Much has been said about the spectacular sunsets of Manila but not many of the city's residents get to see it. I, myself, rarely had the experience of witnessing sunsets in Manila since I went to university. Just like everybody else, I got caught up in the hustle and bustle of growing up into adulthood and almost always was indoors when nature's spectacle unfolded.
As a small child, I had a lot of opportunity to spend early evenings along the boulevard by the bay when my family lived a few blocks away and I recall seeing fiery sunsets with the mountains of Bataan framing the entire canvas. What made it even more interesting was the clear outline of the cross atop Mt. Samat that could be clearly seen in the distance.
Manila sunset framed by the mountains of Bataan in the distance.
Sunsets have been associated with dispositive notions such as "sunset of one's life" or, "sunset industry;" all indicating situations of decline. Manila's sunsets are of such spectacular beauty that they are uplifting to the spirit and exhibit the omnipotent power of nature; it evokes very strong emotions and feelings of wonderment as it unfolds before one's eyes. Rediscovering Manila sunsets, it now holds for me a far different meaning. It signals a celebration of wonderful times and a promise of even greater things in the future; it seems that a Greater Power is capping a great day with such blazing glory just like we mortals mark success with a grand celebration.
The magnificence of Manila's sunsets also makes me think why Mother Nature has chosen Manila as a place for such an amazing show every single opportunity it has. We have been rewarded with such beauty and yet, we hardly ever notice it while trudging on with the drudgery of life. It will be worthwhile to take a pause and bask in the wonderful glow of the sunsets on display in Nature's Manila canvas. For once, allow yourselves to be assaulted and be enraptured by its beauty!
Sunsets I've seen elsewhere...
Phrom Thep Cape, Phuket - looking out west over the Andaman Sea
Wat Suan Dok, Chiang Mai - plane taking off from Chiang Mai International Airport silhouetted by the setting sun
Sathon Pier, Chao Phraya River, Bangkok
Airport Ferry Jetty, Velana International Airport, Male, Maldives - sunset over the Indian Ocean
River Seine, Paris - Notre Dame Cathedral in silhouette
I have a certain predilection for noodles, whether in soup or dry. And as you would have guessed, my photo book would have pictures of different noodle dishes and I found this irresistably beautiful bowl of udon I had at a Japanese joint in Bangkok.
The way this bowl of udon noodles in a shoyu based soup was composed is of striking beauty!
Udon is very different from ramen; the noodles are heavier, chewier, and more filling. The textures are also very different and udon can be eaten hot or cold. Generally, popular udon dishes have very mild soups or dressings but still these dishes are as delectable and enjoyable as any good noodle dish one can have. The Japanese, however, have a thousand and one ways to prepare udon dishes and the flavors range from the very mild to really strong.
This interesting documentary on udon provides a ton of information.
