" Manila Hotel "

Before the grand lobby, the guests are welcomed with these imposing arches.


and yet another arch going up.


the Roma Salon - which serves as a function room for events, etc.
and I can't stop admiring the dark wooden details of the ceiling,
it suddenly feels as if you're somewhere in Europe.


trivia:
some of the famous foreign dignitaries who stayed in this hotel, to name a few...
Ernest Hemingway, President John F. Kennedy, The Beatles, King of Pop Michael Jackson entertainer Sammy Davis, Jr.
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" Manila Hotel "

If the exterior looks a bit outdated, then its interior is its exact opposite.

The main lobby transports you to a bygone area that seems timeless.
Beautiful wooden coffered ceilings, colonnaded arches,
chandeliers made of Capiz.
The ambiance sends off a soft tone mood.


Two large traditional paintings on the wall and symmetrical with its
furnishing display.


even a buffet restaurant and cafe.


more of its history next week.
happy weekend. ^0^
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" Manila Hotel "

I have to admit that as a manilenyo,
there are sights I have yet to visit
and the truth is, If it weren't for this blog,
Manila wouldn't be as interesting as I thought it would be.

Last night, I was delighted to have a chance to dine and take lots of photos in
one of the oldest running 5-star rating hotel.

The name says it all: Manila hotel
Its exterior may seem nondescript, but you haven't seen what it looks inside yet.



this is facing the pool side view.



..will share more of its historical past and its interiors,etc.

To have a glimpse of it, I've linked this to its Main site and like you, I'm also a tourist as much as you are.
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" Decrepit "

I have a thing for old houses, what once was, what used to be...





This has not been torn down yet, but surely in poor condition.
seen around Quiapo area.

ps: Rob and Mandy of Barcelona Daily Photo shared a nice link from BBC's site where you'd see some beautiful fotos of Intramuros.
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" Go green "

when you don't know what to do with used plastic bottles and
just when it seems you were about to throw it into the trash...

I say: be creative. ^-^

this was seen along the side the of the road .

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" sweet treats "

one of my favorites... ^0^

* Puto - not to be mistaken as a bad slang in spanish.
It is actually a soft, spongy steamed rice cake and this one is Puto Pandan inspired.
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" Sandwich "

that off-white structure in the middle used to be the floating restaurant
(Jumbo boat) owned by h.k. tycoon Mr. Stanley Ho, but it was closed as
soon as it's opened.
I guess business wasn't that good
and again behind closed doors, a lot of anomalies and politicians going against it.
a pity because it would have been a good market as its near the bay area and close to
cultural center, even a mall and amusement park ahead.
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" souvenirs "

just when you think you run out of things to give, here are some souvenir treats
made from the Phils. ^0^


a framed jeepney Capiz clock.



seashells clock inspired.



some wooden handicrafts



and more! ...
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" something's Fishy "

It was a day in Quiapo along the muslim neighborhood, when I saw a couple of vendors hanging these in their carts.
all seems well, when one of them tried to wave me away and said
no picture taking! It's prohibited. really?!
I think she thought I was going to take a picture of her.


On another note...
nothing to do with this fish post.
I wish everyone a Happy Hearts day! ^0^
I hope everyone shares this lovely day with someone special and
close to their heart.
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" Glow in the dark "

Whenever I passed by the market area near where I live,
I'd see a pot or two of this plant for sale on the side of the street.
Curious, I asked the vendor for its name, but he seem bored and just gave me
a garbled word of some sort, so I asked the 2nd time, he just said,
it's a plant that glows in the dark, It's luminous.
so, there it is, another unknown plant. ^-^

if anyone has any idea what's it called? do share! ^0^\
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" Quinta Market "

Quinta Market is one of the busiest if not the boisterous "Palengke" (marketplace) in town.
It's located in Quiapo and if one wants to scout for fresh goodies and meat,
then this is your one stop shop.





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" Oops! ^-^ "

Just around the neighborhood,
the less fortunate would take their kids out in the street to have their bath.
Excuse the expose butt though. ^-^

ps: thank you for the well wishes.
I'm doing better than ever. ^0^
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" Sunset Boulevard "

Taken last November while I was calmly watching the sunset through my window.

I haven't been out lately,
hence the post irregularities.
I just got of from a terrible flu the other week,
not to mention being preoccupied with work etc.
How I wish I could take a break from all of this. ^0^

anyway, I wish everyone a happy weekend.
Sky watch entry
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" gong xi fa cai "

Let's welcome the Chinese New year as the clock strikes 12.
Hello year of the Rabbit.




As always, the streets here in Chinatown in every nook and alley have been filled with people, gift goodies, lucky charms, tons of non-stop lion dance as the celebration continues till the end of the week.
While the government didn't think fit it to be a holiday,
the Chinese communities are looking forward to it.
Surprisingly though, a lot of Filipinos are also anticipating it as well.

and yes, color Red and the fiery Dragon is official.

ps: don't forget to ask for Red packets from grannies and aunties. ^-^

you can learn more about its festivities and cultures
here. ^0^

and here are some fotos around Ongpin and Binondo.



a Ginger root or Gabi root tied with red ribbons are also considered lucky.



it also comes in pots.



vendors and their display..,



and to bring luck and prosperity all year round,
one must hang this trinket in front of their door.

how about you?
did you celebrate it in your neck of the wood as well? ^0^
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" Theme day: Fountain "

For this month's theme day event I decided to show you a glimpse of the Plaza around Chinatown.
The Plaza San Lorenzo Ruiz is named after a patron saint, where two fountains are located. Behind it is the famous Binondo church.

Click here to view thumbnails for all participants
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