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| Mga jeepney mong naglliparan Photo by Auntie |
For my third trip to Manila, Auntie and I just did a repeat of my earlier trips. Except this time, we went to the Museum of the Filipino People, and stayed at the Ermita area. We really didn't get to do an extensive food trip because Auntie was observing a meal plan.
Why did we decide to go to Manila again? We were having some discussions about my recently concluded trips to Manila when we had a realization. We've hit the streets of Kuala Lumpur, Singapore, Bangkok, Macau, Seoul, Hong Kong and yet we've never really experienced their counterpart in the Philippines which is Manila, particularly, Ermita.
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| Auntie and I in Kuala Lumpur Circa 2010 |
We found it ironic that we dared to visit the unfamiliar streets and eat the street foods of these foreign countries and yet we were hesitant to try our own. This is why we decided to give Manila a try.
So two weeks after my last visit to Manila, I was back. Again using Agoda, I booked us at Lotus Garden Manila. For a little over Php2,000, we got a twin room inclusive of breakfast. I guess by now you know the drill, I book at hotels that are near the places we'd like to visit and I make sure that I get the best deal.
For lunch, we used the hotel's map to look for a place where we can eat. Auntie said that she saw a Spanish Restaurant on her way to the hotel from Robinson's Place. We searched for it but when we found it, the place looked old and smelled old. And nobody was there. Not a a good sign especially if it was peak period. Because we were really hungry, we decided to go to Robinon's Place instead. We planned on doing a diverse culinary adventure but hunger got the better of us. We ended up at Kenny Rogers! Because Auntie was following a meal plan, she was stuffing me with food not allowed in her plan. So, in return I was giving her my vegetables!
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| One of the exhibits at the National Museum Photo by Auntie |
After lunch and settling at the hotel, we went to the National Museum and Binondo. True to our agreement, we explored the areas as if we were tourists hitting foreign streets. It was more like, I was the tourist guide and Auntie was my foreign guest. Sometimes, you just have to have a change of perspective to see new things. And like me in my previous trips, Auntie was amazed with her discoveries. She took a lot of snaps to prove it.
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| Another exhibit (Auntie not included) |
I also took her to the esteros and she found it ironic that she is the one living in the Metro and yet I am more knowledgeable when it comes to places like these. One word: research. I wanted her to try Dong Bei but for the third time, I did not succeed, there was a queue! I took her to Masuki instead. We always share our orders and because of that meal plan, I ended up stuffing myself again! Sabi kasi ng nanay ko, "wag sayangin ang pagkain marami ang nagugutom!" I am just OA, I wasn't really stuffed-stuffed, I just had to eat the whole siopao and I was only prepared to eat half.
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| Filipino-Chinese Friendship Arch |
After National Museum and Binondo, we went back to the hotel to rest and freshen up. At that time, we still had the Descendants of the Sun (DotS) fever so we decided to have Korean for dinner. And Auntie really loves Korean food.
Go Won Korean Charcoal Grill was just a few steps from our hotel. I actually used Google Maps to find it but we were being led to a complex housing barbecue grills/karaoke bars.Thankfully, Auntie noticed the restaurant beside it. We were hesitant at first because of the earlier experience with the Spanish resto but when we got inside, we were quite impressed. The interiors were a far cry from the neighboring barbecue grills. It was well-lighted and was really set up how Korean grills should be. Most importantly, the staff were very polite and accommodating.
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| Three days, no nights - #alamatngsoju |
When we arrived, there was already a group of non-locals (Chinese). The group that came after us were also non-locals (Korean). Probably because we were the only local customers, the Korean owner gave us complimentary tofu soup and salad! Or maybe because she saw that we were really nice to her staff. But it is most likely because even if it was just the two of us, we still complied to their minimum order (at least two sets) when it comes to grilled meats. We actually ordered the cheapest in the menu, the Samgyupsal and Marinated Chicken. So together at Php600, they were still cheaper than one order of some grilled beef sets. Yes, I ate the veggies!
With the DotS hang-over, we ordered Soju. We only learned that it was Php200 when we got the bill. And being non-drinkers, we only took a shot glass each. So we decided to bring back to the hotel the bottle and the remaining contents. Auntie brought it home with her. We still couldn't get over the Php200.
After dinner, we tried to find the Mediterranean/ Arabic resto I read about in blogs. But because we were already full from our Korean dinner, I just decided not to pursue it because there was no way we could eat again that night. So instead, we searched for a spa.
Every two or three months, Auntie and I would meet to have a "chill day". This is our treat to ourselves. We take a break from our daily grind so we can recharge. This is why we really save for this break. It's cheaper than undergoing therapy! We already have a set budget and this is where we base our activities. One of the things we do to de-stress is getting a massage. Being in Ermita and not being familiar with the place, finding a spa was a challenge.
Let's be honest, we all know that Ermita has a certain reputation because it is considered as a red-light district. And as such, you really have to be vigilant when finding a spa. Auntie and I went from one spa to another. We were asking for rates and services offered and based on the answers and the manner they were delivered, we chose which spa to go to. We decided to go to a new spa. Unlike the other spas, this one was well lighted and the receptionists were very professional. How did we know? Let's just say that we have a way of interviewing people. Oh and the other customers were mostly senior citizens (both male and female) who were literally nagpapahilot! Signs of the times? Are we nearing that stage? No we were really just tired.
We made our reservations and got back to the hotel to freshen up. Our reservation was not until 11pm so when we went to the spa, Ermita was very alive. In a sea of bar hoppers, we were the odd-men-out. Why? We were both wearing pambahay, daster for me. But a funny thing happened when stepped out of the spa past midnight. There was a scantily clad woman on the street with a foreign "date". When she saw us, she held her date tightly and acting as if we were going to steal him from her. Seriously, Ate? Threatened? E mukha nga kaming katatapos lang maglaba sa ilog! Well, probably after we had our relaxing massage, Auntie and I exuded a glow. Okay, I'm pushing it too far.
Feeling relaxed, we both had a good night sleep. So after check-out, we were again recharged to face the days ahead.
There are some places we don't want to go to because of what we've read or heard about them. But sometimes, you have to get out of your comfort zones and explore the unknown (but of course, still observing necessary precautions). Just like in the case of Ermita. When one mentions Ermita, the first thing that comes to mind is its reputation of being a red-light district. But it might surprise you to know that the Manila City Hall, NBI, UP Manila, PGH, Rizal Park, National Museum, Manila Hotel, US Embassy and even the family-friendly, Manila Ocean Park are all in the Ermita District. There are so much more to discover and experience.
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| Map of Ermita District Screen Cap from Google Maps |
And contrary to what Auntie has earlier feared, nobody tried to pick us up!
Up next
Biyahe ni Bru Goes to Guam
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