MNL Heritage Nostalgia | Walking Tour in Manila

If there is one thing to have a closer look about a certain place is to know its colorful history and vibrant past. 

The captivating view of Manila Post Office Building in the banks of Pasig River as seen from the Jones Bridge.

Recently, Manila have gone through reinventions and renovations in order to relive the classical beauty of the country's capital. From rugged structures to revived buildings, Manila has been once again transformed into a classy city manifesting to witness the glorious past and the original beauty of the place that has been passed through centuries - a sentinel of historical events that shaped the country. 

The reconstructed facade of Fort Santiago due to the original structure was damaged during the Second World War.

Located at the heart of Luzon, Manila was first discovered in 1571 by Spanish conquistador Miguel Lopez de Legazpi and made it as the country's capital where Intramuros as the seat of government. It is also the center of economic, religious, and cultural activities in the country since the Spanish era where establishments are built such as cathedrals, churches, government offices, universities, and museums to name a few. Furthermore, Binondo, the oldest Chinatown in the world founded in 1594 was also found in Manila due to the Chinese population and trading posts in the area. During the American occupation, Governor-General William Howard Taft invited Daniel Burnham for the city's improvement to create a new civic district. 

The welcome arch of Manila Chinatown overlooking the busy streets of Binondo with its sidewalk vendors, residents, and tourists.

The Binondo - Intramuros Bridge built in 2021 to connect the two districts for tourism and economic growth purposes.

These historical milestones in Manila were just pieces of the glorious past until recent mayors and officials put their efforts in preserving the city's beauty. It aims to promote tourism and to restore and maintain the historical buildings and places since it is the country's capital. One activity that you can see the tourist attractions in Manila is the walking tour where you can find the landmarks along the Taft Avenue in Ermita, passing the Intramuros District, until you reach Binondo. Lastly, recent developments including the preservation of Arroceros Forest Park, the reopening of Metropolitan Theater, and the establishment of Pasig River Esplanade and Binondo-Intramuros Bridge will surely boost the tourism in the city. 

The view of Quezon Bridge and Pasig River seen from the esplanade of Arroceros Forest Park.

A water fountain found between Metropolitan Theater and Arroceros Forest Park,

An esplanade in the Arroceros Forest Park offering the vast view of the Pasig River.

A concrete walk in the forest park that makes Arroceros a refreshing place to stay.

Arroceros Forest Park was featured twice in this blog because of its benefits to the residents and commuters due to the vegetation in the concrete city. It is also known as "The Last Lung of Manila" which signifies the place as the one of the few green spaces in the city where numerous species of trees, plants, and birds are dwelling in the park. Furthermore, developments are made recently including the concrete pathways, the esplanade, a koi fishpond, and light posts. 

Manila Central Post Office Building in 2022

Manila Central Post Office Building in 2024

Few walks away, you can also visit the Manila Central Post Office Building adjacent to Liwasang Bonifacio. It is one of the usual places where tourists dropped by as they proceed to Intramuros or Binondo. However in 2023, the said building was destroyed by a massive fire and restoration activities are in progress starting 2024 until it is finished in 2026.

Manila Central Post Office Building from Pasig River Esplanade.

Captivating esplanade that makes traveling in Metro Manila more convenient and eco-friendly.

A classy walk in the esplanade.

Lamp posts that give light in the esplanade during the evening.

Filipiniana statues portrayed as they danced the pandanggo sa ilaw matched with the city lights in the evening provided by the classic lamp posts.

Overlooking the Jones Bridge, known as the Queen of Philippine Bridges.

Recently, the Pasig River Esplanade was inaugurated in 2024 which launched the "Showcase Area" located near the Manila Post Office Building up to Intramuros - Binondo Bridge, passing the Jones Bridge. The first phase was already completed, and it is expected that it will traverse the cities of Manila, Makati, Mandaluyong, Pasig, and Taguig. Furthermore, the esplanade was mostly visited by the tourists in the evening because of its yellow lights from the lamp shade and the classic view along with the Jones Bridge.

