24 Hour Escape

Should I or should I not go? This question was bugging me 6 hours before the plane took off.

It all started with Mo's Podcast contest. A caller will be chosen to discuss his or her topic which will interest Mo and the listeners. I sent my question of concern, without the slightest thought that it will pique their interest. So they called me up, put me online for the whole world to hear as Mo was insulting and mocking me. That was the time when a "screen name" makes itself very useful to hide a person's identity since it felt like my whole being was tortured and ripped apart by Mo's words. Well, it wasn't taken all personally since his show is about being frank and straight to the point. When the call ended, life goes on for me, aside from the fact that Mo's stabbing words and my clumsy story entertained thousands of listeners for a moment. Who would've thought that it would embark me on an unwarranted trip that will end up on this blog?

How?

Another call perked me up as I was about to sleep. Don, one of Mo's assistant called me up again, informing me that I was chosen as the caller of night, well, I greatly believe that I deserve to win after all the mocks and sermons I had from Mo. Surprised as I was when Mo said his apologies and took back all the bad things he said. Well, who am I not to accept it? And as a sign of his sincerity, as I said I was chosen as caller of the night and was made to choose between, 1, 2 and 3, each number with a corresponding prize. Lucky me, I got to win the cellphone which was the prize of number 3 and to be claimed personally.

(Listen to Mo's podcast every night from Mondays to Fridays here: Good Times with Mo the Podcast )

Should I get it?

I was having second thoughts whether I should get it personally or not because first: I do not have the money to buy a plane ticket, second: It is very impossible for me to be away for more than 24 hours without my parents killing me, and third: I am scared.

A week before I took off, and during that time I was still looking for a plane ticket, Paula, my friend asked me if anyone was interested to buy her ticket to Manila for she couldn't make it due to her duty schedule. She was ready to sell it for a lower price, when, maybe, she pitied me and decided to give her ticket to me. I was so ecstatic to hear that and my FIRST PROBLEM was SOLVED. Next thing is, how do I get to be away from my parents' radar for 24 hours? Blessed or maybe cursed with alibi-formulating-skills, I was able to make them believe, even until now, that I was assisting a major production for our province and I had to sleep with a friend at her hotel for the night. A "little bit" marked SECOND PROBLEM as SOLVED. Six hours before the trip, I was having second thoughts whether I should cancel the flight or get my ass in the crazy city of Manila. I was consoled to the the thought that I shouldn't waste the opportunity and of course the free ticket that Paula gave me and so THIRD PROBLEM was solved.

How can I ever thank God for giving me the best people and the best friends I have? My cousin drove me to Paula's house convinced that Paula and I will go to school and enroll together. Paula then drove me to her sister's house who will be accompanying me during the trip since they're going to Manila as well. When we arrived at the airport, which was my first time since our airport was renovated and transferred to a new location, I felt so giddy and excited about the whole trip not knowing what's gonna happen next. We boarded the plane and my last plane ride memories hit me like a deja vu.

I just can't help not taking a photo of how fluffy the clouds were. Perfect weather. :)

I stepped out of the plane with a very wide grin on my face but with a big question mark in my head. My mind went crazy and I panicked when Papa was calling me. I rejected it, "One Missed Call". When we were inside the airport, NAIA Terminal 1, I decided to separate ways from Paula's sister, though she invited me to have an early lunch with them. When I found my way out of the airport, it was "Nadine, what the hell are you gonna do next?". Before I slap my butt on the ground and cry like a lost kid, I took a deep breath, squared my shoulders and said, "You'll find your way around." True enough, my sense of direction, which was following the crowd, led me to the streets. While I was figuring out what mode of transportation should I get, Paula texted me like a worried parent asking if I was fine. Knowing that she's worried I called Charisse to ask her what route to take before I step into the wrong bus.

My first destination is Philcoa in Cubao.

