#and SM San Lazaro mall guards

[twatkcox]

[The Keihancarl Diaries: June 2, 2023]

Hello everyone, Keihancarl here. I should’ve done the week right after POF 2023: Shizen, but for some reason, I ended up going to my hangout place instead. Anyway, this is my third mall-hopping trip since the pandemic, my second for this year. And where am I going? Manila, of course, with stopovers in SM City Valenzuela and SM City Grand Central, ultimately skipping Ayala Malls Cloverleaf due to time constraints.

I feel like wearing something more comfortable, but still in line with my typical layered outfits. And that’s how I decided on my olive yellow shirt and black baseball shirt combo, the one I’ve worn on the third day of POF 2023: Shizen.

I really wanted to leave the house as early as possible, and I don’t want the heavy traffic along the way to ruin my mood. Well, I ended up leaving the house a little later than usual, and I have to deal with heavy traffic towards my first destination.

I decided to take an alternate route, this time, passing through General Luis St. and MacArthur Highway, instead of Quirino Highway and Mindanao Avenue. It took me two hours to reach my first stop, SM City Valenzuela.

A lot has changed since my last visit to the mall, almost 8 years ago. The mall itself had a makeover, the wavy hallway was converted into a straight one. The former bowling center became the Wellness Zone. Cyberzone opened at the third level, with the cinemas at the end of the hall. There was a tenant reshuffling, resulting in some shops transferring to other areas or floors.

The SM Store on the second floor, opened in 2018, is quite smaller in terms of space, but still managed to fit almost everything in there. I also checked National Book Store and I saw an interesting comic, though I bought it at another branch in SM City Grand Central, which was my next stop.

I reached the mall around 2:00 in the afternoon, and I couldn’t wait to check the entire mall area. The mall appeared to be quite massive though some areas are occupied by major anchors. Anyway, I visited both bookstores in the area, Fully Booked and National Book Store (where I bought the comic), as well as the Surplus shop. National Book Store’s space was incredibly small with fewer books and more office, school, and art supplies. I might be wrong about that, though, as it occupies around 4 tenant spaces (the enclosed space currently serves as the bookstore’s store room).

The fifth level was well adorned with fake greenery, making it look like a faux garden area. The wooden elements throughout the mall gives it an even more premier feel, given the mix of tenants there.

One can see the view of the Caloocan City skyline, along with LRT Monumento station. Too bad, there’s no overpass going to the other side of the station, but they’re probably working on it.

I then proceed to my next stop, SM City San Lazaro (making it the third SM mall visited in a row). As always, face masks are required to board the LRT and MRT trains, with guards reminding the passengers to wear one before entering the station. Reaching the platform, I decided to buy a stored value ticket, and add a little more load to it. I took the LRT to Tayuman station.

Reaching my next stop, I can see that SM City San Lazaro’s signage was updated, though it retained its green façade. I went inside the mall and checked a few shops, as well as taking a late lunch at Tokyo Tokyo, which is a gyoza donburi bowl. I then checked the rest of the mall afterward.

Next stop, the Binondo malls (999 Mall, 168 Mall, and Lucky Chinatown Mall). As soon as I got there, I immediately head to the stall where I previously bought all of my Attack On Titan and Tokyo Ghoul shirts. I managed to buy not one, but two shirts: a black Jujutsu Kaisen shirt (featuring Yuji Itadori) and a beige Naruto shirt (featuring the main trio Naruto, Sasuke and Sakura). After that, I checked a few more stalls and then moved on to the nearby 168 Mall.

At 168 Mall, I decided to check the stall where I bought my anime posters. It looks like a lot of K-pop merch have dominated the stall, with only a handful of anime merch (mostly posters) on display. At this point, I decided that I’ve already bought enough stuff (and spent a lot of money on the items I’ve bought so far) so I head to Lucky Chinatown Mall.

Inside, the LCM West Wing (Cityplace Square), a milk tea shop, a yogurt shop, and a bakery opened at the ground floor. There’s a display at the West Wing’s atrium. At the bridgeway to the main mall (North Wing), there were colorful lanterns with drawings and messages in them. I decided to take a break at the cinema level, and sat down on one of the armchairs, which replaced the upholstered ones (like the ones on my previous visits).

There was the Summer Cravings Market at the Prosperity Wing, with food stalls set up along the walkway.

