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The US Embassy Manila is the office of the United States of America government in Philippine soil, located just besides the old Dewey Boulevard, now Roxas Boulevard. The Ambassador of the United States to the Philippines makes this as his office, and at the same time this is the first gateway for Filipinos who like to see, study, work, or even live in the US.  The US Embassy in Manila is more than just a diplomatic office and a visa entry; it has history to share in the formation of what is now the Philippine Republic.

US Ambassador Henry Thomas Jr at Henry Mucci Balcony at the Chancery Building

I got invited by the US Embassy to join Ambassador Harry Thomas Jr. for an event celebrating Internet Freedom last March of 2009. It was my second time entering US territory…in the Philippines. My first time was when I was a kid when my dad has an engineering project. The US Embassy in Manila has one of the toughest security measures in the country, given the United States’ prominence in world affairs—no photos are allowed within the premises, nor even take photos outside the compound (reason why I have limited photos here)—except on special permission or areas that are allowed to take photos. Cellphones are also not allowed inside, except with permission coming from the upper management of the embassy.

From US High Commission to US Embassy

The US High Commission Building in 1940 (Photo by the US Embassy Manila)

When the Philippine Independence Act was signed at Washington DC in 1934, the US government surrendered Malacañang Palace and even The Mansion in Baguio City to the newly-formed Commonwealth government of the Philippines. The US High Commissioner in the Philippines was confronted by the fact that they might squat on someone else’s area. To solve this issue, the US Congress provided the budget for constructing a new office-residence for the High Commissioner. The Philippine Commonwealth gave a 6.9 hectare lot area just beside Manila Bay (back then, that plot of “land” was under Manila Bay!) and gave landfill for the reclamation area. The retaining walls were built by the Americans.

The View of Manila Bay from Henry Mucci Balcony

In 1940, the office of the US High Commission and the residence of the high commissioner to the Philippines was completed.

It features a two-storey building built with simple yet elegant architecture—reminiscent of some of the public buildings that were built during the American occupation of the islands. Eight columns flank its façade.

Charles Parson Ballroom (Photo by the US Embassy Manila)

Back then, the top floor served as the US High Commissioner’s residence, while the library and the ballroom area (now Charles Parsons Ballroom) are located at the ground floor. The office on the other hand is located at the south wing of the building.

However, World War 2 broke a year later and the US High Commissioner was evacuated to Corregidor and all the way back to the United States. The Japanese Imperial Forces occupied Manila and made the US High Commission became the Japanese military headquarters in Manila. During that time, the building was unscathed and still functioned.

The damaged US High Commission Building in 1945 (Photo by US Embassy Manila)

In 1945 though, “The Liberation” of Manila took a toll on most establishments in Manila, most especially the lives of the people caught in the crossfire between the Allies and the Japanese troops—the US High Commission Building was badly damaged.

General Yamashita on Trial at the Ballroom in 1945. (Photo Courtesy of US Embassy Manila)

Despite the damage it received, the ballroom is still functional. It was here that General Tomoyuki Yamashita (yes, where is your fabled treasure?), Lt. General Masaharu Homma and the rest of the captured Japanese officials have been tried for their war crimes.

At that time, the building was also being restored to its full beauty with additional extensions. The residential area became part of the office. Temporarily, the Quonset huts served as the office until its full restoration was complete.

The US Embassy after restoration in 1950 (Photo by US Embassy)

In 1946, when The Philippines was granted independence, the former US High Commission building became the US Chancery, popularly known to many as the US Embassy in Manila.

The US Embassy in Manila Today

The US Embassy today is compound of buildings that has the privilege to be beside Manila Bay and view the golden sunsets of Manila Bay at Henry Mucci Balcony. I was blessed to have this privilege to see the sunset at the balcony.

The imposing white building is the main building of the US Embassy, also called the US Chancery that was completed in 1940 to serve as the residence and the office of then-US High Commissioner. It was later converted into an Embassy upon The Philippines’ independence.

The Old US Embassy Annex Building (Photo Courtesy of US Embassy)

In 1960s, to accommodate the expanding Embassy staff, the US government constructed the iconic Annex Building in the northern side of the lot. For most Filipinos, this is where their journey to United States starts—in which most visa applications and other consular services were done here up to the early 21^st century. Iconic of its time since it has the diamond-shaped patterns criss-crossing the building’s exterior.

