When we left Australia behind us, i already felt like going back again to the lovely and friendly people who made me feel at home….This journey, that just begun, was going to take us close to Papua New Guineas coast with many islands surrounding with astonishing form’s .
Our next port to enter will be, Manila the capital of the Philippines. I never been there before, but two of my mates on board of M/s Broland are Philippines and they told me that they’ll show me around.
They already introduced me to Tagalo, the official language on most islands, but where many also are speaking English and a variant of Spanish. That made me feel good, at least I could communicate with the people.
(The Philippines, is an archipelago and consist of about 7,600 islands and the capital Manila is situated in the north part.)
This voyage was very smooth, with plenty time to enjoy the fantastic views of exotics islands. Leaving Papua New Guineabehind us, we passed Borneo on our portside and started to enter in the 1000th of islands in the archipelago of the Philippines. Manila is situated at one of the northern islands, so whe had plenty to see.
Our cruising speed was only about 12 knots, and it took us over 24 hours to reach the capital Manila and entered at the quay early in the morning.
Immediately we were surrounded by barges to be used for unloading our cargo. The workers climbed up over the railing and started within minutes to unload, amazing sight.
I asked for a day off, together with my Philippine friends, and we started the day with a coffee at the first bar outside the port.
The town was busy with cars, lorries and motorbikes crossing all over the streets, seemly without any order. But all went very smoothly, without incidences. My friends took me to the house where a family member lived. I was invited for a homecooked meal, Kare-Kare.
This rich stew is made with peanut sauce and oxtail. The plate came with a serving of “Bagoong”, a fermented seafood pastes on the side! Sounds strange but it was delicate.
We left the family after lunch, and after knowing the family for such a short time, it felt like I had become a family member. They welcomed me back and I gave them a big hug.
Back to the busy street life and visits to small bars, where I for the first time tasted the local beer San Miguel. (Later known as a “Spanish beer”, but the origin was from Manila!)
Also, another surprise, at a street corner, a poster was announcing the arrival of The Beatles!! But next coming year, July 4, 1966, sadly for us.
Later in the evening we were recommended to go to a large restaurant that served Filipino dishes, as the famous lechon. It is hard to top such a tasty, fully roasted pig with perfectly crisp skin and juicy meat. (Nam-Nam).
It was a busy long day and by midnight we returned onboard our M/s Broland. The day after was working-day and one day later we left the port of Manila to head for Kobe, Japan.
Just a few days later we received the news regarding the harrowing stories from the, Taal Island of Philippines where a Volcano eruption had taken place. Only 50 km from Manila and just the day after our stay there. More than 1500 people had been killed.
I will be back from a “safe” place.
Windmush/Curt
