The old photos of Pasig river as shown here feels like an alternate universe that never existed.  Because if you look at Pasig river now, its a filthy river that carries all the waste of the city.  There have been various attempts to clear the river – but obviously without the political will to sanction individuals and corporations that throw their waste on the once beautiful river, it will continue to be problematique.  Maybe instead of wearing funny tee shirts, we could wear images of the old Pasig river – as visual reminder for everyone of the once majestic river.

When I was younger our house was built near a rice field which is also called “bukid”. And we normally see a Kalabaw or carabao helping out farmers as well as cows and goats. Two decades later having gone back to the same house that I grew up on, its sad to see our street and our area full of houses – to the point that there are very few trees. The once lush green rice field where kalabaws work are now stone houses and streets.

My son was even surprised when he saw a carabao in person while vacationing at Bohol. I felt sad because he did not experience the same old school childhood as I did.

Here is a another comparison picture depicting the changes of infrastructure and vehicles in Echague.

Photo Credit: Univ of Wisconsin-Milwaukee Lib / TheCamera Returns

This picture compares the busy street of Carriedo. I heard that it was the main business area back in the old days. Now it is still a busy street but the main businesses have long gone to greener pastures.

Here is another comparison picture. Sta Cruz was busy way back and continues to be one of the busiest area in Manila. Interesting to note that one building from 1940s is shown to still be standing up. That will make the building more or less 70 years old

Here is an image of the modern day Quezon Blvd. More people, more vehicles, more pollution, some new buildings and surprisingly there are still a lot of old buildings.