I hopped into the bus without reading the sign, relying on luck that I will choose the right one. Charisse who remained on the other end of the line giving me vague instructions, since she's just a step less clueless than I am, asked me to ask the "kundoktor" if the bus goes to Philcoa, and so with my "smooth" Tagalog I quipped, "Kuya, Philcoa ba 'to?". I was relieved when he said it's one of their stops. So I stayed in the bus, looked out the window, familiarizing myself with the new sights during the 45 minute trip to Philcoa. Upon reaching the destination, I called Charisse. Calling Charisse became a must so I won't get lost. It was past noontime and I hadn't have any lunch yet but didn't feel so hungry but I was thirsty so I grabbed something to quench my thirst from Jollibee. When my guide, finally arrived her itinerary had U.P campus on top of the list, so off we went to my "supposed-to-be" campus, the University of the Philippines- Diliman.

Students who take a photo with Oble don't graduate, I hope the curse won't take its effect on me.

A graduation rite was going on at the Villamor Hall. This is where Josh Aquino had their ceremonies too.

My "supposed-to-be" building according to Charisse if I were in U.P.

The biggest school park/garden/gazebo I've ever seen.

A bird's claws, a recent art made by a National artist.

Palma Hall

The stairs of Palma Hall where a scene from the movie, First Day High was shot. 

Along the acad oval, there were people jogging, walking and of course selling dirty ice cream.

The twin hall of the Palma Hall which is adjacent to it across the field.

Walking around the acad oval was exhausting, I was glad that my feet didn't give up on me and I was still able to walk on them. But the walking didn't end there, 'cause we're up to walk some more, and next destination was, Cubao Expo. Since we are not very familiar with the ways around the crazy streets of the city, the safest way to get to destinations was through the train, which we call here as LRT. It was my "first time" and it felt so gooood. ;)

When we got to the spot, after a very long walk, and after several helps from the traffic enforcers, I instantly fell in love with the place. There was this romantic and soulful connection between me and the place. Seriously, it could be my hang out when I live around the area. Who would not fall in love with its  vintage vibes? The whole place looked run-down and old, like it used to belong to our ancestors and was handed down to their descendants. The stone pavements, the wooden walls of the shops, the antique mementos and what-nots were a perfect combination of a laid back place juxtaposed by some modern architectures that speak boldly of its pop culture, young, vibrant and fun. It could be categorized as an artists' hub, well it is, since the shops sold personalized items, made to order clothes and shoes, old books , vinyls, old cameras and telephones. All vintage and rustic can be found in Cubao Expo. But it's not all about vintage, there were also shops that are owned by some creative young people, selling stand-out clothes and accessories I also fell in love with. Most of the items sold were made by Filipinos and made in the Philippines. There were also coffee shops and restaurants that exude eccentric vibes for artists and artists at heart. The place was just so "chillax" - chill and relax. It was almost sun down when we went there but other shops were still closed, and after doing some readings when I got home, people usually flock to the place at night and that is when life begins in there. They also feature indie bands and artists here that make great music, setting the mood for a perfect chill out night.

Scored some great finds from this shop because of my persistent haggling.

One of the unique finds from the Reading Room.

They make more leather shoes, and you could even provide them your design.

Who won't get infected by the artistic spirits of these people and by this very artsy place? Too bad I wasn't able to scour the nooks and corners of the place because of tired feet and time constraints, but I will definitely find myself in this place again once I go back to Manila.

Photos were grabbed from Cubao-X, Our Awesome Planet and Traveler on Foot. Check these sites to know more about Cubao Expo. :) 

So you think it ends there? No. It's just half of the whole trip. Before it got  dark, we decided to go back to Katipunan where Charisse lives. A friend from Bacolod, Teepee was also in Manila so we agreed to meet up, had a good conversation over a good dinner at Flaming Wings. 

