Polo Church: The Resilience of San Diego de Alcala Through Time
The Polo Church, formally known as the San Diego de Alcala Church, resides in the Polo neighborhood of Valenzuela, Manila. This church has a captivating
Manila
Manila Bay
A Resurgent Haven of Marine Life and Breathtaking Sunsets
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Manila Bay remains a vital and dynamic feature of Manila, continually evolving to meet both environmental and recreational needs. The recent revitalization efforts, including the development of Manila Baywalk Dolomite Beach, highlight a commitment to enhancing its ecological and aesthetic value. As both a historical and contemporary hub, Manila Bay continues to offer significant benefits to the city’s economy, environment, and residents.
Explore the Philippines through my lens as we venture into Manila Bay with Point of View (POV) photography. Using a body cam, I’ll guide you on an interactive tour, revealing the behind-the-scenes of capturing the shots shared here. Let’s dive into this visual journey together and uncover the wonders through my lens!
Let’s explore the PHILIPPINES through my lens as we journey on a photo slideshow to Manila Bay. Join me in this visual adventure and discover the wonders captured through my lens! Check out the shared slideshow here.
Manila Bay, a prominent natural harbor, plays a crucial role in the Philippines’ economic and strategic landscape. Located around the capital city of Manila, it serves as the Port of Manila, a vital hub for commerce and trade. Covering an area of 1,994 square kilometers (769.9 square miles) and stretching 190 kilometers (118.1 miles) along its coastline, the bay has historically been a gateway for socio-economic development, even before Spanish colonization.
Check out the video for more highlights. See what I’ve captured through my lens with Point of View (POV) photography. Using a body cam, I’ll take you on an interactive tour, showing you behind-the-scenes moments of capturing the shots shared here.
Check out the video below for additional features. Explore what I’ve captured through my lens in this cinematic slideshow.
ABOVE: Manila Bay’s entrance is marked by key islands such as Corregidor and Caballo, which divide the bay into North and South Channels and hold significant historical and strategic importance.
ABOVE: Manila Bay’s entrance is marked by key islands such as Corregidor and Caballo, which divide the bay into North and South Channels and hold significant historical and strategic importance.
The bay’s geographical advantages have fostered trade and economic growth, positioning it as a key conduit between the Philippines and its neighboring countries. Over the centuries, it has adapted to various historical shifts, maintaining its role as a central player in regional trade and commerce.
Islands and Channels
The entrance to Manila Bay is marked by several notable islands, with Corregidor Island being the most prominent. Situated just 3 kilometers from Bataan, Corregidor, along with Caballo Island, plays a crucial role in dividing the bay’s entrance into the North and South Channels. These islands have historical significance and strategic importance, having been key defensive positions during various historical conflicts.
The separation created by these islands facilitates navigation and contributes to the bay’s natural defense mechanisms. This division also impacts the marine traffic and ecological dynamics within the bay, influencing both its historical and contemporary roles.
Coastal and Marine Environments
Manila Bay boasts a rich diversity of coastal and marine environments. These include upland forests, mangroves, mudflats, sandy beaches, seagrass beds, and coral reefs. This ecological variety supports a range of wildlife and contributes to the bay’s overall health and biodiversity. The bay has been a significant habitat for numerous species, with 19,139 birds from 330 families and 99 species recorded in various monitoring sites.
ABOVE: Manila Bay, a vital 1,994-square-kilometer harbor near Manila, not only drives regional trade but also attracts locals and tourists alike to its bay area for stunning sunset views.
ABOVE: Manila Bay, a vital 1,994-square-kilometer harbor near Manila, not only drives regional trade but also attracts locals and tourists alike to its bay area for stunning sunset views.
Among the notable avian inhabitants are endangered species such as the Chinese Egret and the Black-winged Cuckoo-shrike. Historically, the bay supported large populations of migratory birds, catfish, and mackerel. However, these species have largely been replaced by squid, shrimp, and smaller pelagic fish like herrings and anchovies due to changes in the bay’s ecological balance.
