There's something mysterious in the silhouette. A seeming work- of art. But it's real!
What you see in the picture is what you get when witnessing it.
That's the Manila Bay sunset. Indeed one of the world's best, as many people attest, includes foreign tourists. It's a famous attraction when visiting the Philippine capital city of Manila.
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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.
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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 its flaws and needs some healing too. And only people who have been there could understand the problem and how to fix it.
A year later, despite the pandemic, Manila Bay is at the center of controversies.
With the beach nourishment project that 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 the issue of the filling in of white sand. With no Environmental Impact Assessment conducted, 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.
When I return to Manila, I will be glad to witness the alluring sunset again. I would be enjoying a soulful moment. And just like last, seeing people's happy and smiling faces.
Manila Bay is a precious jewel of the Philippines. We care for it. We show our concern, and we love it.
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| The Manila Bay sunset |
As we slowly regain Manila Bay, we take pride as Filipino in showing the world a better Philippines. The "Pearl of the Orient Seas," today and beyond.
© 2020 Del Cusay
