Our Last Night in Manila, Moby Style

Written by Anis Nadia Jilid

Photographs by Melissa Chia

     Ever had that feeling when you’ve finally realized how everything is about to end in less than 24 hours? How your usual routine of waking up and looking forward to new adventures with friends can abruptly end? In this case, our 12 days of the Philippines had an impermanent turn and all that was left is absorbing in what you can. 

      A spontaneous, fast-track tour had ensued after our film session at the Cultural Center. A few of us were very delighted to have been able to follow Tracey and her relatives on a spur-of-the-moment sightseeing trip around Makati, Manila.

 
    The central character of this story would be our enthusiastic and ever accommodating tour guide, Nelson Arquiza. Introduced as Tracey’s uncle, clad in trendy clothing and sunglasses on his head, our new addition to the study trip circle immediately made us feel welcome with a handshake alone. Nelson is what you would you call the ‘hip Uncle’ and the young at heart. Of course, he made it perfectly clear to us that he’d rather be called Moby instead. 

     Luckily for the 8 of us, Moby had brought along a massive MPV that could fit us all in. But even with the size of transport, it was probably about to burst with the amount of excited and intense conversations going on during the car ride. 

“So what is it that you’ve heard about the Philippines before you came?” asked Moby. 

“They know how to party in the Philippines!” 

“Oh, that is very true.” 

     Unfortunately, we were not able to fully experience the nightlife that Manila is known for. But Moby arranged what he could to give us at least a glimpse of it. We were scheduled to go for his friend’s birthday party at 7pm. It was still a few hours too early to head there, so the group was brought to our first destination of the tour, Glorietta mall. As soon as we entered the area, Lestari remarked how strikingly similar it looked to Singapore. The mall itself is divided into 5 sections (named Glorietta 1-5) and just like any other mall, includes shops, restaurants and cinemas. 

     Despite the size of the shopping mall, we left empty-handed and were disappointed (Particularly Kushmin and I) that we couldn’t find appropriate outfits for the party later on. However, our quest for spending did not stop there, as there were more shopping areas in store for us.

    The next stop was another shopping mall just near Glorietta. In all its beautiful green glory, Greenbelt was a pleasant area to walk about. We stared at those who were able to spend their dinners there in envy, what with the luxurious atmosphere and lush surroundings. A common feature of both the malls we went to, parts of its landscape were dug up in order to be more aesthetically pleasing to the eye and created more space in the area. We requested to stop by shops that sold local brands and Kushmin and I were finally able to find something to buy and bring back home while a few of us took the chance to treat ourselves to refreshing frozen yoghurt.

     Satisfied with our purchases, our group made our way to an acquaintance’s birthday party that Moby arranged for us to attend. Moby couldn’t let his ‘car enthusiast’ side down and took the opportunity to show us his collection of cars that he personally tinkered with, resulting in maximum level of music enjoyment through the cars’ speakers. His passion definitely resonated through the sounds.

     From this point on, we were about to experience the Manila nightlife for the first time, excluding Tracey of course being part of the local populace. The building that the party was being held at was at a backpacker’s hotel. The building being a modest white and with no neon-signs flashing, you would not have been able to get there without knowing that the backdoor of that hotel actually leads to the bar situated at the top floor. 

     After climbing a few flights of stairs covered in red carpet and decorative picture frames on the walls, we reached our destination. The place itself was very chic and to add on to our delight, it was an open-air bar with a heck of a view. Even with our extremely casual get-ups (The traveller’s uniform of shirts and shorts), the hostess was very gracious and hospitable with our presence.  Whilst some were taking in the bar design , the laser lights and the music selections by the DJ, the others could not wait to taste the food served. Being in buffet style, we each tried what we could and the delectable food was an instant hit with us all. It was a very relaxed atmosphere and still, we reminisced about our days in Iloilo in the cool air. The contrasting differences between rural and urban had really sunk in that night and we realized we were going to deeply miss all of it regardless. 

     Moby did not allow us to leave without first seeing the undeniably breathtaking view of the area from the rooftop.. His friends Ino and Leslie joined us in the series of obligatory group shots we took. However, to no avail, as the jump shots were out of sync (Not to mention the unflattering poses we were captured in) and the rest came out very blurry. 

     Although we were all very full, Moby also insisted that we try exploring the night market right opposite of the bar. Having caught glimpses of it from the bar itself, the place was full of food and fashion stalls. As stuffed as we were, the offer was too tempting to pass on. Drawn to the stalls selling various clothing items including accessories and shoes, a couple of us bought things with our bargaining skills. 

     It was then the food’s turn to engulf us all and our tasty menu that night consisted of barbequed chicken, pork, chicken intestines and pig’s ears, washed down with sweet mango shakes. Sarah and Jon were also encouraged to eat balot for the first time. 

Recording their every move, this is what they had to say after their "eggs-perience":

“It was graphically horrifying but it didn’t taste half as bad.” - Jon

“Not as gross as people think it is and the taste is not as gross as it looks. It’s worth trying for the experience.” - Sarah

     Finishing up our supper, our last stop of the night was a place called Bonifacio High Street, a newly developed area for cafes and shops. Also a beautifully constructed landscape of green, Moby mentioned how he would occasionally bring his dogs to the park as well. Despite it already being almost 11, shops were only just about to close and the surrounding cafes were still open and filled with customers. 

     After a brief stroll around the place, we sadly had to head back to join the rest of the group at the Hobbit Bar. 

     Thanks to the ever so accomodating and energetic Moby, our last night in Manila was definitely a memorable one. Hopefully the next visit will last a few days longer in Manila. I wouldn’t have experienced it in any other way and I’m sure the others thoroughly enjoyed themselves as well. It’s really been more fun in the Philippines!


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Anis is a frequently absent-minded student hoping to feel less disoriented towards her goals in life. Her recent interests include reading the dictionary, appreciating bizarre art and actively killing virtual zombies online. Each interest is believed to academically, mentally and socially prepare her for the future.