Day 2: Manila International Auto show – April 2011
April 8
Just woke up. This is what I get when I only had a few hours sleep on the plane from Bangkok yesterday. I was run running on fumes all day. Again, no dinner for me!
So I left the Manila International Auto Show last night and found a taxi. Something was up when he said that he was a new taxi driver and needed help finding Malate. I figured OK, no problem, take Roxas Blvd. Next thing I know, all I saw was buildings on both sides of the road. That’s not right. I should be seeing Manila Bay on my left.
“Stop the car.” Wanted to get the hell off the taxi immediately. Paid him 50 Pesos and jumped off. Asked a lady waiting for her bus if I was near Malate, and I think she thought I was stupid for even asking. She said no, and told me where I should be going – basically back from where I came from. Damn, I knew it, I was nowhere near. Walked to a lighted cross walk and haled a cab that was fortunately passing by.
The second taxi driver was cool. He knew where to go – easily. We talked about all the pretty Filipino girls as we turned onto Roxas Blvd.
Just watched Rocky. Been so long since I saw the movie, I was hooked. Going to Starbucks in a few minutes and get something to drink and use the Internet. Have to pay for wifi service just like Bangkok. Oh, I was wrong, there is an option to connect via partners and one of them is Boingo. The problem is that I had to manually enter my username password. Thing is, I forgot my password and I couldn’t log in to check my email that contained my password – catch 22 huh? See, I was to cheap to buy the hour internet access so screw that. I thought all this was supposed to be automatic using Boingo.
Just had some pork afritada – double helpings at the cafeteria. Yea, it was that good. Add rice and a bottle of water and the entire meal was under 4 dollars.
Sitting down in the Maserati area. Ha, this is great. Just relaxing and watching the photographers taking pictures of this hot model right in front of me. Took some pictures of her myself.
Walked from the World Trade Center to Malate. There was still light so I felt safe enough. If it was dark, I would have definitely taken a cab.
Fuck, I got lost in Malate and finally swallowed my pride and took a taxi. Got hungry on the way and I’m now at “Ang Bistro Sa Remedios” and just ordered the grilled chicken with garlic sauce and other stuff on top, plus a plate of pork liempo. Rice included, plus a bottle of water. Ordered garlic rice also when I remembered they had served it!
I was at this place years ago and I know whatever they serve will be freaking delicious. There’s also a live band that can play any provincial music by request. It’s kinda like a mariachi band with guys playing guitars. This place will cost me over 500 pesos easily – a bit over 10 dollars. Basically, it’s the cost of my lunch in Los Angeles. Ha, the band is singing Japanese songs, and one I recognize is Sukiyaki. Damn, they sing pretty well.
Ah, this food is good! Why aren’t these guys in California? With the large Filipino population, you’d think these guys would be there. Instead, we get days old food simmered all day in Turo-Turo restaurants. Such a waste to be known for pick-pick buffet type foods where the food is cooked in the morning and warmed for the entire day.
Well, today was my last day at the Manila International Auto Show. The car show will be running until Sunday. However, tomorrow I’ll be taking a Victory Liner bus to Olongapo and then a taxi or tricycle to the base where my hotel is located. Then it’s a matter of walking to the Subic Bay Auto Show. Not really sure where it’s located, however I do know the general area, so I’ll start at the Scuba Shack and ask around.
Hard to believe that my car show tour will be ending soon. It’s hella been tiring the last few days but fun! Once this is done and over, I’ll have a total of over 4,000 pictures from all the car shows and a whole lot of videos from the Bangkok Motor Show when I get home. Yea, the only place I took videos was in Bangkok, the other car shows really didn’t have “events”.
I’m wondering if I should try another car show tour next year. All will depend on the timing of the car shows and the money situation. Maybe I won’t go at all. You know, I could take the weekend and travel to one car show in Asia and come back Monday or Tuesday for work! Ha, that would be sick. Now moneywise, that would be one hell of a weekend getaway. If this was the case, I’d have to choose the Bangkok Motor Show for its entertainment value! I’d also need a sponsor or the travel cost! Ha!
Took about 3 hours on the Victory Liner to Subic Bay. Thought it was longer, but this was great because the bus stopped by the main Gate and I just walked to my hotel.
Lounging about at the Board Walk Inn in Subic Bay. Free wifi yo! A little bit of rain but this place is nice, just relaxing and drinking my banana shake. There’s a little breeze coming from the waterfront – feels good. The Subic Bay Auto Show is just across the street from me, so it’s going to be sweet.
Was at the Bay Auto Show for a few hours and took a whole lot of pictures! Taking a dinner break but I still can hear the music blaring. Hell man, it’s basically right across from where I’m sitting. The car show sits right on the beach right along Waterfront road. The space set aside for the car show is literally packed with people. The organizers should be able to double the size next year! Saw a lot of modified cars, a modified bike and a few itasha cars. Itasha are cars that have been painted with anime characters.
Tags: 2011, April, Asia, asian, car show, Manila Auto Show, Olongapo, Philippines, Southeast Asia, Subic Bay Auto Show, World Trade Center Metro Manila, Zambales
