Manila

Manila. 

Smog.

 Jeepnies.

[Almost] silent jeepnies. 

[There's a new traffic law passed: NO HONKING.]

People. 

Dirty river.

Kids swimming in dirty river.

Restaurants.

Have I mentioned people?

More people.

Ah, but Manila is a drug that one can't quit. I find myself drawn to its smell, its sounds, its niches.

As our plane few over Manila Bay, I couldn't help thinking about Hawaii, the movie adapted from James Michner's novel Hawaii. There was a scene where Jerucia's ex-boyfriend Refer (please pardon me if I've mispelled the names) and his crew went on a marauding spree. Refer grabbed a young Hawaiian girl and enticed her into sailing off with him, promising her such wonders as "the lights of Manila Bay..."

The lights are pretty. But the shopping is nicer!