New Year's Eve Scenes in Downtown Manila

Calle Raon

The recent survey conducted by the Social Weather Stations revealed that about 92 percent of Filipinos have a bright hope for the incoming year, this despite the many drawbacks that the Philippines had experienced in 2008. It's just one of those positive things that we Filipinos are known for. In the face of the dark odds we know how to look towards the brighter side of things. It is also the same way we tend to look at a glass half-filled with water--we look at it as half-full rather than half-empty.
Meantime I made a round of downtown today to bring you the fresh images of what is happening in Manila two days before the coming New Year. As usual it is very crowded in downtown Manila as many Filipinos prepare to welcome 2009, the Year of the Ox, in the Chinese Calendar.

(Images may take time to download so have a sip of hot coffee first before viewing the pictures ;-)

Lebertad!! Lebertad, Ah sakay na kayo sa Lebertad!!! (The correct spelling should be Libertad)



Avenida Rizal Bangketa



The inventiveness of Pinoys: A rolling Sari-sari Store



Tikoy for Sale! Large-70, Medium-40, Small-35



Selling Fishballs, Squidballs (Huh since when did squids and fishes have balls?), Tukneneng, Kwekwek, Kutsinta



Vendor demonstrating the effectiveness of his Souhed potion to remove the warts and dead skins



Only 35 pesos per small bottle.



After the demo, it's selling time! 70 large bottle, 35 small bottle. I bought 1 small bottle to poison rats



Torotot



Buko Seller



Cakes seller



Hamburger Buy 1 Take 1 for only 20 pesos



Sidewalk Manicure and Pedicure (Manicure 35, Pedicure, 35). I used to be a pederast before, but after having my nails and toes cleaned, I've been pedicured!