It was starting to get dark as I made my way to my next stop, SM City Manila. I took an e-trike to the renovated underpass near the Manila City Hall.

Along the way, I saw the newly opened bridge on the eastern side of Jones Bridge (west if coming from Lawton) and the recently fire gutted Manila Central Post Office building. I wasn’t able to take photos, unfortunately, as I was seated next to the driver.

The Lagusnilad underpass was closed for repair so there’s a slight traffic in the area. It looks like the top dome and the clock of the Manila City Hall was painted in gold.

The pedestrian underpass had a makeover, as there are historical-themed murals on it. The Books From The Underground had already reopened as well. Also I noticed the Baybayin writing on the directional signage, which was really nice. I then proceeded to SM City Manila.

Arriving at my next stop, I only checked the book shops inside the mall. It looks like there were some faux greenery on the stairs. Uniqlo has opened at the former NBS space, and the bookstore transferred on the lower ground floor, at the former Surplus’ space (the Surplus store had since moved to the upper floor, not sure if its the second or third floor).

It was already dark when I decided to board the LRT to UN Avenue Station. Getting off, I took some pictures of the controversial Torre De Manila (with the lights on) and checked Times Square’s retail area. Booksale had already closed, replaced by a printing shop (I think).

I decided to check Rizal Park first, stopping for a moment to take photos of the dancing fountain, and head towards Roxas Boulevard.

Of course, I decided to take photos of the Rizal monument, and I manage to take at least one photo where the monument itself covered the hideous residential tower behind it. I’ve already done this once, about eight years ago, using my very first smartphone.

Walking towards the Baywalk, I managed to take a glimpse of the area, and later, the Dolomite beach, which is only seen from the footbridge, as it is already closed at the moment.

I took some photos of the Dolomite beach and then proceed to my final stop, Robinsons Place Manila.

I didn’t check any of the shops at the mall, though I noticed some improvements. The escalator area at the former fountain is closed for renovations, and in some parts, the tiles have been replaced with new ones. I decided to have a fried mandu meal at Bonchon Chicken before heading home.

I immediately took the UV Express to SM Fairview, and the traffic situation is light in most parts of Taft Avenue, España Boulevard, Quezon Avenue, and Commonwealth Avenue. Of course, I have to deal with traffic at North Fairview and Regalado Avenue (near SM Fairview). And that’s how my day went.

So far, it’s been quite an experience, having visited four SM malls in one day (including SM City Grand Central), and 8 malls total. I manage to squeeze all of the destinations in a twelve-hour trip, though I lost more than a hour getting stuck in traffic. Will I experience the same thing if I took the usual route? Anyway, at least everything went well, thanks to my lucky charm.

I suppose this concludes the #FourWeekendPlan, as I managed to proceed with the last minute plans for a mall-hopping trip. Well then, I should plan my next mall-hopping trip, preferably somewhere that’s reachable by MRT Line 3.

That’s all for now. Keihancarl out.

Most of the pics (including mall-based photos and selfies) are from my private Instagram account, @kcox105. The pictures of the Manila City Hall, Rizal Park, Baywalk (Dolomite Beach), Torre De Manila, and the Lagusnilad (both vehicle and pedestrian underpass) are from my official account, @kcox_105.

[phgq]

DOTr provides free rides for health workers affected by enhanced community quarantine

#PHinfo: DOTr provides free rides for health workers affected by enhanced community quarantine

CALOOCAN CITY, March 20 (PIA)-Seventy-two (72) buses and two (2) modern Public Utility Vehicles (PUVs) have committed to transport health workers to their workplace and back  in support to the Department of Transportation’s  (DOTr) “Free Bus Ride for Health Workers” Program  amid the Luzonwide enhanced community quarantine.

Transport officials clarified that the free ride is not restricted to doctors and nurses only, but also to other hospital workers such as administration personnel, utility workers, security officers, and other health workers such as pharmacists, caregivers, and the like.

The bus services comply with the containment protocols imposed by the Department of Health (DOH) such as the observance of social distancing, body temperature checks, and regular disinfecting of vehicles. Drivers and health workers will also be given food and water.

“Of all the distress this virus has caused, one of the good things it has brought forth is the indomitable bayanihan spirit of the Filipino people. Our frontline health workers have sacrificed so much, leaving the comfort of their homes to fulfill their sworn duty to save lives. And now, we have our drivers too to safely bring our warriors to the battlefield. Saludo ako sa inyong lahat!”, DOTr Secretary Arthur Tugade sais..

