Friday, February 22, 2008 Quijada: Manila and back By Jadis Quijada Shout out
EVEN with quarterly visits to the capital, I still rely on cabs in criss-crossing the metro.
You see, I’ve always been bad with directions and it didn’t help that my good friend Kat transplanted herself from Makati to the bigger jungle that is Quezon City, to be nearer to her workplace (which used to be a P150-taxi ride away). Before the unresolved G2 blast, I was getting used to having Glorietta three blocks away from her apartment.
Up for an educational adventure, another college bud, Ivi, talked us into taking the MRT.
Comfortable and speedier, given the hellish weekend traffic that day--an MRT ride from Q.C. to Makati will save you bucks and time. And a bakasyonista’s feet will particularly enjoy the instant mall hopping once one steps in Ayala Avenue. Passing the time while wandering in Makati is a viable option because malls and shopping areas (not necessarily luxe) are huddled close to each other.
Since it’s not safe to lug so much cash when you travel, it’s advisable to bring your ATMs (machines are located in almost every corner), credit and debit cards. Ayala Malls have this electronic gift certificates (eGCs) which look like your regular credit cards but are actually transferrable and consumable shopping certificates exclusive for Ayala Malls, which covers a thousand-plus shops.
Another treast we discovered while waiting for my friend to finish her office work, is the free Wifi services in the Burger King (Glorietta). There, we found laptop-wielding yuppies taking advantage of this service while consuming fastfood.
Another convenient feature also, is the free use of cellphone charging stations at one corner. Kenya Kaffe Lounge (besides Cebu Convention Center) along Archbishop Reyes Ave. likewise offers the same treats to its diners.
Just when I thought I’ve had enough of mall hopping. I was back in my second home when I arrived in Cebu. Near the Cebu Doctor’s University campus in North Reclamation Area, Mandaue, the Park Mall exudes youthful vibrance. With the usual traffic of students, food places, and casual hangouts have taken up residency here. Another upcoming resident is painter Andrew Barba who’ll be setting up his artist studio here.
