Whenever I'm in Cebu City, I like to break away from the new modern shopping malls and uptown living, and grab a taxi to go downtown - right in the heart of Old Cebu.
Of course it's not an area buzzing with tourists, but it's a chance for me to see the industrial and ingenious side of the Filipino people.
The 3 main characteristics that stand out about Old Cebu City are:
- The Modes of Transportation
- Laid-back Street Vendors and Street Savvy Kids
- Old Buildings and Historic Streets
The most widespread transportation are the visually creative Jeepneys.
The Jeepneys in the Philippines became prevalent at the ending of WWII. At the end of the war when American troops were leaving, they sold and left behind the surplus of jeeps to Filipinos. The original jeep from the Austin 7, has since been altered and extended to what now carries anywhere from 10 to 12 passengers. All jeepneys are pimped up individually and each has it's own identity - a convenient way to traverse the city.
Colourful Jeepneys
Laid-Back Street Vendors and Street Savvy Kids
Harassment from vendors is a pet peeve of mine, so when I first arrived downtown on Manalili Street and Carbon Market, I was mentally syked up to deal with what I thought would come naturally. However, it was different from anywhere else I've been it the world.
I was left alone and felt as if I needed to disturb vendors to make purchases.
Jewelry Vendor (looks more like a Street Dreamer to me)
Banana Vendor, No 35
Little Romeo, (sweet talking) Siniguelas Vendor
Mr. Cool, Ice Cold Coconut Water Vendor
Yes Granddad, I am street smart...
We should go that way...
"Shut up and Lick it"
Kids at play
Old Buildings & Historic Streets
Colon Street is the oldest street in the Philippines with old buildings that give an idea of what older architecture designs might have been.
Manalili Street and the Colon Market are densely populated with wealthy Chinese-Filipino Merchants who own and still do wholesale trading of just about anything your heart desires.
A devastatingly handsome foreigner doing wholesale shopping at Colon Market...
Once you know the ropes, it's a retailer's haven
Building across from Colon Market
Ice Cream Vendor pushes his cart
Everyday Street Scenes Colon
Streetside Beauty Parlour in Colon Market
My former visualization of what an "entanglement" is, in Colon Market
Abandoned Building
I always interact with the locals when I'm downtown hanging on the corners with my camera. They try to feel me out to find out if I'm naive or street smart for being alone in that area. Sadly, the truth is that Old Cebu City is reputed to be the nesting ground for pickpockets and con artists, but growing up in Jamaica with exposure to many elements of society has prepared me.
When I leave Downtown Old Cebu City, I feel inspired and remind myself that "once there's a will, there's a way."
Thank you for your time!
So long! Till my next blog!