Manila, Philippines, ZIP Code: 1502
I have been staying in Manila, the capital of the Philippines since I was a child. My parents had moved here when I was a five-year-old. My family hails from Punjab in India and we stay in a close-knit Punjabi community in Manila as well. In fact, Punjabis form a large part of the Indian community in Manila.
We live in the Greenfield District, and are at a walking distance of many restaurants, and malls. The SM Mega Mall is a short ten-minute walk from our place. It’s a good hang-out point to chill out with friends. There is also the Pavilion Mall, and Star Mall, and some really good street cafes, nearby.
SM Mega Mall
Relatives from our native place Ludhiana visit us during the holiday period, and we take them out for sightseeing to places like the Cultural Centre of the Philippines Complex. CCP is an 88-hectare sport, cultural, and art complex that houses the National Theater, Folk Arts Theater, CCP Library and Archive, Philippine International Convention Center, and Manila Film Center. Such a vast area cannot be explored in a single visit.
Another great attraction is the BSP Money Museum, located in central Bangko. It’s interesting to see the development of the Filipino economy and its past in the museum. This place gives a good idea of the growth of Philippines over the years.
BSP Money Museum
There are chronologically arranged displays from the pre-Hispanic period, Spanish and revolutionary periods to the American, Japanese, and present-day Republics. It is delightful to see barter coats, gold barter chains, old paper money, gold rocks, envelope bills, and silver banknotes at the museum.
For visiting CCP and BSP Money Museum we have to come to Roxas Boulevard – a famous street in Manila. The street is popular for its landscapes and coconut trees, and extends along Manila Bay’s coasts.
Roxas Boulevard
Whether it is for chilling out with friends, enjoying a family day out or taking visiting relatives from India on a city tour, Roxas Boulevard is a good place offering fun zones like the country club, eateries, parks, gardens, restaurants, and more. In fact, one just gets spoilt for choices.
I can speak Filipino fluently. Manila is home to me as I have grown up here. I feel part of the larger Filipino community.
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