BEING stuck in Metro Manila’s traffic jams can often stress you too much. Not only you lose a lot of time on the road but the crowded public transport and roads can also suffocate you. If you want to avoid the busy streets, another alternative to get one point to another is by using the major waterway in the metropolis, the Pasig River.
I have taken the ferry during an educational trip with students we were mentoring in the non-profit organization where I used to work. It was an interesting experience, and I must admit that at first, I had inhibitions taking it, given the state of pollution in the Pasig River. But it was also part of our learning process since we also advocated the rehabilitation of the river. In fact, our Pasig River ferry trip was done with our partners, Sagip Pasig Movement and the Pasig River Rehabilitation Commission. Good thing we took our ride from Manila, going eastward towards Pasig City in an enclosed and air-conditioned ferry.
(Plaza de Mexico.) We began our sojourn at Plaza de Mexico, which is near Intramuros, the Bureau of Immigration office and the Manila Cathedral. Going eastward, the station is located at the right side of the river. This is a great place to start because there are many attractions within the vicinity and nearby areas of the station.
(Escolta Street.) If you want to head to Binondo, you can get off at the Escolta Street station. There are plenty of old buildings around the area because Escolta is one of the oldest streets in Manila.
Liwasang Bonifacio. The Manila Central Post Office loomed ahead as we approached the Liwasang Bonifacio station. It is also near the Arroceros Forest Park. From there, the ferry goes onward towards Ayala Bridge where the Isla de Convalencia, a tiny island along Pasig River, is found underneath it. Further down the river is the Malacanang Palace, but at some point, a member of the Philippine Security Group (PSG) boarded our ferry and told us to put down our cameras as we pass by the Malacanang area. That’s the view of Malacanang that you see on the P20 bill.
(PUP.) Students got off and entered the ferry as we stopped at the Polytechnic University of the Philippines (PUP) ferry terminal. It’s also near the Philippine Coast Guard station. We then went through some twists along the river, passing some container terminals and residential areas.
(Sta. Ana and Lambingan.) This part of the Pasig River is surrounded by residential areas. The ferry station here is close to the Savemore store and Sta. Ana Public Market. The Lambingan station, on the other hand, was further ahead, but at the left side of the river.
(Valenzuela and Hulo.) If Valenzuela is at the Makati side, with the Makati LTO office and the Makati City Hall within its vicinity, Hulo is located at the Mandaluyong side, which leads to Barangka Drive.
(Guadalupe.) We got off at the Guadalupe terminal, a busy area close to EDSA and the MRT station. If you want to go further, there are three more stations in Pasig City, the last stations. These are Maybunga, San Joaquin, Pinagbuhatan.
It was an enlightening experience, seeing the industries, houses, and old structures along the river banks. The murky waters is a sad sight, but as we cruised through the Pasig River, I imagine life in the early days. It was important then, and it is still now amidst our growing societies. We need to protect it and bring it back to its former glory.
(All photos are by this author unless otherwise stated. Claire Marie Algarme blogs at http://firsttimetravels.com. Follow her as @firsttimetravel on Twitter and Instagram and like her Facebook page First-time Travels blog.)