Buses will transport passengers to the following designated routes, and vice versa at 5:00AM, 7:00AM, 1:00PM, 3:00PM, 5:00PM, and 7:00PM.

Northwest Area (ROUTE 1)

Meralco (Malanday)*

Valenzuela City General Hospital

MCU Hospital (Monumento)*

Caloocan City Medical Center

Tondo General Hospital

Our Lady of Fatima

Metropolitan Medical Center

San Lazaro Hospital

Jose R. Reyes Memorial Medical Center

University of Sto. Tomas Hospital

Chinese General Hospital

United Doctors Medical Center (Welcome Rotonda)*

*Pick-up/transfer points

Northwest Area (ROUTE 2)

Valenzuela Gateway Complex*

Quezon City General Hospital

Balintawak*

MCU Hospital (Monumento)*

Our Lady of Fatima University

Chinese General Hospital and Medical Center

Philippine Orthopedic Center

United Doctors Medical Center (Welcome Rotonda)*

*Pick-up/transfer points

Northeast Area (ROUTE 3)

SM City SJDM (Bulacan)

Dr. Jose N. Rodriguez Memorial (Caloocan)

SM Fairview*

Diliman Doctors Hospital

Veterans Memorial Medical Center

Lung Center of the Philippines

Philippine Heart Center

East Avenue Medical Center

Philippine Children’s Hospital

Centris Station (EDSA / Quezon Ave.)*

*Pick-up/transfer points

East Area (ROUTE 4)

SM City Masinag*

Marikina Valley Medical Center

Amang Rodriguez Memorial Medical Center

BFCT East Metro Transport Terminal*

Quirino Memorial Medical Center

Araneta Center Bus Terminal

Robinsons Galleria*

The Medical City – Ortigas

*Pick-up/transfer points

East Area (ROUTE 5)

Ortigas Hospital & Healthcare (Cainta)*

SM City East Ortigas

Pasig City General Hospital

The Medical City Ortigas

Robinsons Galleria*

VRP Medical Center

St. Luke’s Medical Center*

Rizal Medical Center

*Pick-up/transfer points

Central Area (ROUTE 6)

Centris Station (EDSA / Quezon Ave.)*

Providence Hospital

Capitol Medical Center

Philippine Orthopedic Center (Banawe)

United Doctors Medical Center (Welcome Rotonda)*

National Children’s Hospital

De Los Santos Medical Center

St. Luke’s Medical Center (E. Rodriguez)

UERM Memorial Medical Center

MRT-3 Cubao / Araneta Center*

*Pick-up/transfer points

Central/East Area (ROUTE 7)

Pasig City General Hospital

Immaculate Concepcion Cathedral*

Pasig Rotonda

Rizal Medical Center

The Medical City (Ortigas)

Robinsons Galleria*

Cardinal Santos Medical Center

VRP Medical Center

National Center for Mental Health

Makati Medical Center*

*Pick-up/transfer points

Southeast Area (ROUTE 8)

Starmall – Alabang*

SLEX Sucat Exit*

Bicutan Exit

Makati Medical Center*

St. Luke’s Medical Center – BGC*

*Pick-up/transfer points

Southwest Area (ROUTE 9)

Vista Mall, Daang Hari*

Perpetual Help Medical Center (Las Piñas)

Las Piñas General Hospital

Baclaran Market*

San Juan de Dios Educational Medical Center

Pasay City General Hospital

Adventist Medical Center

Makati Medical Center*

Philippine General Hospital

Manila Doctors Hospital

United Doctors Medical Center (Welcome Rotonda)*

*Pick-up/transfer points

Southeast Area (ROUTE 10)\

Feeder route

RITM*

Asian Hospital and Medical Center

Muntinlupa City Hospital

Starmall – Alabang*

*Pick-up/transfer points

Southeast Area (ROUTE 11)

Starmall – Alabang*

SLEX Sucat Exit*

Bicutan Exit

San Juan de Dios EFI – Hospital

Gil Puyat Station LRT-1*

Philippine General Hospital

Manila Doctors Hospital

*Pick-up/transfer points

Southeast Area (ROUTE 12)

SM Molino

Imus Transport Plaza

Las Piñas General Hospital and Satellite Trauma Center

Baclaran Market*

San Juan de Dios Educational Foundation Hospital

Gil Puyat*

Adventist Medical Center Manila

Philippine General Hospital*

Manila Doctors Hospital*

*Pick-up/transfer points

South Area (ROUTE 13)

