Jamming in Escolta

Miles Roces is a man with a mission. The boyish-looking three-term city councilor is working closely with Manila Mayor Lito Atienza to revive the once throbbing business district of Escolta.

For the benefit of Generation X readers, Escolta used to be what Ayala Center / Makati Business District is now: the center of business, shopping, fine dining and leisure. It had the distinct advantage of being parallel to the Pasig River, allowing trade and scenery to mix in a classic environment.

Escolta became congested in the ‘80s and lost its aura in the ‘90s when the super malls, food courts and theme parks spruced up other cities and municipalities. Pollution of the Pasig River and other sanitation and logistics problems prompted businessmen and shoppers alike to take their capital elsewhere. Eventually, the district became a ghost of its former self, especially after the last shopping center in the area, Syvel’s Escolta closed down.

When former First Lady Ming Ramos started her "Piso Para sa Pasig" river clean-up drive in the early ‘90s, Escolta became a natural beneficiary. Today, fish can be seen swimming in the river while it flows into Manila Bay. Councilor Miles worked tirelessly to clean up Escolta to compliment the rejuvenated Pasig.

To enjoin people to take another look at Escolta, he organized the "First Manila Car Jam 2001" last October 27-28 at the rustic Muelle del Banco Nacional fronting the Pasig River. Bordered by the Jones Bridge on the right and the Sta. Cruz Bridge on the left, Muelle del Banco Nacional proved to be an interesting venue to show classic and contemporary cars ranging from a 1948 Oldsmobile 4-door sedan to a 1967 Chevrolet Camaro convertible to an early ‘90s Mercedes-Benz 230CE Coupe.

Participants from car clubs, like the Everyday Holiday American Muscle Car Club, the Mercedes-Benz Club of the Philippines, and the Volkswagen Club of the Philippines lined up their cars on the display area. There were music, raffles, food and drinks, while children in costumes went "Trick or Treat" since it was near Halloween. The event was capped with an awarding ceremony attended by the Mayor himself. Atty. Frank Koh took home the "Manila’s Choice" award for his 1966 230 SL Coupe/Roadster. The 1948 Oldsmobile of Teddy Gata was awarded the "Oldest Car" while the "Most Out-of-the-Ordinary" award went to Ricky Ramos’ 1970 Chevy El Camino.

Miles Roces is justifiably proud of the outcome of the Manila Car Jam. He promises to make this an annual event to further promote the district he represents, and to bring Manila back to its former glory.