TWO WEDDINGS AND A FOOD TRIP

Imagine this: In a single day, I had gone to four houses of worship, witnessed two weddings, attended a centering prayer meeting, walked through Rizal Park, rested my weary feet at the lobby of Manila Hotel, enjoyed a walking tour of Manila’s Chinatown, and met fellow bloggers for the first time.

It all started at Malate Church. I had misread Beth’s of KaleidosThoughts SMS message to meet her at Ermita Church to attend their centering prayer meeting; I ended up at Malate Church instead. However, rather than rush over to Ermita Church where she was, I watched a grand wedding being held at Malate church. With the area teeming with luxury cars, private chauffeurs and security personnel, I could only surmise many important people were in attendance.

Beth’s centering prayer workshop was a whole day affair, but only stayed for about half an hour; twenty minutes of which were learning and participating in meditation — definitely soothing for both mind and body. Immediately afterward was a ten-minute break, and then I had to say goodbye to her.

Originally, I invited Beth to join me in this Chinatown food tour, but she had another church-related activity to attend to. She did, however, promise to act as my guide for an evening walking tour of Plaza Lawton later this year when most lights at government buildings will be turned on for the holiday season.

Before heading over to Binondo to join up with Ivan’s Big Binondo Food Wok, I stayed around to witness another wedding, but this time at Ermita Church. It was much simpler than the wedding earlier at Malate Church, but nonetheless, everyone seemed just as excited and jubilant.

I still had some time to kill before heading to Chinatown so I headed towards Kalaw Avenue and then to Rizal Park. Although a cloudy day, I took a picture of the hero’s monument. There were many tourists (Koreans) having their pictures taken in front of the monument; therefore, I wasn't able to take a shot from dead center; had to do it from the side.

Only a block away is one of Manila's grand hotel. Last time I was in the area, I only had enough time to take a picture of its façade, though the guard advised it was all right to take pictures of the hotel’s beautiful lobby as well. At that time, I was running late for Carlos Celdran's Intramuros tour and didn't have enough time to do it.

However, I had more time this Saturday to take some pictures of its interior, as well as lounge for a little while to appreciate its hunongous but warm ambience. Take note of the wooden ceiling and the capiz shell shades of the huge brass chandeliers. Also had an opportunity to chat briefly with one of the hotel's security managers who has been working there for ten years. He mentioned that as the years passed, there were less high profile personalities to be seen in the premises or checking in as guests. Perhaps, the Mandarin Hotel in Makati has taken over as the city's most prestigious and luxury hotel.

From Manila Hotel, unable to find a calesa to take me to Binondo Church; decided to cab it instead. I rarely take cabs these days so I also took this opportunity to strike up a conversation with the driver to sort of ask for some driving tips.

Incidentally, before I started driving in the city, I asked a number of taxi drivers for their advice. I was rewarded with valuable information which prevented me from getting overwhelmed or aggravated by the city's trafic jams.. Be that as it may, to this day, I don't particularly enjoy driving over at Makati mainly because of its strict and ever-changing traffic schemes.

There was a mass going on at Binondo Church when I arrived so I decided to attend it. Right afterwards, I noticed some people taking pictures; thought they must be part of the same walking tour that I had signed-up for. I was right.

It was past twelve by that time and I was beginning to feel hungry. I knew that eating at some of Chinatown's retaurants was the highlight of this tour so, just to appease my grumbling stomach, I crossed Ongpin Street to get some hopia at Eng Bee Tin.

Ivan soon showed up and our walking tour started. Much to my pleasant surprise, a visit to one of the older Chinese temples in the heart of Chinatown was an added treat, for I have never been inside one.

It was indeed a pleasure to have finally met Sidney Snoeck of My Sari-Sari Store, who for more than the past six months — along with Irene aka Niceheart of Journey to Honeyville — has been most generous with his support and encouragement in honing my blog writing skills.

It was also quite exciting to have met other bloggers on this food trip such as Ejay and his girlfriend, Pi; a wonderful couple, I must admit. As for Irene, I have a hunch we'll get a chance to meet when I attend her son Reggie’s concert either in New York City or at Newport, Rhode Island for its famed summer jazz festival.

This has been one of the most hectic Saturdays I’ve ever had in quite some time, but absolutely enjoyed every minute of it.

I will post a separate entry about the food trip; for now, feast your eyes on these Chinese delights!