Streetcar Sunday - Manila, Phillipines

Manila had a strong start with trams in the American colonial period. The first electric lines were opened in 1905. By 1924, 170 cars were in operation, providing good service for a city of 220,000.  World War II left much of the City of Manila in ruins and destroyed the streetcar system. There was no saving it.

In the years following the war, as the city was reconstructed and traffic from automobiles and buses created traffic problems, there was a renewed interest in rail transportation, resulting in a limited monorail system in the 1960s. Since the 1980s, Manila has slowly been developing a light-rail system. There are currently three lines, with two more planned.

Manila, Phillippines - Pasig River

The Pasig River of today does not even remotely resemble the picture above.  The river has been a focal point for development over the years. Commercial centers, a university, and a racetrack are now located along the river. Manila is now one of the most densely populated cities in the world.

The Pasig River was an important transport route in Spanish Manila, however it has now become so polluted it is considered "dead", meaning it can no longer sustain life. Efforts are currently underway to rehabilitate the Pasig River.
The second postcard shows the Estero Sibacong in Manila. I don't know anything about this area, but the card is beautiful.
In the past week, Manila has had terrible flooding after record amounts of rainfall. With these cards I send my wishes for a quick recovery.