MANILA GIRL IS LEAVING MANILA: FINAL POST | MY LOVE AFFAIR WITH THE CITY CALLED MANILA

THE STREETS OF MALATE

This place made me feel alive! And I must tell, made me awake at one time for one straight week. What did I do? Bar hopping with friends. Hahaha. That was long ago when I've got all this fantastic friends from PAL. I lived with them in an apartment just right behind the PAL Learning Center in Padre Faura. Now, they're either living abroad, with another airline company or already gotten married.

WHO IS?  ADRIATICO (or Macario Adriatico) was a lawyer, writer, scholar, and an insurgent.  The first Filipino director of Philippine Library and Museum.  [Source:  WikiFilipino] WHAT'S IN?  ADRIATICO is a long stretch from Padre Faura to Quirino.  A busy street past Robinsons Manila with a lot of bars, hotels and restaurants.  Years back, it doesn't have too many tall buildings.  But now, there is construction here and there.  Along this street, you'll find Ritz Spa, it's the best spa I've been to in this side of Malate; Pan Pacific Hotel, which is the best hotel for me within the area before Hyatt came; Hearts & Flour bakery, a lot of people have said the cake was fantastic, but I still have to try; there is also a Chinese temple along Adriatico which keeps me fascinated everytime I pass by; of course, the most popular Cafe Adriatico, where dining is most romantic; and Cosa Nostra, a small authentic Italian restaurant along the strip.



WHO IS? DEL PILAR (M.H. del Pilar) was one of the leading Ilustrados, a journalist, satirist and a revolutionary leader.  [Source:  Wikipedia] WHAT'S IN?  DEL PILAR is also a long stretch parallel to Adriatico.  A one-way street from Kalaw to Quirino.  You'll find a lot of businesses, from travel agencies, hotels, bars, art shops, manpower agencies, restaurants and everything else in between.  I was informed that during the 80's this is where Firehouse Disco used to be.  It's known to be the best men's club in Manila.

WHO IS?  JORGE BOCOBO is a great Filipino writer in English language, who has written speeches, articles and Law books.  A few of his works include;  A Vision of Beauty, Filipino Contact with America and College Uneducation.  He was once the President of the University of the Philippines and a cabinet member of former President Manuel L. Quezon.  [Source:  Wikipedia] WHAT'S IN?  There are two sides of JORGE BOCOBO:  one that goes from San Andres to Pedro Gil right in front of Robinsons Mall and the other, at the back of Robinson's to Kalaw.  Just like any other streets, Jorge Bocobo is a busy one especially at night and most during weekends.  You'll never worry walking late on this side of Malate because there's just too many lights, and a lot of people walking to and fro.

WHO IS?  Of course, we all know who is MABINI:  The Sublime Paralytic.  The Brains of the Revolution.  A political philosopher who wrote a constitutional plan for the First Philippine Republic.  [Source:  Wikipedia]  But, do you remember the song "Magdalena?"  When I was a young girl, I used to think that Mabini is a place where "low-flying doves nestle" and such a nasty place to be.  It's an impression that left me from the song even if I haven't been in this place some eleven years ago.  When I finally walked this street, I said, "so this is the famous place from the song."  But from there, I didn't see the place as one.  Maybe because I didn't see the holes in it.  Actually, I kinda love it for the simple reason that I can find the best take-out counter for party food in this side of Manila.  Plus, a handful of authentic Persian restaurants along with other kebab and shawarma restaurants in the area which, at first, didn't appeal to me but later on, became one of my favorites.

WHO IS?  GEN. MIGUEL MALVAR was a Filipino commander who served the Philippine Revolution and the Philippine-American war and assumed the command of Philippine revolutionary forces during the Philippine-American war following Aguinaldo's capture.  [Source:  Wikipedia]  WHAT'S IN? MALVAR is home to residence buildings, spa, KTV, and other wellness and entertainment establishments.  I found this place because of Music 21 where I did all the karaoke we want anytime whenever me and my friends felt like it. 

