Till I See You Again

Before I continue, allow me to share a video from Wiz Khalifa to my fellow readers.

I'm supposed to meet a dear friend of mine tonight. Unfortunately, no one is going to babysit her daughter so the meeting is canceled.

And that’s when she dropped the bomb on WhatsApp.

I told her, I don’t know whether I should be happy or I should be sad.

I’m sad because if she leaves, I don’t have “kaki” for gossiping, to debates on certain topics and a shoulder to cry on.

I’m happy because;

1. It is a huge opportunity for her career and she gets to earn way more than what she’s getting here.

2. I have a place to stay whenever I come and travel to Manila 😆

MANILA

The most densely populated city proper in the world. The city is the centre of the country's economic, political, social, and cultural activity.

For me, Manila is a place where I can enjoy eating, shopping and more eating.

My first visit to Manila is in 2009. I remembered back then we had to travel from Diosdado Macapagal International Airport (now known as Clark International Airport) to Manila for almost 2 hours by public transportation. Traffic jammed was pretty heavy and it's time -consuming too. The bus dropped us at Quezon City and we took a taxi to our hotel. It feels like my one precious day got wasted just like that. 😞

But now, Air Asia flies direct from Kota Kinabalu to Ninoy Aquino International Airport which is located in Metro Manila. 😁

Since then, almost every year, I’m flying to Manila to get myself shopping and food therapy.

SHOPPING HAVEN
In Manila, there are soooo many places that you can go for shopping. I got introduced to a place called Greenhills Shopping Centre in San Juan. It was known as a bargain shopping centre where you can try your haggling skills. You can get almost everything in Greenhills. From bags, gadgets, jewelry, watches, home decor, DVD’s ,footwear, etc. There are plenty of restaurants to choose for dining or take away.

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Another great place for me to shop (and eat) is at 168 Shopping Mall, Divisoria. It is a wholesalers paradise and shoppers delight. We are advised by our local friend not to wear any expensive jewelry here. Reason being is because the seller might not want to gives you discount when they saw your bling, bling (maybe because they know that you can afford it 😝) You can either shop inside the building or outside since they do have street markets too. Owh, and the price is way cheaper compare inside the building. But bear in mind, not all things can be found outside and I recommended better to do your shopping inside because of varieties and also the air-conditioning. Hahaha.

Crowded street of Divisoria

Another favorite place of mine for shopping is SM Megamall. Being the largest shopping mall in the country and fifth in the world, it sure won't disappoint you.

Any supermarkets in Manila are worth to visit and shop since they offered different kind of varieties (and most of the groceries are not available in Malaysia). Just make sure you bring unprohibited goods back to Malaysia.

FOOD
Gosh, where should I begin? The Philippines is so famous for their signature dish such as sinigang, daing na bangos, paksiw, adobo, bagoong,halo-halo and of course the famous and super masarap leechon kawali!

You can find these foods almost everywhere in Manila. Don’t contain yourself and just try it all. You won’t regret it. Trust me 😝😝

Now, let's get back to my friend.

She’s going to work as an International Labor Relation Specialist under the HR department in San Antonio, Makati. It's a very big responsibility, and she knows that it all rests on her.

But, I have no doubt in you. You surely can do it. What matters most is your happiness.

Hopefully, in the next 5 to 8 months, I can come and pay her a visit and enjoy gossiping with her again. Of course, that is when she's got her own place.

I know this is not goodbye. With real friends, it’s only "see you later."

Travel safe my friend and till I see you again, Tess 😢 . Best of luck!

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