Leisure doesn’t have to be expensive

Metro Manilans and even those from nearby provinces are starting to have venues for simple pleasures and inexpensive leisure time, thanks to some local government officials who have the political will to do things that need to be done – done well with fervor and without fear.

We have a few well-meaning and strong-willed metro mayors including a controversial but determined MMDA chairman that deserve all the credits for the advent of the transformation of some parts of the metropolis to denizen-friendly sites.

Let’s take first and foremost the very laudable project of Manila Mayor Lito Atienza, which transformed the Manila portion of Roxas Boulevard from a poorly lit long stretch of seawall and walkway frequented by pimps and criminal elements on the prowl for prey to what it is now – a safe, clean, well-lit, and inexpensive festive place of convergence for both the rich and the poor and of all ages.

The "Bay Walk" has indeed established the benchmark for local government officials and political leaders who have visions of making a better place of what their constituents presently enjoy or suffer from. If you really think about it the Bay Walk is not something utterly fantastic or unique. I guess its great attraction lies on the fact that finally we have a safe place where we can just enjoy having a leisure walk or just go for a bench and fancy the sights of the bay, the boulevard or just people-watch without having to spend for it – a very people friendly option.

But I think what’s well above all these is the pleasant surprise for most of the jaded urbanites to the reality that there are also government officials, although rarely they come, who sincerely care to give their constituents a better way of life in whatever possible doable way it may be – endeavors that go way beyond campaign speeches.

Another sight to behold is the new look of Avenida Rizal – the stretch from Carriedo to Recto Ave. Ironically it was also progress that did this once glorious thoroughfare in. The avenue that was once the home to the top shopping places and movie theaters of the 50s and the 60s died with the birth of the modern day LRT. But efforts to revive it prove successful by "pedestrianizing" the said length. Vehicles were re-routed and were not allowed entry while making the stretch exclusive for pedestrians. The whole area was spruced up and coupled with some creative architectural innovations an entirely new, modern and world-class scenario took over the once moribund atmosphere of the locale.

There are other plazas, parks and playgrounds in Manila that were once breeding places of addicts, pushers, pimps and other felons, which are now brightly lit hangouts of families and neighborhood groups to the credit of Mayor Lito Atienza. The turnaround not only contributed to the decrease of criminal territory, it also gave Manilans more space for leisure and fellowship. These are worthy ventures that should not go unnoticed but instead get fully recognized and extolled.

In Quezon City, Tomas Morato Ave. is another site that has metamorphosed into some sort of a festive "food street", what with a long line of eating establishments that offer a wide array of gastronomic delights. Known as Sampaloc Ave. of old, QC Mayor Sonny Belmonte has transformed it into a European-like thoroughfare – well lit with well-paved tree-lined sidewalks. The whole stretch can actually be perfect for sidewalk cafes at night if vehicle parking would only be limited to the side streets after 7 p.m.

But what can really be developed into a mega leisure park is that sprawling piece of land within the Quezon Memorial Circle. To begin with, several pedestrian overpasses should probably be constructed from all major roads leading to the park so as to prevent people coming and going to the place from playing "patentero" with the vehicles that pass unhindered around the circle. Or ample parking spaces should be provided inside the park; whichever is more practical or cost effective.

But in the midst of all these are the strong-willed measures of MMDA chairman Bayani Fernando. To me, foremost visible of his worthy feats was the clearing of EDSA from illegal vendors fronting the Cloverleaf Market. Ever since I can remember, that area had always been appropriated by presumed illegal vendors (selling your wares while occupying almost half of EDSA in all indications must be illegal) with all past MMDA top honchos failing to make them budge even an inch. Another measure of the MMDA Czar that one can not also fail to notice is the clearing of Commonwealth Ave. not only of illegal vendors in many parts but also of illegally constructed structures, for years obstructing the smooth flow of people and vehicular traffic.

What we have mentioned are wisps of perfumed scents in the midst of the foul smell of seemingly unending politics in our culture. And that’s good news, no matter how miniscule it would look compared to the size and extent of the decay that too much partisanship has brought about. May pag-asa pa.

Mabuhay!!! Be proud to be a Filipino.

For comments: (e-mail) business/[email protected]