due to the word SINAMPALUKANG but we were wrong. It is like the latter but was dipped on a tamarind flavor before it is fried. So Jenjen had to order another soup base viand.

In this restaurant, aside from the two mentioned, we had the Baby pusit, Grilled Blue Marlin, and the new soup base viand (I forgot the name). That was a lot, we did not even finish the said meal. So the rest was brought home.

After lunch, we went to their cinema and had pretty much photos taken with their displays. At first we were a bit shy as people might have think we were probinsyanos but as it goes by, we don’t care anymnore about people’s reaction. Who cares its true after all. hahaha

Then we went to out looking for Tribal stall where Sherwin got the Jacket for his lovidoot, Nokia center for the battery, a Money changer where he must convert his dollars to peso and their supermarket where he had to purchase some of his personal groceries that he will use in Saudi.

It was four o clock then, when Jenjen had to be home. But I told them I will not leave the mall not after I will have my pose with the globe and the mall’s name at my back. So we went outside and they took pictures of me.

October 22 2010

This time, I woke very early because I was asked by Aunt Marcelina to take picture of her apo at their Day Care Center during their United Nation Parade. The weather seems to be not cooperating. It was gloomy and dark but the parade still continued. Poor kids walking on the streets while it was raining a little. Due to uncooperative climate, instead of the original route planned, we used the short cut and passed by the slum area.

Her apo represented EGYPT and costumed as such. I had fun watching the kids at the Day Care Center dress to represent the country they choose. I love the costume of Philippines, Egypt of course, and USA.

At stroke of 12 noon, I fixed myself because I wanted to join Sherwin to scroll in Ermita Manila. His purpose is to get his original documents at his agency (YHMA Agency). I almost got lost since the jeep that I rode overpass the route that we passed yesterday with jenjen. I saw the Quaipo Church which I realized that I was at the wrong street. But I think that I rode the Quiapo route jeep just like yesterday so it will definitely make a turn to the correct street. Until I saw the Loyola Street Signage near the stoplight and Mcdonalds so I immediately got off the jeep.

Then, off we went to Robinsons Ermita. I realized something that all malls look alike and offer the same purpose, the only difference they have are their location. We had our stroll around the mall until finally ended up at Whoops. We took advantage of their sale promo and had a couple of shirts.

It was already 5pm and we have to hurry as the sun is already setting. We knew what life at Manila is during the dark. As the sun sets, the place is getting unsafe. But we went back to Kat’s agency because of the umbrella I left. Luckily, the staff was honest and kept it.

We rode the jeep with España/Morayta Route. During this ride, I had experience a dreadful worst traffic in my life. As if our jeep was stranded on the traffic near the street fronting the Manila City Hall. We spent almost two hours travelling and it is like less than 10 kilometers from Legarda to Mabini. What makes it worst was the storm that flooded the sidewalks. Truly, a not so good scenario in the Philippine’s capital.

Before leaving the Andreas Dormitory, we passed by Mcdonalds and had our dinner there with our favorite Chicken Fillet. I just walked the streets of Legarda, Earnshaw and Loyola until I finally reached home.

October 23 2010

Since my appointment is at 2pm, so I woke up late. This time my schedule is set to visit Star City. I am very excited because for the record, this will be my first time in that recreational area. Ever since when I was still a child, I heard lots of stories from relatives, friends, coworkers, classmates and most especially from advertisement on multimedia about this place.

During the morning session, Ate Inday cooked me a fried egg and some plain rice for my breakfast, then I did my laundry, watched television, and slept.

I set my alarm at 1pm, so I woke up at exact time. I prepared myself and out I went. I decided to just walk to Sherwin’s Dorm. I passed by that certain street that I did not get the name. I bypass University of Manila and University of the East Gastambide gate. Until I arrived at his dorm. Like the usual, Sherwin was still unprepared and I got to still wait for him like an hour. His dorm mates where even worst because we spent additional 30 minutes. There were five dorm mates, four of which are girls and one boy. We rode just one common taxi along España to Star City where we seven of us, including the driver got inside.

At Star City entrance booth, we were astounded with the huge volume of people aligning themselves to buy the admitting ticket. Accordingly, the crowd that day was so big because of certain schools’ field trip. I think there were about five schools plus their parents as their chaperon.

