“Two Plazas at the Foot of Jones Bridge”

     Just a concept. Don't know if it's 100% feasible. Maybe 75%.

     Bring back the two plazas at the foot of Jones Bridge, namely Plaza Cervantes and Plaza Moraga.

     Plaza Moraga is that little area at the corner of Escolta and the main avenue.

     A plaza is an open space with trees, benches, and perhaps a few kiosks or stands. Binondo lacks open spaces.

     Plaza Cervantes is that area behind Juan Luna Building and the building next to it at the corner. If it becomes plaza, it would be surrounded by heritage buildings on four or three sides.

     These plazas will have 21st-century landscapings that are breathtaking. They don't have to look as plain as 150 years ago.

     Where there is a heritage building or historical structure, there is the spaghetti wires before, ugly skyscraper behind and beside, and giant television screen nearby. As a schoolboy, I used to be passionate about weaving wooden strips. Sawali, ripple-shaped, starric. Seeing those brings a smile to my face. They are called patterns. That's exactly what it is in Manila. A pattern. A very consistent pattern. Which also brings a smile to my face.

     What I'd consider the most-sophisticated infrastructure project in Manila so far is that new concrete bridge that crosses the recently-cleared Estero de Magdalena. The bridge's design so superb, it turned out as good as it was in the drawing. Excellent, great, amazing, awesome. I get lost for words in expressing my admiration.

     What really is the plan for Baseco? Can Baseco be made a shipyard again and a beach alongside with the planned medium-rise housing, visitable through the esplanade? I think it's time for us build ships, considering the situation. Let's build ships for the West Philippine Sea. Let's build boats for the Pasig River. Let's build boats for the esteros.

by: Marven T. Baldo