Miss Universe in Manila

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During the past couple of years, we’ve had a leader of Catholic Church and leaders of the countries belonging to the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation grace Manila, and the country as a whole with their visit. This year, we have been graced again with the holding of perhaps one of the most celebrated events that has been beloved by many Filipinos as much as any important international event. I am of course talking about the Miss Universe pageant.

This year’s Miss Universe pageant (technically, Miss Universe 2016 because of the screwed up schedule that pushed it further from the calendar year over time) is going to be held on January 30 this year. And while the Urban Roamer is by no means a beauty pageant expert, this presents an opportunity to do this special feature as we look back at the past Miss Universe pageants that have been held here in the metropolis.. Twice past to be exact.

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Two New Malls in the East

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Pasig in the eastern portion of Metro Manila has been, by large, a traditionally residential and industrial hub. And for a long while, it had a problem with regards to the commercial activity. Up until the 2000s, commercial development was largely confined to the Pasig side of the business district that is Ortigas Center. Come to think of it, the Pasig is not getting much from Ortigas Center as far as commercial activity is concerned since Mandaluyong and Quezon City got the “better parts” of the CBD, so to speak. At the time, Pasig’s only mall was the Ever Gotesco Mall Ortigas which opened in 1995 and, admittedly, was not much of a standout as a commercial landmark in Pasig.

The 2000s began a shift in the city’s landscape as malls slowly began sprouting in its premises: Robinsons Metro East in 2001, Tiendesitas in 2005, and Estancia in 2014 presented a shift in Pasig’s character as commercial development has penetrated deep into the city. But perhaps the most evident sign of this shift can be seen with the recent opening of, not one, but two new malls in Pasig in just a span of two months. The Urban Roamer checked out these developments which will be shared here.

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The Ayuntamiento…Finally!

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For those who have long known the Urban Roamer, either in person or through this site, it is no secret that for a long while, it has been a source of pining and frustration to get the opportunity to visit this one particular landmark in the metropolis ever since the completion of its restoration about 3 years ago. Unfortunately, circumstances were in the way of at least a couple of occasions that would have been the opportunity for me to get inside the storied structure. Those and the fact that there seemed to be no clear guidelines in place regarding possible tours inside the structure.

Fortunately, it seems the guidelines have now been set in place and finally, after 3 years, the Urban Roamer has finally managed to go inside and see what is inside this storied structure known as the Ayuntamiento de Manila building.

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Ride-Sharing In The City

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Happy New Year from the Urban Roamer! We can only hope that this 2017 will be a good year ahead for all of us!

Pat yourselves on the back too for having survived a year as “interesting” as 2016. We have gone through a lot and managed to make it even if sometimes, we were on the brink of madness, especially during the recent Christmas season when traffic became too unbearable than the unbearable situation it already is in.

But if there’s something to be somewhat thankful for, it’s the growing patronage of ride-sharing services such as Grab and Uber or, as the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) calls them officially, what are known as transportation network vehicle services (TNVS), that gave more commuting choices to the public. Of course, the operative word here is “somewhat”.

While the Urban Roamer did touch upon the subject of TNVS in the past, this is an opportunity to finally talk about it in-depth as look at how they evolved and the current issues and frustrations about them.

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