Seaoil Imus Daang Hari/Aguinaldo

Imus Transport Terminal*

Las Piñas General Hospital

Perpetual Help Medical Center

RITM*

Asian Hospital and Medical Center

Muntinlupa Hospital

Starmall Alabang*

*Pick-up/transfer points

The free bus service is implemented in cooperation and close coordination with the Office of the President, Office of the Solicitor General, Supreme Court, House of Representative, Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB), Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), Land Transportation Office (LTO), Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA), Philippine National Police (PNP), Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO), Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG), the Inter-Agency Council for Traffic (I-ACT), and private bus companies such as HM Transport, San Agustin, MetroExpress, RRCG, Precious Grace, Ceres, Jac Liner, St. Rose, Pamana, Jasper Jean, Pascual, Hi-Star, Ube Express, Hafti Transport, G-Liner, Thelman Transit, and the automotive company Foton. (DOTr/PIA-NCR)

***

References:

* Philippine Information Agency. "DOTr provides free rides for health workers affected by enhanced community quarantine." Philippine Information Agency. https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1036781 (accessed March 20, 2020 at 08:41PM UTC+08).

* Philippine Infornation Agency. "DOTr provides free rides for health workers affected by enhanced community quarantine." Archive Today. https://archive.ph/?run=1&url=https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1036781 (archived).

[phgq]

Free rides for health workers rise to 9 routes in Metro Manila

#PHnews: Free rides for health workers rise to 9 routes in Metro Manila

MANILA – The mobility of health workers in Metro Manila has improved after new routes and more buses have been added to the free transportation provided by the Department of Transportation (DOTr) and partners from the public and private sectors.

On a Facebook post, the DOTr said starting Thursday (March 19), the number of routes for its free ride program will increase to nine routes, from the previous three.

In a message, DOTr Assistant Secretary Goddes Hope Libiran said the number of buses that would ply the routes also increased to 61 after more public agencies and private bus companies provided more buses.

She added that the buses would not only take the workers to the hospitals but would also take them back to drop off points near their homes.

Route 1. (Courtesy of DOTr)

 The first route would cover the northwest area of Metro Manila starting at Malanday and would pass through Valenzuela City General Hospital, Monumento/Manila Central University, Tondo General Hospital, Metropolitan Medical Center, San Lazaro Hospital, Jose R. Reyes Memorial Medical Center, University of Santo Tomas Hospital, Chinese General Hospital until its endpoint at the United Doctors Medical Center on Welcome Rotonda.

Route 2. (Courtesy of DOTr)

 Covering the same area, the second route would begin at the Valenzuela Gateway Complex, Quezon City General Hospital, Balintawak, Philippine Orthopedic, and ending at the United Doctors Medical Center.

Route 3. (Courtesy of DOTr)

 The third route would serve the northeast area and would begin at the Dr. Jose N. Rodriguez Memorial in Caloocan, SM Fairview, Diliman Doctors Hospital, Veterans Memorial Medical Center, Lung Center of the Philippines, National Kidney and Transplant Institute, Philippine Heart Center, East Avenue Medical Center, Philippine Children’s Hospital, and would end at Centris Station on Edsa.

Route 4. (Courtesy of DOTr)

 For the east area, the fourth route would begin at SM City Masinag, Marikina Valley Medical Center, Amang Rodriguez Memorial Medical Center, Bayani Fernando Central Terminal East Metro Transport Terminal, Quirino Memorial Medical Center, Araneta Center Bus Terminal, Robinson’s Galleria, and its endpoint at the Medical City – Ortigas.

Route 5. (Courtesy of DOTr)

 From the east area as well, the fifth route would begin at the Ortigas Hospital and Healthcare in Cainta, going through SM City East Ortigas, Pasig City General Hospital, The Medical City Ortigas, Robinson’s Galleria, VRP Medical Center, Saint Luke’s Medical Center, and its final drop off point at Rizal Medical Center.

Route 6. (Courtesy of DOTr)

 Covering the Central Area, the sixth route would begin at Centris Station on Edsa and would pass through Providence Hospital, Capitol Medical Center, United Doctors Medical Center on Welcome Rotonda, UERM Memorial Medical Center, National Children’s Hospital, De Los Santos Medical Center on E. Rodriguez, and until its last stop at the MRT-3 Cubao Station.

