Discover the Philippines 7,107 Amazing Paradise Islands
Travel Manila
WITCH DOCTOR OR MADAME POMFREY?Originally uploaded by happy via.
Its weird that “Quiapo Church” – one of the most popular catholic church in Diocese of Manila totally condemn abortion while a lot of abortion pills and herbal abortion medicines are being sold right beside the church….. and its not just a single store….. they sell abortion herbal medicines like “Hotcakes” (LOL)………..
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Often considered anachronistic yet never completely replaced, calesas – small-horse drawn carriages supported on two tall wheels, built to accomodate two passengers and their baggage – can be found in almost every major town and city throughout Philippines.
In Manila, city officials have made the cocheros (drivers) sanitize their chrages by suspending a diaper-like piece of canvas beneath the pony’s tail to catch any unsightly (but useful) droppins. Impatient car and jeepney drivers may honk and scream, but kabayo (horse) and cochero pay no mind. As in ages past, they will take you where you want to go, slowly but surely.
Watching the bright of the day slowly transform into vibrant yellows and oranges and then fade into reds with the shimmering distortion of the colours reflecting off the water is magnificent. There are some things you just cannot get enough of, the Manila Bay sunset is one of them.
Just like any other street in Manila…. La Loma shares it own specialty… Lechon.
The most popular food in each festivity or most commonly known as fiesta, lechon is the Philippines’ national food. A whole pig is cleaned out of its entrails, stuffed with pandan leaves or lemon grass and roasted slowly over red hot burning charcoals while the skin is brushed with oil colored with atsuwete (annatto) to achieve that deep reddish brown color, and traditionally served with a sweet-sour liver-based sauce.
In the Philippines, you can buy them whole or by the kilo. La Loma in Manila is well-known for rows and rows of lechon outlets.
By KAYE VILLAGOMEZ
source: MB.com.ph
The doors to Hollywood have opened to Filipino hopefules via the international production “Wages of Sin,” a political thriller to be shot and produced entirely in Manila next year and is scheduled for global release in 2008.
Starring G Tongi and Charlize Theron’s martial arts trainer, Fil–Am actor Neal ‘Xingu’ Rodil, “Wages of Sin” is in its early stages of production, including casting and auditioning Filipino actors to join the international cast that will most likely include Kelly Hu and Lou Diamond Phillips, producer-director Shane Trace disclosed to local media on Monday.
The 26–year-old filmmaker described the movie to be a “cross between ‘Ong–Bok’ and ‘Bourne Identity’ with interesting sub–plots the characters of the movie will confront” while non–stop action skates through the streets of Manila.
Set to be filmed in October, 2007, Trace and Rodil have set the wheels in motion in the Philippine shores. The entire creative team is currently in Manila holding auditions and even talking to possible production houses here for technical support. Trace said, “so far, I have been meeting with several production houses and some talents because we really want this film to be almost 100 percent Filipino-made but for global release. I’ve fallen in love with your country so much that I wanted to do this for you,” Trace said.
Trace’s film outfit, Umbrella Six, is a subsidiary company under Hollywood’s Universal Pictures.
Trace developed the edgy action–suspense in “Wages of Sin.” “This movie will reveal some truths in the system that may be cruel but these things really happen. It’s also going to be a kind of martial arts movie that’s never been seen and done in Hollywood before. We’re really very excited about this project which will include the best stunt people from Hollywood like Jacky Chan’s crew that will work here in Manila with of course, local talents who will be also part of the movie.”
Trace revealed that one of the reasons he’s in Manila is his pursuit of Filipino actors who may be able to play pivotal roles in “Wages of Sin.” “So far I’ve seen so many talents in this country. We’ve been watching local shows and we’re looking into candidates because this project is a good vehicle for Filipino actors to be known in Hollywood.”
G Tongi, who is also in the country with Rodil and Trace agreed with the director’s vision: “Beyond me making it internationally, the reason why I’ve been residing in the States is because I am hoping that somehow I can help put the country on the map. I’ve been struggling in the States for six years for this goal. Whatever happens, I’ll be a Filipino and I’m proud of this country and the actors and talent that we have.”
