Bisdak Babbles

For someone who strongly opposed to living and working in Manila, I’m surprised to realize that I now miss the place.

Mid-2005. I still revolted at the idea of moving to Manila when I made the decision to grab an opportunity to work there.

The first month was almost unbearable. I experienced knee-deep floods (yes, there are knee-deep floods in Makati), I got lost more than twice (also somewhere in Makati), all places appeared to be crowded all the time, and traffic jams were natural occurrences. Not to mention the daily challenge of speaking Tagalog! I finally got used to all of the cons and began to accept them, or should I say “embrace” them. By doing so, I noticed the pros and started enjoying my stay there.

Now, why do I miss Manila? The following notions may appear lame especially to those who are still “anti-Manila” but these did fool me ^-^:

• Company Alpha. (Sorry, I could not specify the company name here.) As of today, October 26, 2006, I think it’s the best company I’ve ever worked for. If circumstances have been different, I would probably remain there for another 3 years.
• The covered walk from Greenbelt 4 to V.A. Rufino Street in Legazpi Village. Taking a walk here alone is refreshing but it’s more enjoyable if you walk with someone special ^-^.
• The Malls. My favorites are: SM Mall of Asia, SM-Makati, Greenbelt, Glorietta, Gateway Mall. I have always loved window shopping! I haven’t been to Power Plant Mall in Rockwell. It could have been one of my favorites.
• The cinemas. We always go to Greenbelt 3 cinemas. It’s a pity I have not tried SM Mall of Asia’s IMAX theater.
• Restaurants. The Daing na Bangus and Kinilaw na Bangus in Mangan (Glorietta) and Devilled Crispy Pata in Crocodile (Greenbelt 3) are mouth-watering!
• Last, but not the least, the friends I made and the people I met. I’m sorry I was not able to say my good-byes. I would really like to have that “farewell” dinner with you all when I have the chance to visit Manila again.