Opening of The New US Embassy Building in 2011 (Photo by US Embassy Manila)

Just recently on April 2011, the US$ 50 million new annex building in the southern part of the US Embassy area was opened. This is where now visa applications and other consular services will have its office.

View The US Embassy in Manila in a larger map

The US Embassy in Manila is under the US Department of State. Its presence in the Philippine soil highlights the role and the legacy of the United States in Philippine history, politics, society, and foreign affairs.

Photos from Celebrating Internet Freedom at the US Embassy:

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This is EDSA. Nope. this is not the place were my phone was stolen. I don't have a photo of the area.

It was Saturday morning, 7th of May 2011, at Manila’s busiest thoroughfare, EDSA. Southbound lane at the loading and unloading area just across our office at EDSA Central. It was one heck of a humid morning. My office-mates/colleagues have already alighted a Ayala Ibabaw-bound bus. I am waiting for my bus bound for Dasmarinas, Cavite. I have kept away my important belongings in my bag: wallet, my cellphone, and my ID. My headphone was inside my shirt. I do this everytime I’m on that area–just for safety. For numerous times my important belongings have been stolen, I need to be vigilant. Yet the following unfortunate scenario happened…

EDSA-Estrella Southbound Bus Stop

Then came the bus bound for Cavite. I walked towards it. In front of me was a woman and a big man who disembarked first. Then, I alighted the bus. The man and the woman were arguing with the conductor and the driver. I dunno what were they fighting for but they were coming down the bus. All of a sudden, a surge of five men went towards the door and pushed me hard against the door. I was crushed by two conflicting forces whom they were making a rowdy and scandalous scenario that “they were in a hurry.” At that instance, I knew I was being robbed. My focus shifted towards controlling the rowdy bunch but I felt that my cellphone was being stolen at that time, since my phone was connected to my hidden headset. When I felt it, I suddenly screamed, “Hoy, cellphone ko! Cellphone ko! Asan na?!” (Hey, my mobile phone! Where is it?!). Then the rowdy bunch let go of the door and dispersed in the crowd. I managed to pull one of them but I opted not to inspect his bag–they were in a group. Too risky…they may attack and stab me to death. I just let them go. The crowd, they were just standing, probably afraid or doesn’t seem to care at all.

EDSA-Estrella in Makati

After that, I reported the incident to the nearest police station (which was a few meters away). Even though those thieves wouldn’t be captured and my phone wouldn’t be retrieved, (or even trust the police in solving the crime, if you thought so) I think it is still the best way for us citizens to mitigate and fight crime and hopefully wouldn’t happen to others. And so, I therefore conclude, the Ipit Gang was behind my unfortunate fate.

And as for me, I lost my phone and I continued my life. I’ve done everything, even if I was alert. Yet safety was still the utmost priority. Never mind the phone, I value my life more. And for thousands of commuters like I, lets be vigilant.

Here are some tips on how to be safe on commuting or taking public transport in Manila:

• Put valuable things on your bag and not on your pockets.
• Bring your bag in front of yourself.
• Watch your surroundings for any suspicious people on the move.
• Go on  well lighted area.
• Don’t show off your latest iPod, Blackberry or any precious belongings on the street.
• Be vigilant. Huwag tatanga-tanga.
• If possible, have yourself accompanied.
• And if the inevitable comes, its better to surrender your belongings rather than fight them–especially when they attack in groups.
• After the incident, report it to the police immediately.

This is the reality of living in a big mega-city mired with overcrowding and poverty. Tourists and local commuters alike should always practice vigilance at all times.

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All right, all right…you may be wondering why the introduction for this article was with Felipe De Leon’s Christmas Carol “Payapang Daigdig?” Nope, its not that I’m forcing it to fit on Christmas (or this article was meant to be posted on Christmas eve). The song was made out of bombardment of Manila in 1945, when the maestro woke up one morning with such devastation that engulfed the whole city–world’s second most destroyed. We also have to remember that it was during Christmas of 1941 that the Philippines was invaded by the Japanese imperial troops and bombed Pearl Harbor in Hawaii. These stories of melancholic Christmas intertwined with Corregidor’s embattled past. As we head on for our tour, one December morning, I can feel the sirens and the cool breeze…however with more tension.