We decided to purchase the Ride all you Can offer amounting at Php350. While his dorm mates were busy at the line, me and Sherwin were busy doing the pictorials.

Finally!!! We got the admission ticket. Well it’s more of like an armband admission ticket.

We first entered several indoor booths like several Horror booths, Mummy booth, and fairies. These booths instead of frighten us, made us laugh because of the reactions of the children and the fake screams of Sherwin.

After that, we went outside and saw different rides like the Surf Dance, Star Flyer, River Logboat, CocaCola Rollercoaster, and the Ferris wheel.

One very noteworthy to mention was the Surf Dance ride. It was a very thrilling ride. It burst our stomach and screamed all our lungs out. I was sitting right next to Sherwin and the two of us wanted to just end the ride right away because our hearts could not take it anymore. Our tension rose up so high and even our legs shake. Hahaha, it was a one hell of experience.

We were waiting for our turn on the Star Flyer until eventually the weather is not cooperating. The ride stopped when the rain poured a much bigger drop. So we decided to just try the indoor ride.

We tried the Blizzard. The ride also gave us goose bumps but unlike the intense brought by the Surf Dance.

We also tried the Pirates of the Caribbean ride and it was just ok. The ride was a bit boring as there were only mannequin pirates, the freak music background and the lighting effects.

We also tried the horse riding and felt like kindergartens while taking pictures. There were several rides to mention but too bad I truly forgotten their names.

The food will never miss my schedule for that day. There were all sorts of food stall around this theme park but I decided to have some tender juicy hotdogs on a bun and some ice tea for a snack. And for my dinner, I had Manilenyong Beefsteak at Tropical Hut.

October 24 2010

Sherwin’s departure day and we (jenjen and me) were like drawings as they say. We truly missed Sherwin’s departure for Saudi. Well here’s the story. I was waiting for Jenjen at the meeting place (Jollibee Bustillo) for 1 ½ hours. I already had my breakfast meal and ate it slowly to kill time. Waited still longer at a certain store infront of Jollibee and bought load to call Jenjen. Until at 10:30am, I finally decided that I might as well cancel the schedule too. It was Sunday then, so I ended up attending the mass. That was actually my first time to be in that church and heard a tagalong sermon.

Then I knew that the parish saint of the said church was St. Anthony de Padua. This is my Mom's patron saint and has been his devotee since I knew. We used to go to church in Sibulan, Negros Oriental and Putik, Zamboanga City.

Then I thought, probably this day is really scheduled for my attendance at church. After the mass, I bought some groceries at Lianas before going home.

I slept for about two hours and woke up due to my cell phone’s ringtone. It was around 2pm that I received Jenjen’s reply. At 4pm, I had my walked at UST Grounds and España Street. I memorized, connected streets in my mind and located some landmarks.

October 25 2010

Jeralyn promised to accompany me this day and make it up for yesterday’s deferment. I met her on the same meeting place (Jollibee Bustillo). I had first my Jollibee breakfast meal with burger patty. Then, just right after I finished she arrived. We rode a jeep to Dividoria route and dropped at Recto Avenue. She taught me the different LRT Station. I had known that LRT had two lines. We rode the LRT line 1 DJose Station. The fare was Php15. Unlike the PNR train, this time the train was unfilled. Probably because it was the Barangay election that is a holiday and that it was beyond wee hours as it was 10am. We stopped at Taft Station. Then ride again the MRT Taft station going to Ayala Station. The fare was Php10 because we only have to pass two stations. I have known that LRT Line 1 and MRT met at Taft Station because we only have to pass the overpass provided. And there were like lots of signage direction to tell you where to go.

On Ayala Station, there is a way to SM Makati. We ended up at the 3^rd Floor of the Mall, on the RTWs section. I had my impulse again of window shopping. Then, I thought of buying an original Figliarina bag as it was ordered by my big sissy. Luckily, they had it on sale. It was like on a 50% discount, unlike in Zamboanga.

