Day 5 - Manila

American Flag on 100 Pesos Note

Jeepney

Love taking it, just jump on & off anywhere anytime.

It's only 7 Pesos (S$0.20)

Met some friendly & nice Filipinos who gave us direction and kind advices to be careful of our valuables. It is this small gesture of kindness that makes the trip more memorable.

One of the buildings inside Intramuros

Before the WW2, Manila was touted as one of the great cities in the world, comparable to Paris and other great cities. I could not believe it until I visited Intramuros built by the Spanish in 16th Century.

I agree with wikitravel summary of Manila:

Manila is often described as the only capital city in Asia that resembles a Latin American city. Many visitors have described it as polluted and crowded, but there is much to discover in Manila that makes it a must-visit for the tourist. Next to Warsaw, Polandit was one of the most destroyed cities during World War II, but before this, Manila was one of the most beautiful cities in the world, having been compared with London, Paris and other European cities. 

Philippines is the only country in Asia that is predominantly Christian. May be it is due to the fact that it has been colonized for a long time by the Spanish. What happened to the Indigenous culture & religion?

Cobbled Street in Intramuros

San Agustin Church

Chinese Lion infront of Church

Interior

The Main Hall

Holy Mary and Baby Christ

Lotsa Latin American Feel... may be it is due to the Spanish Influence

Taken in the Cemetery during Blackout

Huge Storm outside & stuck in the Church

Time for Yoga to kill time.

Water leaking in the old church due to the Storm

Taken during the blackout & the Hall was really dark.

Shutter speed was more than 10s for it to take in all the light.

Boy Statue in the Main Hall

Boy lighting up candle in the main hall

Manila Church

Waterfront living in Manila, anybody?

This is supposed to be one of the expensive places with waterfront view.

Yes, the beach was filled with Trash.

It was such a waste.

Cooking along the beach among the trash.

I exchanged smile with this gentleman and could not help but to feel a tinge of sadness for him. Saw lotsa street kids and family sleeping along the roadside. That's the reality of life for many in Manila.