and soo...the new year has begun! this is my first attempt in making a blog all about living and surviving in Manila...

So what way to start it by discussing a bit about the Black Nazarene.

*i do not own the picture, just to give you an idea of whats going on...*


Celebrated every 9th of January, it holds significance to devout Filipino Catholics.

 I will run a quick list of what could be done to survive this crowded, traffic-stopping event.

1.) As much as possible, avoid the Quiapo Area all in all, especially if you are not a devout believer of the practice.

2.) Should it be inevitable that you cannot avoid the area on the 9th, or really need to pass by that area, check online multimedia for traffic updates/re-routes/alternative routes to bypass the event. MMDA has a Facebook page and Twitter page and they keep it updated (hint: Google is your friend).

3.)  Should you be a devout practitioner of the event, I suggest prepping as if you are a track athlete (keep hydrated, load up on carbs, warm up)

4.) Refrain from bringing valuables (gadgets/jewelry/watches/etc). Good luck in doing a selfie in a middle of a sea of people.

5.) You may be tempted to reach out to "Samaritans" who aid devotee with food and drinks. The energy expended to swim by the crowd may not be worth it.

6.) Prepare yourself to be stepped on, flung by, swap bodily fluids etc.. It is no cake walk i bet.

7.) Hooligans abound. Should you have unavoidably bypassed #4, keep an eye on your stuff and the people around you.


that would be all for now....:)