It’s been awhile. I’ve been so busy everyday is like a marathon. I’ve also been helping clean our rental house when I have the time. Guys, I did mention that our neighbor contractor said we’d be out $20 K easily . He underestimated the cost of renovation. It’s now inching towards $30 K. My heart goes out to my parents. I was with my mother when we bought new fridge, oven, and dishwasher. We also renovated the two bathrooms . All floorings are new, from kitchen to bedrooms and of of course , the bathrooms. aaargh.. I don’t want to talk about this anymore.
We already bought the plane tickets for our Philippine vacation in February , 2020.
I’ve been watching YouTube videos of what’s going on in the Philippines. Thre’s a massive clearing up operations going on ….City authorities are basically getting rid of illegal vendors and structures on public properties. . The capital city of Metro-Manila , Manila, has a new mayor, and it looks like he’s very serious in cleaning up the city. Metro-Manila is comprised of 16 cities and Manila is the capital, the centre of government but due to decades of neglect, it’s become a cesspool. The city has been invaded by squatters and illegal vendors. I’ve been watching the massive clearing-up operations againt illegals…… I’m sorry, but I have little sympathy for them. I am not anti- poor, but damn, enough is enough ! ! These illegal vendors have totally occupied major streets , avenues, and sidewalks ……and not only that, they leave so much garbage on the streets….. it’s anarchic and almost criminal. Manila traffic is one of the most chaotic in the world because only 60% are passable. The new mayor, Francisco Moreno, has vowed to do the right thing . So far, so good. Mayor Moreno has now become a Rock Star in Pilippine politics. .
Illegal vendors obstruct traffic on secondary and tertiary roads. No vehicles can pass anymore.
Above is a major road in Manila,( Divisoria) one of many, that has been fully occupied by vendors. Thieves, ruffians, street children , “solvent” boys , snatchers, and riff raffs mingle with shoppers, unfortunately. . I don’t know how shoppers protect themselves from these bad elements of society.
And the photo below is how the same road looks like when it was cleared , just a bit… Holy cow, , there’s a 6 lane road under all that rubble ! ! Freakin’ hell !
I hope Manila will look nice and clean when we get there. My co-worker ‘s coming with me. I don’t want my co-worker to have WTF moments during our vacation. But we’re going to Divisoria to shop. We’ll be moving targets of pickpockets…. . My co-worker is white . And even though I look like them, for some reason, Filipinos can recognize a non- citizen . Or , am I just being paranoid ? We’ll hold on tight and close to our purses , no expensive watches and jewellery on us, either.
We did go to Divisoria in 2014. Everything was dirt cheap, so freakin’ cheap ! Haggling though is ” de rigueur ” in Divisoria. My accent was a give -away so my cousin did much of the obligatory haggling for me. No tourist price, please.
Haggling goes like this:
You buy 3 T-shirts, I’ll give them to you for 450 pesos, Ma’am. ( $ 9.00 )
I can get that for 300 pesos ( $6.00 ) at WalMart. ( I lie.)
Ma’m , that’s below my capital…. I can give it to you for 400 pesos. ( $8.00 )
Is that the last price ? How about 350 pesos? ($3. 70)
375 pesos, last price Ma’m.
Okay, sold. ( My haul : $7.50 for 3 nice T-shirts. $ 2.50 each ….. Yay ! My awesome haggling power ! ! )
Then I saw similar T-shirts at next store for 95 pesos each .( $ 1. 90 )
Fail.
What can we buy in Divisoria? Everything, including wedding gowns.
