Adriatico Street, Koko's nest bar
(now changed name to something else, can't remember)
First leg of our journey has begun. After thirty hours of travelling we finally arrived to the little outside bar next to our hotel in Manila.
Over night in Melbourne was boring but necessary. Staying at an airport hotel we got up at six o'clock and sat on a plane until it somehow took us to The Philippines.
The feeling of our first beer after throwing our bags inside was euphoric. We couldn't drink them fast enough, resulting in a painful next day, one which we shall not repeat.
The Matrix is a popular bar in Makati, the only viable spot to sit being outside, inside was many used for staff to get the drinks and food. Spider webs, witchy paraphernalia, pumpkins and devil horns litter the city as they follow the tradition of Halloween, resulting in a great festive atmosphere.
There we sat with big grins and wide blood shot eyes, watching the busy street go about it's business. Beggars, homeless children, prostitutes, ladyboys, a few expatriate Americans and one crazy lady who was in the same spot doing the same things two years ago. She wears the same clothes, draws shapes on the street with chalk, and interacts with characters only she can see. We wonder what her story is.
The next day I wake with a lack of water, sleep and vitamin B, check-out at exactly noon and join Mark for a coffee downstairs. We see the Saudi men we met the night before. Warm guys who enjoy coming to Manila. "In Saudi Arabia you cannot have beer and girls, this San Minguel Light would take me to gaol. In the evenings we sit by the road or cafe, smoke our Shashees, drink coffee and tea, play cards and talk while the women shop or do their duties".
We arraign a fare to our next spot, Malate. Malate is brighter and cheaper than Makati. Short buildings with many cafes, pubs, hotels, a casino and a large centre circle with children playing and men resting.
We go to the hotel we stayed before - Rainbow Pacific. Nice and clean and well priced. Apparently it is gay friendly as expressed in the title and the bright cheery colour scheme, and in the hopeful smiles of the reception staff. I wonder if gay people have problems checking in to hotels, I also hope they are straight friendly.
Across the road from the hotel is a great little bar, made from old palettes and grass; cheap, small and nice atmosphere. We eat at Adriatico cafe on the corner, a classic classy cafe with interesting pictures and the feel of a timeless establishment.
On our last legs we sit and stare, every now and then saying something short to each other. Happy and drained, I finish my Gin and Tonic and we pop into Bedrock, a dark groovy bar with bands every night. Seven piece band, decked out in alternating Halloween costumes. We force down two beers and watch the band play Jealous Guy, Smooth Criminal, and Heartbreak Hotel; I always have a soft spot for an Asian Elvis impersonator.
This morning I wake to the unmistakable feeling of no hangover, bright and (relatively) early we sit at Adriatico Cafe and sit our coffee and fake cream.
Makati City, Manila.
First leg of our journey has begun. After thirty hours of travelling we finally arrived to the little outside bar next to our hotel in Manila.
Over night in Melbourne was boring but necessary. Staying at an airport hotel we got up at six o'clock and sat on a plane until it somehow took us to The Philippines.
The feeling of our first beer after throwing our bags inside was euphoric. We couldn't drink them fast enough, resulting in a painful next day, one which we shall not repeat.
The Matrix is a popular bar in Makati, the only viable spot to sit being outside, inside was many used for staff to get the drinks and food. Spider webs, witchy paraphernalia, pumpkins and devil horns litter the city as they follow the tradition of Halloween, resulting in a great festive atmosphere.
There we sat with big grins and wide blood shot eyes, watching the busy street go about it's business. Beggars, homeless children, prostitutes, ladyboys, a few expatriate Americans and one crazy lady who was in the same spot doing the same things two years ago. She wears the same clothes, draws shapes on the street with chalk, and interacts with characters only she can see. We wonder what her story is.
The next day I wake with a lack of water, sleep and vitamin B, check-out at exactly noon and join Mark for a coffee downstairs. We see the Saudi men we met the night before. Warm guys who enjoy coming to Manila. "In Saudi Arabia you cannot have beer and girls, this San Minguel Light would take me to gaol. In the evenings we sit by the road or cafe, smoke our Shashees, drink coffee and tea, play cards and talk while the women shop or do their duties".
We arraign a fare to our next spot, Malate. Malate is brighter and cheaper than Makati. Short buildings with many cafes, pubs, hotels, a casino and a large centre circle with children playing and men resting.
We go to the hotel we stayed before - Rainbow Pacific. Nice and clean and well priced. Apparently it is gay friendly as expressed in the title and the bright cheery colour scheme, and in the hopeful smiles of the reception staff. I wonder if gay people have problems checking in to hotels, I also hope they are straight friendly.
Across the road from the hotel is a great little bar, made from old palettes and grass; cheap, small and nice atmosphere. We eat at Adriatico cafe on the corner, a classic classy cafe with interesting pictures and the feel of a timeless establishment.
On our last legs we sit and stare, every now and then saying something short to each other. Happy and drained, I finish my Gin and Tonic and we pop into Bedrock, a dark groovy bar with bands every night. Seven piece band, decked out in alternating Halloween costumes. We force down two beers and watch the band play Jealous Guy, Smooth Criminal, and Heartbreak Hotel; I always have a soft spot for an Asian Elvis impersonator.
This morning I wake to the unmistakable feeling of no hangover, bright and (relatively) early we sit at Adriatico Cafe and sit our coffee and fake cream.
Makati City, Manila. 
No comments:
Post a Comment