The First Impression.
I remember being told repeatedly by different people that I should go to the Philippines if I would want to have great vacation experience – shopping, superb night life, cheap food (and beers!), great melting pot of culture and yes, the absolutely great-gorgeous personality of the people! You know what, I normally scoffed at the comments as I thought how much better could it be as compared to KL?! Until one day – when I was there myself in the city of Makati for work.
I was welcomed at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport by a fine gentleman holding my name ‘NELSON’. The 45-minute journey from the airport to my hotel was close to an entire-silence – well perhaps I was tired over the plane ride, plus I was observing the city along the way. Once in a while, I popped questions to the limo driver. Makati was first spotted by the first Governor General of the Philippines who dismissed it as a worthless swamp. According to folklore, he asked for the name of the place but due to language barrier, was misinterpreted by the natives. Pointing to the receding tide of Pasig River, the natives answered, “Makati, kumakati na,” literally meaning ebbing tide.
The People I met.
Reaching the hotel, I was once again welcomed with smile and friendliness. There – I got my first hello from the people I have talked with via emails and phones. Felt good to finally put face to the name. As this was a work visit, 80% was comprised of meetings (different people, different time slots), competitors’ inspection visit, working lunches and dinners. Not going to elaborate on all that but I must conclude that we’ve gained a lot of positive insights, and that business direction should be in place in no time. I’m proud of this hotel team.
Back to the general remarks made on the Filipinos – it’s true! Warm, friendly, courteous…even those whom I met on the streets on my leisurely walk from Greenbelt to the hotel one fine evening. It’s like a nice ‘curse’ put on them – generally, good looks coupled with sound mannerism and personality…well, at least those I’ve gotten acquainted with! And I kept uttering this – “I can live here!” Plus, the fact that they had the tendency of speaking tagalog with me or later asked me “you are NOT a Filipino?” Hmmm…amusing!
The Food.
My first night was more of an attempt to find good traditional Filipino food. I had a list of suggestions even before I flew in – from various friends, some here on socials. I went to an outlet in Greenbelt (apology, I didn’t pay much attention to the name). I tried the Lechon Baboy and some other delicacies. Being Spanish influenced in origin, the word lechón originated from the Spanish term leche (milk); thus lechón refers to a suckling pig that is roasted. The pig is placed over the charcoal, and the stick or rod it is attached to is turned in a rotisserie action for several hours until done. The process of cooking and basting usually results in making the pork skin crisp and is a distinctive feature of the dish. Yummy…we have that too here in Malaysia!
Another evening was with my dear friend Tonette who introduced me to the Via Mare Café. After long hours of competitors’ inspection visit, what better way to conclude the day – yes, a nice cold Mocha accompanied by two traditional Filipino desserts Bibingka and Puto Bumbong.
Bibingka, is a rice cake similar to the Western pancake in appearance. Bibingka is made from galapong (glutinous rice soaked in water), baked in a special clay pot, with live coals on top and underneath. It is topped with slices of white cheese and salted duck eggs. The newly cooked bibingka is spread with butter, sprinkled with sugar then served with niyog (grated coconut). Puto bumbong is a dish made from purple-coloured ground rice cooked in bamboo tubes that are placed on a special steamer-cooker. Then, they are removed from the bamboo tubes, spread with butter and sprinkled with sugar and niyog (grated coconut). Only one word to describe them – delicious!
Oh the beers…they are so cheap! I could even swim in a bathtub filled with beers (I didn’t do that of course!) You know how some regions in the world have their own ‘beer specialty’. There, they have Philippines very own beer – San Mig Light! It tastes light but with the same alcohol content like other brands. Oh one more thing, it comes with low calories, hence less filling and light on the tummy, they say. I love it!
The Split Personality.
Makati City is regarded as the financial capital of the Philippines, sometimes called the “Wallstreet of the Philippines”. You heard me mentioning Greenbelt numerous times – it’s the country’s premier lifestyle haven that provides a unique shopping experience to the chic and the savvy fashionista, the hardworking businessman, and the family. With its high quality, specialty shopping, dining and entertainment areas, the cosmopolitan consumer is rewarded with a space that mingles indoor and outdoor elements in fluid harmony. Greenbelt’s roster of prominent, world-class retailers, restaurateurs, and entertainment operators makes it an unparalleled shopping and entertainment spot!
Within a short and limited time spent in Makati, I learned to love the place and the people. The only downside is the long queue at the Airport’s Immigration, and the fact that I was close to undressing myself completely at the security checkpoint.
But ONE fact remains that Makati has a “split personality”: The upscale part of the city is in the west, while the poorest side of the city in the east, mostly composed of the city’s slums areas. A day out on my last few hours there somehow cued me that I should be back as there are more to explore. I’m yet to experience the other personality of Makati. My friend T had promised another exciting ‘date’ the next time I’m around. I’ll ensure an additional day for this. Yes, I’ll be back…in God’s will. - A
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