The truth is, Manila is a beautiful city. It has the biggest urban park in Asia, it’s full of trees, and has that old ,charming colonial ambiance . Filipinos , by the way, love fountains and water features…… Manila has lots of these all over the city. If you’re a tourist, just avoid places with bad reputation, like Tondo, Divisoria, and areas north of Pasig River, the main river artery of Manila. It’s sad because these places are the old , historical Manila. The problem is, that’s where the “have nots” had congregated, while the “haves” left to live in gated subdivisions in the suburbs…… and where new , modern, clean cities subsequently sprouted around them… Makati City, Bonifacio Global City, Newport City, etc. … these cities are so clean one can eat off the streets. Sadly, there’s an invisible wall that separates these areas from the “Great Unwashed” that is Manila.. For example, jeepneys and tricycles ( mode of transportation of the poor ) are not allowed into these cities… the ban is as subtle as a battleaxe , no ? ” Keep off our beautifully manicured lawn. .” That’s what that ban means. Well, I don’t blame them. Let one in … the next morning you’ll find hordes of illegals selling their wares, peeing and pooping everywhere, letting their minor children roam the streets, knocking on car windows begging for money , and if you don’t give , they’ll kick your car or scratch it with a rock…..they also dump garbage on the streets.
Beyond words. The LEFTIST activists are saying the mayor wants Manila to become another place for the ELITES. ….. This is the reason why my politics radar is inching from the left towards the center. I ‘m into social justice, but despise lawlessness.
But the truth is, even though BGCity, Makati City, and the rest of the metropolis have all the beautiful skyscrapers, Manila is still the centre of commerce in the Philippines. Manila is the depository of all goods that come from all over the Philippines and the world, and it’s been like that since 1500 ( Spanish galleon trade ) . Ironically, Tondo , a scary place today, was the center of commerce , even during pre-colonial times.
Below are photos of Bonifacio Global City and Makati City.
Below is the Trump Tower in Makati City
Above is Tondo in Manila…. that’s reality… I’m not hiding it, folks. … To be honest, this is even the “better ” slum area. I don’t want to show anymore the worse of the worst.
But, even though Manila has been left behind by neighboring cities, there’s one thing other cities do not have……character.
Below is the statue of the country’s national hero, Dr. Jose Rizal , located at Rizal Park ( or more commonly called Luneta , the largest urban park in Asia )
Intramuros , or Walled City ( Fort Santiago entrance photo, built in 1571 )
Charming old colonial architecture , cobblestones…..
Manila Cathedral
Below is University of Santo Tomas, built in 1611, the oldest university in Asia. Next photo is Manila Baywalk..
_(2015)_a0001.JPG/1200px-Ph-mm-manila-ermita-padre_burgos_ave.-old_congess_bldg._(national_museum)_(2015)_a0001.JPG)
The National Museum
And of course, the official residence of the President of the Philippines:
Roxas Blvd. along Manila Bay, with world famous Manila Bay sunset.
The new mayor of the capital city… Francisco “Isko” Moreno
By the way, my photos here are messed up. Some are cut off, and others turn out too small. I can’t fix it, sorry.
The new Manila mayor loves to dance. Ha ha… Awesome.
A young and idealistic politician. I hope he keeps his promise to bring back the old glory of the Queen City of the Orient.
Below is the Manila Post Office Building.
That’s it…. I know this post seems random and unorganized. There are just so much to talk about that I don’t even know where to start , and how to end my thoughts.
Anyway, to see is to believe , and I’ll see it 6 months. Manila is my birthplace. I love the city, warts and all.
PS…. There will be a series of posts about the Philipines, especially about the dangers of forcible taking of a group of small Philippine islands on West Philipine Sea or ( South China Sea) by you know what country…. This country wants to own and dominate the seas ….. and mess up the most protected site in the world, the Philippine Tabbutaha Reefs. The whole world should take note and pay attention ! !! Please .
Am a Molecular Microbiology student, love to read books, and I play the violin. 
dreamsending
renxkyoko
renxkyoko's space 
Posted by Dracul Van Helsing on August 7, 2019 at 10:04 pm
Manila looks like a very beautiful city.
Very sad how the illegal vendors made a mess of parts of it.
Hopefully you won’t run into any problems on your trip.
Posted by renxkyoko on August 7, 2019 at 11:40 pm
DVH, it is a beautiful city. I think in any big city around the world, areas like these exist. Corrupt officials tolerated the presence of these illegal vendors because they wanted their votes.
