I had a recent trip to Manila, one that was not so appreciated despite having wished to fly on a plane again. But I did board a plane after more than 2 years. Sadly there was nothing special about it. Only when I arrived at the Manila Airport that I knew I'd arrived at a place that was separated by seas from my home island.
Everything was familiar. I've been to Manila and its surrounding cities. My hometown in Cebu is an urbanized city and I grew up being used to the city setting. And yet, there were strange sights to see. The weather that day was gloomy and ominous. Dark clouds were looming above skyscrapers I didn't the know names of. I saw a weird gasoline station that had pumps hanging from above. They looked like guns suspended by long tubes.
I was with my mother on this trip and we killed time at the famous SM Mall of Asia (MOA) while waiting for our bus schedule. We went to the harbor of Manila Bay and for the first time, I noticed the huge Ferris wheel that was the MOA Eye. I've been to SM MOA a couple of times but I have never paid attention to the Ferries wheel. How ignorant of me. And I was mesmerized by its sight when night came and its lights were turned on.
We went inside the mall and I saw this stall with the name Soy Yummy. I was elated to see that they sold Soy milk tea! I've stopped drinking milk tea because of my lactose intolerance and there were times when I wished I could still enjoy drinking milk-based beverages without upsetting my stomach. I made a mental note to search for stores in Cebu that sold soy milk tea. I'm sure there was one.
After a long day of waiting, we went to the terminal for our bus and we made our way toward Olongapo City where we met our relatives some of whom we haven't seen for decades or ever. But that story will be for another Liketu post.
How about you? Have been to a new place lately? Were there any strange sights for you to see?
馃搷 SM Mall of Asia, Pasay City, Metro Manila, Philippines