We went down to the ground floor and the scene gave me nostalgia. I remember that I and mom were sitting on that bench along with strangers while waiting for my aunt Leslie to fetch us. We had lots of baggage that time and we were like had no idea of what to do. That was in the year 2008 when I took my NCLEX and have to meet her so she will accompany us to the hotel nearest to the NCLEX testing center. There were lots of apprehensions that time I remember. That was my first time in Manila, my first time in Makati, my first time to take the NCLEX, my unpreparedness over the exam plus the anxiety over the exam. But luckily, God has always been good to me. I really felt his greatness on this fleeting moment.

Then I saw the baggage counter and I laughed because I remember my luggage that I left there and mom and I were like crazy mistakenly blaming the baggage personnel of touching something inside it. But we were wrong and I just only kept it somewhere that no one can find that it really became true because even I cannot locate it.

We rode on a taxi to go to Pagibig somewhere in Makati. Jenjen was asked by her boyfriend to pass by this office but it was close because it was holiday. So we went back to Landmark. I have known that SM Makati, Glorietta, Landmark and Greenbelt were just connected by overpass and they were like on alignment. When inside the Landmark, I right away purchased the netbook case that is half the price from my place. Like in SM Makati, there were lots of discounts as well. We passed by Glorietta and stopped at their food court. The scene from the food court gave us the nice view of the Makati Park. There were also lots of food stalls in it so we had a hard time to find a nice restaurant.

We finally ended at Reyes Barbeque. We had a pretty much nice lunch. It was java rice, a nice roasted chicken legs and a coke. We were waiting for Jay that time but he never arrived.

After that, we passed by their movie cinema on the upper floor. Then dropped by the Lainea, it’s like a bakeshop that offers a lot of delicacies. This time Jenjen introduce the churros. At first, I felt like it has a weird figure with a dip. But when I already taste it, it had a rich chocolate flavor and a crispy taste.

We passed by a certain holloween booth at the junction of Glorietta and SM Makati. There we had a couple of pictures taken. Then, went back to SM Makati to buy the Baleno Jacket and dropped by Toy Kingdom. Then we had our turns to go to Greenbelt.

At Greenbelt, we went to see their chapel inside the mall. The chapel was like giving its mall goers even at their busiest shopping days to pass by and give thanks to our Lord. It is surrounded by a garden with lots of picturesque flora and coy fishes on the manmade pond. We went inside the mall, and we realized that it all offers imported brands. There were brand names that were never heard before. One funny thing that happened was when I was about to push the automatic entrance door. If I will do that, I will look stupid and ignorant.

We quench our thirst on Starbucks which is adjacent to Seattle’s best. I was given a choice by Jenjen if where I want to dine in, and I chose the former because of its gross advertisement on internet over its competitor and smash mouth by most people. We had the Mocha Frappucino and the ordered churros. This was my first time to taste the Starbucks’ best buy and the talks I have heard were all true after all. The aroma and the taste of the coffee really excite my taste buds and keep me wanting for more. Now I am addicted to coffee which I hated before. They totally gave me a new perspective for coffee.

It was passing 4oclock then, so we have to start to call it a day. We went back to the mall and exit to the Makati PSE. We rode a bus near Paseo de Roxas. I noticed that in Makati everything is in order. This is the only place in the Philippines where loading and unloading area works. Then, we dropped at LRT Gil Puyat Station back to DJose Station to home.

October 26 2010

Now, this time I went to Divisoria. Divisoria is always known for its bargain price and stall markets. According to a certain website, Divisoria is big and chaotic, but it is unparalleled for goods and prices. Name it and chances are you will find it here. More than anything else, Divisoria is known for textiles. Prices are generally wholesale, and you can haggle to the last peso. However, if you are new to Manila, do not venture here on your own. Aside from the possibility of getting lost or finding the place too bewildering, you would not be able to strike as good a deal with stall owners. A local guide is a must. Well, that was their story. I went to Divisoria alone.

I rode a jeep that Aunt Marcelina told me, it was the Divisoria bound jeep. The fare cost php8. The jeep surpassed the CM Recto Street and that is the only place that I knew, beyond that I am so clueless. Then, as we approached the Divisoria Market, things strikes back again when Maribel and Czarene brought us here in 2008. I saw the Tutuban Center, The 168 Shopping Mall, and the buzzling streets and alleys with huge crowd of shopaholics. Well, I told to myself, this is the place to be, the mother of all shopping center in the Philippines. You only have to have huge patience, a keen eye, extra pack of energy and the passion for shopping to weed out those great buys that you can find out from the stacks.

