Konted's Make My Day 2: Under The Bridge of Quiapo

Under The Bridge of Quiapo

I do remember a lot of things. From the trivial to the significant. I still remember that guy in the late 60s, in our place in Santa Mesa Heights, who would sing, when everybody and everything around was quiet, a line from a local novelty song: Me pulis, me pulis sa ilalim ng tulay. Then he would sing the same line again, this time it was longer: Me pulis, me pulis, me pulis, me pulis sa ilalim ng tulay. That made me think. Under a bridge is a river or a body of water. Or a ravine. Why would the policeman stay under the bridge? I was being naive then and I was to find out later that there is really a bridge where a policeman is stationed under it. And that is Quezon Bridge in Manila.

Puente Colgante bridge was a suspension bridge that preceded Quezon Bridge.

Quezon Bridge. The steel and other materials used were shipped from England.

Quezon Bridge is more popularly known as Quiapo Bridge. Or Tulay ng Quiapo. Replacing an old suspension bridge that connected the Quiapo district to Ermita, Quezon Bridge was built in the 1930s with steel arches forming the structure that crossed the Pasig River. From the north, the ascent to the bridge starts right after Quiapo Church. From the south, the bridge starts near the Metropolitan Theater. The bridge was named after President Manuel Quezon. The principal road connected to it is also named Quezon Boulevard which leads to the Quezon Memorial Circle in Quezon City. All were named after the Commonwealth President.

Northbound vehicles ascend Quezon Bridge. The bridge was named after President Quezon.

Approaching Quiapo district

Quiapo Church near Quezon Bridge.

As Quiapo is a commercial district, business is conducted almost everywhere including the area under Quiapo Bridge. Vendors, drivers and traffic enforcers refer to that place as " ilalim ng tulay ng Quiapo". Beneath that bridge are stalls selling Philippine handicrafts, from capiz shells to abanico to portamoneda to alkansiyang bungbong. Name it, they've got it. While the prices are reasonable, haggling is still part of the game. Items sold here are made of high quality materials. It is very near the famous Simbahan ng Itim na Nazareno.

Philippine handicrafts are sold in stalls under Quiapo Bridge.

These native products come from various parts of the country. Items made of Capiz shells are best sellers.

Items sold under the bridge are made of high quality material.

Assorted items made of abaca and other native products

Stalls are right under the concrete beams of the bridge.

Balikbayans frequent Quiapo Bridge for souvenir items.

Haggling is always part of the game.

Vehicles making a u turn take the road under the bridge.

I was there last week. While passing under the bridge, I saw a policeman covering his beat. He was young and seemed to be newly-hired. As I took the bend, I saw two other policemen exchanging notes. When I made it to the other side, I saw more policemen. Then a few meters away was a police station. With a situation like this, expect no snatching, no pick pocketing, no hold up. It is safe to say, then, that it is no longer dangerous walking within the vicinity of Quiapo Church. It is all because "me pulis sa ilalim ng tulay."

- Konted