#peipakoa

weekend, we extrovert

Complaining to my friends how I haven’t been my usual self, turned into an extra-INTROvert in the last few months (READ: Spending my Friday nights at the supermarket to load up on ice cream for the Netflix binge at home) Liza, a regular in this post, trusted friend and ambassador of goodwill that she is, happily opened up a window of opportunity for me ‘to extrovert (verb)’ and join them in a weekend hangout to take a visitor around. #TourServices 

The very unplanned afternoon was spent in Intramuros. It might be my adjustment period, where I can’t full-on engage yet with new people or the fact that once you’ve seen the walls and the cobble stones behind this fort, there really isn’t much more to look forward to in the area (I could be wrong, any recommendations?). We ended up dropping off the tourists to go about their business checking out old buildings, and we ended up chilling in this cafe beside the Manila cathedral, aptly called Cathedral Cafe.

[SIDE REALIZATION]

All this down time actually got me thinking how in the areas of my life, I’ve been investing disproportionately more time and effort in career (though arguable whether the impact is something felt and seen) and not quite enough for the other more important aspects - nurturing relationships - with God and the people He sent my way, pursuing passions, and equipping myself for the mission.

I know it’s a choice whether to pursue growth in these other aspects. Work has just been a good excuse/ distraction, but then as it is happening now, it catches up on you. After all, you are not your work (not defined by it), you are YOU.

[BACK TO THE WEEKEND]

Waiting for our tourists to finish walking around under the heat of the summer sun, we chanced upon this. “EXTRA MILE” guide -  a display of full commitment to give the best angle possible ...that’s the kuya taking that bend it like beckham shot on the left.

Then it was time for some dimsum fix - in oldest China town IN THE WORLD!

China town at night is very different. For starters, sure is dark (duh). I guess it’s only near the new years when lanterns and neon red signs light up the streets.

YingYing dimsum delight! Def worth the visit, that wok-cooked fried rice sure tasted like... fire! haha then there’s the meaty siomai. Scored a couple of packs to take back home!

Some more walking, and it was the hunt for the precious Pei Pa Koa - had to sample with shots, shots, shots! It does wonders for your throat (reaches for the bottle for another shot)

Another sight to see is the Eng Bee Tin fortress! This mothership of a store is huuuge, even offered a museum upstairs -- of hopia? WIl have to check that out some other time though.

Walked past this side street row of eateries, with the fancy red lanterns! Supposedly famous, for the next estero food crawl then!

I had to park along the street, but made sure to do so beside this parking meter - like, when did we ever actually use these? Call 525-PARK!