“There is no template for the meaning of life. Instead, the meaning of life is what you choose to make it mean. Life is the consequence of our moral choices.” – Stupid is Forever (Senator Miriam Defensor)
Accoding to Senator Miriam Defensor, while there is no blueprint for the meaning of life, there is countless research on ways to have a more meaningful life; thus, we need to make the most of every moment and opportunity that comes along the way and seize them so that upon reviewing back one’s life, regrets will have no space. Fuelled with these thoughts in mind, I packed my things and hitched with my co-adventurer and colleague who was bound for Manila. Though the main purpose of this activity is to accomplish some necessary requirements, such thought did not hinder us from getting to know the capital of the Philippines; and it is rather overwhelming to see with your bare eyes the places which are frequently shown over the national television and usually printed on the books. Although there were fears crawling within us because of the stereotyped urban image of the city, we found out that there’s really more to a place than the notion it gained. Metro Manila or the National Capital Region is not just roads, buildings and crimes. Come to think of it, the place has been a cradle of history way back to the time of pre-colonial era down to Spanish, American and Japanese occupation.
WHAT ARE THE PLACES THAT ONE MUST GO? The map below shows the cities that we have conquered during our three day stay in the region. Within these days, we were able to conquer the following:
- UP Diliman
- Intramuros
- Rizal Park
- Fort Santiago
- Ocean Park
- SM Mall of Asia
- Divisoria, Quiapo and Chinatown (We were not able to take pictures in the place for fear of snatchers and pickpocketers. It’s better safe than sorry, right?)
On our second day, we decided to go to Tagaytay to see some epic destinations like:
- People’s Park in the Sky | Picnic Groove | Sky Ranch
WHAT ARE THE MUST RIDES? The thing about travelling on your own, without travel agencies, is the fact that you get lost. Though the latter is crazy and sounds totally scary, being in my profession, I can really say that experience is the best teacher. We had stroll around, rode on the wrong transportation and got into conflicts with drivers which made this simple activity into an adventure! Yeah, I’m crazy.
- Jeepney
- Bus
- MRT
- LRT
ITINERARY: Day 0 11:00pm – NAIA International Airport 11:30pm – Boarding house 12:00am – 1:00am – Midnight snack Day 1 12:30pm – UP Diliman tour and processing of important papers 4:30pm – First MRT ride 6:00pm – SM Mall of Asia (dinner and tour) Day 2 8:30am – ETD to Cubao 9:00am – 10:00am – getting lost and travel to Baclaran (Coastal Mall where provincial buses park) 12:30pm – People’s Park in the Sky 2:00pm – 4:00pm – Sky Ranch 6:00pm – Arrival at Cubao 6:00pm – 9:00pm – getting lost and going to every corner of NCR up to Navotas 10:00pm – Home sweet home Day 3 12:00pm – UP Diliman (continue of processing) 2:00pm – Intramuros, Fort Santiago 3:00pm – Rizal Park, Quirino Grandstand, Ocean Park 4:00pm – 6:00pm – Chinatown, Divisoria, and Quiapo (Last minute shopping) 7:00pm – Bound to NAIA 12:00am – Back to Cebu – Home Sweet home Upon further researh, we found out that there’s really more than what we have been to. Of course, this means we have to go back and go to those places. Yes to more fun! Yes to more adventure! Laag pa more! :) Photo credit: Baditang Fernandez @baditang138
Dakilanglaagan 