Confessions of a (Now Real) City Girl!

Hometown Glory - Adele

Okay, it's official now. There really is no turning back. There is no way I'd be the same again, that's for sure.

Ladies and gentlemen, I am officially a Manila girl!


Yeah? What was that? Haven't I been a Manila girl for the past 21 of the 21 years of my life? Well, yes, I have. I was born and raised in Manila, indeed. But I've lived and roamed only in southern suburbia for all of those years. And I acted like it too.

But now, oh now, not anymore! Because of OJT, I have to go to Makati every weekday for the next month. So, yes, I am now a real Manila girl. I am now an MRT card swiping, taho eating, SM-before-coming-home going real Manila girl!

And I love it so much, I can almost tear up! Oh! The gleam from the view of the buildings on the walkway over South Super is enough to make me grin! The smiles from the vendors on those little silver eateries all over the city centre makes me smile too! And of course! Oh! The lovely sound of the MRT rolling on its tracks is music to me!

What was that? Well, to answer your question, yes! I love the city! I know it's dizzying madness. I am very aware of that. But that's just what makes me love it! The chaotic throng of people in the concrete jungle is to me a sign of a pulse, of life ( Didn't they say that in travel, it's the people that bring a place to life?). Others are turned off by the honk of horns and the fact that there's a Starbucks on every corner. Me? I fully embrace it! Bring it on!


I don't know how to explain it really (But then, isn't love hard to explain?). I guess being such an Energizer Bunny, I'd love the place I'm living in to pulse with energy too. I'd like the place surrounding me to have as much buzz as the perpetual coffee cup in my hand. I just can't stand a place where everything stands still because I know something must be done. Now. I guess that's the closest thing to an explanation, really!

So just what do I love most about the city? Well, the same thing that is at its heart --- the people. I love how diverse everyone is. Rich or poor, young or old, native or farang --- all of them are embraced by the concrete jungle.They all subsribe to different lifestyles. They are each a different face. And in that different face is a different story stamped across the sparkling eyes and lines (or lack thereof) across the forehead. All just waiting to be told. All worthy to hear.


Guess you never thought the chaotic, opaque-aired city can sound so pretty, aye! Well, that's the thing. Whether you prefer the serene mountains or the busy city, someone somewhere will always find the other side more beautiful. So I guess, it equalises it. That makes everywhere, and for that matter, everyone, beautiful. Ugliness is just an excuse for not finding the beauty in things, whether it's the entire world or just one crazy, Starbucks drinker who appreciates it.

On Monday, I shall be thrust into the madness of Makati again. I will run across the pedestrian lane again. I will breathe in its smoke-tinged air again. I will have the dust of the city blacken my shoes again. And when you see me, I'll have a smile on my face. And now, you know why!