One of the few realizations we had when we vacationed in Manila was this: that we come back because we want to have a feel of what our life used to be. Going back to our mother country means we get to reminisce of our childhood and relive a life we once used to be a part of. Seeing Manila grow and change with the times is a milestone but a part of me wishes that some things and places are still maintained to how it's supposed to be. That's why I love reading books and watching old films where I get to see how things were when Manila (and the Philippines) was young.
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| A penchant for the old. My love for what Manila used to be. Curly Tops from my childhood. The romance of using a telephone. |
I was fortunate to come across the book "The Manila We Knew" in April. It was a collection of stories and essays of life in Manila. Stories that capture one's love for a city and its soul, life and history. In its pages you'll find romance and tragedy, hope and struggle.
I started reading a few pages on Sunday morning and it brought me back to a time when I wasn't even born yet, when life in Manila was simpler. I'm glad that thru this book, I get to have a peek of what it's like to be part of the old Manila.
