MANILA, Philippines - Vehicles crowded the parking area in front of the Caloocan city hall as people rushed in and out to beat the 5 p.m. deadline for the day.
Near the flagpole, a group of teenagers, skateboards in hand, waited anxiously for the city government employees to go home and leave the parking area.
After the lot was cleared of vehicles and the last employee stepped out of the city hall grounds, the teenagers rushed to set up the ramps, bars and slaloms they use to perform their tricks.
At around 7 p.m., more than 30 skateboard enthusiasts filled the area as several people watched on the sidelines.
Alex Albano, 60, the oldest member of the group, said they started skateboarding in the area three years ago.
Several children living near the city hall started skateboarding at the parking lot, attracting enthusiasts from as far as Bulacan. Most of the skateboarders here come from Caloocan, Malabon and Navotas.
“At first, the guards would tell us to stop but when we were given a permit by the general services office both sides of the parking area were secured and we were allowed to stay here until 11 p.m.,” said JL Arguelles, an 11-year-old student.
Charles Andrew Sabillo, the youngest member of the group at seven years old, is a son of one of the guards manning the south end of the parking area.
He said he would always tag along with his mother when she visits his father in the afternoon and he would watch the older boys skateboarding.
It did not take long before Charles asked his father to buy him a skateboard and a pair of rubber shoes.
Contrary to the popular perception that most skateboarders belong to street gangs and use drugs, Caloocan city hall’s skateboarders are clean and stay away from vices.
Mayor Oscar Malapitan said they allowed the group to skate in the area to keep them from boredom.
Several streets in Manila are also fast becoming a skateboarding hub for children.
Legarda, Sampaloc and Mendiola near the Malacañang Palace are a few of the places where skateboarders gather at night to show off their skills.
Barangay officials said they tolerate the activities to prevent teenagers from being hooked on drugs but warned them to take extra precautions because the sport exposes them to higher risk of injuries.