Manila Take Two

For our second day in Manila we were given a tour of all the Manila locations where the island purchases food.  Helena's driver Jo picked us up at 9:30 and drove us to meet Helena's youngest daughter Tanya in Cubao.  First we visited the Farmer's Market where we started to familiarize ourselves with all the interesting local ingredients as well as what is available for purchase in general.  The Market is divided into a produce section, meat section and fish section.  We went all around the market but skipped the meat.  Meat sitting out in 90 degree weather just doesn't seem right and is purchased elsewhere. 

We then headed to Säntis Delicatessen, a small specialty shop where you can purchase a variety of cheeses and European imported items.  We also picked up a few things to bring to the island (Lady Fingers and Mozzarella).  After a brief coffee break we headed to the large outdoor mall where we visted an amazing spice shop, some health food stores and the super market.  I was impressed by the number of health foods available and apparently there is an even bigger store on the other side of town.  They had everything from Agave to a wide variety of Bob's Red Mill items and even Quinoa Pasta!  After the mall we headed to S & R.  It was like walking into Costco of the Philippines...they even had lunch time samples :)

After S & R we parted ways with Tanya and explored the outdoor mall a bit ourselves.  We purchased some gifts for our gracious hosts and had a quick bite to eat.  We then headed back to the apartment to drop off stuff and take a walk to see the sunset over Manila Bay.  It was beautiful!  After sunset we enjoyed one last meal with our new friends before receiving one hour massages in our room.  They cost a whopping $600 php for both of us (about $14 total).  They were just what we needed to wind down before a day of travel to to Mangenguey!

The onions were so small!! Same size as the tomatoes.

Cauliflower, Carrots, Broccoli, Chayote, Tofu and assorted Native Greens

Can you find the sleeping cat?

Fresh Fish

It arrives straight from the fishermen and they continuously dump ice and water over it to keep it cool.

Assorted Dried Fish

Fruits

Farmer's Market Cubao

Sunset over Manila Bay

Kumon spans the globe!!