Manila, Philippines - February 14

Chinese cemetery

Jose Rizal Memorial

Low 30s, humid, breezy

It was a full day excursion for us today in Manila. The first stop was Manila’s Chinese cemetery. Getting to the cemetery was more interesting than the cemetery itself. The story of the cemetery is interesting…Chinese weren’t allowed to be buried in Catholic cemeteries during the Spanish colonial time, but there wasn't much to see there. There were a few giant mausoleums, some even with running water and kitchens, but for the most part it wasn’t overly

Filipino wedding selfie

interesting.

lecion

Next was another cemetery – the American Cemetery and Memorial for American soldiers who died in the Philippines and other surrounding countries during World War II. This place was somber, quiet and still. It was also very manicured. I’ve seen row upon row of crosses in cemeteries like this but never in person. I found it very moving. It was also very well done…that is except for the ‘facilities’…they were NOT manicured.

The place selected by the tour for lunch was described as the best, biggest Filipino buffet…well…it certainly seemed like it could have been the biggest. Although I have NOTHING to compare it to, it was HUGE! It wasn’t a great idea that a bunch of tour buses descended upon this place at once. It was a mad-house. There were people everywhere, not at all pushing or shoving, but just going for food. Finally I figured ‘when in Rome’ and just got a bit of everything I could see and went back to the security of my own seat. Then the question was drinks…as it turned out ALL drinks (even boozy ones) were self-serve and included. Once we got a bit of food and realized the beer was on a self-serve tap we were fine. I tried the famous Lechon – the whole pig on a spit. It was really quite good…very crispy skin, moist flesh. 

American cemetery

After lunch was a visit to the old of city, with its cathedral, fort and famous execution and burial ground of Jose Rizal - a Manila hero.