Marvelous Manila

Saturday, March 9  Manila, Philippines

benny boys

college music group

Today was a warm day in Manila.  There were lots of people on the pier greeting us on our arrival.  They had dancers and music, including Benny boys- young men with very feminine characteristics.  They also sent a marching band to see us off. 

 

We started out taking the shuttle to the Robinson Mall and wandered around a bit.  We picked up a few funny tees for mom and a new snorkel and mask for “C”.  His old one is getting too small.   Next stop was the Hotel Manila.  This is a wonderful old hotel originally built between 1908-1912.   It was 5 stories originally and was the home of General MacArthur before the war.  He had wanted to live in the Royal Palace but wasn’t allowed so he took the top floor of the hotel.  He was appointed to the Board of the Hotel while he was there so he didn’t have to pay to stay there.  He is well like by the people of the Philippines.  The hotel was destroyed by the Japanese in WWII but was later rebuilt and now has a tower attached to the back as well  The main building is taller as well, but the original suite on the 5^th floor has been reproduced and has some reproductions of pieces from MacArthur’s era.  I was able to go into their archive room and see photos from its history and see some of the famous people who have visited.  This is the hotel of the who’s who that come to Manila.  It reminds me very much of the grand old hotels in the Hawaiian Isands.

contrast in transportation

Mom and Dad got haircuts here and “C” and I had a wonderful and relaxing lunch in the lobby area.  He tried the Four Seasons drink again but wasn’t as impressed with the “fresh squeezed” version.  We then walked back to the ship at about 2:30.  We saw many examples of the local transportation during our walk:  a horse drawn 2 wheeled cart, pedi cabs and jeepneys (local buses made from leftover part left after the war). We went shopping at the market on the pier when we returned.  The only sad part of the day was watching the crew’s family and friends leave as we were returning, everyone looked so sad.  The good thing for “C” is several crew members’ kids have come aboard for a bit while we sail between here and other parts of Asia.  It is nice for him to have other kids to play with. 

jeepney ttansportation

In the evening after we left the dock, we anchored in the harbor to watch the International Fireworks competition.  The Italians and the Dutch were competing.  There were some amazing red and gold fireworks, much brighter than any of us remember seeing.  We found out our librarian, Emily, grew up around fireworks displays in Canada as her parents put on pyrotechnic displays as a profession.  It was fun to hear her stories while we waited for the fireworks. 

Next up, a day at sea and then 3 days in Hong Kong.  I cannot wait to go back to my favorite city in the world.