Pilipinas Circa ’70

A view of Manila Bay, then

On Sept. 21, the Philippines will once again remember the declaration of martial law on 1972 by then President Ferdinand Marcos. This is not a political post, though, just wanna share my recollection of the Philippines circa 70s, as I remember martial law from the eyes of a small kid.

MUSIC

Tunog Maynila, in my opinion, is the golden years and the best of OPM, so far. Pinoy songs are highly appreciated then, be it rock, pop, disco or love songs. We have Boyfriends,  local version of Bee Gees. Hagibis, local version of Village People.  And we have legendary rock groups like  Juan Dela Cruz Band and Hotdogs. Not to be lef behind are VST and Co. , Cinderella, Asin, Apo Hiking Society. Known solo performers then are Sampaguita, , Mike Hanopol, Hadji Alejandro, Basil Valdez, Leah Navarro, Imelda Papin, Rico J. Puno and Claire Dela Fuente. Songs from these artists bring back good memories of the past

ANIME

Our generations’ anime are Voltes V, Mazinger Z, Daimos, Speedy Gonzales, Ballatac, Super Friends (Justice League now). Most of these cartoon shows were banned by Marcos because it affected daw the study habits of children. We also look forward to RPN 9′s Saturday Fun Machine, a marathon of cartoon show.

SPORTS

Even as a child, I was able to follow the rivalry of Crispa and Toyota of the old PBA. A golden, year, I would say of the PBA. I also recalled that Ali and Frazier fought at Araneta Coliseum dubbed as “thrilla in Manila.

TV SHOWS

I recall enjoying “kulit bulilit”, a local kid show, electric company and sesame’s street. I remember dolphy’s John & Marsha, and Champoy of Subas Herrero(?). Yes there was eat Bulaga na yata then.

EDUCATION

I finished my primary studies in a public school. The gov’t. provide free “nutri bun” (healthy bread) for students, errr, pupil pala. My baon is only .15 cents to cover for the “palaman” of nutri bun (tastes more awful than a wheat bread by the way) and drinks. At our school, there is huge land area, thus, we can actually make gardens and learn how to plant. Books  to student ratio is 1:1, with regular vaccine program from the gov’t.

The Planetarium at Luneta then is bigger than what we have now at SM Mall of Asia

ECONOMY

If my memory serves me right, peso to dollar then is P 2-3 to $ 1. Minimum jeepney fare is .25 cents.  I think you can watch a movie for P 1-2.

SOCIETY

Filipinos are disciplined then. No jay walkers, would you believe it?. My parents, aunts and uncles are so conscious of traffic rules.

ENVIRONMENT

I have fond memories of Luneta, Childrens Playground and Baywalk (Roxas Blvd.). Manila bay is clean and you can actually take a swim! My parents will bring us to Luneta and ride Motorco (double deck bus) going to Baclaran. The air is so clean.

There are more soil then, trees and plants abound even in urban areas (I grew up in Makati). Different species of spiders are everywhere, so are dragonflies (tutubing kalabaw and karayom), grass hoppers, salagubang and salaginto.

POLITICS

Nahhh.. I only recall KBL and Laban. And I was scolded really bad when I played with a Laban flier outside our house.

IMAGE OF THE 70′S

Baywalk, then

Old Luneta

Old Cars

Old Jeepneys

Old Makati

Old Theater

Old Cubao

Old Manila

Fishermen of Manila Bay

More pics here

Do you have fond memories to share of the 70′s?

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