On The Streets of Manila

Today was the first day we've gotten out and gone somewhere other than a mall since our arrival here in the Philippines. This first week of vacation is all about preparing for Sahar's debut (18th birthday party) in Manila. We went to the Divisoria (or China town) area of Manila to check on Sahar's dress for the party and the dresses for her attendants. The Divisoria is a notorious location in Manila for snatchers and thieves. Most Filipinos would encourage you not to venture into the Divisoria because it's "not safe." When Alona told me last night we would be going to the Divisoria today all that came to my mind was "I can't wait."


The Divisoria is huge area sprawling many blocks in the north end of Manila that is a commerce center for most small business owners and regular people looking to save a peso or two on goods, textiles and just about anything you could imagine.


Of course we were here to do business regarding Sahar's party. This is a photo of a vendor selling small items or "give-away's" you might offer your guests for coming to your party.


A dressmaker and her wares at one of many dress boutiques in the Divisoria. This lady made the nine dresses for Sahar's attendants. Nine really well designed and made dresses for under $150 total. Wow huh? Couldn't have that kind of party in the U.S. for that small of an expense.


A couple of random Divisoria images. There are police all around the place with guns. You'd think with all of the security people wouldn't be uptight about their American friends travling there. Really though the Divisoria is no place to be if you're a non-Filipino wandering around without other Filipinos with you to watch your back and speak for you if you don't know Tagalog. It's not that most Filipino's don't speak English. It's what they're saying around you and not at you.


Random photo shot through the window of our taxi cab on the way into the Divisoria.


Another random photo shot from our cab while crossing the Pasig River.


A Kalesa crosses a busy intersection in Manila near the Divisoria. I shot this while we were waiting to get a cab on our way back to the hotel. Kalesas are a strange but neat contrast on the crazy streets in Manila. Regular Filipinos and not just tourists use the Kalesa which is kinda funny since most Filipnos are usually in a hurry to get somewhere during the day. The Kalesas kind of just lumber alone slowly with the regular hectic pace of Manila traffic. I guess you use a Kalesa if you're on "Filipino Time" and really have nowhere to go in a hurry.

We return to the Divisoria on Thursday to pick up Sahar's finished dress. Guess what? Yep. Can't wait.