For a Manileno who love to check on things ranging from cheap dvd's to second hand DSLR one place stands out to mind, the Quiapo area. The area that they sell a variety of items ranging from underwear to cellphone parts. It's the New York of hodgepodge items that you'll need.Mostly Dvd's are known in the area being able to buy 3 for 50 pesos and on the other side is the Quiapo Church with all the other products that the enterprising individuals sell. ( Note : As I am writing this, my mind keeps on playing with words that are politically correct so as not to lose the benefits we get on the area. If you are living in Manila or have been to the place you know what I mean. If you're not, I suggest you go and find out. Just be very aware.)
Ok so crossing over the other side, the pedestrian have three options: one, Crossing the newly open foot bridge. Two, going under the bridge through the market or,; Three, use the underpass. So what am I pointing out here? actually it's not about the Quiapo that I am writing about. But It's the underpass which we take for granted as we use the path crossing over.
Why the interest on an underpass you might wonder? Well, Recently that underpass has been reopened after renovation for the past year causing inconvenience for pedestrians and individuals from going over to the other side, and strategically underpass is nearer to all the interesting items you can find. Why not take the footbridge or go through the tunnel you might say? It's pretty hard to explain and well if you are a Manileno, I don't have to say anything more. You'll understand, But if you're not. I guess no amount of words can describe what's the situation and convenience it is.
The underpass has been a place not only as pathway but it is a market of sorts as well imagine the whole area like a flea market from both ABove and underground. Toys, shades, glasses, shoes are being sold in the area. don't believe me? Here are the pictures from before..
Now this is is how it looks like. Yeah I have to admit, It is still a market but a more organized and progressive one i should say. Something the present local government did right in fairness to them. The place is spacious not as suffocating as before. Honestly looks like a forum in the mall. Security is also visible as there are guards posted on every exit giving you sense of security.
One thing they did right is to make the areas available and more pedestrian friendly than it was before. I just went there the other day and this is how it looks now. It's nice actually and one feels comfortable in taking pictures inside.
The transformation is great. So if
you have the time just drop by and see, You'll be shocked.
you have the time just drop by and see, You'll be shocked.