Battery Way

Our first stop was the Middleside area of Corregidor. Its a plateau between Topside and the coastline. It is here were you can find the second longest military barracks in the world at that time, the MiddleSide Barracks, which houses several Filipino and American troops at that time. Near it was a reservoir disguised as a tennis court. A few meters away from it, is the ruined building of the YMCA. The area is a camping ground for most excursionists and scouts.

MiddleSide Barracks

MiddleSide Barracks...its so ruined...

...that its off limits!

We moved on towards the “Big Guns.” Yes, the Yankees have “big guns” able to protect Manila from invading ships from South China Sea. That’s how strategic Corregidor is. Ever since the Spanish colonial era, the island has served as a sentinel for impending naval invasion coming from the open sea such as the Moro, Dutch and even English invasions. The ones we’ve visited are the most important. One at Battery Way which, even though in the middle of a forest, can blast passing ships at the north channel of Corregidor. Another one was that long range cannon that was used in Japanese propaganda. The last one was …The island is littered with big guns everywhere! Oh the Yankees!

Big Guns...a este cannons at Battery Way

And when they say its big...

Well hidden indeed!

Ate Weng showed how Battery Way looks like back then

The best part of it…these guns weren’t usable at all! The Japanese invaded through air and land! Given that the United States signed, along with other nations, promising not to install more artillery–well, the Japanese withdrew even before they signed the treaty. Wais di ba?

The big cannon used by the Japanese as a propaganda tool

At this early, you can feel the persistence of memory through the war-torn and damaged buildings that hide the ghosts…phantoms of the horror of the atrocities of war. According to Ate Weng, it was intentional that they left Corregidor’s buildings in ruins as a memorial and a reminder to the future generations of the atrocities of war. Indeed, Corregidor Island itself became a shrine for international peace–a symbol of valor.

Battery Grubs, the entrance

The ammo storage -- smells like guano...and death here!

That hiding cannon at Battery Grubs

The cannon...again

The last thing before we go to Corregidor’s crowning glory, was we went to Battery Grubbs. This is where you’ll find that giant hiding cannon. The area is fortified yet scars of bullets and mortar are still visible. The ammunitions area now smells like guano…dark, however we felt as if someone is watching us. And to the top, a clear view of the entrance of Manila Bay, Mariveles town in Bataan and that puny island called Monha.

La Isla Monha

The scars of the past: Impact craters

Then off to the crown of gold and thorns of Corregidor — The Topside! Well, the runners are on their way now!

Runners, on their way to the top of Corregidor

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Manila: Past and Rough

Its been a while since I last walked the old Manila. Somehow, I have this fascination over urban exploration, despite that I prefer living in the suburbs or even at the provinces. I am provoked for some adventure without going far or bleeding my wallet to death. Good thing though, my friend Gibb from Cebú was here. The tour wasn’t planned nor choreographed. We just like to see Manila in its real heartbeat. So off we walked from San Agustin Church in Intramuros to Quiapo Church which is in–of course Quiapo!

We had our lunch at this new restaurant in front of the San Agustin Church called Ristorante de Mistre. Had my pasta and his was the good ol’ Filipino tapsilog. We almost forgot that we are to go to USTe (University of Santo Tomas) to view the Ilumina Pandit exhibit in Benavidez Library. Yet since time is not of the essence that day, we decided to walk all the way to Quiapo–where jeepneys bound for España and USTe are billeted.

Plaza Roma, Manila Cathedral and Ayuntamiento

Basilica Minore de Imaculada Concepción - Manila Cathedral

Plaza Roma

All right. This area has been the old “center of power” of the Spaniards over the Philippine Islands. True, because the seat of the governor-general, the archbishop and the city mayor of Manila is just located beside the town plaza of Manila. As usual, Rey Carlos IV still is blessed with water gushing out of his spouts in his lofty spot in the plaza, the calesas still bring tourists and Palacio del Gobernador seems to be peaceful–despite the approaching barangay elections!

Escudo Real de Gobernador General - Palacio del Gobernador

Manila Cathedral on the other hand became the setting of  a flash protest of well-known tour guide, heritage and reproductive health advocate Carlos Celdran just a few weeks ago, after making a flash mob in a mass with the placard written with the word “Damaso!” (Damaso refers to thecontravida of Noli Me Tangere–a priest characterized with hypocrisy by Rizal) as a protest against the Catholic Church’s resistance to the RH Bill.

