Today while at Megamall in Manila, I had reason to visit one of the public toilets. It took me a while, because the restroom was crowded, but I finally managed to secure a stall. When I walked in, there was piss all over the floor, no toilet seat, and no toilet paper. I wasn’t expecting that, but when I saw it I remembered that it’s always that way. I first visited Manila in 2008 and noted that the public toilets never seem to have paper or even toilet seats available.
It seems like such a basic commodity to have in public restrooms that I always take for granted that some will be available. Back in 2008, I asked my wife why there aren’t any toilet seats or paper and she said it’s probably because if it were there, people would steal it. That makes sense and she’s from the Philippines so her guess is better than mine.
So, if you’re going out, even to a seemingly high end shopping center, be sure to bring your own stock of toilet paper. It wouldn’t hurt to bring antibacterial wet hand wipes either. Or, if you’re really in need of comfort, there is one other solution, which, thankfully, fit perfectly into our plans for our evening out.
On the 5th (or 4th?) floor of Megamall there are quite a few massage / pedicure / manicure / etc. type parlors. You can treat yourself, or your spouse, to one of these services and then partake of their pleasant smelling, well appointed restrooms, like the one pictured below. I don’t remember the name of the place but it’s pretty nice and my wife says she got good service there, so we’ll be going back for massages soon. More on that later!
Bradley Farless 