(This is my first non-art related post since I want to share my view about this considered "part of Philippine culture".)
What is Kalesa?
A Kalesa (also known as carromata, caritela or karitela) is a horse-drawn calash used in the Philippines. It was one mode of transportation introduced to the islands in the 18th century by Spanish colonizers, and was initially reserved for only nobles and high-ranking civic officials.[1] They are rarely used in the streets today, except in the tourist-frequented areas of old cities and some rural areas. (Source:https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kalesa)
Source: https://www.flickr.com/photos/whltravel/5435705963
Kalesa is considered to be very romantic (they said), however for me, I DON'T FIND IT ROMANTIC AT ALL.
I've seen sooooooooo many kalesas wandering around the city, AT NOON, WHEN THE SUN IS AT ITS HARSHEST STATE. Imagine, having to run around the city, non-stop, under the scourging heat of sun, and the kucheros (the person "driving" the Kalesa) doesn't even give them water to drink.
Two days ago, during our get-away with my friends, I've seen many Kalesas running around, and some of them can't even run fast because they're probably dehydrated due to the very hot temperature, and trust me, I've seen worse than my eyes could even bear to see. Seeing an animal being abused breaks my heart A LOT.
It's heart breaking to see these poor babies being not treated well, being violated, being neglected and used for their income. It's the most common tolerated animal abuse in the Philippines and nobody even bats and eye to it, because of course... It's our culture anyway
What did they do to deserve this cruelty?
I am a Filipino but I'm definitely not happy with this one. I know this can't be removed from our "culture" but I hope, at least they would consider the health and the horse itself. I hope they would treat it well.