Route 7. (Courtesy of DOTr)

 The seventh route would cover the same area in Metro Manila and would begin at the Medical City – Ortigas, Robinson’s Galleria, Cardinal Santos Medical Center, Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital, Santa Ana Hospital, and ending at the Makati Medical Center.

Route 8. (Courtesy of DOTr)

 Covering Metro Manila’s southeast area, the eighth route would begin at the RITM and would go through the Asian Hospital and Medical Center, Muntinlupa City Hospital, South Station, SLEX Sucat Exit, Bicutan Exit, Makati Medical Center, and would end at the Saint Luke’s Medical Center in Bonifacio Global City.

Route 9. (Courtesy of DOTr)

 The ninth and final route would cover the southwest area and would start at Vista Mall in Daan Hari, passing through Perpetual Help Medical Center in Las Piñas, Las Piñas General Hospital, Baclaran Market, San Juan de Dios Educational Medical Center, Pasay City General Hospital, Adventist Medical Center, Makati Medical Center, Philippine General Hospital, Manila Doctor’s Hospital, and ending at United Doctors Medical Center on Welcome Rotonda.

“This initiative was made possible in cooperation with the Office of the President, Philippine Coast Guard, Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board, Land Transportation Office, Department of Public Works and Highways, Metropolitan Manila Development Authority, Inter-Agency Council for Traffic, House of Representatives, Office of the Solicitor General, Philippine National Police, Armed Forces of the Philippines, and private bus companies such as HM Transit, San Agustin, MetroExpress, RRCG, Precious Grace, Ceres, Jac Liner, St. Rose, and automotive company Foton,” the DOTr said.

Earlier, the DOTr said the bus service would comply with protocols set by the Department of Health to contain the spread of the coronavirus disease 2019.

These protocols include social distancing, body temperature checks, and regular disinfection of vehicles. (PNA)

   ***

References:

* Philippine News Agency. "Free rides for health workers rise to 9 routes in Metro Manila." Philippine News Agency. https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1097070 (accessed March 19, 2020 at 04:16AM UTC+14).

* Philippine News Agency. "Free rides for health workers rise to 9 routes in Metro Manila." Archive Today. https://archive.ph/?run=1&url=https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1097070 (archived).

[twatkcox]

[The Keihancarl Diaries: June 24, 2017]

Once again, this is me Keihancarl. You already knew me, right?

To be honest, I hate last-minute plans for a city travel... but I did it anyway. Manila was my chosen itinerary for this one, focusing mostly on Binondo and Ermita. I just have a sudden urge to do this, even though I was initially planning on Ortigas-Greenhills for this month. Oh well...

To begin with, the traffic was incredibly slow all the way to Novaliches. And it doesn’t stop there, as there’s also heavy traffic along Mindanao Avenue. This was kind of expected, that’s why I decided to leave the house as early as possible. Approaching EDSA, I decided to get off the UV Express I was riding even though I already paid my fare up to Monumento. It turns out that I made a wrong decision getting off near the Congressional-EDSA junction, and I have to walk as fast as I could (and climb up and down the footbridge as if I’m in a real hurry) just to catch the next train going to Baclaran.

As soon as I reached the LRT-1 Roosevelt station, my eyes and skin (particularly on the face and ears) got itchy and I immediately dig through my bag for the mirror, alcohol, and my OTC med (Loratadine). I took a Loratadine tablet during the train ride, and as soon as I made it to my first stop, SM San Lazaro, I immediately head to the mall’s restroom to cool my face and eyes with water. Though I still feel uncomfortable, I feel a slight relief and I went on visiting a few shops before heading to my next stop, in Binondo and Divisoria.

##########

En route to Divisoria, the traffic is significantly lighter, particularly along Recto Avenue. Along the way, I did snap some pictures of the newly-renovated LRT1-Doroteo Jose station.

Arriving at 999 Mall in Divisoria, I was feeling hungry and I can really use a chow, so I decided to head to the food court first. Since I’m on a limited budget, I could have decided on a four piece dim sum (siomai in particular) or a hamburger, but I just noticed a fried rice stall and that’s what I had for lunch. I ordered a minced beef fried rice. For a reasonable price of 55 pesos (as of this writing), it was surprisingly delicious.