No problem. Our house is in the suburbs, ha ha. And we won’t go to these places. Metro-Manila is amazingly beautiful , modern and clean. I’m sure my co-worker will be amazed , as well. When my cousin and I went to Manila on vacation in 2014, we felt like a couple of hillbbilies walking around in a very modern metropolis.
Posted by arlene on August 7, 2019 at 10:40 pm
i am glad of your features of UST (my alma mater) and all the squalor and the beautiful buildings of Manila in general. We have lots of historical sites in this area. And Makati Avenue and BGC of course are the best places for commerce. Mayor Isko is bent on clearing and improving the city of Manila. Welcome home to the country…. 🙂
Posted by renxkyoko on August 8, 2019 at 6:15 am
Oh, yeah, Tita Arlene…. we can’t hide the squalor anymore. Filipinos from countrysides should stop emigrating to Manila if they have nowhere to live or if there’s no work waiting for them.
Watching the videos, it feels like it’s a game between cat and mouse.. I hope the new mayor has the political will to solve this gigantic problem.
I also hope the mayor employ more street sweepers, guards , and the like. My parents say the mayor should not depend on the barangay because it is part of the problem. Barangay officials are extremely corrupt.
Is success a possibility, Tita Arlene ?
Posted by arlene on August 8, 2019 at 7:16 am
I am sure Mayor Isko is of different breed. he has done a lot to clean the city of Manila in one month. I believe in those young mayors who were elected, the likes of Mayor Vico in Pasig, our mayor here in Cainta who is in his third term now, the Mayor of San Juan City who defeated the Estradas. We also have the youngest mayor in in of our towns in Pangasinan who is likewise dedicated to his job, he is only 22 years old. Perhaps you’ll wonder why these efficient and responsible people were chosen but the 12 opposition senators didn’t make it. That seven-hour glitch is the culprit. Nadaya sila so to speak.
I agree, barangay officials are corrupt but I think that could be curbed if the mayor is working and doing his job . When there is control, they won’t succeed.
Posted by renxkyoko on August 8, 2019 at 8:32 am
That’s true.
But who was it who said… ” So young , yet so corrupt” , referring to a particular Filipino politician. How about the children of Joseph Estrada and the Revillas ? However , listening to Mayor Isko Moreno since July 1 , I can feel in my bones this man is truly sincere.
I hope he runs for Presidency in2022. What do you think?
Posted by arlene on August 8, 2019 at 8:37 am
I guess he is not yet ripe for the presidency. Pwede siguro senatorial position or sa Congress. The Estradas are “has beens”, from the father, down to the sons.
Posted by renxkyoko on August 8, 2019 at 8:47 am
Then he’s better off as mayor of the capital of the Philippines. I think the city needs him.
Posted by arlene on August 8, 2019 at 8:58 am
Yes, Manila would be great again if he maintains the pace.
Posted by arlene on August 8, 2019 at 7:21 am
The high-rise buildings in one of your photos (re: HSBC) are in Ayala Avenue, Makati City. I used to work at BPI Head Office (the one with the red sign) from wayback.
Posted by renxkyoko on August 8, 2019 at 8:07 am
Oh, sorry. It’s one of the photos that came out when I googled the city of Manila. I’m not familiar with the city.
Posted by SCLMRose on August 9, 2019 at 3:58 pm
Wonderful post. Glad I found your site. The last time I went home in 2007, the traffic in Manila was a nightmare. The pictures of squatters remind me of those in California.
Posted by renxkyoko on August 10, 2019 at 9:30 pm
It’s improving they say. Metro Rail Systems and ” Skyways ” have improved the traffic situation, although in 2014, we left Greenhills Shopping Centre at 5 PM, and arrived in our house in Paranaque ( just after Magallanes Village ) at 9:30 PM . Here in the US, that distance would only take 30 minutes.
