Manila & Marakini City, The Philippines

Pictures tell a thousand words so check out http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2020910&l=d0b2a&id=220000480 and read below for details of my time in the Philippines.

Mon 19 Nov

Was amazing to have Reich come and meet me at the airport (feel loved!) spotted her a mile away and was still able to pick her up and give her a hug even with my pack on! Initially Manila reminded me of Disneyland, passing all the Christmas lights around town as we headed to Reich's inner-city apartment, dropped off my bag and went out for fast food Japanese with her roommates. When our food hadn't arrived after 15 minutes, turns out the waitress forgot to put through our order, she showed up with some origami to apologise : )

Tue 20 Nov

Reichell's twin sister Reichenn, picked me up from the condo and we checked out the mall and met up with Reich for lunch of chicken inasal and sisig. Checked out the Ayala Museum in the afternoon which had some amazing dioramas and chilled at Starbucks - so awesome to get to know Chenn! Evening ended up trying my hand (or feet) at Dance Dance Revolution, Guitar Hero and taking some purikura. It was Ladies night at Red Square so we karaoke'd for free from 7-12 and had a great time doing a mix of English, Japanese, and Filipino songs

Wed 21 Nov

Didnt leave the house until the early afternoon (great to feel like I'm actually on holiday) when Chenn and I took a couple of jeepneys to Little Tokyo and had a late lunch at the okonomiyaki shop (I swear I've eaten more Japanese than Filipino food in my time here so far!) We were the only ones in the restuarant so took our time and watched a Filipino game show (where people win money or health foods by dancing or singing songs) on the tv behind the counter . Had my first taste of Banana-Q (caramelised banana kebabs) for afternoon tea - so yummy! before heading out to Reich's parents place in Marakina City - what an adventure riding crowded jeepney with my huge pack! It's actually really nice to be in a family home again, had a great evening meeting the whole family and having great home cooked food - love chicken adobo!

Thur 22 Nov

The three of us shared one huge bed in their newly painted purple room and got to sleep in for a little bit : ) Had breakie and before I knew it it was lunchtime and then Chenn and I headed out to check out the sights of Marakina. Started with the Shoe Museum (housing Imelda Marcos' infamous shoes) and took a tricycle (like a sidecar) to the Doll Musuem with more great dioramas depicting the history of Marakina City and some insights into the culture here. Shopping and more street food at Riverbanks before a quiet evening at home watching "The Devil Wears Prada" and chatting till the wee hours.

Fri 23 Nov

Today we went on a day trip with Reich's mum, Reichenn and their little sister Lou Lou (who's taller than both of them) into Manila. Took and FX (mini mini-van) to the station and then two trains to get into the city (the overpass between which went over some unbelievable shanty towns). Had Chowking for lunch and Halo Halo for dessert before checking out Intramuros. Fort Santiago was amazing with Jose Rizal's shrine, prison cell, last steps and the famous lamp with its note "The Final Goodbye". Rode a calessa from Manila Cathedral for a city tour and then took a taxi to the Mall of Asia (MOA) which was huge (there's a cinema and even a skating rink inside!)and such a contrast to the shanty towns we'd seen earlier in the day. Watched the sunset from the boulevard outside and met Reich for dinner - there were so many options, it was so tough to choose! - at Congo Grill and then jeepney, train and FX to get home where we watched "Music and Lyrics". Think today might win the prize for most different types of transport in one day!

Sat 24 Nov

Headed out to the University of the Philippines for an Ame Gakuensai that Reich was hosting. There was a talent show section, loads of Japanese food stalls, a cosplay fashion show, live music and fireworks. It was a completely different appreciation of Japan than I had and interesting (and a little strange) to see it from a different angle especially from within Asia. Finished the day off with McDonalds - which sells spaghetti, chicken pieces and rice here!

Sun 25 Nov

Went to church with Reich's family which was interesting. Think it must be hard to hold onto a religion while you're travelling because it's expressed in so many different ways around the world. In the afternoon we headed out to Trinoma Mall to catch up with TinTin which was great to catch up, she's still with Yosuke and is lucky enough to have a job using her Japanese doing translation and intepretation (even though her major was Spanish). Another family dinner with everyone which was awesome, and Reich's dad commented "The weekends are the best. We are complete" - so cute!

Mon 26 Nov

Chatted to mum and dad at midday-ish and headed out to Riverbank at 3ish, bought a couple of watches, had pizza slices and pearl (bubble) tea before checking out the mall at Cubao. Seeing as it was going to be my last night at the family home, they decided I had to try balut - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Balut I'm pretty sure I've seen these on fear factor - they didnt actually taste too bad but just the idea of it is a bit gross