The Manila events I learned not to trust a pretty face
A lesson in being cautious abroad
Traveling and living abroad is an exciting experience, offering the opportunity to meet new people, explore different cultures, and create lasting memories. However, it’s also essential to remain cautious and trust your instinct, as not everyone will have your best interests at heart. I learned this lesson firsthand during a night out in Manila last year December, which taught me the importance of being on guard in unfamiliar environments.
It was a typical Friday night, and I decided to go out with some of my Filipino colleagues to unwind after a long week of work. We started the evening with a few drinks, and as the night progressed, we moved from a one bar to another, exploring Manila’s nightlife. Like many nights that begin with good intentions, this one quickly escalated. Fueled by my competitive nature and the need to impress… I found myself chugging beers at an alarming rate, determined to show off my ability to down a drink faster than anyone else.
By the time we arrived at a more upscale club, me memory of the evening started to blur. I was pretty intoxicated at this point, but I remember meeting a stunning young woman in her early twenties. Somehow we exchanged social media details, and she offered me to walk me back to my apartment…
