Philippines Finally!

After months of cancellations, bookings, and telling everyone that I leaving for Manila, I'm finally here. Yes... with 1 cancellation of flight, 2 cancellations of hotel; I'm here now in Makati Shangri-La, broadband in the room, writing the experiences of this virgin trip to Philippines.

AIRPORT

The number of people here is HUGE! The immigration is fast but the queue was loooong. Americans, Australians, Hongkongers, Japanese, Koreans, talk about Tourism! To pick up my lugguge, it took 40 min before I finally got my bag... and and... it looked crumpled. :( Going out towards customs, they took the custom forms and I headed out.. Onwards, out of the door right next to the exit of the Airport, a group of officers are here to ask for this lugguge tag that was given to me and stuck on the ticket.... you know that one with the passport usually.. i freaked out... coz I was using an e-tic and I thought I lost it!! Searched and searched and found it in the end...

LIMOUSINE

Ah, this part I like.. I get a driver, sitting in a black camry and the driver is all friendly about telling me how it's like in manila, teaching me tagalog, places to go. FRIENDLINESS. This is one trait I found in almost all the local folks here! And well, my journey began and I was once again caught in the famous TRAFFIC JAM of Manila. Anyone who can drive here can drive anywhere in the world! My driver skilfully took every corner, every short cut and in a turning lane jam towards the left, with 2 lanes turning and a tailback of some 30 vehicles in each lane, he could take the extreme right lane and at the junction successfully turn into the junction and onto the left side. I was stunned! Patted him on the back and said You're GOOD!

FOOD

The first few days had me having at least 5 meetings a day and little time to explore. I did get some good food thought... LECHON, or roasted pig, SISIG, or Pig ears and cheeks (no typo error here) yes CHEEKS. I had the famous BALUT, duck eggs where you see the feathers... sheesh... (upcoming quicktime movie for all to see) best thing around... cheap cheap food and beer. Imagine, a can of San Miguel at S$0.60 per can. Even imported Ashahi is about S$1.60. Well, they have every fast food restaurant you can find in Europe, America and Singapore.... Old Chang Kee is here too man... So what do they not have??

So much for the first few days. Next change coming soon...