WHO IS?  JULIO NAKPIL was a Filipino composer who fought in the Philippine Revolution.  His works were inspired by the revolution and his composition has been a finalist for the Philippine National anthem.  WHAT'S IN?  No wonder this place called Nakpil is one that's full of fun, music and entertainment.  The place live by its name.  And is known for it.  There had been a lot of themed-parties that went on to this place.  Street party, rave party, gay shows and any kind of entertainment you can possibly find.  It has strong flickering lights at night and at daytime, it sleeps so soundly like a deserted place.  Sure there has been a lot of gimik places that popping up and will pop up everywhere but Nakpil, in my experience has never lost its flickering light. 

Named after the church Our Lady of Remedios, also known as Malate Church, this place is the center of Malate night life.  I don't know much about the church until I referred to Wikipedia.  Interesting how the early wars has influenced the Filipinos.  And how this place was associated to the rich families living in Malate.  Anyway, Malate church has been my refuge during the times when I do some soul-searching.  The tabernacle will welcome you just as you are.



WHO IS?  PEDRO GIL.  A physician, a journalist and a legislator.  He lived a life in service in these different distinguished roles.  Helped and fought for the poor and needy.  And showed so much love and concern for the people of Paco and Ermita.  [Source:  Wikipedia]  No wonder this place is named after him.  WHAT'S IN?  I have lived in this place for nine (9) years and I loved being in Pedro Gil (two years in Padre Faura) despite the crazy noises in Taft Avenue, the stinking drain water that runs from Kimberly Hotel right in front of the dorm I stayed, the flood during heavy rains, it's heavily littered street.  I loved it despite all of these. Because I have known a lot of good friends from this place and even though we have left that little dorm in Pedro Gil, we still see each other and reminisce of the times that we walked, ran and kicked the streets of Malate.  I still miss a lot of them up to now.  And it makes my heart grow so fast as soon as I hear a news from anyone of them.  A circle of rare and good friends, is what I found in this place.

ANG BAHAY NI MANG DANNY

This was a humble abode to this blogger.  It's where I've found a lot of good friends through good times and even the bad and toughest times.  You see, this convenience store used to be a computer shop but just a couple of years back, they converted it to a Mini-stop.  By then, everytime we crave for something sweet and cold, we'll just have to go down and take a sugar-coned sundae.

ALONG PEDRO GIL AND BEYOND

Our favorite convenient store sitting right at the corner of Pedro Gil and Taft Avenue.

The side street of Pedro Gil.  This building is home to UP Manila.

I've always wanted to enroll at St. Paul Manila's music courses.  They offer short ones for guitar, voice, and other instruments that interest you.

I love breakfast meals and thanks to The Original Sinangag Express, it's open 24 hours.  The breakfast meals are good anytime of the day.  Though recently, a new "Sinangag Express" has opened much like this one (including the corporate brand's color) although they have different way of serving the food.

Wow Sisig take out counter.  When you're just too tired to think of what to eat.

The Hearts and Flours Bakery.  The cakes on their window looks masarap!

Cafe Adriatico - This is probably the most romantic restaurant I've been to in this side of Malate. And the pasta dishes are really good!

Baywalk Manila where I used to run with my jogging buddy, Kim.

Rajah Sulayman Plaza infront of Malate Church.  I always find this place nostalgic because of these calesa.  Sometimes it makes me want to go back in time when Manila at the time of Rizal.  Makes me wonder how it looks like.

The Malate Church, the flowers and its vendors.

The busy street of Roxas Boulevard.

Moonlight at past five in the afternoon.  I've seen this while there is this beautiful sunset below:

The most romantic sunset can be seen everyday in Manila.  It's really such a blessing that this scenery of water and sun settling at the end of the day calms your soul after a chaotic day.  Too bad, there will be nothing like this in Makati.  But, I have to remember, even if I don't see sunsets anymore, I see the morning sunrise in Makati.  Still, Manila sunset is LOVE.

