Matchbox 20's "3 AM" reminds me sadly (for some reason) of San Francisco. A San Francisco somewhat different from the San Fo I went to last Christmas; the San Fo I visited long, long ago when I was still a kid, maybe during my early teens or around that time. Along with "Push", the song suddenly makes me miss terribly a place I can hardly remember.

And so I wonder how music makes us feel this way.. It's 3am, I must be lonely.

posted by introvert at 9:27:54 PM

. . .

Everytime I go to Old Manila I just fall in love with it all over again. Roxas Boulevard, the Bay, Luneta Park, Intramuros. All so picture perfect. The old buildings mixed with the new. But it is especially the old ones that catch my eye.

The nightlife to me seems much much better than in any other place. The modern restaurants with the current trend of placing tables outside would remind you of Eastwood or Rockwell, but somehow the ones in Intramuros (and in the surrounding area) are totally different. It retains something Filipino in it. It's the real Manila.

My dad, with his two Chinamen visitors and Jaime, picked me up from school and we went straight to Manila Bay. Had a late lunch in Max's, hung out in Roxas Blvd., dropped by Luneta Park, then off, lastly, to Intramuros. Roxas and Luneta looked perfect at that time of day, around 5pm. The skies were blue, the sun was just beginning to set. And it was not as crowded.

Intramuros. It was the best. The place never fails to overwhelm me with its beauty. Probably every building inside has been standing there since Spanish times, including the walls (except for some reconstructions, of course). The churches, the patios, the old-houses-turned-restaurants. The Manila Bulletin office looked like the cleanest one of them. My dad took us to that spot where you can see the golf course from above and see the city hall across. I decided earlier tonight while showing my mother the pictures that it was my favorite spot.

Then all of a sudden it seemed there was a fiesta in Intramuros. It turned out to be a Wow Philippines thing. The night's theme was Western Visayas. We were invited to a free show inside a tent, about Capiz culture, but we only stayed for one number and a half so we can show the rest of the place to the Chinamen. When we went out, there was another group of people beat-dancing in the street. As we walked around, more and more people appeared and more and more sites we discovered. We heard music of a band (as in marching band with mainly brass instruments) and in that same place where they were playing was a semi-restaurant and semi-tiangge of all-Filipino products. It strucked and awed me to see those Filipino products selling like pancakes to Filipinos themselves. I bought a purse for 60 pesos and coin purse for 20. Outside, we stopped to eat a little lechon. Walked around again, then saw the ruins of a certain church, with a big WOW sign inside. The ruins was also very beautiful.

It was like one big fair. Actually I think it was. So many food, not just restaurants but stalls and classier sari-sari stores and ice cream carts. Shops. Shows. Music. Culture showcases of the different provinces of Western Visayas. So many kalesas. Right then and there my admiration for the Secretary of Tourism grew even more.

I am grateful my dad has taken us there a couple of times. I'd like to return to Old Manila every once in a while, it makes me rediscover my deep love for the Philippines just when I am beginning to forget it. But maybe I shouldn't be there too much for I am afraid I would get sick of it. Right now, though, I don't think that will ever happen. It is one of the most beautiful places in the world, if not the only one.

***

Tomorrow's gonna be one hell of a busy day.

Meanwhile, I'm addicted to the "Smoke Gets In Your Eyes" version of Benny Goodman's band with Peggy Lee on vocals.

posted by introvert at 11:01:57 PM

. . .

For PhilHis we were asked to read an essay by Renato Constantino titled "The Miseducation of the Filipino." I was struck by it; it really interested me, the whole book in which that essay was found is quite interesting, although I have not read the rest yet. Anyway, that essay actually said what has been in my mind for a long time but never got the chance to put into words. Due to lack of ability perhaps.

It was primarily about nationalism in education. That the goal of education is supposed to be for the country's development. For national survival. I especially liked a particular line: Education must be based on the needs of the nation and its goal, and not just to produce men and women who can read and write. Because then, education is directionless.

The thing that has been in my mind - the answer to the question my family asks, why don't I like to go abroad to study. I've told them that I wanted a Filipino education. But of course a global/international education is better, right? That's what I never really could answer before. Now I know. It's nationalism.

Sure, I like to travel. But I don't see myself (well, for now at least) migrating anywhere after graduation as some of my peers intend to do. I know I often tell others that I'd like to live for some months in each city in the world, but I also know that I'd always come back. I don't see myself living in any place else besides Manila. I chose to stay in Manila for college despite my parents' suggestions of going to the States or the UK. Even if education here is Western influenced, I know there is some Filipino nationalism in it. And that some if enough for me, I wanted a Filipino education. I see myself taking part in the country's development. Even if just in a tiny way.

posted by introvert at 11:04:14 PM

. . .

Probably half of all the things I know I have learned from the Internet. Isn't it such a wonder?

Interesting how information are stored in your brain just by reading.

Hello, October. 85 days until Christmas.

posted by introvert at 6:06:07 PM

. . .