Reminiscing Old Manila

If I will be given a chance to have a glimpse of the old Manila in just one day, I will grab that chance without having a second thought. I wish to see Manila during those days. For it was only part of vivid memories of the elderly people, sad to say but true. However, I’ve browsed some photos of the Old Manila and I’m starting to have some flashback of the past. I remember the stories that my grandmother used to tell me when she was still alive. She has spent her teenage years in Binondo, Manila. So, she’s quite a manila girl sort of, I should say. During that time, everybody is fascinated with the glitz and glamour of Escolta. This particular street, traversing both district of Binondo and Sta. Cruz was used to be the most popular commercial places in Manila. So, before Makati, Taguig, Ortigas and Libis, there was once the place called Escolta.

I also like to spend a quite afternoon waiting for the sunset in Manila Bay. Although, I can still do that along the famous Baywalk at Roxas Boulevard, it would still be a different feeling if you’ll just here the quite waves of the bay and the horses’ shoe that hits the stone pavement rather than the noise of the public vehicles today, not to mention the yelling vendors along the sidewalks.

I would like to do a solemn prayer at the oldest church in Manila which is the San Augustin Church. Perhaps the creeds at that time are written in Spanish. Apparently, the churches have been the living evidence of how much we, Filipinos have embraced the catholic religion during the Spanish colonization. For me, imparting their religion is the best thing that they have given the Filipinos.

But past is past. I can no longer be part of that. But how I wish I could. I still consider Manila beautiful today for it still has the remains of the past and although I’ve never been a part of it. I’m still quite lucky to have a glance at the photos and see the ruins that resemble our culture and heritage.

Manila is great place. Avoid making wrong assumptions about it, because there so many good things hidden beyond the real Manila. The only thing that I can say is this... to my fellow Filipinos, let us value such heritages that we had,its our own responsibility anyway. To the tourists who visited our country, do search and explore more. It would be better that you'll learn things from your own experiences than just rely on hearsays and pictures.

Images courtesy of Flickr.com