SUNDAYS AT THE BAY

When we were younger I remember that my parents used to go jogging in Luneta and then hit to Binondo for a quick breakfast. They would normally leave home early to avoid he mad rush and that means waking up really early. I remember too that we would also bring with us bottles of water and sandwich as we go “brisk walking”. All that is passed already and we have not done lately.

The next time I had spent decent time by the bay area was when Baywalk happened to Manila. I admire ex-Manila Mayor Lito Atienza for bringing back the life to Manila Bay. I thought that was brave. Personally while it had environmental impact and all that, bringing the people back to Manila was what’s admirable. Manila among my age range was already considered uncool and dead. Until that all happened. Suddenly, it breathed new life. That was on until the new Mayor came in and the baywalk died.

I had not gone back after that. But today, the cinemalaya brought me back to the bay area. 

As I await the screening time of my next movie, me and a friend braved the rains to have a quick bite at Pancake house. Then I saw beauty. Beautiful and a sight to see were my exact words. Down by the bay was the world-famous sunset of Manila bay. It was fantastic. Beautiful is not enough to describe. Maybe breath-taking and awesome would give better justice. But it was like God showing me how beautiful life can be. And take note, even if it was raining there I saw the sun-setting. Magnificent.

The smell of the bay gives a distinct feeling. The smell of fresh and salt made it a sensorial delight. Just disregard the smell of cigarette smoking, otherwise it would be back to nature. Though the water is not as pristine as we would want it to be it’s fine. The docked yachts and pier and the Manila skyscraper add texture and feeling to the otherwise picturesque scenery in Manila.

I made a conscious decision to come back again today. I really wanted to witness the Sunday with the Bay. Time to reminisce and just admire the beauty. I could see the birds flying, and clouds forming right before my eye. And as an extra perhaps is being seated next to a National Artist, Mr. Bienvenido Lumbera, completes the whole feeling of relaxed and easy Sunday. And mind you, the breeze is just fine. And it’s not as humid as I expected.

I might get used to coming here, with my computer, ipod and then starbucks, as this really is my idea of an easy day. Come to think of it, maybe  I will go back here next week and just stare at the beauty of God’s creation.

 

Until next week.