Manila Mayhem: A Botanist's Unexpected Adventure (and a LOT of Humidity)
okay, so. manila. i didn’t plan to be in manila. my research trip to Borneo got… complicated. let’s just say a rogue orangutan and a misplaced passport were involved. anyway, here i am, sweating like a fern in a sauna, and trying to make the best of it.
i just checked and it’s… a proper blanket of dampness out there right now. like, the air itself is trying to hug you. i’m pretty sure my hair is 80% humidity at this point. i’m staying in a little guesthouse in *Sampaloc, which is… lively. let’s put it that way.
My main goal, obviously, is to find some interesting flora. Manila isn’t exactly known for its sprawling botanical gardens, but there are pockets. I spent a morning wandering around Intramuros, which is surprisingly green in places. The old walls are cool, and there are some decent bougainvillea climbing everywhere. I found a tiny little herb garden tucked away near Fort Santiago - a real hidden gem. Check out some history on Intramuros here: https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attractions-g298460-Activities-Intramuros_Manila.html
“Someone told me that if you go to Binondo Chinatown, you can find some really unusual medicinal herbs. Apparently, there’s this old woman who knows everything about plants. But be warned, she only speaks Tagalog, and she’s not exactly friendly to tourists.”
I’m trying to navigate the jeepneys, which is… an experience. It’s like a chaotic, metal ballet. I almost ended up in Quiapo Market yesterday. Apparently, it’s a sensory overload. I’m not sure my nervous system could handle it. I did manage to grab some amazing street food though. Seriously, the isaw (grilled chicken intestines) is surprisingly good. Don’t knock it 'til you try it. Yelp has some decent reviews of the food stalls: https://www.yelp.com/search?find_desc=Quiapo+Market&find_loc=Manila,+Philippines
I’ve been sketching a lot. Trying to capture the… energy of the place. It’s overwhelming, but also kind of beautiful. The colors, the sounds, the smells… it’s a lot to process. I’m using a small sketchbook and watercolor pencils - easy to carry around.
Pro-Tips for the Botanically Inclined Traveler:
*Hydration is KEY. Seriously. Drink all the water. All of it.
*Mosquito repellent. Like, industrial-strength.
*Learn a few basic Tagalog phrases. It goes a long way.
*Be aware of your surroundings. Manila is a big city, and petty theft is a thing.
*Embrace the chaos. It’s part of the charm.
If you get bored, Laguna and Batangas are just a short drive away. Apparently, they have some stunning waterfalls and volcanic landscapes. I might head there next week if I can sort out my orangutan-related paperwork.
I overheard some drunk tourists complaining about the traffic. Honestly, it’s part of the experience. Just accept it and enjoy the ride. I found a really interesting forum about local plants and gardens: https://www.pinoygardenclub.com/
“A local warned me about the habal-habal drivers. Said they’re reckless and will try to overcharge you. Apparently, it’s best to negotiate the price before* you get on.”
I’m starting to feel a little less lost, a little less overwhelmed. Manila is definitely not Borneo, but it’s… something. It’s a challenge. It’s an adventure. And it’s giving me a lot of material to sketch. Plus, the humidity is surprisingly good for my skin. Who knew?
I'm also checking out some local art galleries. There's a vibrant scene here, and I'm hoping to find some inspiration. You can find some listings here: https://www.artinmanila.com/
Okay, gotta go. The rain just started, and I need to find somewhere to shelter. Wish me luck!