There was no time to waste, so right after dinner, I decided to go to Makati. Charisse and Teepee, well, they sorta acted like my parents there, asked me to change my clothes because I don't look safe in them. After changing clothes, Teepee accompanied me to the LRT station, from there I am now alone to face the uncertainties and dangers of the city. It wasn't the time to get scared or run away because I was so close to my purpose, to get the prize. Ignorant of the routes and directions, Charisse directed me where to go. My first attempt was a failure since I took a trip opposite the direction of my destination, and reached the very end of the stops, so I had to take another trip from there back to Cubao, Araneta. Thanks to Charisse who acted as my Google map as she literally Googled the places and gave me directions. Makati is around Ayala Avenue, the last stop of the MRT. Upon reaching the place, the qualms of not knowing where to go was not very relieving, but then again, it wasn't the time to back out. So instead of letting regrets summon me, I treated it as an adventure. It was like Amazing Race or maybe a little treasure hunting. If you don't know your way, get a cab. I was scared to take the cab at first because I've heard stories about unfair taxi drivers who would drive you around especially if they sense that you're a newbie in the place to inflate your taxi rate. I was blessed to find a very nice and helpful taxi driver who helped me find the elusive Easton Place in Cor. Rufino St., Salcedo Village. And so when we got there I was shocked to see that it was a condominium since all the while I thought it was the network where Mo works. This is how Mo's condominium looks from my unwarranted picture taking:

I really like Mo's "wall" of significant photos.

This dude has more caps inside his cabinet. I'm guessing his team is NY. :D

Of course THE Mo Twister with Rhian Ramos (left)

I arrived at Mo's place at around 11 p.m. and man! I was shocked to see a girl in bikini welcoming me at Mo's pad. I waited for him to wrap up his show, so my trip wouldn't go to waste if I didn't get to see him. He was a bit sick but Rhian was there to take care of him. They look so good as a couple. At the back of my mind I was thinking, where do I stay after this? My contingency plan was to find a 24 hour shop which I'm sure was a lot around Makati, the hub of economy and party of the country, to spend the night. Good thing, an old friend who drove all the way from Nueva Ecija met up with me and drove me around the city. It was so nice to see the place at night without the traffic and with good company. He literally took care of me, aside from driving me around, he offered his house to crash before morning. I was all wrapped in embarrassment to greet his parents in the morning and the first thing I blurted out was "Sorry." His parents were so nice and very accommodating. I met his dad four years ago and he sort of remembered me. I couldn't describe how embarrassed I was, that I remained quiet the whole time, which is not really who I am. His mom prepared breakfast and his dad warmed some water for me to use at the shower. It was an inexplicably awkward moment for me, but his parents' friendliness shook it all away. He drove me to the ticketing office of Cebu Pacific, treat me to lunch and a movie and showed me around the city some more with the little time that we had. Since my flu didn't subside, it only got worse, he also bought me some medicines and a yummy cheesecake from Sizzling Pepper Steak for me to eat while I wait at the airport. Two hours before departure, he brought me to NAIA 3, the new airport and bid our farewells. 

Tears were welling in my eyes. I really hate goodbyes. So I stepped out of his car, checked inside the airport and found myself alone and very lonely. I didn't want to leave yet, my stay was so short and I'm gonna miss the people there especially my best friend, Charisse. Nevertheless, it was a very great trip. It was a rebellious and unsolicited trip that stands as a proof of how crazy I am. 

Airports give me nostalgia.

Add caption

Got this ring for a very cheap price after haggling with the lady at the Reading Room.

All I had was this bag during the trip.

Goodbye Manila. See you soon.

To the person who took care of me and consented my craziness while I was in Manila, one of the reasons that convinced me to go inspite of the doubts, the person I badly wanted to see since she couldn;t come home for summer and after she graduates, it might be too difficult to reach her, the best-est person who is very willing to transform herself as my Google map and GPS, my tour guide, and my best friend, Ms. Charisse Bayona. Thank you so much, it was the best 8 hour escape with you. :)