{ SENSATION }

+ ortigas

This is a very developed and historic part of Manila. To tell the truth the EDSA Shrine seems to be dwarfed by the flyovers and malls surrounding it. I doubt that the Masses there can be celebrated with the proper solemnity. I think the MMDA's idea of growing cadena de amor on the huge flyover pillars is a great idea. If I was a regular commuter here I would enjoy the sight of plants. It would make the commute less stressful. Planting these flowers is one of the few good aesthetic decisions the MMDA has made, I mean come on, that bright pink and baby blue color scheme is ugly. Ugly. Ugly. It's visual noise! Filipinos are creative, artistic people. This makes it even more embarrassing. Is this how shallow the govenment thinks our aesthetic sensibilities are ? Or is it govenment trying to project an image of cuteness and friendliness? Well. it's not working. AT ALL.

But on the whole I like the area around Ortigas station. It's so clean and all the buildings are nice to look at. Traffic is often heavy, but seldom hellish. Whenever I look up at the gleaming office towers I feel an uplifting sense of possibility. Like "Yes, the Philippines IS going somewhere. Yes, we can and are moving forward." Because landscapes are mirrors of us. Of our abilities as individuals and as a nation.

That's also part of why shanties and beggars (especially children) get me so down. Now if only we could distribute the wealth of the world fairly, I wouldn't wish for anything else.

+ photos

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