“The Philippines needed a modern cultural center for operas, concerts, and plays, and [I] planned to achieve a monumental one through its dimensions, elevations, and splendid decorations, and through its harmonious liens it would symbolize an organ or a cathedral.”—Juan Arellano, architect
"Then out came a woman to meet him
dressed like a prostitute and with crafty intent.
(She is unruly and defiant,
her feet never stay at home;
now in the street, now in the squares,
at every corner she lurks.)"
—Proverbs 7:10-12, New International Version
For five times I've gone to the University of Santo Tomas (for I am to attend there in my first college year), and so I've been further oriented into Metro Manila. My eyes have been opened to the surfaces and sights of the wide city during those visits.
I've started to gain observations I have to get used to, as well as be familiar with, being not only a college student but also a regular commuter. From the reality of being packaged like a can of sardines while riding the Light Rail Transit (LRT) train; to the clear contrast between the living salaryman and the dying bystander; to the threatening vulnerability of people like me to be victimized by criminals.
For my fifth visit to the Metro, however, I have explicitly seen 2 realities I am going to share to you, dear reader. One is something I've seen since my second visit, and the other is spotted during my latest visit.
