There's something mysterious in the silhouette—a seeming work of art. But it's not just a painting—it's a real, living masterpiece!
What you see in the picture is what you get when witnessing it.
That's the Manila Bay sunset. Indeed, as many people attest, it's one of the world's best, and foreign tourists are among the crowds. It's a famous attraction when visiting the Philippine capital city of Manila, and those who have the chance to witness it can consider themselves truly fortunate.
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| At Harbour Square baywalk, CCP Complex |
The stunning glow until dusk, before it disappears, makes the Manila Bay sunset beautiful. And so you get a picture-perfect 'silhouette,' a mysterious shadow against the background that glows.
On June 6, 2019, I enjoyed strolling at the Harbour Square baywalk at the Philippine Cultural Center complex. After having an afternoon coffee at the café, I waited to glimpse the sunset. That was my last sunset viewing at Manila Bay before returning to my hometown on Panay Island.
While strolling, I can't help but appreciate this natural wonder before my eyes and with the hundreds of other people who share smiles and happiness. The Manila Bay sunset is not just a sight to behold but a testament to the beauty of our natural world, a beauty that we all share and cherish.
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| The Harbour Square baywalk |
Families, groups of friends, and even local and foreign solo travelers may have forgotten their worries and relieved their stresses. It does healing wonders to the soul. It captures' emotions and captivates the mind.
Manila Bay may not be perfect. It has flaws and needs some healing, too. Only people who have been there can understand the problem and how to fix it.
A year later, Manila Bay is the center of controversies despite the pandemic. These controversies revolve around the government's beach nourishment project, which aims to transform a portion of the bay into a white-sand beach.
The beach nourishment project aims to beautify a portion of Manila Bay with artificial white sand. The question is, 'Is it timely?' or 'Is it necessary and appropriate?'
It's not authentic white sand like in Boracay or Palawan, but it's from a crushed Dolomite rock transported from the island province of Cebu.
Just recently, in just a few days, a portion of Manila Bay turned into a white sand beach and was partially opened to the public on September 19, 2020.
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| Manila Yacht Club |
Thousands have flocked to witness how the area transformed from natural black sand to coveted white sand.
People have different opinions on filling in white sand. Without an Environmental Impact Assessment, things can go wrong.
The main attraction is the natural and charming sunset view of Manila Bay. It's not the color of the sand, after all.
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| The Manila Bay skyline |
Yes, we have several years to go before we can revive the ecosystem and beauty of Manila Bay. But we see the excitement of the people who want a transformational development and a beautiful personal experience when they stroll on Manila's famous baywalk. This ongoing transformation fills us with hope for the future of Manila Bay.
When I return to Manila, I will be glad to witness the alluring sunset again. I will enjoy a soulful moment and, like last, see people's happy faces.
Manila Bay is a precious jewel of the Philippines. It's up to all of us to care for it, show our concern for it, and love it. We each have a role to play in preserving this natural wonder.
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| The Manila Bay sunset |
As we slowly regain Manila Bay, we take pride as Filipinos in showing the world a better Philippines—the "Pearl of the Orient Seas" today and beyond.
© 2020 Del Cusay
