Roxas Boulevard's Lost Glory

Two and a half years ago, Manila's waterfront was given a new lease in life, in what seemed to many as a project long overdue, a major face-lift. Lead by Mayor Joselito "Lito" Atienza, it was to the delight of worn-out urban dwellers gravely in need of breathing space from the hustle and bustle of city life. Indeed, it became one of the city's more welcome respite, an alternative to Rizal Park and the ancient walled city of Intramuros.

Before this was realized though, the area used to be a haven only for drifters and those who had no place to sleep. Poorly lit at night, this two-kilometer strip that stretched from the US embassy up to the CCP Complex was desolate, a place where only crooks roamed; or at least anyone who dared to. The only way to enjoy it then was on Sunday mornings when health enthusiasts jogged the narrow cemented pathway which was broken by loose soil or mud during rainy days.

Those days are long gone now, as the new seaside attraction, christened "Baywalk" now enjoy the nod of people from all walks of life. At night, Baywalk comes bursting into life as numerous open-air bars and cafes with live acoustic bands cater to young and old alike, wiith rainbow-colored streetlamps illuminating the whole scene. A small cruise ship (Tennessee Walker) offers a tour of the bay at a reasonable price. Famous fastfood chains have also placed small stalls along this renovated paradise by the bay.

On Sunday mornings, a new generation of joggers and those with bikes freely stroll on new brick-laid paths and lanes, separately. The park across the baywalk near the landmark Aristocrat restaurant has also been improved (as well as all public parks in the city), with a new dancing fountain at that. And by walking distance lies the clubbing district of Malate and Ermita, also with a new look.

Just a month ago, the city of Pasay followed suit by building their own version of the "Baywalk." I guess this is a good sign of things to come. Hopefully, ten years from now, Manilenos would find it hard to leave anymore for foreign shores, and Roxas Boulevard finds it way back to its former glory.

All we need now are those underground casino joints that operated illegally in the sixties and seventies.

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