Images from Philippines
We docked in Manila, Philippines on the 9th of October. Before we were allowed to get off of the ship, we were warned that hotels frequented by tourists were being targeted for bombings. We were told to avoid such hotels. There was a lot of unrest going on in Manilla at the time.We traveled everywhere by "jeepney"--these are small, highly decorated jeeps that acted as taxis for Manilla. The hoods of these taxis are studded with metal horses--supposedly, the more horses, the more power!
One night a group of us (about 10 people) went to a fancy French restaurant. It was very hot outside and most of Manilla was experiencing "brown-outs" (or losses of electricity). The restaurant was steaming hot, and there was not enough electricity for air conditioning. We ate by candlelight while vigilant waiters fanned us with large bamboo fans.
I traveled to Baguio--the summer capital of the Philippines. It took seven hours to get there because of a mud slide, and it was hotter than hell in that bus. Once we got there, however it was a little cooler. I ate at a Shakey's Pizzaria--by candlelight again due to another brownout. We shopped in the open market for a while and enjoyed the crowded streets and the cooler air. As I was walking I had a strange experience. It was dusk, and all of a sudden a high-pitched siren was heard. Everybody on the street stopped dead in their tracks for about 10 seconds--it was completely silent--and then everything was back to normal again. I never did find out what the heck was going on.
NOTE: Click on an image to view it enlarged.
 | These beautiful flowers were everywhere. Thanks to Henry Bravo I now know that they are called "Gumamelas". You can read his comments below. |
 | The Barrangay Dance Troupe--unbelievably good! |
 | One of the dancers in the The Barrangay Dance Troupe. He played on shells strapped all over his body! |
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Updated February, 1997 / Karin Rex, ComputerEase