Ermita Manila

Malate and Ermita Manila Malate and Ermita merge together to become a major tourist district in Manila. Here is a quick look at some of the attractions. This area is a place of contrasts but everyone is looking to strike gold. Some do, but the odds are tough for a poor man. There are people that make their homes on the streets but at least it's warm and there is always a way to scrap up a buck. Most of the homeless are pleasantly polite and often speak good English. Living on the streets, but where do you find love like this? There are sections of old Manila tucked in between brand new high rises. I think that the current world wide financial meltdown is going to cripple a lot of these high flying projects. (nov 2008) Many of these condo developments seem to have very low occupancy, (judging by the lights in the windows at night). Some guy with a striped shirt walking along. This is the Malate church in Malate but these horsemen travel the whole area. They can be a bit aggressive but I enjoy joking with them. Just be sure to set the price before you jump on that cart! Koreans are making a stand in both Cebu and Manila. It is surprising how many small businesses that they have set up. Jeepneys are not allowed on Roxas Blvd. but they are bumper to bumper on M.H. Del Pilar, Adriatico, Mabini St. The belching smoke can gag you. Filipino people always have time to talk and laugh. I was showing the guy in the blue shirt some pictures on my digital camera and he commented, Ah cobra! In Tagalog - bakla. (The one with the hand on the pole is a boy and we all got a good laugh about that.) These Manila dogs seem to be in good spirits. The traffic police have these sweet machines but rarely drive them anywhere. Some people claim that they get hassled a lot by the cops but I never even saw them write a ticket. These lady boys are doing an impromptu dance in the streets near Robinson mall, trying to raise money for their Christmas party. There is abundant night life in Manila. This LA Cafe has become an international pick up joint. The Amazonia is a bit of a dive but there are pool tables and overpriced drinks as well as some girls for the desperate tourist. There is no lack of clubs and KTV bars in the area. Manila keeps humming all night long. It can be energizing for night owls and insomniacs. Juri's is a watering hole just up the street with a European menu. Door man with cow. The Duck Inn is a favorite of the Aussies. The Hobbit House, just across the street, is an interesting stop. It's a bar staffed and owned by little people with a big heart! The bar tenders are standard issue and boring but all the wait staff are little people. If you don't smoke, get there early, 7pm or so. Then you can enjoy your drink before the place fills up with smoke around 11pm and on into the night. You will probably miss the music but you will be able to chat with the staff. These girls staff the internet cafe on Del Pilar near the Pension Natividad. Friendly's on Adriatico has free wireless for guests. It is hard to find good internet cafes in Manila because the real estate is too valuable to waste on that sort of thing. These horses really have better things to do with their time! On Roxas Blvd. Getting ready for the 2008 Christmas season in the Pension Natividad on M.H. Del Pilar in Malate. Robinsons Mall - This place is a pleasant respite form the heat. Teddy bear salesgirl in the mall. Wages are low but at least they get to work in an air conditioned environment!  There goes that horse again! 2008   www.dutchpickle.com

 

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