Manila, I apologize :)

I just got an SMS from my former prof who's spending the break in Manila. He said, "I'm here, I'm okay, and I'm having so much fun!"


In my last entry, I painted a grim picture of Manila, as if it's hell on earth. In a way, it is, and in a way it is not. It's a very complex place, Manila. If you're the type who's used to the comforts of life, it's not for you. But if you really want to get down and dirty, and you don't mind meeting evil face-to-face, you may find it interesting.


Let me put it this way. If Singapore were a person, she would be the A student, graduating on top of class, loved by her teachers. Manila is that bad boy,the one who barely passed, that boy who always made fun of you, whom you loathe, but whom you secretly want to date.


Manila is a vibrant city. Music plays a huge part in the lives of its people. It pervades campuses, and I spent a good part of my university years going to cheap concerts by some of the city's best bands. The city has a fledging independent film scene that has produced movies that has earned the respect of critics. Art is not taught. It's just something we live with.  


Religion is a driving force in people's lives. Proof of this is the feast of the Black Nazarene, where people pin their hopes in God and in themselves, so that they may have a better life. Ironically, there is so much sex in the city as well. You can smell it in the smog-filled streets, and see it at the way the men and women in the offices flirt outrageously at each other. Catholicism produces repressed beings. And when you're repressed, some things happen.





Feast of the Black Nazarene. Yes, this can kill you.



Manila is unforgiving. It does not like the weak. He crushes them. But if you survive him, you can survive anywhere. He can break you--and make you. And in spite of his devious nature, the city is the home of really affectionate people. Something that I've noticed when I started living here in Singapore was how proper the people are. They usually keep their hands to themselves. But the people of Manila are very touchy feely. We hug our friends, even of the opposite sex. We kiss each other on the cheek at Mass, and even when we just greet each other. We care for each other too much. And we're not afraid to show it. We're too PDA sometimes. 


I told my classmate S that I can't understand why Dr. R would want to visit Manila. S asked me, "Why not Manila?" Yeah. Why not indeed.