Kingdom of Maynila | Malate Church: Shrine of Remedies | Tsokolate-eh | Manila’s Baywalk After a Rainy Late Afternoon | Aristocrat Restaurant in Malate | What is a Pinoy Breakfast? | The Humble Pan de Sal | Celebrating Saint Francis Day at the Manila Zoological and Botanical Gardens | Breakfast and Diners at Cafe Adriatico Malate
It’s been 40 years since I left the Philippines and I haven’t returned for a visit. In my youth I lived in a spooky old Spanish house on the corner of the former Libertad and later in another house on corner of Herran owned by the Jaraez family. When at Herran, my family considered a visit to Paco church quite a treat and bought cold cuts at Ackie’s (Ackermans’s) afterwards for lunch. I remember running along Dewey Boulevard (Roxas) and buying halo-halo from the vendors there. Later, my sister ran for Miss MOPC, eventually losing, I believe, to one of your contributors, Ms. Gemma Cruz.
My memories of an older Manila are unadulterated, existing in my mental lock box, un-altered by a subsequent visits. It will be interesting to compare those memories with today’s reality. I will be visiting the Philippines in January 2010, and I know even before my first step back on Filipino soil, I will be crying.
Arthur Minsberg
I makes me more proud to become a Filipino when learning nice words from people like you Arthur. Enjoy your visit to our country!