Calesa

On the other hand, earthworks and machinery is on the Ayuntamiento–or old city hall of Manila during the Spanish colonial era. Finally, it is being restored into its full beauty after the Yankees have destroyed most of Intramuros during the “Liberation” in 1945 World War II. It will be the house of the Philippine Bureau of Treasury and as according to the rendering, it will follow the original architecture of the 19th century city hall of Manila! Perfect! At least it deserves to be resurrected from the ruble–err, parking lot. It is expected to be finished sometime next year or by 2012. I hope the results would be great–and not a “cheap copycat.”

Ayuntamiento Under Construction

Ayuntamiento Under Construction - Rendering

Intendencia and Plaza Mexico

Intendencia Ruins

Intendencia Ruins

Walking along Soriano Boulevard with overcast sky in the middle of the day was leisurely. The Intendencia ruin is where the old Philippine Central Bank was. It was originally made as a Customs House since most of port activities back then were located at the banks of Pasig River. It became the Central Bank sometime in the American era—that’s the inset photo on the 100 peso-bill. Then later, it became COMELEC before it was burned. There were efforts to renovate the Intendencia as the site for the National Archives. However, like any other government project—lack of *ehem* funds. Now, it stands like the Acropolis—although neglected.

Escudo Nacional de Estados Unidos Mexicanos | Plaza Mexico

Of course, with the upcoming redevelopment of Maestranza, I hope Plaza Mexico and the Intendencia follow suit.

Walking along the banks of Pasig to Puente España and Escolta

Panorama of Manila and Pasig River from Jones Bridge | Click photo to view hi-res

After taking a breather in the shades of Plaza Mexico, we head towards Escolta through Muelle del Rio towards Jones Bridge. Crossing that bridge is as almost as synonymous as Rizal’s “El Fili’s” chapter on crossing peoples in Puente España. Jones Bridge (formerly Puente España) was the main link between the commercial northern bank districts of Manila towards the walled city of Intramuros. A lot of old people loves this bridge as it was similar to those bridges in Paris back then in Spanish colonial and most especially during American colonial era.

Viewing Lawton from Jones Bridge

Too bad, the war has destroyed its beauty—and damn, they restored it as if it is just one ordinary bridge without any historic or artistic value!

Traffic at Manila's Chinatown District from Jones Bridge

Tell that to the crappy street lights that line up Jones Bridge today!

But anyway, at least we got to have a great view of Manila and the river that runs through it.

Escolta to Hidalgo

Ganito ang Escolta noon...

The heydays of old Manila was here…Escolta. Too bad, businessmen left it for good when Makati was developed and made the “Queen of Capitalist Philippines.” Only a few heritage buildings and some small shops were left from the once busy artery of commerce of Manila.

...Paano kaya ngayon?

And the nostalgia got stronger when we saw a photo of the old Escolta—probably during 1960s or 1970s, when it was indeed much alive.

By the way, that estero near Santa Cruz Church stinks a lot! Too bad, that area with its surrounding heritage buildings are one of the most photographed in advertising.

To Santa Cruz District

Then to Plaza Goiti where the firemen clean up the area with their fire hoses—wow! What a way to clean up the mess!

This is how they clean up Plaza Goiti

Just past Plaza Goiti is the Avenida Rizal—it is another one of the prime commercial areas of the old days. Look for old photos of Avenida when Manila LRT hasn’t existing yet—and you’ll be surprised! The now dark avenue was once a sunny and bright avenida! Truly, light and environment affected her so much.

Carriedo--obviously!

We then passed by the crowded Carriedo. To our surprise, there were a lot of foreigners in the middle of the human sea. Street market day in Carriedo I guess, since virtually the street has become one big marketplace of anything—from DVDs to salt!

Hidalgo was our next destination. It is known as “photographer’s heaven” since affordable cameras and accessories are sold here.

Anyway, we just made a brief stop at one of the first SMs in the country—SM Quiapo.

Afterwards, off to Plaza Miranda via Palanca Street. Hidalgo is unbearable! At least we get to pass by Quinta Market.

We turned left at Villalobos Street towards Plaza Miranda. The street is lined up with fresh produce—from veggies to dried fish! Simply the whole Quiapo that day was one big marketplace!