Posted by DeadAnarchistPhil on August 9, 2019 at 7:54 pm
Hiya Ren,
I know the illegal street venders were and still are a problem, but forcibly removing them is just moving the problem elsewhere and creating more issues. I mean, how many of those people will turn to crime (or worse types of crime) to make ends meet? The local politicians have basically brushed it elsewhere and left the mess to fester, which it will.
It would have been better, though probably very politically and financially difficult, to acquire some land in the city for these venders to sell their products, an area where they’ll be subject to public health inspection and trading standards… forcing them to go legitimate.
However, I think many in the Manila authorities don’t want these people in the area at all, especially as Manila is becoming more modern and the land in the area will sell for millions in the future.
Something similar happened in the part of England I live in. It used to be post-industrial wasteland with very few economic opportunities and a lot of criminality. That was until they started gentrifying in the 90s and 2000s. Local authorities not only flogged public land to developers who had zero intention of producing a percentage of social housing (which they were supposed to) they purposely push the local residents out – and are continuing to do so to housing over-spill on the edges of the County, where there’s even few jobs.
I understand the Manila authorities need to clear the city up and open up to traffic, but moving people along is just confining them to the dustbin and condemning the cycle to repeat. People need opportunities, that won’t happen by just pushing them out of sight and replacing them.
Unfortunately that’s unlikely to happen as that’s just the way both our societies, as well as others, are.
Sorry, that was depressing wasn’t it? Don’t mean to bring you down, just saw the parallels with parts of the UK and my own area.
Anyway, I’ll stop now. I hope you have a good holiday 🙂
– Phil
Posted by renxkyoko on August 11, 2019 at 1:18 am
Hiya, Phil.
70% of the illegal vendors sell merchandise such as clothes, sneakers, cell phone accessories, etc…… they are not small food vendors , and they have abused the government’s and the people’s patience and tolerance for far too long already. Don’t pity these vendors… they re very arrogant and disrespectful. Ask them how many children they have… they’ll say 10. Manilenos have already reached the end of their tether. That’s why, the new mayor is super popular. Like, Go get them, mayor ! ! We have your back. These illegals are now aware they are not welcome anymore, and everyone’s against them, and don’t care about them anymore.
Here’s the thing ( about acquiring areas for them ) They have been given so many places where they can sell legally, but they go back to the streets in no time It’s useless. To them, it’s a way of life. .
Gentrifying is not what the city aims for…. I’m in awe that what the city wants are the roads and sidewalks which these illegals have occupied, FOR FREE ! ! ! . Can you imagine ” storerooms” , stockrooms, etc permanently built on sidewalks, then , in the daytime , they occupy the entire avenue…. Phil, there are no words to describe it.
As I said, people don’t care about them anymore.
Phil, you do know how the poor can be arrogant, too, right ? Like, the whole world owe them something. Give them a helping hand, and they’ll grab your whole arm, and your other arm, too. I’ve had it.
Posted by Ste J on August 10, 2019 at 7:39 am
I wonder how far these vendors and such are being moved on, my guess is not towards the fancy parts. It will be nice for traffic to be moving in Manila, it will make the flight to provinces more easy and I am always glad of that.
Posted by renxkyoko on August 10, 2019 at 9:20 pm
It’s become a game of cat and mouse, SteJ ! ! 90% of them are ambulant vendors, using carts with wheels. It’s become like this because this has been tolerated for 2 or 3 decades. I don’t know where they’ll go. They should move back to the provinces, I think ? Well, SteJ, you know exactly what it’s like , right? You’re almost “local ” now. ( shakes head ) It’s almost hopeless.
Nooo, definitely not towards BGC, lol.
Posted by loujen haxm'Yor on August 10, 2019 at 4:51 pm
Many thanx for sharing the awesome photos and info on Manila. By the way, my father was from Ilocos Norte… and my stepdad from Hernani Samar. Peace.
Posted by renxkyoko on August 10, 2019 at 9:11 pm
OMG ! You’re a Pinoy ! !
