NIGHTMARE IN NAIA 3

UPDATE:   
This incident happened last January 22, 2013. But during my recent trip last September and November 2013, arriving passengers are now allowed to get regular metered taxis at the Departure area.  Thanks for a petition on change.org after some passengers managed to "film" their experience with their smartphones and posted the incident on Youtube.   

Long line as passengers wait for a yellow airport taxi.  The regular white taxis are
no longer allowed to take passengers at the Departure Area. 

I arrived at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 3 at half past 1 in the afternoon.  That day, I was looking forward to go home to have a decent sleep.  I've been working for more than 12-hours per day during the Sinulog Festival in Cebu and a good rest was what my body really longed for.  

I'm not new to airports in Manila.  If you don't want to take the Yellow Airport Taxis, you may take a bus that will bring you to the MRT station in EDSA for only 20 pesos, or you may take the regular white taxis at the Departure area on the 3rd level.  

I opted to take the regular white taxis and I was glad to see them lined up outside!  No need to wait, I told myself.  But, the moment I got in, the airport guards suddenly asked me to get out and told the taxi driver to leave.  I asked why and they told me that these regular taxis are no longer allowed to take passengers.  It was the new order from the airport management that took effect that morning.  

MANILA BAY SUNSET: Doom or Boom?

The Novena Mass ends in Baclaran and I rush to get a ride along Roxas Blvd. to reach the CCP Complex before the glorious glaring ball call it a day.  

I was not alone.  Some tourists and locals were also there to marvel at the beauty of the sun slowly disappearing in the horizon.  No doubt a beauty for everyone to see! And the best thing is, it is for free!  

The Sunset at Manila Bay is an enduring image of Manila's identity and natural charm. Some even claim that it's the most beautiful sunset in the world.  Sadly, I heard some news that the bay in this area is being planned to be reclaimed to give way for more development and infrastructure. 

As Filipinos who love our capital city, we should not allow this to happen.  Manila will entirely lose its identity if its magnificent view of the sunset will be obstructed by tall buildings and other infrastructure. 

Let us preserve the beauty of our city.  What we need is to revitalise its historic quarters,   keep it clean and crime-free and improve/preserve the existing infrastructures.  Tourism is the key for this city to be on its feet again.  And it is not impossible if the city's officials will only have a world-class vision of this city who was once the envy of its neighbouring sisters in Asia.  

Please support the petition to preserve Manila Bay... 

Please SIGN THE PETITION:  
http://www.change.org/petitions/s-o-s-manila-bay-save-our-sunset-stop-the-reclamation-of-manila-bay

MANILA: A Closer Look (Part 1)

I find Manila interestingly charming. This may not be the city I want to live in because of its flood-prone and narrow streets, but I still continue to find myself going here at least once a month to experience her alluring vibrancy and chaos. Her rich history and underbelly piques my imagination like no other city in the Philippines.  Her invaluable role in the country's politics, religion, trade, education and culture sets her apart from the rest. 

Despite her grim appearance, she still possess that indelible character that made her an enviable city in the Far East during her golden, pre-WW II age. One only needs to take a walk to explore and re-discover the remnants of her once glorious past.  You'll be surprised how most of them survived, despite utter neglect. 

ALIW NA ALIW SA ALIWAN FESTIVAL 2011

Every town or city in this country has its own festivities! And most of them are deeply rooted in religious and farming traditions...

In Manila, city dwellers get a glimpse of these festivities from around the country in the annual ALIWAN FESTIVAL. A number of organizations (from various towns/cities) take part in this colorful and merry spectacle to parade their local traditions, beautiful boys and girls, products, artistry and culture!

The parade starts at the Quirino Grandstand and ends in front of Aliw Theatre at the CCP Complex. It's good to see people braving the mid-afternoon heat just to witness this event. The mood is festive and relaxed.

I waited for the parade (floats, costumes, etc.) at Aliw Theatre. I was hoping to get clear pictures with natural light... Unfortunately, the parade arrived early evening and the lights were not strong enough from our position. Anyway, I had fun and it was a great opportunity to experience this kind of grand festivity even in an urbanized city...

AN ARTSY TOUR

Manila never fails to amaze me. I know it still has a lot of places to discover and explore.

It was only recently that I got the chance to re-visit the Museum of the Filipino People and the National Museum. I thought they were still dark and gloomy inside, with that distinct smell of history permeating permanently in your nose, in your clothes, in your body. But I was wrong.

Happily, these museums have been renovated and "modernized". The lighting system have been upgraded, as well as the airconditioning. They are also well-maintained by the staff, who make sure that cleanliness is impeccable and systems are in place.

who needs an elevator if you have this

beautiful staircase?

Visiting these museums are no doubt a great alternative from the usual hangout places we normally go to. It gives us a sense of appreciation for our culture and history. Take time to read the captions, and try to do more research when you get home to truly appreciate and understand what the artifacts, the artworks are all about.

According to John Silva, the museum's Senior Consultant, Jose Rizal became a renaissance man that he has become because of his regular visits in the world's biggest museums and libraries in Europe. There, he learned a lot of things that sparked more yearning for learning and of course, critical thinking.

The main attraction - The Spoliarium (Juan Luna)

I know this won't be the last of my visits in our country's museums. I am now eyeing to visit the Ayala Museum, the Metropolitan in BSP, etc. this coming days. Seeing the works of great people and our ancestors stimulates my mind... my curiosity, and most of all, aggrandize my sense and concept of beauty.

as John Silva puts it, this is an oasis in the city