THE LIGHT RAIL EXPERIENCE

It is safe to assume that light railway is the best thing to ever happen to Manila. Gone now are the days when we had to sweat it out in hours of heavy traffic in - horrors! - buses with no airconditioning. Today, 3 light railway lines traverse the length of the Metro. From Baclaran to Monumento, Pasay to North EDSA, from Recto to Santolan in Marikina City - moving around is now so much faster, easier and, well, comfortable most of the time (but not always).

This morning at 1:30AM (October 14), i saw the old Light Railway Transit (LRT 1) take delivery of its newest cars from Europe. Very sleek stainless cars with blue and yellow accents on the nose and doors. They made everyone at Roxas Boulevard stop what they were doing and stare at the marvelous trains being carried by huge trucks to LRT 1's depot in Baclaran. They look kinda slim unlike the wide cars of LRT 2 (Purple Line), but they look like they can run at 80 mph if only that wouldn't shake the cars too much (60 mph is ideal). This is good news for LRT1 riders because the old, Marcos-era cars are already so hot. The airconditioning system is always down and it would be impossible not reek of humanity and be sweat-drenched after the ride. Good thing all lines are almost fully elevated and windows can be opened in some parts to let in the air. LRT1 opened in 1984 and has 15 stations running through many important places in Manila. They were the first to designate the first car as exclusive for women and children.

As of this writing, two systems - MRT3 on EDSA and LRT1 on Taft - are already operating on full capacity. We need more trains to service these very important routes. LRT2 along Recto is filled only in the mornings and evenings with workers and students since the line traverses an area in Manila called the University Belt.

New developments will be happening soon. MRT3 will be linked to LRT1 from North EDSA to Monumento to complete the loop. LRT1 will be extended from Baclaran to Cavite and will allegedly pass through Las Piñas with 3 stations. MRT7 and the ground-based North Rain and South Rail are also currently being improved with the assistance of several governments notably that of Japan, China, South Korea and some countries in Europe.

A short Manila LRT history here.
Read on interconnection of the Strong Republic Transit System here.

TEMPTASIAN CUISINE

Had a chance to have late night dinner in TemptASIAn Cuisine in Megamall's Strip two weeks ago with 3 other friends: Jerome of PBSP, Ruby of nearby ADB, and Stephen of CBCP. Part of the reason why I got sick lately was because there was a downpour that night. The reasons why we had to meet was 1.) I had to return Jerome's watch, 2.) I had to claim something from Ruby, and 3.) I had to go to Dangwa with Stephen.

We attempted to seat ourselves comfortably in two (2) different tables and finally, because none of them were comfortable enough, we settled on a third, which was out of harm's way from the mamy people passing us by (we were seated outside as Jerome and Ruby were smokers).

The wait was just interminably long (something like 40 minutes) and our patience was wearing out. I almost started a bonfire on our table using the paper placemats if they didn't stop me. Good thing, when the food finally arrived, there was enough for 6 people (count 2 of me) and hey, I admit it was rather good (but maybe we were just too hungry to complain). The food being Thai-influence, the rice was very, very good - light, with the just the right amounts of bagoong and mango to funk it up, and the chicken was very tender. The fried basil that went with it was a novel idea. In fact, this restaurant didn't hide its preference for basil. Even the beef had basil in it. I love basil.

To calm me down, the head waiter (who was just so irritating) offered us a dessert that was just enough to soothe my frayed nerves. It was a very simple combination of coffee-flavored ice cream, fresh bananas, and crushed nuts but it was very nice. Smooth and cool. The whole affair had the opportunity of being a comfort-food place if the food weren't a bit oily, pricey (Php 1,000++ for four people, plus cocktails and beer. Is that bad?), and the waiters were either too chatty or busy. And yes, the cocktails and beers are go 50% after 5PM or something, but you can forget about the cocktails. Not worth it.

Overall, it was okay. I'd try to go back one time when it's not raining. Maybe my mood will change a bit.

Dimsum plate (appetizer)

Mango and Bagoong Rice

Beef with basil (doesn't it look familiar - or similar - to something we Pinoys cook?)

Chicken with basil

All's well that ends well. Coffee ice cream (but they call it something else).

MANILA'S UNDERPASSES

To / from Intramuros to Park N' Ride

WEEKEND NIGHTS IN SM MALL OF ASIA

Hello, dear readers! Sorry for not posting anything new lately. I've been down with the flu but since I was still going to work, just imagine the hell I was going through every day. Anyway, I did have time to do some li'l bit of scene capturing during the weekend.

Shoppers at SM's Mall of Asia are always on the lookout for Fridays and Saturdays in this mall as the weekend fireworks display go off at 7PM sharp. Also, there are other exciting displays of human talents not normally given to us mere mortals. I took these photos last Sept 9 after a writing workshop at the office. Nothing like a big bang to end the day!

Sorry about the pics. I know they suck, but I was experimenting with my cam's best shot feature. Obviously not best shots, but they look funky enough.

A FAST DISAPPEARING TRADITION

How many Philippine weddings have you attended where they still do this? A time-honored tradition of our brothers from Southern Tagalog and Central Visayas, we are glad to see it still being practiced in Manila - where most good traditions die anyway.

CASA MANILA

BASILICA MINORE DE SAN SEBASTIAN (UPDATED)

Finally got to take photos of this amazing structure at dusk. So sad to see all those electric wires blocking the view. Will update this entry soon when I am able to take photos of the interior. This was taken during the Feast Day of Our Lady of Mount Carmel.





Note: The rest of the entry found below was first posted on April 22, 2006

One of my most fervent wishes was to hear Mass in San Sebastian in Legarda, Manila. Finally had the chance to go last month, many thanks to CBCP's Stephen Borja. Yes, I did knock on the facade to make sure it really is made of steel!

The main altar with the image of Our Lady of Mount Carmel, flanked on both sides by Saints John of the Cross and Teresa of Avila, both Doctors of the Church.

It appears that this church was managed by the Carmelites before until they moved to their National Shrine on Gilmore. Information on this is most welcome.

Useful link for future refence.

THE LIGHT AT THE END OF THE HALL BECKONS

A hallway at the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) Headquarters, Intramuros

TAKING A BREAK

Detail: Man resting on sidewalk, Roxas Boulevard, Manila (Photo shot from an FX)

COVER DESIGN

Detail: Manhole cover, Liwasang Bonifacio, Manila

PUERTA DE ISABEL II

Question: Was this statue of Isabel II erected for any special reason? When and by whom?

Trivia: The Philippines' and Southeast Asia's oldest bank, the Bank of the Philippine Islands, established in 1851, was also named after her (Banco Español-Filipino de Isabel II) when she was just 21. When the Queen was overthrown in 1869, the bank dropped her name.


Isabella II, Queen of Spain (1830-1904)

Detail: a bird rests on the royal head

Detail: Medallions

Detail: the robes of the Queen

The royal seal of Manila, the Distinguished and Ever Loyal City (Insigne y Siempre Leal Ciudad), whose title was granted it by Felipe II on June 10, 1574