Finally, we reached the historic Plaza Miranda and the Basilica Minore del Nazareno—or Quiapo Church.

Quiapo Church

Manila is one adventure really. Just by simple walking, a lot can be experienced. There is this bliss and agony—there’s a story in every nook and corner. And just simply that malls are the in-thingies these days, urban outdoors has become one place to get out of the comfort zone and dare to explore more. Manila is not just malls—try to look beyond it!

Quiapo Church and Plaza Miranda

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The 400 Years of Maritime Expedition Monument of Mexico and Philippines

While most of the people focused on the landing of Galeón Andalucia in Manila last week, my friend Gibb and I stumbled on this area that seemed to have been forgotten by time (and perhaps some maintenance too) itself. Called as Plaza Mexico, this place–the banks of Pasig River in Intramuros Manila–has been the original port of call of the fabled galleons of the past. Indeed, the 270 years of galleon trade that became one of the Spanish Empire’s economic machinery and an event that triggered globalization into a whole new level.

Miguel Lopez de Legazpi and Fray Andres de Urdaneta started their expedition towards the Philippines on November 21,1564–more than 20 years after Magellan was killed in Cebú, and eventually started the Spanish Colonial Era in the Philippines that lasted for more than three centuries. And it was Fray Andres de Urdaneta that discovered the tornaviaje–the route back to Nueva España or México which would eventually start the galleon trade.

The Marker at Barra de Navidad in Mexico -- Looks like its well maintained unlike its Manila counterpart. Tsk! (Photo from Ezequiel Candelario of Panoramio.com)

More than 45 years ago, your lola’s father, former President Diosdado Macapagal of the Philippines, and former President Adolfo Lopez Mateos of Mexico, installed the Philippine-Mexican Friendship monument here in Manila, as a celebration of 400 years of maritime expedition of the Philippines. This marker may have been celebrating/commemorating the initiation of maritime expedition of the Philippines from Mexico (and eventually conquer the islands and became its colony in the Orient) and the diplomatic and cultural “friendship ties” between the two countries. Without it, the galleon trade wouldn’t have commenced after all. I think there is also a same marker in Mexico, in Barra de Navidad, Jalisco–where Legazpi and Urdaneta left for the Philippines. I wish Cebú also has one too.

I just wished that Galeón Andalucia docked here along the banks of Pasig…however, given its towering masts, low bridge level of Del Pan Bridge and the deplorable situation of the area, the ship couldn’t dock here. I just hope a replica should do the trick–that brings a lot of tourists (local or foreign) to the Maestranza area no?

The place now either has vagrants and was left to rundown just besides the old Aduana/Intendencia. Sometimes it smells piss and quite dirty on some days. Geez, its just beside the Bureau of Immigration and the new Pasig River Ferry Terminal. I just hope that like how we emphasized more on our history–especially on our very own centro historico–Intramuros, we should take care of our heritage. Like cleaning it up or at least make the monument a bit decent–the state of the marker here looks pretty embarassing when compared to its counterpart at Barra de Navidad in Mexico. I also hoped that the next Día del Galeón, the organizers put this historic place–along with Maestranza and Fuerza Real de Santiago, into the consciousness of the people. I have high hopes though, with the on-going revitalization of Maestranza, Plaza Mexico too shall benefit from it, and so is our perspective in our own history.

Me and the Mexican Seal - I found Tenochtitlan in Maynilad

View Plaza Mexico, Intramuros in a larger map

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Galeon Andalucia in Manila

It has been two hundred years since the “Pearl of the Orient” has last seen a galleon. After most Latin American countries gained independence in the 19^th century, especially Mexico, the famed Manila-Acapulco Galleon trade ceased to exist. Two hundred years later, Manila was visited—like somewhere in the past—by a Spanish galleon from Seville, Spain, the Galeón Andalucia.

As part of the Día Del Galeón celebrations in the Philippines, the 17^th century Spanish galleon replica docked at Manila’s Pier 13 at South Harbour after traveling for more than six months at the sea, from Seville in Spain to Manila. Before they even arrived here, the ship was at the 2010 Shanghai Expo in China. The galleon is manned by 30 tripulantes, 28 hombres and 2 mujeres.

