Manila, My Manila!

It was a bright sunny afternoon yesterday and I took the opportunity to have my usual walk in Manila, to visit familiar places like Luneta and the Baywalk.
Taking the LRT train to Manila, I took a panoramic view of Quezon Boulevard (going to and fro, Quiapo) a shot taken from the fast moving LRT2 train bound to Recto. I feel lucky to hit the target beautifully.

Before debarking the LRT2, I took this photo of Recto and Avenida intersection, showing that although, there have been some minor changes to the over-all look of Manila, everything just remained the same. The old Dilson Cinema, a movie house that usually featured old Tony Ferrer movies, can be seen at the left of the photo.

Riding the Jeepney always provides me with the most relaxing and convenient tour of my Manila. Ride and shoot. This picture was taken from the bridge approaching the old Post Office Edifice


Jose Rizal gets a facelift! One of the rare times to capture Rizal's monument go through its maintenance cleaning. I took the opportunity to capture a photo for posterity.



My friends in the National Historical Institute told me that the old Luneta Hotel, the oldest hotel in the Philippines, is in danger of being demolished soon. I hope that historical structures such as this be preserved for future generations to enjoy. Yet, economics sometimes play a major factor in destroying old edifices in favor of building new ones, just as what had happened to the demolished Fronton building in Taft.

Of course the old Luneta Hotel is just beside the old Luneta Theater, another historical edifice in Manila.


It was almost five o'clock in the afternoon. Times like this would be best spent sitting on the bench at the Manila Bay where everyone troops to catch the world famous Manila sunset. The Baywalk is a favorite relaxing place for many Manilenos.

If you are hungry, just order from the several stalls that have been built along the coast. Coffe, tea, or me?

The beauty of Manila's sunset is simply poignant and nostalgic. Thousands of poems have been written, traveller's songs composed, of lovers' pact made during the time of the sunset.


The famous Floating Hotel and Casino berthed along the Manila Bay breakwater.

A boat ride provides a fascinating, enjoyable and relaxing tour to my two lovelies, who later joined me in the evening( my wife is taking break from her studies to arrange some papers in Manila. Our daughter acts her usual comic antics)

A dinner in the company of your loved ones is a pleasant and romantic experience while enjoying a lovely view of the Bay in the evening.