There's no place like Manila!

Before I post tips, tricks and How-tos on getting around the metro, here is a brief introduction about Metro Manila..

According to WikiPilipinas.....

Metropolitan Manila (Filipino: Kalakhang Maynila) or the National Capital Region (NCR) (Filipino: Pambansang Punong Rehiyon) is the capital of the Philippines and among the world's thirty most populous metropolitan areas. Metro Manila is one of the two defined metropolitan areas in the Philippines, the other being Metro Cebu.

Metro Manila is the metropolitan area that contains the city of Manila, as well as sixteen surrounding cities and municipalities, including Quezon City, the capital from 1948 to 1976. Metro Manila is the political, economic, social, and cultural center of the Philippines, and is one of the more modern metropolises in Southeast Asia. Among locals, particularly those from Manila proper and those in the provinces, Metro Manila is often simply referred to as Manila; however locals from other parts of the metropolis may see this as offensive, owing to city pride and also the fact that some cities are actually geographically closer to the neighboring provinces than to Manila itself. Metro Manila is often abbreviated as M.M.. The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) is located in Makati City.

Unlike in most provinces wherein you have to travel a few hours before reaching another city, Metro Manila's cities are very close to each other. On the first minute, you are in Manila and just by walking, you can reach Makati or Pasay on the next. It is also very confusing especially because some streets or avenues like Taft or EDSA covers more than one city. So if you want to reach a certain place, you really have to be specific about it. Thats why its always useful that before you leave the place you are staying at, you already know where to go by googling it or checking it on Google Maps.

Read more »

Metro Guyd, your promdi neighborhood.

Ive been in the Metro for 3 months now and trust me the transition ain't easy for a probinsyano guy from the suburban communities in Mindanao. Though I was born and raised in Manila up until I was 6, I practically grew up in Mindanao so when I decided to move out here after College and look for work, it was hell. I practically started from scratch trying to know streets, landmarks, venues, places, LRT/MRT stations, etc.

What made me decide to start this blog? Well for starters, since I can't go home to the province anytime soon, I've been inviting friends and relatives to come to Manila and explore the vast employment possibilities. But most of time, they are too scared to work or just even visit the metro. They're afraid they'd get lost or get mugged. So by writing tips and tricks on how to get by the Metro, they'd have more confidence and I can eventually convince them to visit me here (selfish reasons, I know) and I'm sure a lot of people out there especially the PROMDIs, would want all the information they can get. Another reason is the fact that when I use to come here in Manila when I was younger, when I want to go from one place to another, I'd usually ride a cab which is most of the time 200-300% more expensive than cheaper but less cozy alternatives such as jeepneys, LRT, MRT, PNR, buses, FX, pedicabs, etc.

Why should you trust this blog? Well eventhough I'm a newbie myself, I have been labeled several times as a long lost relative of Dora the Explorer. I travel around the metro a lot and Ive been to places ranging from upper east side like places to bronx areas. And, I'd of course consult my friends, the internet or even the readers of this blog for verification.

How will this work? I'd post blog entries that I think will be helpful to people and I'd also ask you guys what topics you think I should feature. Topics like how to get from one place to another or where to go or what to do or how to do it. Just as long as it is related to the Metro.

Ahem ahem. For inquiries dont hesitate to post your comments on my blog entries.

Metro Guyd, now officially signing on.

Read more »