Manila Guide Online

Now that the May 2010 Elections have passed (well, sort of) it remains to be seen what is in store for Filipinos and the businesses scattered over the metropolis. Sure we have a new president but he is still untested. Stability as far as security and if the activists will now be at ease with the new administration has not been settled and until the new president (Benigno Aquino III) takes office, it may not be the best place to visit right now.

For one, the vice presidency has been far from settled. Sen. Manuel Roxas and Makati Mayor Jejomar Binay are still slugging it out with the latter leading by about 800,000 votes or so. The new senators have been proclaimed and if you sum it all up, the overall governance of the Philippines still remains questionable.

Add to that political bickering within the ranks which include the naming of Renato Corona as the new Chief Justice which has drawn a howl of protests can only mean that Manila is not at all safe nor secure. Not to discourage touriststs or balikbayans, it would be best to wait until the smoke clears and see if the Philippines had indeed chosen wisely on their new leaders. For the meantime, save your travel itineraries for at least a couple of months more.

Major parts of the Philippines went under water today as tropical storm “Ondoy” unleashed its wrath, leaving thousands stranded and residents climbing to their rooftops for drier ground.

While the provincial regions like Pampanga are known to suffer these flash floods every time there is a storm, Metro Manila was totally unsuspecting of the floods that hit major parts of the country. Hard hit countries included Marikina, Quezon City, San Juan and Paranaque which are still seeking help from rescue teams. The power for these affected parts of the metropolis was also cut by MERALCO to avoid further casualties from execution.

Here are some video footages taken by local residents tied up with the destruction that Typhoon “Ondoy” caused.

If you have been around the metropolis, you would notice that the surroundings are not always that pleasing, particularly if you come across kids selling the national flower of the Philippines, the Sampaguita (or Jasminum sambac). While you are bound to feel sorry for them and tend to buy them, please don’t. The money does not go to them anyway.

Acts of charity are commendable. But the thing here is that the money you give, even it if is just a simple buck, does not go to them. There are heartless people forming these syndicates, gathering poor children and making them work in exchange for food or shelter. So the scenario is, “No Sale No Food”. You can just imagine what happens if they don’t sell anything.

One alternative you may want to do is give them something that is not cash-based. Something like a sandwich or left-over takeouts to really give them something that they truly need.

Parts of Manila plagued with these vendors include, Greenhills, Quiapo and Quezon City. Just don’t patronize them. If you want to help them out, you can give them non-cash items. Some find it hard, but it is for the good of the locals of the society of Manila.