Aftermath of the Typhoon Basyang

Typhoon Bashang ravaged Metro Manila and other provinces in Luzon Wednesday. Basyang leaves 20 people dead and lots of damages… and had me taking photos of the aftermath. What a way to resume blogging here.

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Fallen trees

Entrance going to the St. Peregrine Shrine unpassable

Passenger waiting beside a fallen tree

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Dilapidated tents

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The perennial billboards

This one crushed an SUV

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And the biggest mishap, I think, the fallen girder launcher in the Skyway Stage 2 construction site in Sucat.

My First PNR Trip From Alabang (after a long while)

After a long wait (and numerous reschedulings), the new and improved PNR has reached Alabang. It commenced on April 15, 2010. However, it is not as smooth as we all expect.

First thing, the new station is quite far from any entry point, either from Montillano Street (where the old station is located) or from Molina Street, a small side street beside Alabang Starmall. And there’s no entry/exit point from the mall, which the station is located on its back.

Another thing, there is a discrepancy between the fare when you buy your ticket at the station. From Alabang to Sta. Mesa, it should be PhP15.00 only, whereas on the station, they charge you at Php20.00. The train conductor told us that the fare should be adjusted from the flatrate PhP10.00 to PhP15.00 from Paco to Sta. Mesa, and from PhP15.00 to PhP20.00 from España onwards. I went to Buendia, paying PhP15.00.
Anyway, the new and semi-improved Alabang PNR station is a welcome development to all of us. On the other hand, the PNR management should address their numerous issues quickly.

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Passengers patiently waiting for the train

No ticket booth, no problem (as long as they overcharge the fare.)

There are passengers, but not as many as before.

I don’t know with this one though.

The end of the station. Construction in the area by TransCo.

The train arriving at the new station

Passengers waiting to board the train

The gap between the train and the station.

The train still waiting for passengers

A view of Montillano Street as the train passes it by.

Alabang Mural

This is the PNR Alabang Station, well, not as busy as before because it only serves two trips, one northbound trip to Tutuban in the morning, and a southbound trip to Binan in the evening. Rehabilitation works is done only until Bicutan, that’s why there’s no trip for new trains here in Alabang. Now, the station is the main terminus of the trolley.

Well, actually, it’s just an opening for the main entry

In the railway forums in Skyscraper City, the older members were talking about a mural in Alabang made by the informal settlers. This particular mural was made during the demolition of the illegal structures along the PNR’s right-of-way in Alabang. But according to them, it’s not the informal settlers themselves who made this, but some leftist groups who are trying to gain sympathy from the displaced informal settlers.

The mural from Montillano Street.

This is the “best” angle to shoot this mural. This is about five meters long, between Molina and Montillano streets in Alabang. As you can see, there are still some parts that are not seen here.

The rats in the mural represents the informal settlers. Obviously, they are not happy with the demolition happened.

On this part, the snake represents every government agency involved in the informal settler’s displacement from the PNR ROW.

Clogged Drainage…

Location: Estero in Ramon Hidalgo Street, Quiapo, Manila

It’s pretty obvious that these contribute to the floodings. Yes, Ondoy brought a record-breaking amount of rainfall, but we could at least mitigated its effect if we clear up our waterways.

I thought Mayor Alfredo Lim cleared this waterway already. Maybe it’s time to put some policemen to watch these area.

Gibo Teodoro: Early Campaigning?

I saw his political ads along España Boulevard, AH Lacson, and here in Ramon Magsaysay Boulevard.

Let’s take a closer look

And who’s behind this?

OK, I believe that Gilbert “Bigo”… I mean “Gibo” Teodoro at some extent, can handle the presidency. But please, don’t engage in early campaigning. And who’s this “Kakampi at Lakas ng Mahihirap?” Is this a legitimate group, or just a dummy?

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Yung “Be Nice” sa Makati, kayo na ang susunod.