Welcome to the Philippines, my 112th Visit and 107th Run UN Country !!!
Philippines (Pop 115,559,009) comprises 7,641 islands and was originally occupied by Negritos, 6,000 years ago. The adoption of Animism, Hinduism and Islam established island-kingdoms ruled by datus, rajas, and sultans. The arrival of Ferdinand Magellan in 1543 led to the Philippines becoming ruled by the Spanish Empire for more than 300 years. Catholicism became the dominant religion, and Manila became the western hub of trans-Pacific trade. The Philippine Revolution began in 1896, which became entwined with the 1898 Spanish–American War. Spain ceded the territory to the United States, and Filipino revolutionaries declared the First Philippine Republic. The ensuing Philippine–American War ended with the United States controlling the territory until the Japanese invasion of the islands during World War II. After liberation, the Philippines became independent in 1946. The unitary sovereign state has had a tumultuous experience with democracy, which included the overthrow of a decades-long dictatorship in a nonviolent revolution.
A big surprise – you have to wear a facemask on the aircraft for all international and domestic flights in the Philippines !!!
Manila (Pop 14,406,059) is a sprawling, overcrowded mega-city. My first impressions is that it looked like Bangkok meets Shanghai with its vast apartment block, raised highways (these are recent) and traffic chaos to boot !!! Driving in Manila is like Bangkok or Beirut – just point and shoot !!! It is city of extremes – abject poverty next to ridiculous wealth. Manila Bay has been reclaimed for numerous Vegas-style mega hotels and casinos. Just who fills these and turns a profit is besides me – it is literally one after another as you drive from the airport to the city centre. Manila has finally decided to build an underground metro since there are not enough Jeepneys, which are converted US Army transport jeeps left over from WWII and symbolic of Manila. I stayed in the old centre of town close to the “Intramuros” which is the old Spanish fortified town that started it all in the 16th Century.
My run in Manila was one of the hardest and slowest to date but nevertheless a completed 10km through traffic infested streets teeming with everything that moves from pedestrians and pushbikes up to huge trucks. It did not help that I only slept 4hrs the night before because of my crazy flight connection and 2hr delay in my last flight meant running at 9am at 32C and 100% humidity instead of the planned 630am, 25C and 90% humidity – makes a huge difference.
My organised day-long van-tour of Manila that followed my run covered the following sites: Makati City (Forbes Park - Homes of Super Wealthy), Bonifacio Global City (BGC financial business district in Taguig, Metro Manila), American Cemetery and Memorial (Fort Bonifacio), Philippines Army & Airforce Bases (Drive-By), Roxas Boulevard (Manila Bay Drive-By), Rizal Park, Intramuros (Fort Santiago, Manila Metropolitan Cathedral-Basilica, San Agustin Church).
My favourite areas were the American Cemetery and Intramuros. The former because of its scenic location, extremely well kept grounds (funded by the US Government) and the views out to the north, The later because of the ruins, grand old churches and a nice central plaza with outdoor restaurants.
Manila is definitely not for those seeking peace and quiet. Enjoy my attempt to bring out the best in this mega-polis !!!
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