 |
| Jose Rizal Monument, Luneta |
Our next holiday in the Philippines is now set and well-planned. I am excited to see my country again, especially my family. I was born in Quezon City, the former capital of the Philippines, but as a whole, by heart, I am a proud Manila girl. Wherever life could take me, I always love the sight, the life and the smell of this notorious city.
Manila is the capital of the Philippines and founded by Spanish conquistador, Miguel Lopez de Legazpi on June 24, 1571. The Spanish rule of Manila and the entire archipelago lasted for over three hundred years. The Spaniards left a strong influence in the Philippines. Foods, traditions, and religion. My maiden surname is San Jose, a real Spanish root.
 |
| dining at Gumbos, Manila. |
Since the time that I moved in the Netherlands because I got married to a Dutchman, every year, we have a holiday in the Philippines. We usually stay in Manila for a few days upon arrival and before flying back to the Netherlands.
In this blog, are four of my favorite places and reasons why I always love Manila. I will share with you four of the places in Manila that you might wish to visit one day, for fun and to experience.
 |
| me and my husband at Luneta |
Rizal Park or Luneta. Luneta is one of the urban largest parks in Asia. It was built to commemorate the executed Filipino nationalist, Jose Rizal who is also the national hero of our country. It is a very big park with flower gardens and giant fountain. During Christman season, this park is very crowded and the giant fountain is a sight to behold because of its colorful dancing lights at night. For fun, they say that Luneta is also "a meeting place for Inday" and her boyfriend on her day off. Inday refer for Pinays who work as a household helper for a rich family in the Philippines.
 |
| riding in kalesa to Intramuros, with our friend from Alaska |
Intramuros. Intramuros is a Spanish old town at the heart of Manila. Because of hundred years Spanish colonies in the Philippines, you will still see in Intramuros schools and churches built and designed with solid Spanish influence. When you are in Intramuros, it seems hard to believe that you are in an Asian land.
 |
| when in Manila, jeepney ride is a must |
 |
| Manila Chinatown |
 |
| dry fish vendor (I love dry fish) |
 |
| picture, picture! They are strangers that befriended us in Chinatown |
 |
| vegetable vendors |
 |
| a familiar place. I remember my happy Citibank days, Binondo |
Chinatown. From the hotel where we are staying, me and my husband took a jeepney going to Chinatown. Tourists call it Chinatown, for me this place is Binondo. In very narrow cluttered streets, people are going and doing business. I see some people napping, eating, and even taking a bath. I have heard that in Chinatown there are many pickpockets, but I know there are also many pickpockets in Paris. For Filipinos, Chinatown is one of the center of cheap merchandise.
 |
| fishing at Baywalk |
 |
| dinner in Manila |
 |
| my parents and my Dutch family, Manila |
 |
| my Dutch family, refueling :) |
Manila Bay or Baywalk. Manila Bay is on Roxas Boulevard. This place is only a walking distance from Lotus Garden Hotel where we always stay. Manila Bay is for me a romantic place. I have fond memories here with my husband, walking holding hands, smiling and greeting to some strangers, a decent place to see a very beautiful sunset. There are ice cream carts with tunes, sometimes "kalembang", the sound is so unique and special to my ears, it brings a lot of happy childhood memories.
 |
| back in Manila, now as a family |
 |
| overlooking, Roxas Boulevard |
 |
| the very beautiful sunset in Manila Bay |
One woman posted on the Internet about Manila and I want to quote it: "Manila is not a world class city, but what makes Manila bearable is the people." It is heartwarming to read and to hear such nice comment about my place of origin. Manila is now one of the most densely populated city in the world. Yes, for many people, Manila is dirty, smelly, crowded, populated. Only my heart tells: I keep coming back to you, Manila. I hope my photos will tell you why I always love Manila.
