Semi Retired Foamer: 2011: PHILIPPINE VIEWS

Back in 2011, Metro Manila was already loud, chaotic, colourful and only slightly confusing — which means, really, that not much has changed at all. This little collection of photos is a wander through the city as it was then: a patchwork of places, people, side streets, shopping centres, random discoveries, and moments that only seem to happen when you’re not trying too hard to document anything.

These shots were taken long before everyone carried a high-resolution camera in their pocket and even longer before social media demanded perfectly framed lattes and moody sunsets. Instead, what you’ll find here are everyday scenes, accidental compositions, curious locals, and the kind of fun that comes from simply being out and about with no real plan — and occasionally no real idea where you are.

From busy streets to quieter corners, from famous spots to places that probably don’t even look the same anymore, this is Metro Manila in its natural state: messy, lively, endlessly entertaining, and never particularly concerned about your personal space. Think of it as a small time capsule from 2011 — back when the traffic was terrible, the humidity was unforgiving, and the city was already very good at being itself.

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Waiting on a PNR train did take some patience at times.

You will now be waiting years given the closure of the heavy rail system while they construct a new elevated system.

Guess it depends on your view as to whether or not this was a good choice.

Photo: Brad Peadon

The Guadalupe Bridge over the Pasig River that we jokingly refer to as Manila's 'Sydney Harbour Bridge'.

Photo: Brad Peadon

Pasig River from the MRT3 Guadalupe Station.

Photo: Brad Peadon

A little on the busy side at Blumentritt.

Photo: Brad Peadon

Above and two below.

Some street shots taken while passing time around Makati dealing with immigration guff.

Photos: Brad Peadon

Above and two below.

TriNoma (short for Triangle North of Manila) is a large, modern shopping mall in Quezon City that sits right beside North Avenue MRT station (actually the depot is located underneath), making it one of those dangerously convenient places you can “just pop into” and lose half a day. Opened in 2007 and developed by Ayala Land, it mixes the usual big-name shops, cinemas and restaurants with airy open spaces, gardens and terraces that make it feel less boxed-in than many Metro Manila malls. It’s also closely linked to nearby transport hubs and office developments, so it attracts everyone from commuters killing time to families on full-scale weekend mall missions — a solid example of Metro Manila mall culture doing what it does best.

Photos: Brad Peadon

This MMDA sculpture was a horrid looking thing, indeed the first time I saw it I thought something had collapsed.

But apparently it is meant to look like this, however I am reliable informed that is no longer there.

Photo: Brad Peadon

EDSA LRT1 station.

Photo: Brad Peadon

A lovely sales lady we got talking to in the Tutuban Mall.

Of interest about this mall is that it located on the site of the former Tutuban Railway Station.

The historic station entrance still forms the entrance to the mall, while the many green support poles inside originally were the supports for the platform awnings.

Photo: Brad Peadon

New friends inside a Jollibee near Manila Airport IIRC.

Photo: Brad Peadon

MrX and Kuya Pia partaking in more Jollibee during a break from shopping at Greenhills.

Photo: Brad Peadon

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Greenhills Shopping Mall

Greenhills is basically shopping as a contact sport. Centred around Greenhills Shopping Center in San Juan, it’s a sprawling maze of malls, arcades and market lanes packed with thousands of little shops selling just about everything imaginable — and quite a few things you didn’t know you needed.

You’ll find clothes, shoes, bags, pearls, jewellery, gadgets, phone repairs, souvenirs and mystery items whose purpose may never be fully explained. The tiangge-style stalls are where the real fun is: bargaining is expected, wandering is compulsory, and getting mildly lost is part of the experience. If you walk in with a shopping list, expect to leave with five extra things instead.

Greenhills is also famously… flexible when it comes to branding, which gives it a reputation that’s half legendary, half whispered warning. Add plenty of food stops and cafés for recovery breaks, and you’ve got a place that’s less a mall and more an urban treasure hunt — chaotic, entertaining, and oddly addictive.

Being that MrX and I are, well were I guess, Aussie Holden fans, we were more than a little excited at the sight of a Gemini in the Greehills carpark.

As always, the security guard had a bit of a freakout over our interest, trying his best to stop us from our terrible photo taking.
But despite the pathetic lighting, and overzealous guard, we managed to get some images.

Photo: Brad Peadon

The 'Hello Kitty' car was more amusing than anything else. :-)

Photo: Brad Peadon

Above and four below.

A look around the Greenhills mall.

Photos: Brad Peadon

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Barangay Multinational

Multinational Avenue is one of those very local Parañaque roads that knows exactly what it is and doesn’t try to be anything grander. Tucked away in Barangay Moonwalk, it runs through Multinational Village, a quiet residential subdivision where the traffic is mostly neighbours, delivery riders, and the occasional lost visitor wondering if they’ve taken a wrong turn. This isn’t a shortcut to anywhere important, and that’s very much by design.

For a long time, though, the street enjoyed a bit of unexpected fame among aviation photographers. Thanks to its proximity to NAIA, it offered some excellent views of aircraft on approach and departure, making it a favourite spot for plane-spotters armed with long lenses and infinite patience. That patience was often tested by enthusiastic (and occasionally overzealous) security guards, but the photos usually made it worthwhile.

Sadly, like many good things, it didn’t last. The airport authorities eventually decided to “improve” matters by adding a second fence, neatly blocking those once-great sightlines and effectively ending Multinational Avenue’s brief but fondly remembered career as an aviation photography hotspot. These days, the avenue has returned to its natural state: a perfectly unglamorous neighbourhood road, quietly doing its job while Metro Manila roars on elsewhere.

One thing is for sure, the locals were incredibly kind and welcoming to our small group of photographers.