Biographies of world figures

"I keep coming back to Manila. Simply no place like Manila. Manila, I'm coming home." That catchy tune of the 1970s Filipino band, Hotdog, is something that I always hum to whenever I go home to Manila. For the past decade, I've been living in Cebu City and every chance I get, I visit my family in Manila. Well, technically, Metro Manila.  Manila City Hall circa 1967. You can see  the  Post Office on the horizon. Nowadays, Manila is just one of the cities that comprises Metro Manila. But it is still known as the capital of the Philippines since the seat of power, Malacañan, is still found here.  Manila has been synonymous with the Philippines since Spanish Conquistador, Miguel Lopez de Legazpi, founded the city in 1571. When the Americans came, they decided to redesign Manila similar to Washington D.C..  They hired architect and urban designer, Daniel Burnham. Unfortunately, the plan wasn't fully completed because of the outbreak of World War II and the decisio...

If you ask any alumni or student of the University of the Philippines - Diliman Campus, they all know Mang Larry's Isawan. A Cebu Foodie needs to experience Mang Larry's Isawan when one visits Metro Manila. It's a foodie destination that you shouldn't miss. I'm not really a fan of Isaw (chicken or pork intestines) but when you get to taste Mang Larry's, you will be a convert. The best parts are the tastiest Filipinos love eating street food. It's fast food, yummy and affordable. And everyone has a favorite or two.  We, Filipinos believe in the saying, "waste not, want not". We don't waste any chicken  or pork part. We use and cook all of their body parts. From humble beginnings, Mang Larry's now have several branches in Quezon City.  This iconic food stall has even been immortalized by Manix Abrera in his comic strip, KikoMachine. In a span of two days, I was able to buy my share of Isaw and other barbecued innards in two different Mang Lar...

The first Tim Ho Wan restaurant that opened in Manila was located in SM Megamall. It was in 2014, that Filipinos were able to try the dishes of this popular Hong Kong restaurant.  I am hoping that Tim Ho Wan will finally open it's SM Seaside branch before the Sinulog Festival in January. Cebuanos are fans of good quality and affordable Chinese food.  Tim Ho Wan Favorites In the past week, I've eaten twice in Tim Ho Wan while enjoying the Holidays in Manila. That's how I'm addicted to it's food menu. I've tried most of their popular dishes and I keep wanting more and more ---- especially the pork buns! Unfortunately, when you order the dumplings or dim sum, they don't serve calamansi or chili oil. They only use the spices that they have in the original Hong Kong store. The prices per dish averages about 140php to 200php. It's a little on the high side compared to local Cebu Chinese restaurants but it's less oily and greasey plus the flavor is quite ta...

Ever wondered what our Philippine Presidents used to travel from point A to B during their terms? Do they also have a version of the United States Presidential car called "The Beast"?  When I was younger, we had a tour at the Fort Santiago which is located in Intramuros, Manila. Part of the Museum exhibit were the Presidential cars of the past Presidents of the Philippines. I vaguely remember seeing them on display. I couldn't remember how many cars were there but I do recall that they were all black and big. Presidential Cars of Aguinaldo, Laurel and Magsaysay I've been to Fort Santiago several times through the years and I never again saw the cars. At the time, I thought they were neglected and disposed of. And during the first History Con in August at the World Trade Center, I was surprised to find that the National Historical Institute has maintained and restored them to mint condition. They're now at a storage facility awaiting their transfer to the Quezon Ci...

What would you do if you had a chance to meet your favorite author? Would you grab the bull by its horns and make it possible? I did and I couldn't stop gushing about it even after a week. On a September Saturday afternoon, I was fangirling with the Filipino Hugot Historian, Professor Ambeth Ocampo. Sometime in July, I was going through my Facebook feed when I saw the announcement for this year's History Comes Alive series of Professor Ambeth Ocampo at the Ayala Museum. I've always wanted to attend his lecture sessions but living in Cebu makes it a little difficult.  For this year, my scheduled trip to Manila coincided with his September lecture. I was brimming with excitement when I contacted Ayala Museum via email on how to reserve a ticket. Their response time and instructions are admirable. I paid via bank deposit through BPI. I sent a picture of the bank slip and all I had to do was show up on the day of the event and provide my name when I register.  One thing that I...