Vanity And Venetian Vibes At The Venice Grand Canal Mall

by

As some of you may know, I have worked in the vicinity of McKinley Hill for the more than 5 years or so. Thus, I have been pretty much a witness to how this township developed from a somewhat barren environment into what it is today. And for those past 5+ years, the sight that has always intrigued was the construction of what was supposed to be its prime attraction, a replica of the Grand Canal of Venice.

It just bums me that I learned that after so many years, McKinley Hill’s own version of the Grand Canal finally opened…and I’m no longer working at the area. Considering the distance coming from my residence in the east, plus the other things I’ve been busy with, I haven’t had the time to check out the place as hordes of selfies being taken in the area made it possibly the new selfie capital in the metro. But finally, I managed to see what the hype is all about.

Read more

Manila Transitio: Remembering The Manila We Lost

by

Of all the commemorations being celebrated every February, perhaps the most overlooked is one that commemorates the Battle of Manila of 1945. Which is quite unfortunate considering how this sad and bloody chapter in the history of Manila transformed the city and the country on a macro perspective, causing destruction to so many cultural treasures in the city and death to more than 100,000 souls.

On one hand, the horror of this event may have been a factor as to why many choose to, understandably, forget what happened. On the other hand, this preference to forget is seen as the cause as to why Manila today has lost its soul in the midst of the progress and urban chaos that has adversely affected what was once known as the “Pearl of the Orient.”

It is the concern for this particular “forgetfulness” that tour guide/performance artist/cultural activist Carlos Celdran decided to hold an annual event to celebrate Manila before the war and remember the souls and treasures lost in the war called the Manila Transitio 1945, the recent being held last Saturday night at the Fort Santiago grounds.

Read more

A Walk Along The EDSA 86 Trail

by

With the risk of betraying my age here, I was wee little toddler when the first People Power Revolution of 1986 happened. As such, I have no recollection of what happened during those historic 4 days in February save from what I eventually read in history books, in school, and the stories my mom who … Read more

Coworking In The City: A Space Greenbelt

by

Sometime last year, I have made the transition from being an office employee to a freelancer. It was a crazy ride, to say the least. And I actually wrote about it, so check it out here to find out how it was for me. The timing of this transition is an interesting one I should say. As more and more people are embracing becoming freelancers, there has been a growth in demand in recent years for what are called coworking spaces, where freelancers like myself and startups can have a place where they can work while not having to worry about the huge rental rates, among others, that regular office spaces demand. At the same time, these spaces have become hubs for collaboration, growth, and even networking among startups and freelancers who form communities in these spaces.

As a salute of sorts to the freelancers and startups who are the driving force of this new economy and the places where they thrive, the Urban Roamer is proud to present this series “Coworking in the City.” This will be a feature you will see here on the site from time to time about the various coworking spaces around Metro Manila and what they offer, plus my admittedly impressions which you don’t have to take my word for. So if you are a budding freelancer, just set up a startup company, or maybe even considering doing either, may this series serve as an inspiration of sorts as you begin your journey.

Okay, I’ve said too much so we shall begin the first edition of this series with a visit to one of the more popular coworking spaces in the city: A Space Greenbelt.

Read more