Metro Manila is a land of historical places. It may look like it was behind before, but it’s far beyond now.
-Josephine CE
“It is not the perfect neat place because it’s crowded, there's lots of traffic and air pollution, but the flow of life here is colorful.”
Ever since I was a kid, I grew up in the reality that life is not sweet to most families; I met a lot of poor families and listened to their different stories of how they cope in their everyday battles. A dream to become rich someday to get out of poverty is like the last money they hold onto tight; it can inspire that someday this may bring luck. I love traveling to some cities and seeing different stories there. I will show the forgotten beauty and different faces by far I’ve seen in Metro Manila.
This photo is Whang-od Oggay (Left) a Filipina tattoo artist from Buscalan, Tinglayan, Kalinga, Philippines, the last Mambabatok (tattoo artist) . Aira Tordilla (Right) my childhood friend. This place was in SM Aura, BGC Taguig city. This place is known for luxury stores and good for hang out with your friends.
Jeepney or in short "Jeep" is a popular and main public transportation in the Philippines. It is affordable (by far because of inflation strike) and good for long ride. We also have tricycle as a secondary main transportation. if the jeep cannot stop on the exact spot of your house, some alternatives are, walking, taking tricycle, or motorcycle. "Manong" or "Kuya (brother)" to politely ask them the exact location you have plan to arrive. These are flexible in every road.
This house was in Sto. Thomas, Pasig. Whereas you can still see some old houses built in 80's or 90's or longer than that are still stunningly beautiful.
A roadside with blooming Golden shower tree, way going to Pasig city main market, Municipality.
Astonishing Pasig city river view. Before, the side of the river was full of man-made wood houses.
The MRT (Mass Rapid Transit) view inside, this photo was taken 10.15.2020. After Covid-19 restrictions lifted, inside of MRT, talking isn't allowed yet.
This photo was taken August 9,2019 in Manila. (Yes it is) When typhoon "Hanna" hit the Philippines.
"New Manila bay" If you still remember the "Old Manila bay" it was neglected for many years. Government Officials in the Philippines ordered a rehabilitation to restore the beauty of Manila Bay. October 05,2020 and this is the result now.
A road view near Rizal Park, Manila.
"Kalesa" A carriage drawn by one horse, is one of livelihood of people in Manila before, but last year you'll see only 1-2 carriage because of Pandemic.
Pedestrian crosswalk in front of Rizal park.
Side of highway going to National Museum and Divisoria market.
National Museum of the Philippines.
National Museum of natural history.
Roof view of National Museum of natural history.
"Philippine Tarsier"
"Lolong" The longest crocodile lives in saltwater captured in Agusan del Sur, died since 2013.
Manila post office built December 1837.
Stunning view of Manila post office at night.
"Intramuros" Side street at the entrance.
"Katipunan KKK monument" The Philippine revolutionary society statue in Manila
"Jones bridge" One of the old bridge in Manila built in 1920 and was recently enhanced last year by Mayor of Manila.
Part of Jones bridge.
way going to China town. Aira (the main person)
Arch of Philippine and China friendship in Binondo.
"Binondo church"
"Divisoria market" Known for cheap market and lots of cheap food & things to buy.
Divisoria side walk view. This photo taken last year only.
"Filipino street Bbq" Usually called "Ihaw-ihaw" one of the exotic foods you'll find in Philippines streets around 4pm until 10pm (depending on the vendor when they'll close). These are combinations of chicken and pork flesh ex; stomach, liver, heart, adidas (chicken feet) and chicken head and meat.
"Dried slated fish" Popular food, especially "tuyo". One piece of this dried fish with approx. 3-4 scoop of rice and vinegar with red chili is enough to give you satisfaction. Some people hate the smell of it, and if you're frying it in a pan, the smell sometimes stick to the wall of the house (Filipino are aware about it), but for me and for people who appreciate dried salted fish, it is a life saver food and budget friendly.
Hijab section in one of the vendor i've been in Divisoria.
Street view in Divisoria market.
My second to the oldest sister with me inside the jeepney. From Divisoria market, going to Pasig city.
Sunset near the Pasig Mega market.
Sunset view in Pasig city river.
