A shot of Roxas Boulevard and Manila Bay, circa 1960 (via)

Pearl of the Orient, where did you go? I never got to know you. No more pristine blue waters. No more uncongested roads. No more litter-free surroundings. No more unobstructed blue skies. No more dignified politicians. Lesser artists which are truly admirable. Lesser people hopeful for the following day.

All I’ve ever seen of you is but a shadow of your former glory. All I have known are dead rivers. Smoke-filled avenues. Decaying buildings. A steel sky of billboards. Politicos which quibble amongst themselves. Personalities willing to sell mind and body to the highest bidder. A people mired by poverty and hopelessness.

I can only relive you now through old pictures and memories of other people. But I’m grateful for that, at least. It gives me resolve.

We need to revive you, Old Philippines. You had a better future than the one we face now. Where do you think we can start?