From where I stood on the covered landing of the Manila Hotel, behind its clear closed doors, I was initially perplexed at what I thought I glimpsed upon. Blame it on these weak eyes, not quick enough to capture the entire vista at once, or perhaps the heat creating a mirage playing tricks on me, the unusual images before me seemed an absolute misfit to the world of white portals standing tall, intricate giant Capiz chandeliers cascading from the ceiling, and several potted lush palmeras.

It appeared there were humps and lumps, bumps and chunks right by the majestic entrada of the Grand Dame, which almost horrified me!