Monday, May 11, 2020

Day 4: Exploring Baclaran

23rd November 2019 (Saturday)

Tonight, I would be flying out of Manila to Port Moresby on Philippine Airline at 23:35 hours. I have a full day today. Check-out time was 12:00 noon. My plan for the day was to explore Baclaran Market, which was about 1.4 km from my apartment at Casarenta Sea Residences. Then, I would check out, leave my baggage at the apartment and spend the afternoon at MOA before taking an early dinner and leaving for the airport.

Baclaran was as expected, a working class district. It was crowded and the people were mostly from the lower- income class. They wore simple clothes and the place was a little dirty and chaotic. It was synonymous with Manila's slums.













































On the way back to my apartment, I decided to drop by Double Dragon Plaza. The name suggested it was Chinese-owned, but in fact it was owned by a Chinese Filipino company. It looked like a new plaza and not at all crowded. I stopped for brunch at Mang Inasal for Pork Sisig (PHP113). It was not too bad.





At the apartment, I met Mark, the care taker of the apartment. I talked to him and requested for a late check-out. However, he apologised saying that there was a guest arriving around lunch time. Instead of getting a late check-out, he requested me to check-out early. Being the reasonable person I was, I checked out before mid-day.

I have a full afternoon ahead of me, I thought of leaving my baggage at the reception/ security counter. However, the guard on duty said that this was not possible. I went to talk to the doorman, hoping that he would assist to look after my baggage. However, he declined saying that he was not allowed to do so. Mark offered to take me to the concierge storage room at an adjacent building. The charge was too expensive and I declined. I have no choice but to look after my own baggage at the lobby and wasted the whole afternoon there.

My plan of having my dinner at MOA before leaving for the airport was dashed. Instead, I had a pack of bento noodle for an early dinner (Php180) and bought some snacks (Dim Sum, Turon & Lumpia) at Alfamart to take to NAIA airport. 

It was about 3:30 p.m. when I decided to leave for the NAIA Terminal 2, instead of getting stuck at the apartment and bidding for time.



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