I woke up earlier than usual because I had to help my wife as she prepared her packed lunch. After years of working from home, my wife now goes every Tuesday and Wednesday to her office as per the instruction of their management. This is for them to establish connections and rapport in the office after being stuck at home in front of their computer screens because of the pandemic. Given the chance, I wanted her to remain working from home. It is more practical and less costly, and she can maximize her time. She agrees too! But we have no choice but to oblige. Besides, it’s just two days a week.
But this post is not about my wife’s work. It’s about my morning walk. Since she left early this Wednesday, I have time to spare. So after giving food to our pets, I headed to the office via walk.
I opened my Actifit App first, but later on, I forgot to monitor my steps haha! Silly me, I am really getting forgetful. I took the J.P. Rizal St. and took some pictures along the way. Usually, this road is busy because of the school and several establishments, but this particular Wednesday, the traffic is going smoothly.
I felt a little conscious as I took pictures. I’m afraid people might think I’m into surveillance. So I waited for the vehicles to pass and when the road gets clear, that is when I take snaps.
I have shared many times how walkable my city is. As you can see in this picture, the sidewalk is wide and very seldom you can see trash. Our former city mayor believes that the sidewalk is an extension of our image as a person. According to him, if your sidewalk is dirty, it speaks volumes about how you value cleanliness. He popularized in our city the phrase “Tapat Ko, Linis Ko” (My frontage, My Responsibility). His methods remain relevant and effective even after two decades I think of him leaving the mayoralty seat.
When I reached Golden Valley, I took a picture of this Banchetto de Marikineno. Since it is still early in the morning, what we can see here are tents. But this place is teeming with lights and sumptuous food at night! Various street foods and sizzling menus can be bought at a very reasonable price. My wife and I frequently visit this place. In case you are not into street foods, there are also cafes and restaurants around.
There is also this ongoing construction along J.P. Rizal just a few blocks from Banchetto de Marikeno. I don’t know exactly what kind of establishment they are preparing here but I wish there would be convenience stores or more restaurants or cafes to add to the attraction. We Marikenos love food!
Have you noticed this huge tree? I wonder how old is this tree by now. I love how our city engineers are not quick to cut off trees like this but instead, include them in the development and roads and infrastructures. It is a joy to see patches of natural green in the city, isn’t it?
Lastly, before I reached the office, I took a picture of Robinsons’ Graceland. This is the closest commercial establishment and supermarket to the office. It’s good to have a supermarket nearby for our needs.
Since my usual routine is to commute, walking to the office is refreshing. I love the sweat and increased heartbeat as I reach my office chair and as I drink from my tumbler.