A Day in the Life of Downtown Manila

Downtown Manila is comprised of the areas of Quiapo and Sta. Cruz, the old shopping district of the Philippine capital, where all the posh bazaars and shops are located.

In 2003, former Mayor Lito Atienza transformed the Avenida/Carriedo part of Sta. Cruz into a people's park, complete with sculptured plants, old-style benches, and food kiosks. These renovations and beautifications are part of the "Buhayin Ang Maynila" program of the well-loved Mayor of Manila, who earlier made significant improvements along the Baywalk, Dimasalang, and many other parts of Manila.

Mayor Atienza's newest project is of course, the resurrection of the old "Meihan Garden", where the ancient Manila Carnivals of the Pre-War Philippines were held. I had once passed by the Meihan Garden and saw to my delight that it is almost completed. Of course, the Manilenos loved these improvements of Manila. Yesterday, I decided to walk around downtown Manila and take photographs for posterity.

This photo-essay is dedicated to Joemarie Lee, a Filipino writer now living in Canada(and a frequent visitor to this blog). I hope that by looking at these photos, he can relive the old Manila of his youth.

The old Escolta where the posh shops of prewar Manila were located. Remember Heacock's, La Estrella del Norte, Erlanger and Galinger's, Clarke's(the oldest ice cream parlor in Manila)? Yes, indeed they were all located here once but have now disappeared to give way to newer edifices. The old Regina Regente edifice, on the left side of the photo is still standing to this day, though.

The Jeepneys and other vehicles were removed from this part of Avenida Rizal to give way to a people's park Mayor Atienza intended for his beloved Manilenos.

Avenida corner Raon St. Raon is where you want to go if you'll shop for electronic equipments, radios, components, and televisions. Our old Zenith television with dial knobs to switch channels has been serviced here recently. Still works fine, even though it displays only black and white screen.

Avenida Rizal's tiled walkway offers a nostalgic look back to the olden days of Manila, where the streets were still topped with cobblestones. Gothic lamp posts are to be found on the side streets, too, such as those found in the Walled City of Intramuros.

Rizal Avenida's public benches provide a relaxing pleasure to these Manilenos. It also has become a favorite meeting place for people with appointments, or just to hang around in the downtown.

While relaxing or waiting for your appointment, why don't you sit down for a while and have your nails manicured by peddling manicuristas. You see, I'm a pederast before, but after having my toes cleaned, I've been pedicured!

Fifty pesos(or 1 U.S. dollar equivalent) is all you need to have this man massage you from head to toe. He can also give you "bentosa", that is, sprinkling your painful limbs with molten candle, for a small additional fee. He says bentosa is an old traditional way of curing pasma.

Uh-oh, the bentosa. It may look like this sidewalk massuer is giving a most cruel torture, but it's actually very relaxing and soothing, says the owner of the foot.

Or you can also have your daily monitor of blood pressure in one of the side streets of Avenida. The services are indeed complete in Avenida. Onli in da Pilipins!

Sorbetes anyone? When I was a little boy, the sound of Mamang Sorbetero's fancy bell was the most beautiful sound in the world. For as little as 5 pesos you'll be able to enjoy the Filipino version of the sherbet. It also comes in three flavors: Cheese, Chocolate, and Strawberry.

I love those huge billboard movie ads that can be found everywhere in Manila. Sta. Cruz has several of them, and this is one of them.

Ramon Lee Restaurant near the corner of Avenida is where you'll taste the best Fried Chicken in town. It's old competitor, Savory, can be found now along Juan Luna St. in Binondo.