 | Malacañang retains
its charm amid an ever-changing political climate |
fter
biometric payment at a convenience store, a text message instructed
me to enter a passage thru Arlegui after arriving at the Casal intersection.
 | | 2-wheeler motorists dominate Casal intersection of Nepomuceno and
Arlegui as lights go green |
It’s
a busy intersection of Nepomuceno and Arlegui St. in contrast to an almost
empty overpass. Malacañang is just a pretty walking distance with a right turn
and a guided direction. It's been days since I have been seeking a piece of professional legal advice Then another text
message came: Presidential Complaint Center. Then I knew It was just around the
corner.
 | | A vehicle check from a security post at the Arlegui entrance |
Passing a river and a guard house casually, I was led to turn right in Aguado
Street after a tip from a vendor. “Turn
straight and turn right,” a vendor told me despite napping throwing me to a
sight of a sprawling neighborhood of mixed classes with interiors and compounds.\
 | | A typical urban neighborhood in Aguado St. going deeper into the palace |
Then
further, the houses are getting bigger, chunkier, gated, and then older with unsuspicious
barangay hall. The Philippine flag is in a wave of greeting in succession from
both sides of the street- that was meant perhaps for Independence day just the
other day or is it for all-year festoon. Then the trees started to overlap in
the curbs and pavement.
 | | White-painted post fences in Laurel St are the hint you reach the palace
premises |
This
is another entrance to San Miguel en route to the main complex that is
Malacanang. The stretch of Laurel St. is fit for promenades - safe and
silent with thrill and a shrill.
Relaxing as old-looking houses which are after all government offices,
finding Gate 1 is an easy breezy task. Then quickly I spotted the Presidential
Complaint Center.
 | | The grand entrance to the country’s power hall ..stop at the checkpoint |
Malacañang
has been the country’s official seat of power since Spanish colonial rule.
Built strategically along the bank of the Pasig river for both access to land
and river travel, it was a historical witness from the ruling Spanish
governor-general, subsequently, the first American military governor-general
William Howard Taft after we gained our
independence by 1898 and by 1935 under the Commonwealth government, it was
declared the Presidential official residence with Pres, Manuel L Quezon
becoming the first Filipino resident of the palace and ever since the
succeeding presidents are compelled to keep it as a residence and official office
to hold government affairs.
 | | Presidential Complaint Center, the national help desk for the disadvantaged |
Once
inside the Presidential Complaint Center, a form will be given to write down
your concern before submission to the guys in reception. I was trying to get
answers for a possible complaint and case point to the persons who illegally
coerced to squat on my aunt's unattended land in Bacoor.
 | | Observing protocol with plastic barriers is a new normal practice. |
The
waiting area is mostly occupied by senior citizens probably for medical help.
As I read on the public board the process, the office extends help related to
medical, legal, and educational. claims, housing, and other local government
matters. That means this wing is an extension of making available to the public
the resources and solutions that are meant for the whole public besides the
local government counterpart.
 | An accomplished form
for any concerns feel free to write down |
So
when the waiting is done close to an hour. I was given a referral document to
the PAU in Quezon City as a directive to attend to my cause. Those guys in
barong outfits were accommodating yet intimidating that afternoon for this referral agency after all.  | | I think I shall never see, a deck of wall plants as lovely as here in Aguada St. |
It
was raining when I hit the road, adding more to the charm of
the surrounding. As I unfurl the pink umbrella, I was pacing back to where I
came from but it was more of a carefree walk than running up the hill, no time for
Kate Bush. | In Concepcion Aguila, a preselling wave of a condo
structure |
Crossing
the other side of Arlegui, the old warehouses still mix up with the informal
neighborhood of mixed Muslims and Christians with small businesses ambulant or
not thriving in the area that is nearing the district of Quiapo. I knew it was just a matter of time before more spaces will give way to more structural
improvements like a new condo project in Hidalgo.  | | Here at last..the last of free EBus rides going to Kalentong |
And
like others whose hope floats for a free ride, I took the line to wait. And
there goes the free ride E-Bus (Electric Bus) is the city's alternative solution
to soaring fuel prices which is a relief with its aircon and electrically
charge that means less pollution and no fuel required. What a lift to end every
glimpse of images from Malacañang to this Quiapo moment every step of the way!  | | It’s still a free ride after all, even if already late |
| 
