So Manila’s famed Baywalk is no more.
The business establishments have been torn down, I mean; not those pretty lollipop lights which Manila’s feisty mayor should do well to maintain – even if it reminds him of a political era gone by.
I have never been a fan of the Baywalk in the first place, even if it held a character of its own. There was just something improper about drinking beer in a place and then when your bladder is starting to act up (like I do when I drink beer) there is no decent toilet to do your peeing in. I could just imagine poor ol’ Manila Bay being defiled even further because all those people who couldn’t be bothered lining up in the portalets had to answer the call of nature by the freakin’ bayside.
Then of course there were all the prostitutes, con artists and people hustling you for alms, sampaguita flowers, and what-nots; who couldn’t even leave you in peace to listen to the music or enjoy your dinner (in tacky disposable styrofoam plates because again, this Baywalk was so environmentally-friendly).
This is not to mention the excessive loudness caused by live music in the area which riled hotel and condominium tenants living nearby.
My media sources tell me that most of the Baywalk establishments did not operated without a license, having been owned by City Hall and police/military officials themselves. Obviously, they also violated sanitation laws requiring food outlets to have fire extinguishers, proper toilets and such.
Having read the arguments over at Carlos’ blog…. I wonder why people who espouse aesthetics and pedestrian rights ignore the blatant disregard for laws that Baywalk stood for? That the folks who cried over the destruction of Mehan Garden forget the environmental degradation that Baywalk may have caused, by way of all the (non-biodegradable) trash coming from the outlets possibly seeping into the bay?
Baywalk needs to be put into proper perspective, especially as we have seen in other metro developments like Greenbelt and Serendra how infrastructure can happily co-exist with nature, that open spaces are possible in so-called commercial areas.
Perhaps, Baywalk can reopen in another time when proper planning has been done and the business outlets can fully comply with the laws relating to frontage, sanitation and such.
In the meantime, let us keep Baywalk clean and let the joggers jog in unobtrusive peace. Let me also have my piece of the unforgettable Manila sunset.
Ohh, temper temper….
Hahaha… I agree.. I never liked it either. Sunset viewing is perfect but this midnight manila bay bars and resto’s are contributing more garbage to the bay since all things used are basically plastic or styro’s…
Hi Ajay! I’ve never even been to Baywalk and it’s going to close down na. 🙂 Well, if it’s defiling the environment, that would be best then. Hey, tuloy ba yung trip mo? 🙂
Hi Toe, long time no hear. Tuloy naman po…just preparing for it. Will get in touch:)
kawawa nmn ang mga nawalan ng kabuhayan. bka madagdagan nnmn ang mga masasamang loob nyn.
hmmm yeah that may be true, but i was thinking, why close it down instead of just enchancing and beautifying baywalk?
If the problem is about peeing, then put portalets. I believe there were some already. If it’s not enough then add more.
For those establishments that are operating without license, then remove them. Look for other establishments that are willing to pay for a license – I know many would bid for a space in baywalk.
You know you cannot avoid prostitution. Even Makati has it. Malate has it. Even Paranaque has it. Quezon city has it. Even if you close down all establishments, prostitution will still be there .. secretly and unknowingly. However, if you think prostitution is becoming a heavy problem in baywalk, then put a police (yun matinong police) to guard baywalk. If Lim cannot trust his policemen, then police the area himself.
Hindi naman kasi yun baywalk per se ang problema, yun mga opisyal ang problema. You see, kung matitino ang mga police dito, magagawa nilang magbantay diyan sa lugar na yan ng maayos. If they will instill real discipline to people, kahit papaano, maayos sana at magkakaroon ng disiplina.
Baywalk is one means of generating income for our poor country. Nagtataka lang ako, bakit hindi sila mag isip ng mas magandang at epektibong paraan na ayusin ang baywalk instead of closing it down. Choosing to close it is a lazy alibi for me.
Greenbelt and Serendra are for people who can afford to go there. We also need a place where the “common tao” can enjoy a night out with their family and friends.
Why can’t we have a place like the “old” baywalk. You don’t like it but you got enough alternatives. You can go to Serendra, Greenbelt, Glorietta, etc. Please accept that some people like more popular venues…
Classical music is beautiful but allow people to listen to hard rock if they want.
It is not because I don’t like casinos that I will campaign to close them down. Let everybody free to enjoy the entertainment he likes.
High end, low end, let enjoy what life brings.
Your arguments are very valid and thought-provoking Sharmaine and Sidney.I just hope the guys at City Hall are thinking about this now, thinking about improving Baywalk. Who knows it will be resurrected but with all your suggestions in place? All that’s needed here is the proper implementation such as more policemen patrolling the area, etc.
Finally, Baywalk is clean again! Go Lim!
I agree with this post. better without those nightly bars at baywalk. The place got stinky. Baywalk was dirty, smelly with all the crap after a night’s business, and takaw dalaw lang yan for young ppl, drugdealers, prostitutes and such.
Pwede naman ma enjoy ang baywalk without all the crap.