Thursday, September 30, 2010

Manila - a surprise or two

Manila might not be on your list of top haunts.
But perhaps you should re-consider.

I've had some hilarious and thought-provoking trips there recently.

My first way back in June was for an Expo with work and while I didn't really see anything of cultural significance I was serenaded by a Marriachi band at a 2nd rate eatery.  It was quite earie - you know, when you're the only gringo and you are just waiting for them to come to you as an unfamilar face, expecting a tip larger than the average man's daily wage.  Table by table they got closer and closer; I was getting ever more nervous of the etiquette of such a situation.

Anyway, the unavoidable materialised and they plonked themselves (a bassist, guitarist and female vocalist) in front of our table expectant and eager.  They started with some nondescript muzzak from the 50s and then to my wonderment, asked if I had any requests.  I must say I was stumped for a while.  Seeing the creasing on my perplexed brow, the female of the group trumped up with: "We can do anything you like - even Lady Gaga."  The Gaga herself, rendered humble and lowly by a itinerant troupe in a Manila buffet restaurant - well that I had to hear.  I took a long breath in and suggested they try Papparazzi to test their mettle.

I had to pause scoffing my roast pork with boiled pork on the side (with an extra dollop of fried pork for good measure on a separate plate); the effect was stunning.  Convincing they were; tuneful they were; and they startled me with an acapella version of such a digitally-laden track, that really was impressive.  Never judge a book, I suppose...and this musical book deserved the 100 peso tip they got for making me smile ear to ear.

Who'd have thougt it in such ordinary surroundings.  Not sure who should be more suitably lauded: Lady Gaga for creating such malleable music or the wandering waifs who whistled their way through a challenging club anthem with nonchalant ease.  Great stuff.....!

More Manila mania next time.

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