Galeón Andalucia is docked at Manila’s Pier 13 at South Harbour (that’s near Eva Macapagal Ferry Terminal). She sits like a majestic chica from the past. Her masts tower the horizon. The wooden replica is powered by wind and by machine.

Now, its not like you saw Captain Jack Sparrow swinging around her masts but really, the galleon is one great manifestation of Spanish power during the 15^th to the 18^th Century. Galleons were used as “the bridge” between Europe and Asia—between Spain and the Philippines through Mexico.

Galeon Andalucia Full of tourists

And yes, they were treasure ships that the British and Dutch buccaneers and the Pirates of the Caribbean would love to get their hands on it. The ships were loaded with the riches of the Orient, silk, silver, gold, porcelain, and much more. The ships powered the imperial machinery of España for a long time! Those ships have to traverse the often dangerous Pacific—and a lot of them have sunk, marooned and even turned into ghost ships! One shipwreck would send the far-flung Spanish colony of the Philippines temporarily back towards the “Dark Ages.” That is how important these galleons are during that phase in our history.

Now, I don’t like to sound like a historical bookworm here but most of our “Hispanicity” was not an effect of direct rule from Spain, but it was through Mexico or Vicarey de Nueva España back then.  Yes, you heard it right! It’s not about Thalia and Manny Pacquiao’s contenders but a lot of things that we thought as “pure Kastila” is a product of a mash-up back in the land of tortillas and hot tamales! Imagine, 270 out of 333 years of Spanish colonial rule, we were under the Viccarey de Nueva España and the only way Spaniards could go here is through Mexico. Kaya tignan-tignan nyo na at malay nyo’t may lahi pala kayong mestizo! Records were so vague back then that they haven’t recorded whoever embarked and disembarked the galleons back then. Along with it were words, culture, flora, fauna, and even some of the classic “naughty words” were brought in, if you know what I mean.

Okay, let’s just stop the nerdy talk. Yet it is interesting to know these things in our culture.

Anyway back to topic, Galleón Andalucia will be here in Manila until October 9, 2010. It is open to the public for FREE! Yep, that’s right! Just go to Pier 13 South Harbour and have yourself registered at the PPA Gym before entering Pier 13. It is open from 8AM to 4PM on October 8 and 8AM to 12NN on October 9. Just make sure to be early so that you can be accommodated by the ship. The crew only allows 100 people at a time. Don’t forget your cameras so that you’ll have your own souvenir–and even change your Facebook profile pictures!

Soy Capitan de Galeon Andalucia!

Families are advised not to bring their kids, 8 years old and below as per Port rules.

By afternoon of October 9, the galleon will leave the docks of Manila and it is bound towards the “Queen City of the South,” Cebú. According to a Spanish crewmember that I’ve talked to, “Estaremos allí en Cebú en cerca martes de la semana próxima.” – They’ll be at Cebú by around Tuesday next week, October 12, 2010. So mga bai og atong mga higala sa Sugbo, you’ll have a chance to get a glimpse and embark at the galleon!

Its so nice to take a glimpse of what our culture has. Being a Filipino doesn’t mean that we have to deny our past that we were influenced by the Spaniards (or the Mexicans) through these boats that served as the Philippines’ bridge to the West for 270 years. It is a legacy in which it has shaped the history of world economic trade and society. In my opinion, knowing more of our colonized past makes me realize that we have to put things into another perspective, in order to understand how is it to be a true blue Pinoy.

¡Vamonos a Galleon ahora!

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Nao Victoria - Spanish Galleon Replica to Dock at Manila on Oct 5

After two centuries of almost left in the oblivion of time, the journey of thousands of miles that initiated the modern trans-Pacific trade, has been celebrated. Manila, the first ASEAN cultural capital, opened the 1^st Día Del Galeón Festival (Day of the Galleon) on 24^th of September, 2010. The said festival will go on all the way to the 8^th of October, 2010 with the theme “Connecting Continents.” With cultural presentations, academic conferences and the revisiting of a replica of the Spanish galleon, the event was organized by the National Commission for Culture and the Arts, Instituto Cervantes, the Embassies of Spain and Mexico, and all other non-government organizations, and members of the academe and the Philippine government—rekindling the once (almost) lost connection between Philippines, Mexico, Spain and the rest of Asia in two centuries of treacherous journeys across the Pacific, that changed the course of world history.

