Getting settled in Manila

Hey readers...sorry it's been so long since we've updated. we have had a few hectic days getting things sorted out in manila...but I'm happy to report that we've found an apartment that's perfect for us, we've bought our cell phones to communicate with each other and friends here, and we've *finally* figured out how to get our internet to work. We've also discovered that we can get two tickets to see a movie, a large popcorn, and two drinks for 6 dollars!
we saw the craziness that is avatar...for those of you who haven't seen it yet, I think you should....and kiara had to drag me to see it, I really didn't want to. what a ridiculous flick. yes, the special effects and visuals are phenomenal...and it's not exactly a simple plot but there are just SO many cringe-worthy points related to native-ness, colonialism, technology, enviroment, etc. etc. The quintessetial example for me was when the scientist, Sigourney Weaver tries to explain to the militarist/capitalist of villians in the movie that the religion of the Na'vi people: "isn't paganism or vodoo...it is REAL." Yeah, it's like that.
We've posted a lot today...so make sure you keep reading!
Anyway! We've arrived in Manila. leaving Vietnam was tough because I felt like there was so much more to explore--not really in HCMC---but into the delta, central highlands, danag, dalat, and into the north. But I guess that's for next time.
I am feeling ready to end the holiday and get to work, the anxiety of my short time here is creeping in and I need to hit the archives running.
But first things first...Kiara and I saw the apartment that Tita Domingo from UCLA hooked us up and it's perfect for our needs! Such a relief! It's actually better than I think both of us expected--it has a pool! There is also the Marikina City sports complex just across the street--that cost just 10 pesos to access. Our apartment complex has a gym but the building suffered flooding--five feet of water and mud--and they haven't been able to reconstruct the gym yet, we have hopes that it will re-open before we leave, but the sports complex will fit our excercise needs for the time being--the only downside, it's entirely outdoors so I think we'll have some early morning workout sessions to beat the heat.
So we've been at the Holiday Inn in Ortigas Center for the past two nights (we're moving in to our new home this morning!) Ortigas is an interesting spot in Metro Manila, a Makati-lite for those of you that aren't familiar with the city Makati is Manila's expensive business district. I stayed for some nights in Makati the last time I came to the Philippines and like Ortigas it's the kind of a soul-less urban space that I usually try to avoid. In fact, I've spent most of my life trying to avoid malls. Sure it has it's conveniances--a reliable cup of strong coffee at Starbucks, internet access, nice restaurants, manicured tropical greenery but really it's defined by business and the quintessential shopping mall.
Meeting with Francis, a History professor tomorrow at UP so I can get to work! Can't wait to hit the archives....