Mangrove Forests
The mangrove forests around Manila Bay have experienced significant decline over the past century. Originally spanning 54,000 hectares at the turn of the 20th century, only 794 hectares remained by 1995. Despite this reduction, mangroves continue to play an essential role in protecting the bay’s coastal areas from storms and cyclones.
These mangrove ecosystems are home to 15 species of mangroves from 9 families. They act as a crucial buffer against natural disasters and provide habitat for various marine and terrestrial species. The preservation and restoration of these mangrove forests are vital for maintaining ecological balance and supporting biodiversity.
Wetlands
The wetlands surrounding Manila Bay cover approximately 4,600 hectares and offer a range of ecological benefits. They serve as critical habitats for fish and shorebirds, contributing to the bay’s biodiversity. Additionally, these wetlands play a significant role in maintaining and improving the water quality of rivers, lakes, and estuaries.
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Wetlands also act as reservoirs for watersheds and help protect adjacent and downstream properties from potential flood damage. The diverse wetland environments, including mudflats, sand flats, swamps, beaches, and rocky shores, are integral to the bay’s ecological health and resilience.
ABOVE: Manila Bay’s diverse ecosystems support wildlife, including endangered birds, and the area is bustling with boats and yachts docked near the shore.
ABOVE: Manila Bay’s diverse ecosystems support wildlife, including endangered birds, and the area is bustling with boats and yachts docked near the shore.
Baywalk Promenade
The Baywalk is a popular seaside promenade along Roxas Boulevard in Manila, offering stunning views of Manila Bay. Stretching two kilometers from the US Embassy near Rizal Park to the Cultural Center of the Philippines past the Manila Yacht Club, it features several statues of national figures and notable individuals.
Under the administration of Mayor Lito Atienza, the Baywalk underwent significant improvements as part of his “Buhayin ang Maynila” program. However, when Mayor Alfredo Lim took office in 2007, he ordered the removal of establishments along the promenade to ensure unobstructed sunset views. This decision led to the area being overrun by vagrants, diminishing its once vibrant atmosphere. Following its destruction by storm surges, the national government initiated a rehabilitation effort.
Beach Nourishment Project
In early September 2020, Manila Bay Beach saw the launch of a significant development known as Manila Baywalk Dolomite Beach. This project, which began in January 2019, involved a comprehensive beach nourishment effort aimed at restoring and enhancing the Baywalk area. By adding new sand to the beach, the initiative sought to counteract coastal erosion, improve stability, and offer a more natural alternative to traditional hard stabilization methods like seawalls. Designed to attract tourists, bolster environmental protection, and provide additional recreational space, this project marks a new chapter in the Baywalk’s evolution.
ABOVE: Two teenagers leap from a broken concrete ledge in the Navotas area of Manila Bay, this is their pastime every afternoon when the sun begins to set.
ABOVE: Two teenagers leap from a broken concrete ledge in the Navotas area of Manila Bay, this is their pastime every afternoon when the sun begins to set.
The project is expected to boost tourism and provide new habitats for various species, including sea turtles and beach flora. The initial success of the project was highlighted by the sighting of a flock of egrets, indicating positive ecological changes. This revitalization effort not only enhances the aesthetic and recreational value of the beach but also supports its environmental functions.
ABOVE: Silhouettes of locals by Manila Bay at sunset—their favorite spot to unwind, share stories, and watch the day fade into night.
ABOVE: Silhouettes of locals by Manila Bay at sunset—their favorite spot to unwind, share stories, and watch the day fade into night.
I’m looking forward to the stories and images leaving a lasting positive impression on you, just as they have on me. Stay connected with us on social media for a weekly exploration of travel assignments and breathtaking visuals. Our focus is on championing local tourism, showcasing small businesses, and honoring the magnificence of the Philippines through the content we curate. Join us in spreading the word by clicking the ‘share’ buttons below. Your support means the world to us.
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