NAME IT, DIVISORIA HAS IT

Behind the obvious poverty in the area, the decay and neglect, the smells and the aromas, the pandemonium of colors and products, the day-to-day living of several thousands of people who make up this place, Divisoria will continue to reinvent itself as Manila's prime bargain shopping center.

THE FORMER FAVORITE

Until the opening of the controverial, twice-raided 168 Mall near Meisic Street, the Tutuban Shopping Center used to be the favorite mall in Divisoria of many shoppers from all over. The place has since lost some of its novelty but continues to pack in the crowds, especially on weekends.





Long unused narrow-gauge railroad tracks along C.M. Recto emanate from the bowels of the Tutuban Shopping Center - a reminder to the new generation what this building used to be.

A DIVISORIA TREASURE

One of the last remaining beauty on C.M. Recto. Mom said ELPO was a famous shoe brand back then, a direct competitor of Converse.

HAPPY WEEKEND, EVERYONE!

M/Y TENNESSEE WALKER

On weekends, you may opt to enjoy the sunset in Manila Bay by taking this classic, the M/Y Tennessee Walker. Any information on this yacht's history is very much appreciated. For Php 250 (US$ 4.90), you can do an hour or two of sailing around the bay area. For Php 450 (US$ 8.82), you can both go sailing and have dinner, courtesy of the amazing Barbara's Catering (their main office is in the walled city of Intramuros, by the way).

My cousin says the cooks have to walk about in boots because there's a bit of sea water below the main deck. Hmmm. It's comforting to know that the Coast Guard ships are just berthed nearby....

Does our future really lie beyond the sea?

SUNSET BOULEVARD

Manila, the City of our Affections, is bathed in a warm, comforting, orange-y glow during sunset. Some images for you:

THE MUSEUM OF THE FILIPINO PEOPLE

Formerly housing the Ministry of Finance, it is now The Museum of the Filipino People with collections from the sunken San Diego galleon, among other archaeological finds from around the Philippine islands. Building designed by Daniel Hudson Burnham, 1905, for his City Beautiful movement.

Jones Bridge, Manila

THE MANILA CENTRAL POST OFFICE AT NIGHT

Liwasang Bonifacio, Manila
Building designed by Juan Arellano, 1934
Destroyed during World War II, rebuilt using funds from the United States

More amazing photos of this building here.

WHERE IN MANILA CAN YOU FIND THIS ?

Photo by Dylan Yap Gozum
Sta. Cruz, Manila

Photo by Dylan Yap Gozum
Malate Church, Manila

Photo by Dylan Yap Gozum
Sta. Cruz Plaza, Manila

PILOSOPO TASYO ON THE LOOSE

I have been trying my best to track the "career" of this individual. I first saw his graffiti on the LRT posts in Caloocan. He did sound like a former teacher on the loose, trying to teach passers-by a thing or two about stuff we don't normally take notice of. Unfortunately, I didn't have a camera back then. Some years back, more of his graffiti appeared on the posts of the MRT along EDSA.

This one I saw on a post of an abandoned building along Avenida Rizal. I wonder who the guy doing all these is!

HAPPY WEEKEND EVERYONE!

TIKIM: THE CHOCOLATE KISS CAFE

If and when you find yourself visiting the University of the Philippines' Diliman Campus, do not fail - for pain of missing a third of your life - to dine at The Chocolate Kiss Cafe. The food is very good, the place has this cozy University feel about it (something akin to "home" and "homey"), and soothing live music from an in-house pianist. There always would be an ongoing exhibit of some sort for new artists - paintings and photos adorn the walls.

Don't be turned off by the chocolate-colored plastic chairs though. This, after all, is UP- no need to look for frills. Be happy for the good food (at oftentimes friendly prices, too), the good company (with the occassional theatre or film people walking in), and the feeling of being home.

The Chocolate Kiss Cafe is located on the G/F and the 2/F of the UP Bahay Alumni. Turn left from the University main entrance. It is right behind the UP Film Center. I believe they have opened a new shop on Roces, too.

No, I do not know the owners.

Tomato Soup (Php ?) - like no other

Piglets (Php 115) - Hungarian sausage slices wrapped in bacon

Chicken Lollipops (Php 100++)

Chicken a la Kiev (Php 100++)

Spicy shrimps (Php 200++)

Spare ribs ? (Php 100++) - very dry. Must have been reheated

Lemon Rind Cake (I think). Too sour but we definitely loved the Prune Cake