"Manila, Manila, I keep coming back to Manila."
01.03.2011
Day 3
I was born in Manila. Grew up in the Philippines until I was ten. The last time I visited was before September 11th. Before Dad got laid off working for the Airline industry. Before Lola passed away.
Forward ten years. We find ourselves among 400+ passengers, going through immigration, baggage claim, and customs. Then we're free! My cousins spot us outside the airport. We arrive in Cainta around 3 am. Lights out.
After having breakfast of Jollibee, (comparable to McDonalds) we hit a local mall. The weather is warm and a little humid. The famous Halo-Halo cools us off. We head to Tondo, another town in Manila, to meet my family on my Dad's side. We hit Manila traffic. Picture this. It takes 45 minutes to travel 8 kilometers. You have a road with your usual traffic signs, then throw in cars, trucks, buses, jeepneys, tricycles, motorbikes, bicycles, and pedestrians that jay-walk everywhere! What an experience!
I reunite with my grandmother, lovingly referred to as Mama Sing, and the rest of my relatives. Mama is 4 of 11 children. She is 87 years old. Once inside the house, she shows us around. We see a 37 year old puzzle. A mural that her brother painted in 1982. The wall of fame. An old Syrian coin. Then we eat pancit (noodles with vegetables and meat) and chicken for an afternoon meal.
Later that day, Russ, two of my cousins, and the neighborhood kids play pick-up basketball.
Posted by Rosezanne M. 04:12
