Morning Focus and Sizzling Street Food
Today is May 28th. I stayed up way too late last night, and I woke up with that heavy, lingering fatigue clinging to my bones. Still, I managed to drag myself out of bed around 8 AM and dive deep into work until 11 AM. Usually, I'm the type who struggles to concentrate with people around, but this environment was different. There's a certain magic to a space where everyone is focused, and I was thrilled to find myself riding that same wave of productivity.
Around noon, I headed out with Shuzo to grab lunch at a local street food stall. It was my second time eating there, and the food was as mouthwatering as ever. You can definitely feel the pinch of the rising Philippine peso, though. The local diet is heavily skewed toward meat and oil, making me acutely aware of my severe lack of vegetables. Afterward, I played the role of interviewer to help Shuzo film a video for his YouTube channel.
Diving into the Chaos of Colon Street
Later in the afternoon, I ventured down to Colon Street, an area situated close to the port. It's not exactly known for its stellar security, but with universities nearby, it pulsates with a chaotic, raw energy. It had been a while since I last visited, and the sheer density of people and goods constantly in motion was overwhelming.
My mission for the day: buy a Philippine flag. After asking around, I eventually tracked one down in an educational supply shop of all places.
The $1.30 Bad Coffee and a Plot Twist
Needing a break, I stopped by a highly recommended coffee shop and ordered an iced Americano for about $1.30 USD. One sip, and I actually burst out laughing. It was shockingly bad. I haven't had a coffee that terrible in ages, but somehow it just added to the charm of the day.
While I was still reeling from the coffee, a woman called out to me out of the blue. Plot twist: she was the Filipina wife of the very person I was scheduled to meet later, out and about with their child. What are the odds?
A Two-Year Reunion and the Magic of Stickers
As evening fell, I reunited with a friend I hadn't seen in two years. We spent hours catching up on everything—his life in the Philippines, his upcoming return to Japan, and the undeniable magnetism of this city. I handed out some stickers I had on me to his kids, and their faces instantly lit up. Never underestimate the power of a sticker; it's the ultimate icebreaker for children.
Chatting with locals today made me realize the immense value of personal connections here. Having someone say, "He's a friend of so-and-so," instantly breaks down barriers and closes the distance. It left me craving a deeper understanding of this country's rich culture.
Prepping for a New Adventure
Inspired by our conversations, I made a spontaneous decision: in two days, I'm heading into a place that was described to me as a jungle. I was originally supposed to leave tomorrow, but I've extended my stay by a day just to prep for this new adventure. A fresh journey awaits, and I couldn't be more ready.