Held at the Museum of the Filipino People at Manila, the opening ceremonies were attended by heritage and history advocates, diplomats from some Latin American countries, Spain, India and Japan, the NCCA, Senator Edgardo Angara (one of the prime movers of the said event), NCCA chair Cecile Guidote Alvarez, artists, students and more. Initiated with some performers from Artes Talleres and the UST choir, they featured the cultural aspects of the Philippines. Dances such as the flamenco and also an interpretative dance from famed Japanese acteur/danceur Jun “Nishio” Amanto was also featured.

From September 20^th to October 8^th, the Artes Talleres will hold an international workshop, while on October 5 and 6 will be the PACLAS Latin American Studies Conference, which will discuss the independence of the Latin American countries and the parallelisms in the Philippines. Another event would be the Espectáculos, which would include the performance of Juana Loca by Mexican playwright Miguel Sabido.

The event continues all the way to the sea, as Viaje Del Galeón, four-day educational field trip, takes a cruise from Manila to Cebú, with participants learning about the influences of the galleon trade in the Philippines and visiting these two great cities that influenced the said tornaviaje.

Inter-Faith Prayer at the Opening Ceremonies

However, the people may be drawn by curiosity and amazement as Nao Victoria, a replica of a 17^th century Spanish galleon, docks at Manila starting October 5 to 9. Admission is free. So, rather than just watching Pirates of the Caribbean, go with the real stuff of legends!

The rest of the country will also celebrate Dia del Galeon with their local commemorative events.

Most of us thought that the Philippines was directly ruled by Spain—yet it wasn’t for more than 200 years. Most of us use these terms everyday: sayote, zapote, palengke, tsokolate, kakawati, abokado, kalachuchi and so much more—but these came from the language of the great Aztecs of Mexico—Nahuatl. A lot of us thought that the only time you’ll see Philippines and Mexico in one scene would be screaming your hearts out of Thalia or telenovelas, or when Manny Pacquiao or any of our boxers get to rumble against the Mexican luchadores. A lot of these we took for granted, however our “Hispanic” roots are not just tied with Spain, but also with Mexico…and a lot of us don’t know that we have been influenced, in one way or another, so much with the Mexican-Spanish culture—all because of the galleons that once ruled Pacific Ocean’s trade.

For more information on the said event, please visit their blog at http://diadelgaleon.blogspot.com/ or http://www.ncca.gov.ph. You may also e-mail at diadelgaleon@yahoo.com.

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It’s currently my first week at my new job. After a year, I’m back at graveyard shift. Yup, I’m back where Edward Cullen and his family take on a rampage to the innocent bystanders. Oops! Not for the green minded! My daytime IS night time. 11 PM to 8 AM!

Although the feeling of nausea and sleepiness is part of this schedule, I am however, blessed by this fact: Going to work is as easy as 45 minutes or even less! Yes, people of the republic–no longer I am subject to the tenacious and seemingly endless cycle of Buhos system of Cavite! No standing at the bus, kissing the doors, being harassed by the bus conductor or by manyaks, and most of all–goodbye sardinas sa bus!
My usual daytime trip from Imus Cavite to Mandaluyong would usually take 1 hour and 30 minutes–on average that is. Because there are times that it reaches 2-3 hours! But for night time, 45 minutes–or even less than it! The roller-coaster ride or EDSA’s Bus Rapid Transit time starts at 9PM!

Safety risks however are higher than daytime. The presence of scums of the society linger the streets of Manila during night time. So taking extra precaution is necessary.

While it may be a fast going to work, its a long and dragging way going back home from Mandaluyong to Imus. EDSA’s southbound lane is jam-packed during morning rush hours, as the most residents of northern and central Metro Manila converge here and heads all the way to the financial heart of the country–Makati City. I spend almost an hour from Shaw Crossing to Pasay Rotunda, with most of the traffic between Crossing and Ayala Avenue.

Despite the crawling traffic, the bonus thing here is that Cavite-bound buses are almost bear-empty, after disembarking most of their passengers at Makati and Pasay Rotunda. So I can just sit back, relax and doze off.

Well, this schedule will be temporary as I am originally assigned for morning shift. Anyway, as a commuter, this is something that I am to confront with.

