Wouldn't It Be Nice To Be Proud

Raft3r was born and raised in Malibay, Pasay’s answer to Manila’s Tondo.

Despite the notorious reputation of my birthplace, I don’t ever recall being mugged, shot, robbed, stoned, stabbed, drugged or gang raped.

Malibay or, as I fondly refer to as, Mali Bay is one huge tourist destination waiting to be discovered.

Moreover SM Mall of Asia. Mali Bay offers more variety and interesting side trips.

Consider the following:

Matute Fashion School - The butt of ALL jokes. But it really does exist. It is located along EDSA corner Mali Bay. It's hard to miss. Most people consider it a landmark. The school is owned by my aunt's godparents.

Diego, Ang Pambansang Bading (Help! I need assistance in coming up with its English transalation. Please be politically correct.) - Even rich folks who frequent High Street and Rockwell know this funny Kapuso. Yes, Diego is a certified Mali Bay resident. He is reported to frequent nearby carinderias (eateries) and sari sari stores (kiosks) wiht hunky local boys. I heard he's pretty generous. Can't wait to run into him one of these days.

Vhong Navarro's Panciteria (noodle house) - Even Lastikman is not stupid to ignore the increasing spending power of Mali Bay residents. See people line up in the street not for the pancit but to catch a glimpse of the famous comedian. Don't ask me why. Raft3r is NOT interested.

Apartments For Rent - Want a Serendra-like unit but for a cheaper cost? Enter Mali Bay's midrise condo units. Monthly rentals range from only five to ten grand. AJ 1 (Ooops... This is not an advertisement.) offers the best price and view of the magnificent Mali Bay scenery.

Night Life - Drinking sessions in Mali Bay commence as early as ten o'clock in the morning. Who needs to go to a bar when sari-sari stores are conveniently located in every block? Ihaw-ihaw (barbeque) stands abound. They make for excellent pulutan (beer munchies). Dress code is not observed here. In fact, most drinkers go topless - male drinkers, i.e.

Online Poker - Mali Bay offers a better game. Enter jueteng. This local betting game, although illegal, is common in most dark alleys of the posh community. Thank the city government for its non-stop support of this gambling activity.

People - Diversity may be an understatement. Mali Bay residents are composed of urban yuppies, professionals, Japayukis (Filipina entertainers from Japan), students, drug lords, and the common Juan dela Cruz (that's Uncle Sam, for you).

So there we have it, seven glorious reasons to celebrate my hometown.

Mabuhay! (Welcome!)