A Bare Tree

I was in Manila last weekend and I thought of dropping by Manila Bay before heading home. While walking through Rizal Park from Taft Avenue towards the bay area, I was able to take a couple of interesting pictures of people and spots. One of them is this bare tree in the middle of the block next to Maria Y. Orosa Street.

I think it came out great with the sky so orange providing a dramatic backdrop. It was a nice time of the day.

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Sunset in Manila

Someone told me that a beautiful big sunset like this looks better over a body of water. But it's beautiful wherever you are if you ask me.

Lucky are those who practically live in the park that they always get to see this kind of sunset.

Concert at the Park

One of the cultural projects of the Department of Tourism along with the committee that takes care of the development of national parks is a mini concert held every Sunday at Luneta. It showcases a themed musical program that features a Pinoy musician or a group of musicians in an open area where the Flower Clock is located, which is used as the back drop.

Today, they had the Jive Disciples, a group of woodwind ensemble enthusiasts and hobbyists. They played contemporary jazz, pop music, and jazzed-up Tagalog songs.

Bato sa Buhangin with the saxophone throughout sounded great.

The Tallest Flagpole

Have you ever wondered where the tallest Philippine flagpole is located?

It is along Roxas Boulevard in Manila, across Kilometer Zero right in front of Jose Rizal's monument in Luneta. It is called the Independence Flagpole which was erected in commemoration of the Philippine independence from the United States on July 4, 1946. Yes, that's the date when the country finally became politically independent.

It is interesting to note that this pole is included among the few notable flagstaffs around the country under a law where in the national flag shall be hoisted 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Also, it should be illuminated at night, as evident in this blurry night photo.

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I will try to take a better picture of this during the daytime soon. :)

Luneta rides: US-inspired Carruaje

US-inspired carruaje going around Luneta

The Philippines is not under the US rule anymore, but the Americano presence is still apparently found around the corners of this country. This is evident in this carruaje ride in Manila. Well, among others.

Some would say it's colonial mentality, but I do not dare challenge that topic in this blog. It's a trait etched in the culture and most likely it cannot be shaken off even by the most patriotic citizens from this generation to the next.

But today, cuatro de julio, just for fun, I think it's a seasonally-appropriate time to take this US-flag inspired carriage and go around the park.