More than 16 years ago, this part of Colon Street looks much the same. And at least 20 years ago, the part of Jakosalem Street towards the City Hall used to be a place of a few night spots where drinks, prostitution, and red lights come together till dawn. The red lights were a few establishments trying to isolate themselves from the main reds along Sanciangko Street and nearby streetcorners or entryways. Then as it is today, the corner streets of Colon and Jakosalem kept its identity through the long-standing presence of Gaisano Main, University of the Visayas, Rose Pharmacy, The Freeman (at corner Jakosalem-Manalili Streets), and a corner store that I no longer can remember. Today, a Saturday, I found myself back on its sidewalks on my way to Plastic and Things along Manalili Street (now, V. Gullas Street). Although the vehicles look much numerous than in the yesteryears, the smell of drainage canal stinks much the same, if not a bit more repulsive. Gaisano Main no longer spewed in
LOOKING THROUGH LIFE