Manila: How the mighty are fallen!

(Calle Escolta during American Occupation of Manila)

"The Pearl of the Orient", "Queen City of the Pacific", "The Paris of the East" - these are just some of the titles given by the world to Manila before it became the second most destroyed city of the World War II. Manila that was once the most beautiful, healthiest, and safest city in the Far East is now just a shadow of her old glory.

(Binondo Area)

Through the Royal Ordinance by King Philip II of the Monarchy of Spain, Manila has became the new capital of political, military and religious power of the East Indies colony of the Spaniards. With this victory, the Islamic Kingdom of Maynila were eventually converted to Christianity, and a new fortified city known as Intramuros was built to house the seat of government of Spain. Missionaries arrived eventually which was followed by the establishment of schools and churches spreading throughout the city and beyond.

(Sto. Domingo Church and Santo Tomas Plaza, Intramuros)

(Pasig River, Magellan Monument, Aduana Building, Santo Domingo Church, Jan. 15, 1925)

During 15th to 18th century, Manila was the center of trade in the Orient. From Asia to the Americas and Europe travelling across the Pacific, the Caribbean and the Atlantic, the Manila Galleon have truly made its reputation in maritime trade. The route made by the Manila-Acapulco trade was not only the longest in its time but also the first global trade route in history.

(Manila Galleon used in Manila-Acapulco Trade)

(Downtown Manila has resemblance with European cities)

(Fort Santiago, Intramuros, Manila, Philippines, Early 20th Century)

Early 1900s, the U.S. troops took control over the city following the defeat of Spain. And from being another magnificent european-inspired city, Manila was changed to a grand metropolis of the modern American Age. During this time, American government commissioned Daniel Burnham to create the master plan for the city. With monumental buildings like of Washington DC, boulevards like Paris and canals like Venice, Manila was a masterpiece of the early 20th century.

(Finance, Legislative and City Hall building, Luneta)

Burnham plan for Manila was never completed. War came unexpectedly. Just ten hours after the attack on Pearl Harbor, Manila suffered from aerial bombardment. Knowing that they could not afford losing the city, the American declared Manila as an Open City to spare the city from death and destruction. Despite this, the Japanese Imperial Forces continue to bombard Manila. The Battle of Manila has been the most brutal, sorrowful and the most difficult period of our history.

(Philippine Legislative Building after World War 2)

(Buildings and Bridges burnt)

After the war, the city of Manila underwent The Golden Age. It was revitalized and became once again the Pearl of the Orient. As the home of the first and finest (during its time) international airline in Asia, Manila became THE place in the region to come for shopping, entertainment, leisure, business and even to obtain higher education. But after several decades of its re-establishment, these characters of Manila are gone with the wind.

The city that is full of promise before became the city of what we know today. Congested, unorganized, polluted. These might not be the proper descriptions for all districts of the city but that's how I see most of it. Discipline of the people I believe is what's lacking for Manila. You see, people are throwing their garbages everywhere, men are urinating everywhere, they're spitting everywhere, and there's more! there are lots of robbers, snatchers and crooks in most places. Even those who are in public office steals what's should be for the development of the city and its people. The traffic are depressing. Buildings are sprouting everywhere. Public facilities and domains are poorly maintained. And where we are now? Manila was left far behind by its neighbouring cities in the South East Asia. It is just sad to see Manila in this state, knowing her glorious past, it would've made her truly the Queen City of the Pacific.

*** I am a Filipino. I have nothing againts the city of Manila or its people. I just want to share my thoughts and I do not intend to cause harm to anybody with my post. ***

Philippines: For Sale

(Nickel Mining in Surigao)

I don't quite understand how the government can just ignore this destruction that the mining companies are causing our environment, in our own land. Yes, most of the mining companies are foreign-owned, so it's not a big surprise for me to see images like this. Pero nak naman! Is our government blind??? Don't they have any concern for the indigenous people's living in this part of the country that struggle for the very life of their communities, their children? Don't they have any concerns for the next generation of this nation? Ano nalang ang aabutin nila kung sinisira na natin ang sa totoo lang ay dinatnan na natin dito? Lagi nalang bang pera?! pera?! pera?!


The government's always statement regarding this matter is that "it is for the national interests" but the question is "who's nation are we talking about?". Is this the nation of the people living in Luzon? The nation living in Metropolis? Is Surigao or Palawan not part of this nation?

(Blue skies and... is that blue sea water I'm seeing from afar?)

(Polluted water caused by mining)

Nasaan na ang daang matuwid mo PNoy? The way his administration works, it's look like they're more concern with foreign investments and giving all we have, yes! all we have than to safeguard the interests and the lives of our countrymen. What can I say? God save the Philippines from its own government.

Pedring's Ravage

 

It will all be over. God is with us.

'Pedring' is one of the worst typhoon my home province had ever encountered. Several towns are still submerged in flood waters and is barely subsiding. Let's pray for the safety of everyone who are affected by the typhoon.

Semana Santa

Nakakalungkot lang na sa panahon ngayon, hindi na masyadong binibigyan ng importansya ang pagsasakripisyo sa panahon ng semana santa.

Naaalala ko dati, bawal talaga mag-ingay pag alas-tres na ng Good Friday hanggang sa Salubong. Napapagalitan pa ko ng lola ko kapag nagbubukas ako ng radyo. Kasi nga, we are commemorating the death of Jesus. Pero ngayon, may nag-iinuman at meron pang nagvi-videoke. Dati rin, halos ang mga tao nasa bahay lang kapag Maundy Thursday hanggang Black Saturday. Pero ngayon, nasa Galera, Boracay at kung saan-saan pang galaan. Jesus was somehow lost in Holy Week. And it's sad. Holiness was now hardly felt in the air.

I wish we can bring back the "Holy" in Holy Vacation Week.

But he was pierced for our rebellion,
Crushed for our sins.
He was beaten so we could be whole.
He was whipped so we could be healed.


Isaiah 53:5

Gloomy Monday

Yesterday, the Philippines has once again got the attention of the world. I was truly sadden as I've seen the images of the tragedy happened last night. I know everyone does. I almost cried when I see this woman crying in despair, and the police trying to gain her trust and escort her to the emergency exit of the bus. It really broke my heart. I do not understand why such thing has to happen. All I know is, everyone of us wanted these hostages to be freed safely.

For our Chinese friends, we shared your bereavement. The sorrow that you are feeling right now is the same sorrow we Filipinos are also going through for what had happened. We are sorry. We never wanted anything like this to happen.

Our deepest condolences to our Chinese friends.

Let's continue to pray for the soul of those who lost their lives in the tragedy, for the comfort of the departed, for the healing of the casualties, for justice and for the restoration of world trust, especially the damaged friendship of the two nations.