Today I will tell....

First weekend in Manila I stay in Makati City. Metro Manila is made up of 9 different cities. Makati is one of them. There's Mandaluyong, Pasay, Quezon, Ortigas, and some other names I can't remember. Today, I've decided to try out their version of MRT. Took the train at Ayala station, near Glorietta shopping mall, and went north, waaaaay north. Then turn back and went south, waaaay south, to Taft Avenue. Then I switched to their version of LRT, head North. It's a good way to see the city because the track is elevated instead of underground. I had to walk a bit to switch from MRT to LRT. On my way, I saw this poster. There're two ways to be famous and and well-known in Philippine; either you become model for advertisements, or you become a dangerous criminal. The view from the overhead bridge linking MRT station (Taft Ave) and LRT station (Taft Ave) I didn't manage to get to the last station, because my curiosity got the better of me at "Unit...

All clear today

My first day at work, and Typhoon Milenyo (international name "Xangxane") greeted my arrival with fury. I was trapped in the office. But I was excited as I've never experienced a typhoon before. So, I took my umbrella and camera, and dashed outside hoping to get a few shots of it. Bad move. The umbrella that I've been using for the past 2 years back in Singapore, didn't survive even 1 minute of it's life here in Manila. How bad is the typhoon? See for yourself. Because I was trapped, I can't go out far to buy proper food. Had to settle for this: In the evening, the storm subsided, even though it still drizzles a little. This is when I see the extent of damage by the typhoon. Warning on typhoon Blackout all around the city. Main shopping malls like Glorietta and Greenbelt are closed for the day due to lack of electricity. Since they're closed, I have no other choice for dinner....

The day has come. Time to board. What, no one to send me off? No one say goodbye to me? I'm all alone..... but never mind.... *sob The plane that will take me to Manila. It was a 3.5 hour flight. Stewardess on board...mostly aunties. I had my first taste of Filipino food on board. I forgot its name, but it was chicken. On approaching Manila, about to touch down, I took these shots: At Ninoy Aquino International Airport, coming out of the arrival hall, I saw this My first thought was........where can I get mine? As instructed, I met up with a transport company rep for the trip back to my serviced apartment provided by the local office. I was being chauffered by a guy in white uniform driving Nissan Cefiro. Not bad...not bad at all. Upon reaching the place, doesn't look posh or outstanding from the outside. But once I'm shown to the room, well......let's just say I'm glad this will be my home for the next 2 months View from bedroo...

Finally, the chance to travel for work. The Philippines. The firm is sending me to their office in Makati, Manila to conduct PeopleSoft training. Before this trip, I've read about it being the kidnapping and carjacking capital of Asia. It is reputed to be one of the most dangerous cities in Asia. I've always asked for some 'action' in life. Looks like I finally got what I asked for. Will I survive....?...... Packing for the trip Ticket and passport, check! Hunnie, I didn't tell you this, but I applied for international driving permit because I heard you can rent a motorcycle and ride it to see Mt Pinatubo there. hehehe I'm rich! rich! full of cash! all this, equivalent to abt few hundred dollars only. All set and ready to go

World of Warcraft (my wife can never get it right. She calls it.... "War of Craft") This game has been around for ages but it never occurred to me to pick it up until 3 weeks ago. Funny thing is, I never really like role-playing games, preferring real-time strategy like the Command & Conquer series. Read about it in papers, in blogs, happen to pass by a shop selling it, so decided to pick up a copy. I've been hooked since....... Here's a shot of my Human Warrior in Iron Forge, Dun Morough Astride a gryphon over Theselmar, Loch Modan Astride a gryphon over Amberstill Ranch, Dun Morough After few weeks of fighting monsters, beasts, gnolls, orcs, ogres, bandits, time for a little R&R Admiring the moon at The Molsen Farm, Westland Martyrhmn (Realm : Gnomeregan) Human Warrior lvl 27