Posted by budingtaba on August 11, 2019 at 1:10 pm
I think you should find a local that will go with you to Divisoria. Just to be safe. Enjoy your vacation here! Thanks for featuring UST. I’m a proud Tomasian.😊
Posted by renxkyoko on August 11, 2019 at 6:22 pm
Your school is even older than Harvard. Awesome. You should be proud.
My Mom will go with us, of course. No problem. Our only problem is parking. In 2014, we discovered a pay parking area somewhere in Divisoria that is “motorized” to go up, just like some parking areas in San Francisco, California. I wonder if it’s still there
However, that’s still up in the air. My mom ( me, too) prefers to shop at Greenhills.My co-worker /manager wants me to buy pearl jewellery , so it’s gonna be Greenhills. Our time in the Philippines is limited, just 9 days. Actually , this is an official family trip, something to do with properties.
Still, it’s more fun in the Philippines, yeah? Yay !
Posted by budingtaba on August 11, 2019 at 7:24 pm
Oh. I am. Very very proud. You should park at at the new mall near Divisoria. Lucky Chinatown mall. I park there when I go to Divi. Greenhills is okay too. But too many people. Sometimes it’s hard to find parking spaces. Specially during weekends.
I hope you and your family enjoy your stay here. Stay safe!☺️
Posted by Good ol’Manila, Philippines, my birthplace. — renxkyoko’s space – Truth Troubles on August 13, 2019 at 3:54 pm
[…] via Good ol’Manila, Philippines, my birthplace. — renxkyoko’s space […]
Posted by mistermuse on August 19, 2019 at 2:55 am
Re your “politics radar is inching from the left towards the center,” I think leftists have their hearts in the tight place, but like extremists on the right (who have no heart) , they think they have a monopoly on truth. Both sides are so stuck in their ideologies that they can’t compromise for the common good. Countries desperately needs more moderates to govern, but too often voters are conned into electing those who tell them what they want to hear rather than what is needed to make life fairer and better for all.
Posted by renxkyoko on August 19, 2019 at 1:48 pm
That’s true. They are so stuck in their idealogy so much so that they don’t recognize and acknowledge its flaws anymore… worse, they intentionally ignore them.
Posted by renxkyoko on August 19, 2019 at 2:34 pm
PS… US politicians should also reform the welfare system. I have witnessed how the system has been abused by so many. I can give so many examples of people taking advantage and gaming the system.
Posted by mistermuse on August 19, 2019 at 2:59 am
Correction: I meant “hearts in the RIGHT place” (not “in the tight place”) in my comment. Pardon the typo.
Posted by airwrecka on August 28, 2019 at 9:45 pm
I went back to the Philippines last September- a first in 7 years. I landed in Manila and booked a flight to Cebu right away. It’s so busy and chaotic. It’s so hard to get from point A to point B. Amazing photos you’ve showed of how bad it has gotten over the years.
Posted by renxkyoko on August 30, 2019 at 7:29 am
I was in Manila in 2014, and stayed for 30 days. Traffic was chaotic, of course. We did go to Divisoria ( out of curiosity ) and , omg, it was hideous. Here’s the thing, though…… if you’re right there on the ground, you won’t notice it. It just looks crowded, that’s all. In fact, my young cousin and I were mesmerized by it all. Everything is there. ( well, they’re not selling coffins, thank goodness, but in the future, who knows? ) ..Oh, wait, you’re from Cebu ? I heard Cebu’s starting to turn into mini-Manila. .. thousands of poor folks from the provinces who are settling illegally , aka squatting, on public lands, building shacks and patchy -patchy houses.
Posted by equinoxio21 on September 6, 2019 at 10:54 pm
Salamat for the post, “Socorro” Iglesias. 😉
Some of pictures remind me so much of Mexico city. Particularly the street vendors.
(And the haggling!, Well)
At least I am happy about one thing, from what I understand you managed to get rid of your tenants? Great news.
