[nvskibum]

It is not a joke.

Unfortunately, I am now in an apartment building in Makati, Metro Manila, literally 100-200 yards accross the street from the affected commercial center. I can't go outside, as the area is swarming with military.

This area is the financial district/expatriate/high-powered business district of Manila. The commercial center contains many high-end shops and restaurants, and has several international-class hotels and apartments catering to foreign businessmen and otehr foreigners.

The coup plotters targeted this area because it essentially is the nerve center of the Philippine economy, and the residence of many of the local elite.

[MrNatural]

Tagolog PING!

[AmericanInTokyo]

keep you head down, and it time permits, please fill us in. but we don't express morbid curiosity about his or having a Freeper there near it, just concern for you, friend, so please keep it cool and safe and get back to us whenever you can securely there in Manila!

[kayak]

Prayers for your safety .... and for others in the area, especially the reported hostages.

Thank you for giving us the info to put this into perspective.

[kerosene]

What's the name of that mall? I was there in Dec 1995, and I spent a few pesos in a HUGE MEGAMALL in Makati. What I recall is that it was three or four stories high, it appeared to have a metallic look to it, and there were large, gaudy, neon signs all over it.

[mdittmar]

Keep us posted,sounds like 3 hostages according to Fox,2 Americans,1 Aussie, I think.

Civilian protesters trying to get close.

[pops88]

I lived in Makati for a bit about 6 years ago. Stay safe. I hope things get resolved quickly and safely.