The Continuing Story of the Army and Navy Club

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I was to give this matter a rest for a while, but then this recent news item was enough for me not only to revisit the issue but also perhaps reconsider my earlier views on the matter.

photo courtesy of Rappler from the office of Sen. Pia Cayetano

Apparently, the developer, Oceanville Properties, tampered with the main building itself and not just the ancillary buildings that it earlier promised to only do and without the presentation of the final plans the developer promised to present. Thus, the National Historical Commission of the Philippines issued a cease and desist order against further works to be done in the building, pending the presentation of the final plans as was first promised.

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Philippine Travel Mart 2014

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We are often reminded that we should not be foreign to our native land, (translated from the local saying “huwag maging dayuhan sa sariling bayan”) emphasizing the importance of being able to at least appreciate the sights and sounds that our country has to offer. While it is pretty much a given that needs no prodding, we tend to be either overwhelmed or unaware as to what is there to see in the country.

Thanks to events like the recently-concluded Philippine Travel Mart, we get to know a bit more about these different sights and sounds, providing an opportunity for us to experience them ourselves thanks to the numerous travel deals being offered during the event.

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From Anda to…Nada?

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If the concerns, if not furor, regarding what is happening at the Rizal Monument skyline and the Army and Navy Club are not enough to keep people concerned with Manila’s heritage feeling agitated, here comes the government, the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH)  in particular, with their plans that inadvertently would be another cause for worry.

A news report states that the DPWH plans to get rid of the Anda Circle, where the Anda monument has served as the area’s main landmark as a measure to ease up traffic along Bonifacio Drive and the Port Area. Traffic that has gotten worse in recent months thanks to the issue regarding the plying trucks in the area going to and coming from the Port Area.

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Power and Controversy: the Makati City Hall Complex

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If you have been keeping tabs with the news these past few days, there was no way you would not have heard the controversy behind the alleged overpricing of the Makati City Hall Building II. Yes, that building built at PhP 2.4 billion which is said to be overpriced by PhP 1.6 billion.

Now the Urban Roamer is not an expert on construction costs, nor does it dabble in political commentary. However, that does not preclude one from talking about the greater story which itself is interesting, the story of the Makati City Hall complex.

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