I’ve been a bit harsh every time I talk about the country where I was born. I wonder if I’m leaving a not-so-good impression on the Philippines….. like it’s in ruins, and people are starving and dying, and everyone’s dirt poor? So, okay, we were in Manila in February , and my co-worker came with us . And though we look like native Filipinos, my co-worker is white, and , * ponder* I think we did look like tourists. My Caucasian friend and the cameras in our hands were a give-away. Surprisingly, my friend felt like we were a bunch of American hillbillies walking the streets of modern Manila. Well, we do come from a small California city, with one pitiful , old shopping mall and a few tall buildings here and there. Ugh. Three of the top ten largest malls in the world are located in Manila. Manila is number 11 in the 20 most beautiful skylines in the world. ( Chicago and New York are the only American cities included in the top 20. ) I mean, how many cities are there in the world?
View this video of Manila. This video ‘s the reason why we felt like a bunch of hicks.
I think we’d feel the same way if we were in Tokyo.
Okay, this is all for now.
Visit the Philippines. The whole country of 7, 641 islands , of which only 2000 islands are inhabited, is one freaking tourist destination. The scenery is simply stunning.
Am a Molecular Microbiology student, love to read books, and I play the violin. 
dreamsending
renxkyoko
renxkyoko's space 
Posted by Eduardo Maresca on November 1, 2020 at 4:53 pm
Imagine how I felt walking downtown Makati: I come from Rome…
Posted by renxkyoko on November 1, 2020 at 5:13 pm
I know , right ? ( But of course, I loved Rome ! ! ! ) And the one shown here is just BGC…. Makati , Ayala is not even shown here. And there’s another area called Asiana, just after Roxas Blvd in Manila. ( After NAIA airport. )
Posted by Eduardo Maresca on November 1, 2020 at 5:48 pm
Before I visited the Philippines I knew it was modern but I didn’t think it was that modern
Posted by renxkyoko on November 1, 2020 at 5:56 pm
When did you visit the Philippines?
Posted by Eduardo Maresca on November 1, 2020 at 6:13 pm
My first visit took place in 2008
Posted by renxkyoko on November 1, 2020 at 6:22 pm
2008 ? ? Oh, my, word. You should visit again ! ! Manila is totally different now from 12 years ago.
Posted by Eduardo Maresca on November 1, 2020 at 6:47 pm
I have actually returneda few times after 2008. My first trip took place in 2008 but it was followed by few more
Posted by renxkyoko on November 1, 2020 at 6:23 pm
By the way, I just checked out your blogsite….. it’s gone ??????
Posted by renxkyoko on November 1, 2020 at 6:05 pm
Sometimes, it’s good to have low expectations before one goes there to visit. lol
Posted by arlene on November 2, 2020 at 3:39 am
Thanks for featuring BGC. Ayala is as lovely too.
Posted by renxkyoko on November 3, 2020 at 3:20 am
Yes ! I think it’s more beautiful.
Posted by arlene on November 4, 2020 at 2:05 am
It is Ren. I love the way the Ayalas are maintaining it.
Posted by Ken Powell on November 2, 2020 at 10:33 am
Poverty or no, the Philippines is a beautiful country and I am longing to go again. One day, post-virus…
Posted by Ste J on November 4, 2020 at 11:16 am
We still have to return to Batanes where we have been offered free accomodation in the government buildings there. Gorgeous place! Manila I leave to other people when I can.
Posted by loujen haxm'Yor on November 7, 2020 at 4:45 pm
Really liked this video. Many thanx for sharing.
Art
Posted by andy1076 on December 2, 2020 at 5:19 pm
Wait a minute!! Hold the phone!! You were in Manila in February? This past February when I was roaming metro all over exploring?? Mmmm wonder if I ran into you, there was this one girl that gave me that evil look, hum! 🤔😝
Posted by renxkyoko on December 9, 2020 at 2:02 pm
Muahahaha !
Posted by andy1076 on December 9, 2020 at 3:07 pm
Sneaky!! 😛
Posted by ofbutterandbatter on December 11, 2020 at 5:57 am
When I first visited the US, I was expecting the flashy stuff… I went to some parts of Cali and found if quite subtle as opposed to how I imagined.
Yes, being in the Philippines is so much different. Braving the streets of Manila is a talent— like a milestone that can be achieved! I live there but I still feel like a tourist. Manila is like a giant obstacle course. So many things to see and do!
Thanks for advertising our country! It deserves an awesome write up ♥️
Posted by renxkyoko on December 11, 2020 at 3:50 pm
The Philippines is my place of birth. It deserves some cultural promotion.
Posted by ofbutterandbatter on December 11, 2020 at 5:41 pm
Yes indeed!
Posted by renxkyoko on December 11, 2020 at 6:17 pm
\( ^_^)/
Posted by renxkyoko on December 11, 2020 at 3:58 pm
I’ve been doing that since Day One. But I write some reality stuff, too. Before Isko Moreno, the city of Manila was a mess. I’d seen it in 2010 and 2014. …. went to Divisoria. It was Aaaargh !
Posted by ofbutterandbatter on December 11, 2020 at 5:46 pm
I remember getting stuck in a pedicab one Christmas shopping season, it was scary and messy @ the same time
Posted by renxkyoko on December 11, 2020 at 6:16 pm
WE went to the Phil. for vacation in Feb. 2020… my co-worker came with us, a real tourist. We came together, arrived at the airport at 9:30 PM. We went around Manila to check out the lights and Jones Bridge . Believe it or not, there was heavy traffic at 1;30 AM. My co-worker was amazed. He said, I ” believe you now, Ren. This is amazing ! “
Posted by ofbutterandbatter on December 11, 2020 at 8:16 pm
I was amazed seeing Jones Bridge too. I mean, I have known of it forever but the way they’ve cleaned it up; amazing!