There are many chances to visit Manila and watch out for some progress and improvements as they go along the way and just keep up the good work in the beautification of the city.

New Normal Travels | Revisiting the Arroceros Forest Park

In a scorching heat of Metro Manila hot weather, I decided to revisit one of the places in the heart of Manila last June 6 - the Arroceros Forest Park. Located beside the LRT-1 Central Terminal and it is just a walk from the Manila Central Post Office, Manila City Hall, and SM Manila, the 2.51-hectare forest park is also one of the few green spaces in the metro filled with concrete buildings and hustling city ambiance. It was once under the threat of demolition in 2003, until Mayor Isko Moreno declared the place as a permanent forest park in March 2020. 

The Arroceros Urban Forest Park signage.

Enjoy the nature walk in the green space of Manila.

He signed the Manila City Ordinance No. 8607 declaring the Arroceros Forest Park as a "permanent forest park" from being a "property" on February 27, 2020. It included the following aspects such as assigning a committee and peace that protects Arroceros, prohibition of cutting trees, dumping waste and any form of excavation. Violators will pay P2,500 fine for the first offense, P 3,500 for the second offense, and P 5,000 fine or one year imprisonment for the third offense. Moreno kept an eye on expanding the forest park, in contrast of building a gymnasium in the area.

The welcome gate of Arroceros Forest Park with concrete pathways.

Known as "The Last Lung of Manila", Arroceros is the home of approximately indigenous tree varieties and 8000 ornamental plants, which made a haven for exotic bird species. During my first visit in 2018, it is underdeveloped where there are plenty of trees and there is an unpaved narrow path as you walk along in the park.

The directory may of Arroceros Urban Forest Park.

A koi pond.

Water fountain in the midst of forest park.

An elevated pathwalk.

During the pandemic, Moreno had the initiative for the redevelopment of the park and today, Arroceros is one of the places that you should include in your bucket list. The improved urban park had amenities such as adult's and children's play areas, kiosks, and public toilets. There is also an elevated path walk, a special lighting system, fishpond, and water fountains. 

A lighting system in the riverside walk at the urban park.

A riverside walk in the forest park.

A closer look of Quezon Bridge from the Arroceros.

You can still enjoy the view of Pasig River, as well with a refreshing walk in the urban park filled with trees and plants. It is truly a nature trip in the busy, populated city. 

The redevelopment of Arroceros Urban Forest Park also proved that Filipinos have the initiative to fight for climate change, as well with the preservation of green spaces in the urbanized, concrete cities. Furthermore, it proves that the "Last Lung of Manila" was saved and preserved by the residents in order to protect the city and maintain its natural beauty.

You can also check the 2018 post on Arroceros Forest Park. 

Date of Travel: June 06, 2022

A Walk at the Last Lung of Manila | Arroceros Forest Park

"I think that I shall never see, a poem lovely as a tree." 

- Joyce Kilmer

When I was in elementary, I remember my English teacher taught this poem entitled "Trees" written by American poet Joyce Kilmer. We memorized this poem and it is part of my life since then because it is all about the appreciation of nature through trees. In addition, my Science teacher discussed the trees - its parts and functions in the ecosystem. We also experienced to draw trees and putting verdant colors in it as part of our output in Arts.

It is such a best thing to stay in a forest park to feel relaxed in the natural ambiance with trees and plants.

Trees played an important role in our lives as part of our garden and backyard and looking at them forms a relaxing feeling because of its lush, verdant color. It is proven that trees protect our planet from global warming and natural disasters as well with providing food, fresh air and shelter for humans, animals and plants. It also serves as inspiration for poets, artists and nature lovers where they usually go to nature parks or forests. Also, trees can be found in the cities in order to moderate the hot climate in the metro. In our country, there are very few forest parks in the urban areas particularly in Metro Manila. Forest parks can serve as a habitat for trees, plants and animals and providing fresh, cool air in the city. 

The old signage of Arrocero Forest Park with few etchings and rust. 

The new signage in a tarpaulin teemed with its verdant background.

