Special Feature

Reminiscing the Tranvias

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Currently, the metropolis is facing serious issues as far as its transportation network is concerned. There is the issue of too many jeepneys plying the metropolitan roads which contribute to the constant heavy traffic the city has been suffering. Then, there is the unreliability of the current mass transit network, particularly that of the Line 3 along EDSA. I suppose I no longer have to elaborate further on that one.

These issues are rooted in a stark and sad reality: the current metropolitan transport system is unorganized and in disarray, needing of a long-overdue total overhaul. What’s even more sad is that it was not always like this. In fact, before World War II, Manila had an extensive and efficient transport system that linked different parts of the city and beyond which consisted mainly of mass transport streetcars that were known here as the tranvias

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An Urban Roamer’s Story: A 5th Anniversary Post

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As the Urban Roamer is celebrating its fifth year in its online existence, I realized I have not really told anyone yet the full story as to how I came into starting what was then an unknown journey for me 5 years ago. So I suppose this is the perfect occasion for me to finally tell that story, a story which by itself went back years before…

I suppose many would know my affection for geography, a love that grew out of my love as a child for what I would call “urban geography,” as I would try to memorize jeepney routes, learning the ins and outs of whatever place I would go to with my family. But back then and into my teens, that knowledge and fascination that I had with urban geography was something that I considered to be…I’m tempted to say trivial but I feel it’s demeaning to say so since I never considered them or any bits of information that I learn as such. They’re informative bits still that proved useful to share to others.

But while other trivia can be further useful in other outlets like game and quiz shows which were popular at that time, I was struggling to find an appropriate outlet where I can possibly put that knowledge about urban geography that I’ve learned over the years into good use. At that time, my options and know-how were limited, as I contented myself with showcasing that knowledge whenever someone asks about this place in the city which I am familiar with. There was also no one nor thing I can possibly look up to as an inspirations where or how to do it. More importantly, I did not have a purpose to do so.

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Considering Solar Energy

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A news article shared through social media caught the Urban Roamer’s interest recently. It is an article published on Rappler which tells the story of Makati-based homeowner who used to be charged around P24,000 on his electricity bill but managed to cut his bill in half thanks to solar energy that now mainly powers his home. You can read up the story here.

solar power setup at a Taguig household (courtesy of Solaric)

It sounds too good to be true, not to mention hard to believe. But with rising electricity costs (hey, we do not have the most expensive electricity in Asia for nothing) and concerns about a possible energy problem that may be looming in the horizon, this seems to be an attractive alternative. But is it? 

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Mabini150: The Mabini Shrine and Museum

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Today marks the commemoration itself of Apolinario Mabini’s 150th birth anniversary. What better way to close off this special than a feature on the house that has long been talked about: Mabini’s Nagtahan house now known as the Mabini Shrine in its new and permanent “home” right at the Polytechnic University of the Philippines’ (PUP) main campus, which is also known as the Mabini Campus.  (even before the move of the shrine) While it may seem odd to find such a house looking out of place in the middle of a busy campus, it does seem to complement the campus in a way, serving as a sort of a quiet spot that is insulated from all the activity going on around it.

Its transfer in 2009 was made possible thanks in part to the efforts of the PUP President at that time, Dr. Dante Guevarra. For the move, the house was actually taken apart and put back piece by piece in such a way that it remained faithful to the original house’s design. In 2010, it was decreed that the PUP site would be the permanent home of the shrine, thus ensuring its legacy from any possible future movements.

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