InsaniTRIP TO MANILA

One of the first things said to me upon landing in Manila was "How brave of you". Which I am not. I do not think of myself as brave or even remotely similar and that the days prior to my stay in Manila on August 18-20, I did not think at all. My long suspicion of having a tunnel vision is confirmed by this trip. Serioursly, once I set my mind to something, that's it. I'm going there, I'm getting that. Regardless of consequences.

Remember my trip to Cebu? It was just a month ago, also my last post in July. Okay, I'm saying it now. This trip is, like that to Cebu, Gidget-related.

Was I insane for doing it? Yes but it was worth being insane about. You know what I mean? I was actually going to write about my itinerary in Manila but scratch that. I want to share instead about how I feel about this latest insanitrip. And also tips for when I travel again.

I already said that I did not think at all about my coming trip to Manila days before it. Okay, I did think but not through. I had no proper plans. The only concern was how I'm going to get to Alabang (where her gig on Thursdays is) and that's about it. A little on where I would be staying maybe. Truth is this trip made me realize how much of a baby I still am. First time in Manila and I was by myself. "You'll get lost", they said. And I did, no surprise. But all they said about how scary Manila is, how dangerous its people are, is overrated. Don't get side tracked by the image the media, your friends and family ingraved in you about the place. Don't let it stop you from exploring which I was not able to do due to time limit. They said to avoid asking questions too because people will get advantage of you. No no. How then am I going to get around the place if I dont ask around? Be vigilant but not to the point that you're paranoid. My friends think I'm overwhelmed because of Mary Gidget. They're all Gidget here, Gidget that. But the truth is, I was overwhelmed mostly by Manila. I was overwhelmed by friends who I met, which is actually the main reason I wanted to go (Mary Gidget is bonus). I was overwhelmed by myself, by the lengths I go to for the things I care about.

So, for the tips. Here are a few things I learned and should be helpful for my next outing:

1. Look for a cheap place to stay before the trip. There should be a 200 Php/12 hrs lodging in any major city. You just need to look. 

2. Pack light. This is common sense but so hard to follow. Try not to pack so much if you plan to stay on the go.

3. This is similar to No. 1. Book a place for 12 hrs, not 24. This should be common sense as well but did not occur to me. Huhu. You are not in somewhere else to stay indoors, inday! You'll only need the room to sleep in, meaning for the night. Point for No. 2, if possible, try to bring with you a single back pack that is light enough for you to carry around for a long period of time. 

4. Some place, even in Manila, have weak internet signal. Be prepared as much as possible, with regards to your itinerary, before your trip. When I was in Alabang, I might as well have been in a bukid (mountain). Signal sucked. Google Map wouldn't work.

5. Ask questions. Manila is not that bad. I promise you. I spent so much of my time in Alabang and QC asking questions. 

6. If Google Map does work, use it before going to a place. You'd want to punch yourself upon learning that your destination is just around the corner. I was almost a victim of this when I was going to meet some friends in Quezon City. P.S. Your taxi driver would gladly help you to a long ride to a very nearby place though so up to you. 

7. Similar to Nos. 1 & 3. First you have to do in a hotel is start everything. I mean, EVERYTHING. Turn on every light, start all faucets, the shower especially. If something doesn't seem to work, report, request to transfer to another room. A lesson I learned in a cheap hotel in Alabang. You must not be ignorant. 

8. Use apps if necessary. A friend helped me get to Alabang through Grab app. The world is so much easier with technology. Yes.  Use wisely.

The list went longer than I thought. 

So brave? No. Ignorant? YES. But I learned enough for the next trip. 😉

Tip No. 9. You could take more photos, you know. Case you didn't know. Haha.