Back when I was younger, my dream is to live in big cities someday. My dream city is New York, and I love looking at pictures with skyscrapers. Whenever we go to Metro Manila, I am in awe seeing the tall buildings especially in Makati which is a concrete jungle.
I told myself, someday I will live in world cities like New York, Hong Kong, Tokyo, and cities with usually tall buildings. However, years had passed my perspective changed. Perhaps it's part of growing old. I prefer a peaceful place, somewhere closer to nature.
Currently, I live in a first class town which is highly urbanized but at least, we live close to the beach and parks. Somewhat I am close to nature, and I am happy here. I love to live in the countryside too but isn't too far from the town or city proper. It might be I prefer a stress-free environment away from the hustle and bustle of city life, something that will contribute for the betterment of my mental health.
Amidst my preference to live in a place close to nature, it doesn't mean I don't want to visit the city. So when we went to Metro Manila in 2018, I am very excited. Back then, we used to go to Metro Manila almost every year or even multiple times each year. Situations changed, and I do travel in different parts of the country but within Luzon.
We initially visited Quezon City, then our deaf friend invited us to go to Venice Grand Canal Mall in Taguig City. Venice, Italy is also a dream place to visit and it's unlikely that I can go there soon. Thus, a replica would be fine to feel the Venice atmosphere the mall.
The way heading to the mall. The design of the buildings is European-like, as if I am not in the Philippines. But the temperature kept reminding me I am in the Philippines. We went there around June which is the transition of summer to rainy season. Good thing it's sunny at that time though, or else we didn't go here.
Residences or condominium units here are probably expensive. Aside from within Bonifacio Global City (BGC), it provides beautiful view of the buildings of Taguig City and the Venetian designs.
Of course, the mall doesn't look exactly as Venice, Italy but there's a Venetian ambience because of the canal, as well as the music being played. There are some performers similar to those performing in Venice. Of course there are those famous gondolas which you can rent but it's quite expensive so haven't avail of such since the canal isn't huge. It's like spending a lot for just a chunk of meat.
There is an island cafe right there. For sure it's expensive right there. We had our meal at the fast food instead. Lol!
After our trip to Venice Grand Canal Mall, my deaf friend drove us around in Bonifacio Global City (BGC). Of course, there are lots of skyscrapers around.
SM Aura Premier Mall looks so unique with its design. Based on some reviews, many comments say it is a place for the rich with many celebrities around. There are high end shops there too. Maybe it is really intended for the rich, but some reviews stated it's like an ordinary mall.
We enjoyed such tour but it doesn't change my perspective to prefer to live in a peaceful place. Life in the city is fast-paced as I noticed from people always rushing. The traffic is pretty bad too. So many reckless drivers that they'll overtake your car almost unexpectedly. I can't handle the extreme noise as well. I asked my friends if they wanted to live in Manila but they all responded "no". We all have the same reasons. It is to live a more peaceful life.
Thank you for reading, and huge thanks to my sponsors below:
Aw kamiss din ma experience ulit ang malls ah. Haha anjan lang sila sa tabi tabi but because of the pandemic the question "do you really need to go there?"
I used to work in the congested city. Grabe pagod ko after work parati. When i got re assigned to a different area, mas may open space, less buildings, laking ginhawa.