1) MRT (Manila Rail Transit System) terminals/stations (especially at rush hour). Waiting for the train at the Araneta/Cubao station is always the most unpleasant part of my day. There is nothing I loathe more (okay, I’m exaggerating, I can think of twenty more things I hate more) than going up the escalator and seeing the throngs of people waiting for the next train. It doesn’t help that it gets really hot and humid at the stations and most women in the crowd (I take the ladies’ car) are inconsiderate stupidheads terribly in need of Acneticin who will unapologetically push you out of the way and step on your toes.

Unfortunately, taking the train is a necessity for me as cabs can get costly and I dislike city buses.

2) Greenhills Shopping Center. Once upon a time, I looooved Greenhills; in college, I would go there at least twice a month to blow my money on generic, inexpensive clothes. I would brave the crowd and I prided myself in being able to skillfully weave in and out of and through the swarm of people. And then I realized how ridiculous it was. Unless it is absolutely necessary, I stay away. I don’t care if it’s the more accessible bargain shopping mecca; if given the choice to spend a day at Greenhills or have afternoon tea a the chainsaw-wielding mentally-unstable d00d dressed in a snake costume/the devil, I’d go with the latter.

3). The walkway between MRT Ortigas Station and Guadix Drive. It’s a sidewalk right beside EDSA aka Metro Manila’s main highway. It’s not that long of a distance, thankfully, because I don’t enjoy walking beside city buses and their incessant honking and exhaust.

Photo credit: MRT Cubao station, Greenhills.