Club Manila East

Today, I have a scheduled one-day trip to Club Manila East in Taytay, Rizal. It’s supposedly a bonding session for the Nissan Wave 1 but Caren, a Canadian friend from work invited me to go with them. I was not informed that it’s a swimming party, and luckily, I spent a quick moment to search the place in the net. If not, I won’t be able to bring a swimming short for the occasion.

I was very tired last night because I went to Taguig to join a friend’s fiesta party. They prepared several foods including one of my favorites (drunken shrimps), and we spent the rest of the night with alcoholic beverages. I could still feel a little headache but as someone who constantly practices keeping his words, I tried my best to at least catch up to today’s event.

At 11:30am, Caren messaged me that they already arrived to the place and asked what time will I be there. I said after 2 hours, and asked if it’s okay. I was still lying on my bed when she replied that it’s okay, so I got up and headed directly to the shower. I was still hesitant to go because I’m not really closed to Wave 1 agents but my commitment to Caren always gave me a second-thought. Also, a friend told me that Club Manila East is, to put simply, a beautiful place.

I’ve been to Rizal several times but I was still not used to its narrow roads and highways. The trip went unusually long due to traffic, which added more loads to my overly stressed mind. I tried to keep my mind away from the ugly sight of different campaign paraphernalia posted everywhere but I eventually learned to appreciate the creativeness of the politicians—some patterned their posters to movies like Walking Tall (Walking ‘Tol, Fighting ‘Tol), Superman Returns, and a lot more.

I noticed that most, if not all establishments and/or houses were compressed near the roadsides which will surely affect future plans of road-widening programs. The irony though is that there are a lot of vacant patches away from the highway which are more convenient and safer to live as compared to the roadsides.

The bus conductor finally shouted Club Manila East. I have to take a 10-peso tricycle ride from the gate to the club itself. While on the tricycle, I distinguished the enormous difference of the peaceful view of this side of Rizal and its chaotic and compressed town centers.

The entrance to the club appears like a train terminal but you’ll feel the thrill and excitement (and forget the first impression) once you see its large pools. Numerous cottages scattered around which are all named to places in Metro Manila and neighboring cities and towns.

I was surprised that only 3 people were waiting for me in the cottage: Caren, his (also) Canadian boyfriend Bill, and Raymond, an agent from Wave 1. They were there having fun for 3 hours when I arrived and they stayed barely an hour more for me to enjoy the amenities. We did the slides and kayak only, the “Eight Waves” was closed for the day. The sun’s heat was just excellent, it’s neither too balmy to spoil the pre-summer ambience nor too hot to burn you to death.

We went back to the city before sunset. While in the bus, I was just silent while thinking of someone special who currently hated me for some misunderstandings. I tried to call him but he was probably so dismayed to take the call. (I’ll surely write more about this person in continuation of my “Come What May” post.)

I spent a moment to eat my favorite Seafood Medley at the Chef d’ Angelo restaurant in Robinsons Galleria before going home. I was unusually silent throughout the day; I didn’t know that Cupid almost hit me with this person. I was even moved to tears.

Going back, I would surely recommend that you consider Club Manila East this summer. The facilities are clean and well-protected. They also have a nice swimming pool particularly made for children. Most importantly, it’s near the city and offers a reasonable price.