Philippines
Trip Start
Jan 17, 2005
1
10
Trip End
Ongoing
Manila, Philippines
Monday, January 17, 2005
I arrived in Manila in the afternoon and it was humid as hell. Stayed at a nice place in the Malate District (Malate Pensionne). This is where all the bar and restaurants are located. I Headed out and tried some local food washed down with a few beers of course. The next day walked up to the old part of Manila (Intramuros) through the Ermita District and Rizal Park. Not much too see about from some old Church's although San Augustin Church and museum was really well maintained with nice gardens, Manila Cathedral was OK although there were a lot of people trying to sell crap to tourists and they were also trying to get you to do a horse ride around the area. (they soon learnt to meaning of NO!!!!!!). Then headed over to Fort Santiago, not much to see apart from a museum dedicated to Jose Rizal (famous Philippine Martyr who had excellent credentials). I then followed the walk he took from his cell to where they executed him in Rizal park. I doubt if it was called Rizal park at the time and it was a good 10 minute walk so he had plenty of time to stretch his legs before being shot. I then had lunch and headed over to the Chinese Cemetery which was interesting place to look at the mausoleums. People actually appear to be living in them!!!! with the dead. I also went around the very polluted city in the Jeepneys but apart from that not a lot else to see.
