Today the country commemorates the 26th anniversary of the death of Benigno “Ninoy” Aquino, Jr. He made a name for himself as a journalist, politician, and brilliant statesman. To many Filipinos, he has become a contemporary national hero of sorts immortalized in streets, paper bills, and of course, monuments. Arguably the most famous of the monuments dedicated to Ninoy would be the monument found along the intersection of Ayala Avenue and Paseo De Roxas in Makati City which reenacts the moments Ninoy was being led away the airport police of Manila International Airport on August 21, 1983, showing courage and strength in the face of the fear which would be…
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Where horses used to tread: Hippodromo St., Sta. Mesa, Manila
As Manila grew in the 19th century, the lands of Santa Mesa and the nearby areas have become home to prominent families of the era. One of them was the Tuasons, the forebears of the First Gentleman himself, Mike Arroyo. These properties eventually were donated or placed on rent as Manila was continuously expanding outwards and more people coming in to live in the city. At the same time, the sport of horse racing began to take hold of Manila’s sporting and recreational scene. From its humble beginnings in 1867, it became so popular that it began to outgrow its original venue at what is now known as R. Hidalgo Street. Coinciding…
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an introduction to Santa Mesa
I’ve decided to start this with a place that is close to my heart. I actually grew up and spent most of my life as a resident of this area, so you can somehow sense the sentimentality here. Besides, having been in this place for so long should at least make me more familiar of the place, thus not get easily lost in the process, hehe… Welcome folks to the geographical district of Santa Mesa, located on the eastern portion of the City of Manila. Surrounded by rivers of San Juan on the southeast and Pasig on the south, Nagtahan Road on the west, Ramon Magsaysay Boulevard on the north…
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An Introduction of Sorts
I admit, I’m not good in telling stories. But I guess my “passion” for the city I was born in and where I grew up most of my life, added with my interest in geography and history, has eventually compelled to at least make an attempt in telling the stories of the city. To be honest, this little “project” of mine has been in the back of my mind for a long while. I guess being exposed to books like Streets of Manila, joining one of Carlos Celdran’s Walking Tours, as well as my penchant for roaming to any where (especially if that crazy desire for roaming would suddenly hit…