Chinatown
Chinatown in Manila is technically the oldest of its kind, but it seems as though it no longer resembles your typical Chinatown. Although there are Chinese medicine and jewelry stores everywhere, it is neither an area that is predominately Chinese nor a business district for Chinese workers and employers. The neighborhoods are very large, but the main road commonly known as Chinatown takes only a couple of minutes to walk through.
Santa Cruz Church
Santa Cruz Church is located on the other side of gates into Chinatown. In front of the church lies a water fountain. The church itself is very simple and Sunday masses are conducted in Tagalog so I didn't understand much. However, Catholic masses are quite similar everywhere in the world, making services in Manila still easy to follow despite being in Tagalog.
Quiapo Church
Quiapo Church is supposedly a very famous church. Its Black Nazarene is known to have miraculous powers. But the walk to the church is not easy. I had to navigate through the busy Plaza Miranda and surrounding markets jam-packed with people in order to reach the entrance of the church. Inside, people were already seated to attend mass.
Makati & Greenbelt Complex
Located on the other side of the city, Makati is the business and industrial center in Manila. Greenbelt right across is a commercial complex with 4 shopping malls with up-scale brands and many expensive restaurants. Its lights and attractions does appeal to many tourists and foreigners, but Greenbelt lacks a local nightlife feel.
Cebu Grand Hotel
This hotel is conveniently located just a ten-minute walk from UP Cebu High School, a bakery, laundry service place, and McDonald’s. Currently undergoing major renovation, I could hear banging from construction everyday at the early hours of the morning. However, the staff is extremely hospitable and courteous. Since we have since a large group and staying for 2.5 weeks, the hotel threw in free and unlimited internet access for everyone on the team!
SM Mall Cebu
A short ride on the taxi takes you right up to the Cebu branch of the chain of SM Mall across the country. This one does not disappoint. The Northwing entrance usually has a stage set up for performers to entertain the crowd. Shoppers can find everything they need in the department stores, supermarket, Watson’s pharmacy, and of course, the large food court. This mall is our second home.
