Te - Balikbayan Magazine

PERSPECTIVE
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Old Malate photo by Teodulo
Protomartir, Silverlens Gallery
Manila,
Then&Now
BY KRISTINE BERNADETH T. MANAOG
PHOTOGRAPHY BY OLIVER BAYANI
&
FOUND MYSELF STARING AT THE
street of my past—the only road that will
surely bring me to the root of my humble family. It was
near a cathedral—the one that was built seven times at
the same place—and a huge wall that now serves as canvas to
random street art. There I was, staring at the street sign when
an old kalesa passed by and stopped when I called out to the
driver. I asked him to give a tour around the city, this city
of great contrast. The kalesa driver nodded and off we went.
It was a windy day. I tucked my skirt firmly behind my
legs to keep them from blowing in the wind. As we passed
by the famous streets of Manila, I thought of the places I’ve
been to. I remember the century-old residence of the Acosta-
Pastor clan in Batangas City and the grand staircase that
welcomes guest in such grandeur. I remember the carousel
P! balik!"#"$ February – March 2012
Feeling old this 2012. The Malate
Church seems to be undisturbed since
its contruction in 1591.
Old Manila photos from
Daniel Burnham’s City
Beautiful collection courtesy of
Metropolitan Museum of Manila
rides at Enchanted Kingdom in Santa Rosa, Laguna and
their famous hot springs. I remember the pristine waters
of Boracay, the magnificent falls of Antique, the dreamlike
island of Bellarocca among others.
And then I’m back again, here, on board a kalesa that
stopped in front of a majestic basilica. I went inside and spent
a minute in prayer for a safe journey time and time again. As I
stepped outside the basilica, I took a brief moment to admire
the many beautiful contrasts of this city. Manila has captured
the hearts of many, including mine. The reasons may vary as
every one has their own story. So much has changed in this
city of great contrast but the grandeur of its glory days remain
intact and visible for those who care to look. Everyone just
keeps coming back to Manila, and why not? It’s so beautiful.
Then and now.