“She’s very choosy and particular about her roles and she really hones her craft,” Trace said of Tongi. “She’s bound for stardom in the States. I just think she needs the right vehicle for her talent and this film could be it.”
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THE NEXT JET LI, A FILIPINO
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Meanwhile, Filipino–American actor and Arnis master Xingu Rodil treats his visit to Manila as an opportunity to discover his roots. Although his parents are both Filipinos, Rodil grew up in the US—born in San Francisco and raised in San Jose, California.
“I grew up not really knowing my roots and now finding it in the Philippines turned out to be an incredible experience for me. There is so much that this country and its people can offer to the world,” the 28-year- old actor who has starred in music videos of Shakira, Green Day and Prince said emotionally during the press conference held last Monday at a restaurant in Quezon City.
About “Wages of Sin,” Rodil, whose next commitment includes hosting the upcoming TV series “X–Factor,” added, “I really believe in what we’re doing. I’m sorry if I get emotional talking about it but it’s because I really believe in this project.”
“With ‘Wages of Sin,’ I really hope to set the record straight and say that Arnis is a Filipino martial art. We’ve seen it used in most Hollywood action films but it’s hardly known that it originated in the Philippines,” Rodil explained.
Rodil is touted to be one of Hollywood’s most promising action stars following the heels of Jacky Chan and Jet Li. “Hollywood has been very kind to me. Now I want to pass along this good fortune to the Philippines, the home of my family and friends.”
This proud Pinoy continued, “It’s my pleasure to represent the Philippines and the Filipino community. It’s one of my goals to associate with as many Pinoy’s in this industry.”
An expert in martial arts, Rodil thought Capoeira (a Brazilian martial art) before moving to LA where he pursued a career in entertainment while training big Hollywood names and starring in music videos and TV commercials.
Manila’s hottest district for eating, entertainment, or just plain hanging around, J. Nakpil Street is where everyone tries to outdo the others in setting the latest trends in fashion. On Saturday nights, when it is closed to traffic, Nakpil Street becomes one big promenade (or catwalk) for the young and the beautiful. On certain occasions, a stage is set up on one end of the street for a rock concert or a celebrity show promoting the newest beer brew or cigarette brand. Nakpil Street is in the heart of Manila called Malate.
Malate is a district located in the the fifth congressional district of Manila, capital of the Philippines. It lies on the southern end of the city of Manila, adjacent to Pasay City at its southern border, and adjacent to Ermita at its northern border. Malate is about 2 kilometers south of its major landmark – the American Embassy. The Light Rail Transit (LRT-1) that rolls along Taft Avenue passes through two stations located in Malate, the Vito Cruz Station and the Quirino Station.
The Malate-Ermita stretch used to be the central red light district of the Philippines during the 70′s to mid 90′s until the local government decided to drive up its campaign against prostitution and indecency. In a short span of time, Malate converted itself into a decent night life district of the metropolis showcasing free-access parks and fountains, series of liquor pubs, disco houses, fine dining restaurants, bars with live music, outdoor band presentations and cultural shows. Night curfew only applies to minor children.
Most of the overseas employment agencies in the Philippines have their headquarters in Malate. During the day, Malate is swarmed with Filipinos coming from all parts of the country who are processing their overseas employment papers. To accommodate tourists, it has numerous hotels, both local and international chains.
Tourist destinations include Bay Walk Park, Raja Sulayman Fountain Park, the old Malate Catholic Church, the Manila Zoo, the Ospital ng Maynila (Hospital of Manila), the consulates of Vietnam and China, the Manila Yacht Club, the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex, Harrison Plaza Mall, the Central Bank of the Philippines, and the headquarters of the Philippine Navy.
The district is noted for its gay village and is arguably the center LGBT activities in the Philippines. LGBT activity is centered around the area surrounding the intersection of Maria Orosa and Julio Nakpil streets, near the Remedios Circle. Numerous gay-themed and gay friendly businesses dot the area . An annual gay pride parade is held in Malate every July.
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