Kaya Pa? Kaya!

I made a promise to Janette that I would go to Manila to take pictures of the landmarks around LRT and MRT early this week. I don't know if the saying, "Promises are made to be broken" is a curse because I was not able to do it until Thursday. The challenge was that the only amount I had that day was enough to make my trip to Manila. The thought of that I was totally clueless of where I should start was another thing I thought a brave man could do. It was "Bahala Na". Of course I was not that stupid enough to go there without plans. Thank God I had a friend who was so willing to help me.

I took a bus to LRT. I was so restless on my seat, making sure I wouldn't be lost. Goodness's sake, I couldn't afford to get lost in a polluted city like Manila. I dropped off at Central Station. I asked first the guard on duty if he could help me. Then he referred to a supervisor(?) who really tried helping me. It was really confusing to ask different people who were giving scratching-their-heads kind of answers. So I decided to go to the Manila City Hall.

When I was there, the impressive City Hall from the outside was quite disappointing from the inside. I realized that it really did represent what kind of city Manila is. It hurt to accept this fact. However, the staffs working inside were very friendly and helpful. I was in a rush because it was almost lunch time. I couldn't just wait there. Time was running out. I had to at least finish one station that day. It was so hot and, err, too much pollution around me. I don't know why there is a thing called government for so many years and it seemed like they couldn't do anything about it. If they could not do anything about it, then how about removing government from it's position?

After talking to some more people, I felt that there was finally something. I was told about Mehan Garden, Liwasang Bonifacio, and Intramuros. When I saw Mehan Garden, I was expecting of a really beautiful garden. Sadly, I was actually welcomed by homeless people who found a new home there. I didn't have a problem with that except for one thing, the smell of the place. It was like they had also found a comfort room in every corner of the place. I decided to let go of the Mehan Garden from my list. My heart was so disappointed.

My next stop was the Liwasang Bonifacio. It was really impressive. I had a better picture of it from a quite a distance. I did some notes about it. For better look, I got closer and, err, the area was full of sh*t! What kind of people Manila does have? Is this how they give tribute to our national heroes?

And finally, the Intramuros. Suddenly I forgot about my disappointments. To be honest, that was the best part of my Manila Adventure.

-to be continued-