I’ve been back in the Philippines since Monday evening, but I’m not quite home yet. My sister from Melbourne also arrived on the same day with her family, and I’ve been bunking with them since I arrived.

View from the 19th floor

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I’ve been meaning to explore more of Metro Manila for the longest time. I have a long list of places I want to see within the metropolis, but work, the weather and sleep prevails over my (non existent) will. The timely arrival of a guest from Australia gave me the perfect reason to wake up earlier than usual and venture out of my comfort zone.

Quiapo Church. I *think* this is only the second time I took a photo of the church because I always leave my camera at home whenever we go to Quiapo.

 
I didn’t really venture out that far, actually. I took my guest to places I am familiar with, and though I am seeing them from the same vantage point, it’s refreshing to see them as a tourist, even if I am from this city.

The Binondo Church. I was so glad the light and the sky was spectacular that day. Nevermind that the heat and the dirt, views like this makes it all worth it.

 
We walked around Makati (something I miss terribly), ate isaw at UP (always a pleasure) and haggled in Manila (a must do!).

Something tells me we’re not in Makati anymore… I love seeing this side of Quezon City.

 
It was a challenge to think of things to do and places to visit. Well, of course I had to make him try eating balut (which he liked, and something I don’t personally eat), have him ride a tricycle (which he really loves), and show him where do buy dibidis and bicidis (which made the sellers VERY happy). After all those things, what do we do next?

Mmmmmmmm, isaw.

 
We go out of town, of course. Finally, I’ll be able to go to Tagaytay! </sarcasm>