And, though your trip is till a few months ago, I’m sure it will be a fantastic trip.
Cheers
Brian
Posted by simplymesmc on September 9, 2019 at 1:25 pm
Just set your friend’s expectations about places like divisoria and other places that are somehow “unsafe” to say the least.
True, I hope Mayor Isko will be able to sustain all these good changes that he has started. My Team from work just visited National Museum, Rizal Park and Binondo last Saturday. It was great to be reminded of our colorful history through these places. And Binondo food are the best.
I wish all city officials in the Philippines will do their parts too.
Have fun in PH. Traffic is really bad in the metro so better plan your destinations.
Posted by renxkyoko on September 10, 2019 at 11:34 pm
Yes, ” sustained” should be the operative word. I’ve been watching the clearing operations videos from Day one. But it seems some places are extremely problematic, like Taft Ave. , Kalaw Ave., United Nations Ave. , Quiapo, and Divisoria areas. Obstructions and illegl vendors just come back, sometimes on the same day as soon as the DPS workers ‘ leave. They really should confiscate the vendors’ merchandise. People say these vendors can build a kariton in one hour.
Posted by HARDPEN on September 10, 2019 at 1:08 am
You’ll be surprised to see changes in Manila when you go there. The new mayor of the city has been trying his best to CLEAN the city and modernize it.
Posted by Initiator-Life with Tranquility :) on September 10, 2019 at 9:17 pm
Hope you are doing well and enjoying your time. Always remember you. Stay happy always.
Posted by renxkyoko on September 10, 2019 at 11:36 pm
Thank you very much, Initiator-Life !
Posted by Initiator-Life with Tranquility :) on September 13, 2019 at 8:27 pm
You are welcome Renx. My name is Tahir. 😊
Posted by Becky on September 12, 2019 at 8:18 am
Wow those pictures are amazing!
Posted by eduardomaresca on October 25, 2019 at 4:12 pm
Nice report. I was there 9 years ago and I am looking forward to seeing what Divisoria and Manila Bay look like after the cleaning up. I managed to survive walking alone in Quiapo by night….but I can speak Tagalog and it helps
Posted by renxkyoko on October 26, 2019 at 8:10 am
I was there in 2010 and 2014. Except Divisoria and Intramuros in 2014, I didn’t get to see the rest of Manila. We spent our vacation time in Paranaque where our house is located, and Makati…and Boracay Island. We left the Philippines when I was about 7 years old, so I was quite shocked to see on YouTube what Manila looks like, in real time. My parents say Manila wasn’t like that before. Migrants from the countrysides who have very little education and skills over-populated the city….poor people with nowhere to go … and since city officials are corrupt and barely govern, they ignore that shanty towns are growing and getting bigger aand bigger and bigger, and those whose only skill is to sell something on the streets have spilled over from their shanty towns in Tondo to the ” nice ” parts of Manila, ( south ) , like the Rizal Park and vicinity, so much so that newly developed cities , like Bonifacio Global City, and others south of Manila have literally banned tricycles , jeepneys and buses, the poor’s mode of transportation, to enter the cities. It’s appaling, but what else can they do? Lamborghinis, Ferraris , and other luxurious cars are parked on their streets. The sidewalks are vacuumed, and so clean one can eat off the streets. Hence, keep off the lawn… and don’t pick the flowers.
Posted by chryanvii on December 3, 2019 at 5:36 pm
This is great. I’ll be heading to Manila next month. Please check out my blog at chipryan.com it’s all about fascinating and unique places found around China, Asia and even some US. Feel free to comment!
Posted by dannymellema on February 8, 2020 at 4:28 pm
Initially it does indeed come across a bit random, but it’s a very clear, descriptive and accurate description of Manilla. Without sugarcoating or bashing the place. And though Manilla (Imus) get incredibly humid hot and crowded as vehicles, tricycles, jeepneys and people on foot take over, it’s a very amiable place. You write with much character and I enjoy reading it!