I know, I know.  This is a long overdue post.  I didn't know it would take me this long before I can really say goodbye to a place I have loved for so many years.  Just the thought that I don't be live here anymore is something that my unconcious mind did not accept right away.  I still hope to come back to Malate, Manila.  And I'm looking forward to find a place that I can call my own here.  A place named after heroes, artists and patriots.

I'm closing this post with this video by HOTDOGS. A song called MANILA.

Goodbye, for now, Manila.

Bella Donna

THERE'S A SMILEY IN MY TUMMY

You may find this post (or me) brave, or gross, or funny, or humiliating, or all at the same time for I would be really insane to put something up that will put me in a bad light in the name of my so-called "fashion blog". But I thought, hey, that's what my blog is all about. My fashion statement. So whatever it is, be it a fab outfit or a not-so-palatable-to-the-eyes post as long as it is me, I don't have to be concerned.

Apple green vest - Simone's Closet
Moss green tank top - Robinson's Dept. Store
Black harem capri pants - The BellaDonna Shop
White platform heels - Popstyle

I sported this outfit today only to realize how my love handles has become so obvious. I pigged out last night and I pigged out today at lunch and the result: a very heavy tummy. You may notice that I have that big fat smile on my face when my colleague took this photo. That's because my tummy was smiling at the camera. Imagine my round belly and my belly button forming a smile. Too bad the camera wasn't able to capture that or maybe it's because of my dark top (thanks to God!)

Up here, you'll see that the skin is trying to come out. You didn't see me today that everytime I take a sit the tank top curls up and the round belly peeks while I try to pull it back constantly. This is what I got when I violated my vow not take too heavy dinner. Now, I have to start all over again. Imagine, from pigging out earlier I still feel full today. That's how bad I become since last night. I have to blame someone or something for devouring such a heavy lunch. Maybe my hormones? Hahaha.

This is my fashion. This is my statement.

Love,

BellaDonna

(I THINK I'VE FOUND) MY PLACE IN THE SUN

Not so long ago, my career was tumbling down the drain. Derailed, shackled and ruined. I was job-hopping from one time to another. Jumpship here, jumpship there. Not to mention I was broken hearted - twice! And most of it, lost something that I think most women look forward to have.

Now, almost two years ago, I found this job in advertising - my dream job of ten years coming true in a small full-service marketing agency. Here, I had my own share of best experiences in my so-called (late) blooming career. I met Denise, who influenced me into blogging and online selling. And, after that as they say, the rest is history.

Hand-made thread earrings - gifted (Thanks, Madel!)

So why am I writing about my career? I guess because for the most part of it, I wasn't truly fulfilled. I may have been happy financially in the past, yes. But I have never really unleashed the creativity that's bursting from every inch of me. I found that in advertising, in blogging and selling stuffs online. Met a few younger friends online, offline and in advertising. And truly, how short life is! Because I ache to accomplish so much with so little time! I may have aged in numbers but I still have the same passion of a twenty-year old firing up.

Mocha vest - S&R

Saffron floral tank top - Robinson's Dept. Store

Chocolate cowboy skirt - Thrifted

Gold flats - Tomato

Black tote bag - Naraya (Thanks, Naraya!)

And now, at this point, I must have done something really good to be considered in an aggressive organization that's cooking up real soon in the Philippines! This is an opportunity coming at me. What can I say? I am overwhelmed!

This is my fashion. This is my statement.

Love,

BellaDonna

PRINTS AND CHECKERED

I used to watch Queer Eye for the Straight Guy back when I was still in Pedro Gil. It was my dorm mate, Maizie who introduced me to the show. I remember one episode when Carson Kressly was wearing a print-and-checkered combination. I thought it was unusual but come to think of it, he pulled it off! And it was a fab! So last Friday morning when I thought I just have no other clothes to wear, (because I didn't press any and I still have to do my 2-week laundry), I thought of Carson's outfit. I got this animal-printed blouse that I bought in Paco Market at a very affordable price and my checkered capri pants from Robinson's Manila. I paired it with my usual brown suede wedge sandals and to complete the monochromatic effect, I used my brown bag from 50th Avenue.

