Philippines, My Philippines

19-Dec-2010 • Manila Philippines

The hotel's lobby was filled with Christmas trees. This is the tree I fell in love with. Made and prepared by Tesoro's, the boutique specializing in everything Filipino, the tree would make a perfect fit in my Southeast Asian inspired condo in San Francisco.

The other Christmas trees on display at the Dusit Thani Hotel for Christmas 2010

Another one of my favorites but I forgot who designed it.

This tree is made up of recycled wire hangers.

I was very impressed with Makati especially the Greenbelt area. It looked very rich and very first world. Since all the stores and restaurants had not opened yet for the day, we decided to head on to the Shangrila Hotel and then the Manila Peninsula for a look.

Here's the facade of the Manila Peninsula. I love this image so much. That jeepney is so uniquely Filipino.

Marc at the lobby of the elegant Manila Peninsula. This hotel had already opened when I was still living in Manila decades ago. I was glad to visit it again.

Meeting friends and having breakfast, lunch, or dinner in fancy hotels like the Peninsula and the Shangrila is very much a part of Manila culture especially among the upper middle class and wealthy Filipinos.

The gigantic Christmas tree at the Manila Peninsula lobby.

While checking out the hotel facilities, we saw this painting depicting a scene in Manila and its inhabitants, back in the colonial period. I was later to find out that this painting hanging inside the Escolta Restaurant of the Manila Pen was made by Dominic Rubio. In the latter part of our visit, we stumbled upon a gallery inside one of the Glorietta Malls which sold paintings by Mr. Rubio. They were absolutely exquisite. I want one. No, I take that back. I want plenty, Mr. Rubio! I am a big fan!

The Filipinas Heritage Library, formerly an airport site

From what I remember, this is the spot where Ayala Avenue begins. Am I not right? Ayala has improved a lot. I am glad. I just hope the progress here in Makati spreads throughout Metropolitan Manila.

A partial view of the Philippine Stock Exchange Building

Another view of the Philippine Stock Exchange Building along Ayala Avenue

While I was still in Manila during the People Power Revolution that ousted the Marcoses from power, this monument dedicated to Ninoy Aquno along Ayala Avenue wasn't there yet. I was no longer there when it was installed in Makati. This was quite a pleasant sight for me during this visit.

Another statue depicting the People Power Revolution inside the RCBC Building. It is in this building where the Yuchengco Museum is located as well.

Inside the Yuchengco Museum. Stones, lots of stones suspended from the ceiling.

Here's Marc enjoying the exhibit

A view of the stone exhibit from a higher floor inside the Yuchengco Museum

A painting of the patriach of the Yuchengco clan of Manila

This painting shows some Chinese merchants from Southern China doing business with the Filipino natives. Bartering is more what they were doing here. They offered Chinese goods in exchange for Philippine raw materials and resources.

I loved the collection of Filipino paintings inside the Yuchengco Museum. The masterpieces by Manansala were very easy to spot. Here I am in front of some of them. I too have begun collecting paintings by Filipino painters.

Another Filipino painting I love. Women vendors selling candles.

Yet another favorite of mine, the painting of Mother and Child

Inside the Yuchengco Museum. This is not a very big museum but it's worth a quick visit just the same should you find yourself in Makati.

Besides Chinese and Filipino Chinese paintings, prints, and furniture, there are also some European paintings inside the museum. They form part of the Yuchengco family's art collection. The painting below is one of my favorites.

Heading to Greenbelt from Ayala Avenue

Greenbelt Park

It was quite interesting to find a small chapel in the midst of the relatively small Greenbelt Park.

Other views of Greenbelt Park and Malls.

Water buffalos on the side of the chapel.

After a long day of sightseeing in Makati, we headed back to the hotel to rest a bit. Then feeling reenergized once again, we headed out at night to see how the city of Makati, The Philippines' premier city for finance and fashion was lit up and decorated. This is what we found.

The nativity scene inside the Philippine Stock Exchange Building. Right behind this building is a small park named the Makati Triangle. It is there where a mini concert of lights dancing to various Christmas tunes was held every night throughout the Christmas season.

This marked the end of our first full day of visit to Manila. I must say, I was impressed.