" Things to do when you're stuck in Divisoria "

I haven't been to Divisoria for the longest time. Even though, I live (more or less) just minutes away. The place has changed a lot through the years, but there are some things that pretty much stays the same. So, when on a sudden whim, I decided to visit this place on a sunny afternoon, (that was the day before the holy week) Mom and Pepperoni were a bit surprised, but they did agree to tag along with me. So, we hailed a tricycle and were off to "Diviseoux" - our own bourgeois word for: Divisoria.

To make it short, we shopped, bought a lot of affordable goodies. I love sale, bangketa, tiangge, flea markets. Never seem to get tired of it. But I hate crowds. Ironic right?! ^-^ We were like tourists, the usual strolling and browsing, even brought our handy GoPro. The smallest thingy gadget that doesn't look too obvious when you're pulling out a camera. You know how big eyed pickpockets and snatchers lurked around the area. Sadly, after more than a few decades, Divisoria, like any other busy streets, are filled with masamang elements, so just be street smart, don't parade your android phones, or your big wad of cash, and don't wear too flashy and if you can, blend with the crowd. ^0^

The imposing monument of Gat Andres Bonifacio
What is it with little kids and monuments? they seem to be pretty attached to it.

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This is the local flea market scene. It is open everyday of the week, from morning to night time. The newly appointed Vice Mayor, I.Moreno, tried to e-hem, beautified and organized the whole area, giving a chance for peddlers and hawkers to sell their products. This particular street has been pedestrianized and newly installed orange booths were designed so that they can have their own space.


Was Ate smiling at my camera?! Those casseroles on the right are Mirienda, not sure what kind of food she was selling though.












Pedicure: More fun in the Philippines .
This is very Manila, where a local manicurista get the nails done in a jiffy. No need to go to your fussy beauty parlour.













Watches for sale: 2 for 150 pesos.



Fish balls anyone?





Poor kid, so worn out that he takes his baby sleep in that small space, while his mother was tending to this booth. That's how hard it is to earn a living here.



Fresh Mangoes for only 25 pesos!



Why this is called a Full Over is still puzzling to me.


These ladies were so glued infront of the telly. ^0^ Probably watching their favorite teleserye.
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" daily life in Manila "

peeking through one of the makeshift houses along Rizal Ave.

Those plastic bottles outside the window aka : his " Kalakal " {recyclable goodies} collection, where his next trip will be a visit to the junk shop

A common sight for those who are commuting everyday.

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" How are you Manila? "

The busy streets and the hoi polloi of Manila. The same run of the mill setting. location: CM Recto - 7-sih at night what you see: the tricycle, the jeep and the bike. How you wish almost two years of hiatus, this city could do a bit of improvement... Not!

Sadly, it's still polluted and traffic. and don't even get me started about politics.. Pretty much everything's the same. Outside Manila though, there seems to be more improvement. More restos and hip shopping malls abound.

But in the heart of the city, what was once a glorified and well-known sight, is slowly becoming like a rundown.

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" Tarsier "

Alas! on their 2nd day,
Off they went to see the famous Philippine Tarsier.

Its size is only 3-6 inches in height!



so Small that my four-eyed mom thought this was it! ^0^



they had to climb a few plight of stairs before reaching its hub.



which strictly restricts anyone from flashing their camera or
making loud noises.

here's a few info I found via WIkipedia .



enhanced photo-op for souvenir shots.
but obviously, the gal's angry bird shirt was disturbing. ^0^



and some cute memorabilia as well.



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" Baclayon Church "

Welcome to Baclayon Church.
among the must see whilst in Bohol,
which is only a short trip from Tagbilaran.
( the city's capital )

a piece of its history:
It's considered to be the 2nd oldest church here in the Phils.
I think what's interesting inside is, it's made of coral stone,
cut into blocks and piled atop each other.
It is believed that egg whites were used to cement the coral stone blocks together.



a closer look at the Bell tower,
still in tip top shape, obtained during the 1800's.



the entrance to the church.



warning:



from the inside looking out



is this the confession area? not sure...



the interior of the church has exquisitely carved gilded altars,
nave paintings, dichromatic tiled floors,
with large stained glass windows.
notice the super sharpness I did with this one.
the lighting just wasn't that good.







the ceiling





looking at the other side of the church



what used to be where the priest held his sermons.



the stained glass windows.



some emblematic heraldry i suppose...



its craftsmanship





a room full of saints, religious artifacts.







entrance fee for the museum costs 50.-( less than a dollar).



mom was so pissed when she took this one, because this lady just wouldn't
budge or move.



apparently, picture taking isn't allowed inside the museum.
for whatever reason we couldn't seem to decipher.
the artifacts inside weren't even that interesting to begin with.

so these are more or less, "stolen shots" .











this is a view from the museum.

the restroom.


a wishing well outside.



and of course, the souvenir shop

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