I also had this outfit worn a few Mondays ago when I came to work from Cavite. But with a skirt. Here's the effect:





For my accessories, I wore this earrings given to me by my friend, Madel back in DPC days, my beaded bracelet is courtesy of my sister and my head piece was a gift from Ana of Anagon Collection.







Later today, I'll have a post on our Bazaar venture held last Saturday at The Collective in Malugay Makati.

Meantime, I have to run for another Manic Monday Morning! :)

Wear your fashion. Make it your statement.

Love,

BellaDonna

HIDING THE BAD FEELINGS WITH BLACK

1st Wednesday. Raw School Day. After long hours of client calls and PR pitch for a personal care product, my colleague Ariane and I went off to Fort Bonifacio Global City to attend Raw School. The day was not sunny, neither rainy though when the evening came, there was the usual rainshowers that caused by the outgoing typhoon Juan. I was not feeling so good when I wake up in the morning but I knew I just had to go on since there's just too much to accomplish. So I just decided to use this Julia dress from Robinson's Department Store accented with this wide black belt given to me by Ariane as a gift and paired with a dark-gray leggings I bought from Popstyle boutique in Panay Avenue. As usual, I use my everyday bag from 50th Avenue-Robinson's Place Manila. And since it was raining the past few days I walked into this pair of jelly shoes from Rusty Lopez that I bought from their Cubao Expo branch.

Ariane and I have been working together for more than a year and sometimes, we come to the office wearing the same shade of outfit without even talking about what we have to wear the next day. I guess that's just the magic of people coming along together for a long time. I told her that after today is done, I promise to take a rest so this cold + cough + flu + allergy won't be aggrevated. I really feel so bad but I can't skip raw school. We've missed one session and there won't be another one.


Ariane and I at the streets of Global City, wearing the same shade for the day. Our client even asked us: "Did you girls agreed on your outfit?" :)


Wear your fashion. Make it your statement.

Love,

BellaDonna

Back-Lace

I felt especially sad the first time I missed my blog entry. I have been trying every year to end it thru writing religiously about anything. But I guess, that's just not meant to happen this year. Another reason is because blogging about my fashion and daily statement makes me feel frustrated everytime I see my photos. God, how big I've become over the years. Is it my metabolism slowing down or is it my appetite speeding up? I can't answer any of that but one thing is for sure, I am really delighted with every meal that I take. So I guess I just have to balance that and then, I said to myself: maybe writing back on this blog will help me motivate shedding down some fats, working out in the morning without the worries of "I might get fat" everytime I eat. I thought it would help me a bit if I see myself everyday either getting bigger or slimmer thru the photos that I take of myself. Haha, I'm just that crazy humiliating myself like this.



Today, I slipped into this gray dress that I bought from Robinson's Manila last Friday. The first time I saw this from the racks of Cosmopolitan, I knew I would have to buy this. Doesn't matter if my upper limbs are becoming as big as my upper legs. I just want the dress. It was mall sale and there's just too many people skimming on the racks like vultures. If I let the dress go, I would have to regret it the whole week - or maybe, the whole month! The black lace detail was the one that caught my attention. It was up to the waist and it looks so sexy even if you don't fit it. It was like the dress was telling me: "you'll never know what you're missing." C'mon! And you know how many times I took picture of myself today just to get rid of those bulges from exposing on the pics? Forever! Now, I really have to work it out. Nevertheless, this dress did not fail me from making me feel young and sexy even if I'm too conscious that my tummy is getting big like salbabida! :)



Wear your fashion, make it your statement.

Love,

BellaDonna