Manila Mayhem: Humidity, Halo-Halo, and Honestly, Just Trying to Survive
okay, so manila. it’s…a lot. i landed a few days ago, and honestly, i’m still processing. i’m a freelance photographer, usually chasing light in quiet places, and this is…not quiet. it’s a full-on sensory assault, and i’m kinda here for it, but also kinda need a nap every three hours.
first things first: the *air. i just checked and it’s…sticky, like someone decided to bottle summer and then add a generous helping of humidity. the weather report said 27.41 celsius, feels like 28.62, pressure’s 1012, humidity’s 60%. honestly, those numbers don’t even begin to cover it. it’s the kind of heat that clings to you, that makes your clothes feel instantly damp. i’m pretty sure my camera bag is developing its own ecosystem.
getting around is…an experience. jeepneys are everywhere, these brightly colored, repurposed military vehicles that are basically mobile art installations. they’re cheap, they’re chaotic, and they’re definitely not for the faint of heart. i tried to take one across town yesterday, and i’m pretty sure i ended up three neighborhoods away from where i intended to go. but hey, i saw some amazing street art along the way! you can find some good info on navigating the city here: https://www.tripadvisor.com/Tourism-g298460-Manila_Metro_Manila_Luzon-Vacations.html.
food. oh, the food. i’ve been living on halo-halo (shaved ice with everything in it) and street tacos. someone told me that the best adobo is found in a tiny, unmarked stall in Binondo Chinatown, but i haven’t managed to track it down yet. i’m also slightly terrified of getting food poisoning, so i’ve been sticking to places that look…busy. which, in manila, is pretty much everywhere. i did check out some reviews on https://www.yelp.com/search?find_desc=Restaurants&find_loc=Manila before venturing out.
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i overheard a couple of expats at a coffee shop complaining about the traffic. one of them said, and i quote, "it’s like rush hour all the time, everywhere." i think that pretty much sums it up.
my neighbors are…loud. and friendly. and constantly offering me things. i’ve been offered everything from mangoes to motorcycle rides. if you get bored, Batangas and Tagaytay* are just a short bus ride away, apparently. i’m thinking of taking a day trip to escape the concrete jungle.
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a local warned me about pickpockets in the Quiapo Market. he said, "keep your bag close, and don’t flash your phone." good advice, probably.
honestly, manila is exhausting. but it’s also exhilarating. it’s a city that doesn’t apologize for being itself, a city that throws itself at you with everything it’s got. i’m not sure i’ll ever fully understand it, but i’m definitely glad i came. i'm also looking at some local photography tours https://www.getyourguide.com/manila-l168/photography-tours-tc181/. i might need a professional to help me capture this chaos. and maybe a stronger air conditioner. you can also find some helpful travel tips on https://www.lonelyplanet.com/philippines/manila.
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