I decided to do some window shopping in the aforementioned mall and its neighbor 168 Mall, but of course, I couldn’t find anything worth buying. As usual, I drop by the stall where I bought my anime shirts at 999 Mall, and the stall that sells anime and K-pop merch at 168 Mall. Again, I couldn’t find anything worth buying. At this point, I didn’t feel like continuing the window shopping and decided to go to their upscale neighbor, the Lucky Chinatown Mall. I rest for a while at the lounge (at the cinema level) while reading some of my own works and did a little story writing as well.

It’s already 3:30 in the afternoon, but I feel like exploring the rest of Ongpin Street. In my previous Manila side trip, I only get to see some parts of Ongpin during the Dragon Dance, but it was raining that time and I was feeling exhausted with all the people and everything so I turn left to a street leading to Soler, and up to the three malls in the area. This time, however, I took my time and took some photographs, and walked my way up to Plaza Sta. Cruz, near the LRT-Carriedo station. And I just passed by one of the tallest buildings in Binondo, the Anchor Skysuites, a residential building in Ongpin. Though I always see the well-lighted tall building at night while passing Quezon Bridge, it is the first time I get to see the building up close.

Just before reaching the LRT-Carriedo Station, I noticed a crowd of people, an ambulance, a fire truck, and some policemen in the area. It appears that there were three people lying on the ground for unknown reasons (one of them was being carried to an ambulance, to be taken to a nearby hospital) and as I walked to the station, I managed to see two of the victims up close. They were bloodied and badly injured, I assumed that they fell down from the LRT station or from the nearby building. Meanwhile, the security guards cordoned some parts of the station’s concrete railings to discourage onlookers from checking the scene and for their safety as well. I didn’t bother asking some of the people on the station for some information, though. The other victims were eventually brought to the hospital.

##########

Inside the LRT, I just noticed something interesting. It’s actually a reminder about not leaning on the doors, but of course, some of us tend to be creative when it comes to this sort of thing. Well, there’s an image of a man hugged by a woman with the message “Kapit ka na lang kay crush, wag na sa pintong ito” (hang on to your crush, not on this door). Reaching LRT-Central Terminal station near Manila City Hall and SM City Manila (I’m quite obsessed with providing the names of notable landmarks, eh?), I just noticed some interesting makeover of the said LRT station. Some of the concrete railings and some posts in the vicinity are painted with images of Coca-Cola bottles. Is this an ad deal for the said stations? Turns out it is. A slight improvement, though not pleasing for the eyes since they are mostly painted red. At least, they didn’t paint the entire station red, or else the LRT commuters will surely riot... just kidding!

After a quick visit to SM City Manila, I dropped by the bookstore in the underpass and take a good look at some of the used books, particularly some manga titles. I then went on to my next destination, Rizal Park.

##########

I suddenly find myself walking along P. Burgos Avenue, on the side of the Intramuros Golf Course. That area looks kind of creepy to me, and the sight of trash and some street dwellers just doesn’t seem right for a city that attracts foreign tourists. Aside from that, some of the old trees along the pedestrian walk were cut down, for some reason. I then passed by the National Museum and check the museum’s rules. Afterwards, I head straight to Rizal Park.

I know there's a possibility of a thunderstorm in the afternoon, so it’s a good thing that I brought my umbrella with me. I felt large rain drops as I passed by Rizal’s Monument, and I brought out my umbrella. Because of the thunderstorm, I didn’t go to the esplanade (Baywalk) and head straight to Robinsons Place Manila instead. I had to seek shelter from the rain a few times, despite having an umbrella in hand. The wind was blowing hard and I don’t want to risk getting my umbrella destroyed.

##########

Going home, the traffic is lighter than usual. A moderate, moving traffic. At least the UV Express I was riding didn’t have to take a shortcut. Anyway, the UV Express turn right at Regalado Avenue and I get to see the actual construction of the future rail line, the MRT-7. I took some photos of the construction site, but of course, it’s impossible to do this on a moving vehicle, at a time like this, and with a not-so-good smartphone camera.

And that ends my unplanned city travel. Except for the allergy, there were no untoward incidents as the last time [I visit Manila] three months ago.

All pictures are from my private Instagram account, kcox105.

Nine years ago, my former blog The Kin Keihan Times debuted on the now defunct Friendster Blogs. It is the predecessor to The World According To KCOX.

The blog debuted with my first post, entitled [01] Official Launch. It is actually a re-post of the About Me section of my Friendster profile. You can still read some of my KKT posts here.