Within the busy streets of Manila, you can find the Arroceros Forest Park in the Central District of Ermita. This park is located in Antonio Villegas Street (formerly known as Calle Arroceros), adjacent to Lawton Park and Ride Terminal and LRT 1 Central Station and it is near in the foot of Quezon Bridge where you can enjoy the view of Pasig River. It plays an important role since it is the only forest park in the city dubbed as the "Manila's last lung." It was developed in 1993, the 2.2 hectare urban forest is a home of 61 different tree varieties and 8,000 ornamental plants, providing a habitat for 10 different bird species. The riverside park is also houses the central offices for the Division of City Schools. In fact, it is operated by the City Government of Manila and Winner Foundation.

The pathway inside the park where you can enjoy walking in a trail.

The view of Quezon Bridge from the park.

The Pasig River seems gradually improved because of its clean water, hence there will be more actions
to be done for saving the river from pollution.

It is very relaxing to walk in this forest park. You can forget the hustling scenario of the metro from colossal traffic jams, scorching hot weather and the serene ambiance of nature in the middle of the city. You can enjoy the view of Pasig River and the Quezon Bridge from this park and most important thing, you can experience a breathe of fresh air from trees and plants and listening to the humming and chirping of the birds inside the park. However, what will happen if this park will be lost?

The place was under the threat of destruction in 2003 where it was closed by then mayor Lito Atienza for the construction of school administration building and teachers' dormitory on a portion of the park despite protests from environmental groups. It was reopened in 2007. Ten years later, the park was threatened again because of the city government's plan to transform this place into a school gymnasium. Therefore, the environmentalists won the fight, but reports say that Mayor Joseph Estrada only delayed it.

The  park caretaker, Mr. Antonio Magno, having a quiet moment, reading newspaper as a form of recreation.

I've got the chance to talk to the 88-year old caretaker of Arroceros Forest Park, Antonio Magno. He is a former columnist who found his happiness in this park. In a quick conversation, he told me that the preservation of this park relies on the next generation of people. The future of this forest park depends on the youth. 

Based on his statement, we should take care of this forest park because it reminds us that the City of Manila is living because of the trees and plants that provide fresh air despite of the smog and polluted air in the Metro. It protects the city from the extreme heat of the sunny weather and a place where you can relax from the busy and exhausting routine of urban life. It is a place which is rich in history as part of the Calle Arroceros - a rice trading site during the Spanish era, a street where the Chinese traders established their mark in the Parian, one of the first streets where modernization of buildings took into place and an archaeological site where old Chinese artifacts are found in this area. Lastly, it is the only place in Manila where there are dense population of trees and plants and a habitat for birds amidst in the city's concrete jungle. 

Mosses are growing in the stone walls of the park.

Ornamental shrubs.

An ecstatic feeling to see the roots branching to the octagonal stones in a concrete trail.

Nowadays, we are experiencing problems in our nature, a conflict between urbanization for progress versus saving the environment. In fact, every city or municipality should establish permanent forests, tree parks, or watershed with an aggregate size equivalent to at least two percent of its entire are which is stated in Republic Act 5752. We need to help one another to protect the last lung of Manila.

Different varieties of trees such as molave, narra, palm and even fruit bearing plants are common in this park.

As individuals, we need to make an action to save the forest park. We need to equate our love of nature in our aim for urbanization because trees and plants are the only things that provide fresh air and oxygen in the world that we are living. The next generation of people should stand firm to protect the last and only forest park in Manila. According to the South African cleric, Desmond Tutu, "The world's forests are a shared stolen treasure that we must put back for our children's future." In other words, if there are no forests and trees, the future will suffer from different problems to humanity such as climate change and natural disasters such as drought and flood. 

Trees are life. It provides life for all living things.

A concrete trail  where you can see logs as you walk along the forest park.

I will end up this note by saying, protect the Arroceros Forest Park right now to save the nature to maintain the life of the city and the lives of the people for the future of the City of Manila.
#SaveTheLastLungOfManila
#ProtectArrocerosForestPark

You may also check this post Lawton Stopover: A Walk from the City Hall to the Post Office

Date of Travel: September 29, 2018