Philippine Journey- Day 1 Arrival and Wake

I arrived really early at the airport in Manila and spent some time getting my SIM card figured out and currency exchanged. It was time to figure out my ride to town. I was nervous and excited to walk around Manila. I couldn’t find the public transit UV Express that the tourist person at the airport recommended so against others’ recommendations I took a taxi and prayed he wouldn’t kill me. Yes, I read horror stories about Manila taxis but I remained rational and reminded myself that it can happen anywhere. The driver was super nice and helpful. It took an hour in traffic to go just a few kilometers. He was pointing out sights and telling me about some of the history. The traffic was insane. I can barely describe it other than every few seconds I kept thinking “they just did that?” My jaw was dropping regularly. Total chaos but no fender benders. NO space. I could reach my hand out the window and touch the driver next to us. The views were impressive. The poverty was like nothing I have ever seen, widespread and endless. I felt suffocated by it especially with the heat and humidity. I was conflicted. I wanted to jump out of the taxi and help everyone. I wanted to feed the dirty, emaciated children. I wanted to hold them. I wanted to fix the system. I wanted to scream- THIS IS WRONG! These are my people. At the same time I was feeling the culture shock and longing for my drop off at the Starbucks we agreed on. I needed to catch my breath and make a plan. Tiny children were napping on broken sidewalks. Families were getting up and moving form where they spent the night cardboard pads in hand. Others were setting up their stands where they sell food or things.

I arrived at Starbucks. No Refresher drinks but I had a nice cold shaken black tea and oatmeal. My stomach wasn’t ready for a chai just yet. It was a radical difference inside Starbucks compared to where we were. Most of the people inside were meeting for business. I was impressed with the Barista’s customer service. She happily called me Miss Cecily and served my oatmeal on a tray with a metal spoon. I found a small table, ate breakfast and took everything in. The security guard was friendly and warm. There are security guards everywhere. He even clears the tables!

I head out. It’s going to be really hot- about 97 degrees with 85-90% humidity so I’m sure I’ll be cursing my backpack soon. My plan was to walk to Rizal Park and see some sights along the way. I want to get my feet wet so I follow the map to the marina. Not sure where that was. I could certainly smell it but it appeared I needed to stay at this particular place to access it? Okay, another time. I realize the access point is in the opposite direction. I’m close to the park so I keep walking. Its disappointing- I feel like I’m outside a racetrack. Later I realize I’m at the edge of the park and not even there.  I nearly trip over a pedicab with legs sticking out from under. Reminded me of the witches legs under Dorothy’s house in The Wizard of Oz. It’s a little child napping wrapped in a sheet. There are no signs of his parents. He’s breathing and sleeping.  I see other toddlers napping on the road with some parents near. I’m feeling uncomfortable. It smells like sewage. I reach the park and walk around. There’s a neat project where they are sustainably growing rice and have a space to educate people. Also people playing chess. Its nice. I’m hot. Time to sit down and take a rest in the shade.

Next place I want to see if Ft Santiago. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fort_Santiago

I walk and walk. I walk past people sweeping to sidewalks with these handmade brooms (walis tingting) and fixing them. It was amazing.    I am thrilled to arrive at the cathedral. I wanted to see this. I went in and sat for a while to cool off. It was breathtaking. It was the cathedral Pope Francis recently visited.

    I nearly tripped over more folks sleeping. The sidewalks are small and broken so I was often walking in the street. I realize I walked too far but I never saw a sign or entrance for the Fort. I see a wall and start to enter and am kicked out. I review my map, keep walking and end up at the Manila Cathedral. Just before that I was walking through a heavily populated area. It was stressful and hot. A tiny child kept begging and walking long side me. He kept pointing at my drink. He wanted my cold tea. I gave it to him and he smiled and ran off.

I found my way to Ft Santiago which wasn’t far from the cathedral. There was small entry fee- like a dollar. It was nice. Quiet. I was overwhelmed with all of the people and not knowing where I was so this was a welcomed break. There was shade. I toured the fort and came to the river. I was overwhelmed by all of the shacks along the river where families lived. The river smelled horrible and I could not imagine living here. I sit and watch.

The rest of the day I walked and walked. I observed the ways of the jeepney and how people got in and out. I learned how to walk around in traffic. Cars do not stop for pedestrians. No one stops for anyone. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jeepney

It’s almost time to head to Quezon City to my hotel. I hop on the metro and transfer. At that station the men and women ride separate trains. Interesting. Kind of nice actually. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Manila_Metro_Rail_Transit_System

I arrive at my stop a few blocks from my hotel. I walk through the Farmers Market which smells like fish. Accidentally past the sea animals and saw something behind glass that resembled a snake or giant eel—either way I walk fast and looked away. The streets are busy but less stressful than where I was in  Manila. And one block down it all changes. All of a sudden everything is upscale and quiet. And there is my hotel. And I soooo want a shower. If they let me in. I’m gross. The hotel is air conditioned, its wonderful. I get to my room and absolutely love it. And the shower….oh that was lovely. I desperately needed a nap. I let Cynthia know I was in Quezon City and will come after a short nap and food. She says they are there until late and there will be a service at 7pm. I have plenty of time.

I uber to the church. Many relatives are there. Cynthia is there and introduces me. Its in a smaller room on the premises. The family is there and Joey is there in his casket.  I am honored to meet his beautiful daughters and wife. I am just as honored if not more to meet his mother, Mely. My father’s first wife. She is beautiful, warm and loving and hugs me. I meet some of Cynthia’s cousins who are amazing. The priest arrives and a short services takes place with communion and holy water. Prior to the service they show a slideshow of pictures of Joey and his family. I’m honored to be here. After the service we eat. People have been bringing dishes – I am happy to eat some white rice. It sounds perfect actually. I connect with some of Joey’s college friends and hear stories about how adventurous he was. He wasn’t afraid to go to the “unsafe places” to get parts- he likes to make things. When they heard I spent the day walking round Manila they were amazed. And the fact that I rode the transit??? Who does that??? By the end of the conversation they tell me I remind them a lot of Joey- we are both adventurous spirits. It was time to go. The funeral service was at 8 am tomorrow. I uber back to the hotel and have a little more food and go to bed.  

I feel connected.