Like my aunt’s advice, my bag was empty and my money was placed on different locations of my pants. I placed my bag on my front and my cell phone was slid onto a small secret pocket. Getting to this place must be prepared as stories about snatch, budul budul gang, girit gang are true.

Luckily, I did not end up like those unlucky buyers. My shopping at Divisoria went on a smooth sail. I bought my mom two stretchable pants, a Christmas décor, a sleeveless shirt for my dad, and three summer shorts for myself. At 12 noon, I passed by Mcdonalds where memories brought me back again in 2008.

October 27 2010

This time I went to SM Megamall alone. I was instructed by Jenjen to ride a FX Taxi that will bring me to the mall right away. But I did not listen to her advice. I rode the jeep bound to Pasig route like my aunt told me. So I stopped at the Stoplight that is too far from my desire place. I was correct that I must stop at Star Mall but I did not listen to my first instinct. I could have just walked a few meters to the SM Megamall, but I did not, I chose the much longer route.

So off I went to SM Megamall inside.I went directly to Goldilocks so as not to forget Wendy’s order for two boxes of Pinipig Polvoron. Then, after that it’s time for a stroll. I saw theLego Collection on the Mall's atium complex.

The ice skating ring that was previously located on the ground floor of the said mall is no longer there. It became now a huge wide space just near the food court. It is probably allotted for an event or mall show or something.

When I planned to go out to go to EDSA Central, I noticed an enormous crowd of people aligning themselves on the entrance gate of the mall. Then I knew that the mall is holding a job fair sponsored by the ABSCBN as it was flashed on the news. Imagine, the line starts at the 5^th floor of the mall until outside. You see, you have to wait for like a day for you to be at the 5^th floor and I think those who were on first line came so early.

Along my way, I saw the Shangrila Mall Ortigas, the MRT Shaw BoulevardStation, the bustling EDSA Street, and the Star Mall. I also remember my mom complaining of climbing thestaircase on the Shaw Boulevard Station.

She told me that she does not want to ride anymore the MRT Train because of the soaring stairs. I did not locate the EDSA Central, so I had my stroll over the Star Mall. That was the time, when I first tried the Zagu drink. I chose the chocolate flavor, my favorite flavor.

It was pass 2pm, when I decided to go to Divisoria again. This time I rode the FX taxi like my friend told me. I was piled up between these two hot college students both from JRU. And I had a fun time with them. The fare was Php35.

When I arrived at the Divisoria, I went directly looking for the stall that had caught my eye yesterday. I bought the class A Adidas sling bag and I even haggled the price to my budget. I also bought that day the plastic orchid that is now being displayed on our sala.

October 28 2010

My departure day. Morning of this day, Aunt Marcelina and I went to their flea market and we bought several ingredients for our lunch. Ate Inday cooked Afritada for me. She cooks really well. It had a rich taste of the tomato sauce and a tender loin of meat.

I left the house at 1:30pm and my flight was like 5:50pm with Air Philippines. We rode a taxi to NAIA Terminal 3. We passed by the newly constructed skyway. The ride was nice over the skyway as it was smooth and zero traffic and it is connected to the Terminal3.

I arrived at the terminal at 2pm and they do not yet received check ins.So I waited for like three hours at the terminal. The passengers beside me from where I was sitting were also bound to Zamboanga via the same plane so I talked to them. They notify me that the other passengers start to align for the check in. But luckily, when the passenger in front of me allowed me to check in first as they were looking for something on their bag, I successfully checked in while them, the one who is supposed to be first than me were not because the plane was already full. The other passengers start complaining while the supervisor explained.

I went to Gate 131 and waited for like 45 minutes until the plane finally arrived. I had a bad time with Air Philippines. I do not know probably because of a small plane that we used. The engine was very noisy and the seats were uncomfortable. It was bad as well, because I even pray for my safety because of the strong air turbulence that hit the small plane that made the whole trip a lot worst. I arrived in Zamboanga at 9pm.