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Great news for Cavite residents who study or work in the City of Manila, Lawton-Cavite-bound buses are back! Yes, you heard it right!

The City Government of Manila has now allowed the entry of provincial buses coming from Cavite (Dasmariñas line, Tagaytay line, Mendez-Nuñez line, Ternate/Naic line) at Taft Avenue, all the way to Lawton (Park and Ride) from 5 in the afternoon to 6 in the morning, the next day. Although limited, the Cavite-bound buses are allowed only until Quirino LRT Station before going back to Cavite from 6AM to 5PM, everyday.

No need to wait in chaotic Buendia-Pasay!

This is still subject to changes. Better ask the bus conductors or the Manila traffic officers for more information.

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Quirino Grandstand Flags. The location of the hostage drama

Indeed, Quirino Grandstand in Luneta, central Manila, capital of the Philippines, is one historical place. It was here where several presidents took their oaths, celebrate the independence of the country from the United States, concerts and a whole lot more. It is a landmark dedicated to the former President Elpidio Quirino. The Grandstand that I guess all Filipinos know and synonymous to Luneta and Rizal Park–just several meters away from the place. On August 01, 2010, the 15th President of the Republic of the Philippines, Benigno Aquino III, took oath here. On August 23, 2010–a massacre unfolds as a former policeman took hostage of Hong Kong nationals in a stand-off that left the hostage and several hostages dead, and a mark of trauma in the image of the Philippines in the international community. Luneta has seen another blood spilt over her domain.

At around 10AM, an former policeman, identified as Rolando Mendoza, took hostage of several foreign tourists in a bus whom are supposed to visit Luneta and the Manila Ocean Park as reported. Mendoza brought a high-powered M16 rifle–guns for “big boys/police.” He demands to be reinstated after being dismissed from his job due to an extortion case. Negotiations went all the way, several hostages were freed. However, it failed. At around 7PM, gunshots were fired from the bus and the police went on to storm the said bus. The storming left Mendoza dead, three (as of the moment) hostages are confirmed dead and several are injured.

Philippine Police storms the bus during hostage crisis - Photo from CNN/Getty Images

The weather seemed to have been cooperating with the mood at Manila. The storming scene sent heavy rainshowers, streaks of lightning and thunderstorm. Like Hollywood, but its for real!

The drama was beamed all over the world, through CNN, BBC, Reuters, Sahara India, KBS, Channel News Asia, Star Phoenix and TVE as I’ve monitored. Yes indeed, Philippines got international exposure–on a negative light!

August 23rd of the year 2010, is a sad day for the Philippines and for those who have lost their loved ones in the said drama. It ended up in a blood bath. Now that the crisis is over, as usual, there would be a lot of pointing fingers on who is responsible for the mess. Some say that we need to snap up our police force–check their morale and their psyche. The police image here in the Philippines has failed miserably, a few days before, a video exposé of police brutality was shown by the media. Looks like the Philippine National Police has a lot to do cleaning up the ranks! The Filipinos ask, is the Philippine National Police still trustworthy?

Quirino Grandstand, where the drama/crisis unfolded:

View Quirino Grandstand – Manila Hostage Drama in a larger map

On the other side, media was to blame with the full-blown coverage of the situation. I heard that the hostage-taker (or his brother) got weary because of the media coverage. Does the media help the dissemination or simply making matters worse? I’ve said earlier, the drama was broadcasted all over the world! So much for media mileage and Philippine exposure. Something that the new administration of the Department of Tourism should start cleaning up and do some damage control. Just as now, Hong Kong officials have issued a travel advisory against the Philippines. It would really be a great impact in our tourism industry–since the hostages were tourists!

There are a lot of questions that still bother the Filipinos right now, but the most pressing is, why does it even have to happen?

On August 23, 2010, at around 8PM, the hostage crisis was over. The body of Mendoza was at the door. Dead hostages were taken out of the bus and the strong survived this fateful day.

Tomorrow, I’ll try to visit the site. At least offer some prayers for those who have lost their lives and to seek out justice out of this mess.

The crisis is over. The question is, how to we move on from this juncture?

Indeed, the skies of Manila mourned. The thunder stopped but the rain still poured. The streets were flooded, with tears coming from the sky. El cielo estaba llorando sobre Manila, ese noche. The sky was crying over Manila, that night.