SideTrip: Eastwood

Wake up buddy, it's not California. We're in Eastwood.

Anybody who has been there (and done that?) would claim that Eastwood, along with a place such as the Makati and Ortigas CBD or Bonifacio Global City, are certain places in Metro Manila which would make you feel like you're not in Metro Manila. Tall buildings. Busy streets. Awesome landscape. Whatever that  X factor is, one thing is certain. It's an escape. 

Last May 12, I had the chance to drop by in this 17 hectare commercial and residential area developed by Megaworld Corporation. All I knew that time was that Eastwood is a gimikan, a hangout haven for the party people. It is. But I didn't really think that it was that kind of 'commercial and residential area', high-rise with condominium units surrounded with malls, bars, delis and cafeterias, etc. I'm impressed actually, that Filipinos can build such a model community. The delicious vibe is so pleasing, you might want to taste it in the air. 

As I've said, it's an escape. Escape from the urban jungle of the metro. Escape from pressing socio-economic issues. Escape from the sometimes disgusting reality that we are in a said-to-be a third world country. What we get is a momentary dream to be somewhere else, to be somewhere appealing, like what we see in the movies.

I hope that momentary dream would be the evident reality someday. That there would be more Eastwood vibe in the country.