DENR’s Green Philippine Highways

The metro’s major highways (in particular SLEX, NLEX and C5) were buzzing with activity last week and not because of heavy traffic but because of a new project from DENR.

The GPH or Green Philippine Highway project started last August 24 and over 516,000 seedlings of trees like narra, mahogany, acacia and banaba,were planted throughout the major highways that cover the country.The project covers the ,176-kilometer Pan-Philippine Highway from Laoag City to Davao City, the 439-kilometer Manila North Road from Laoag City through La Union-Bulacan; and the 824-kilometer West Nautical Highway linking Batangas City to Mindoro, Aklan, Negros Oriental and Zamboanga.
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According to a UBS conducted survey, Manila is among one of th echeapest cities to live in. We ranked 67 out of 71 of the cities surveyed. However, we also have one of the lowest purchasing powers which means that even if it is cheap to live here, the people can’t afford it anyway.

Among the things you can buy cheap here are clothes for Men and Women that average less than US$2.00 for a decent Men’s shirt in retail stores (a decent shirt from Bench or Penshoppe normally costs around P200/P300) while a movie theater will charge around US$1.50 (SM still charges P75.00 right?).
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What’s wrong with this picture?
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The Southborder will be doing a concert at Eastwood City in Libis this coming 02 September 2006. It starts at 7:30. They’ll be doing their standard OPM R&B set. Truly tatak Pinoy. But the best part is that the concert is free.

So I found myself volunteering to write a Cheap and Free Manila guide for the Bootsnall Travel Community. I’m not really that familiar with Manila City myself, but I figured this is the perfect way for me to get to know the city more.

I’d love to hear your recommendations for places to stay, restaurants to try, things to do, either free or within backpacker budget. Oh, any tips on the best way to get to and from the airport aside from taking a cab?

I’m going to do one for Quezon City and Makati next, but for now, I’m sticking to Manila. Looking forward to your suggestions! :)

Diwa, the leading publisher of textbooks and academic supplementary magazines in the Philippines, will be staging the biggest Tribute to Teachers ever, its yearly homage to the hard-working and resilient Filipino teaching force. This year’s gathering of educators from all over the country will be held at the Araneta Coliseum on 09 September 2006 from1:30 to 5 in the afternoon. The event will be a convergence of the greatest and brightest in the Philippine education sector.
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A view of Manila by the bay in three parts.

Morning Quiet
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My sportswriter friend has what we both think is the hottest ticket in town: a press pass to NBA superstar Tracy McGrady’s forthcoming visit to Manila. Scheduled August 28-30 as part of an Asia-exclusive adidas promotions tour, T-Mac’s visit is making me think twice about my professed loyalty to “just do it”.

photo from PickYourShoes.com

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Jake Versoza, the world’s greatest photographer (according to his website), is having a solo exhibit. Called Transition, it is a “photo essay on Eastern tradition, the Western influence and the change we all face in modern society as our constant search for meaning continues.” It runs from 23 August 2006 to 06 Septmeber 2006 at the Oarhouse Gallery in Mabini St., Malate, Manila.

Check out the phot for details.

I can tell you where you can get the best Bistek (Beef Steak) Tagalog. But wait, what’s that you ask? Bistek Tagalog is a classic Filipino dish. It is beef marinated in soy sauce, black pepper and calamansi juice, then cooked over medium heat along with the marinade and onion rings, green beans or potato wedges.

Thanks to a tip from a friend, my husband and I learned that Adriatico Arms offers a deliciously mean serving of this dish. It didn’t take much for us to troop over to the hotel and delight our tastebuds. The beef was melt-in-your-mouth perfection, the sauce a wonderful blend of the soy sauce and the spike of calamansi. We spooned the sauce over our rice and ate heartily. Ang sarap talaga.
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