First time in Quiapo

By Izah Morales
INQUIRER.net

THRILLED yet scared.

These were the mixed emotions of a first-timer in Quiapo.

The place is known as the playground of those who like to slash bags or pick someone’s pocket. In spite of these risks, however, people from all walks of life still visit Quiapo because it simply has a lot to offer.

Every Friday, Black Nazarene devotees flock to the Basilika ng Nazareno to hear Mass. A few who seek other answers stroll outside the church, where fortune tellers await them.

Here’s a video I took showing faith and fate co-existing in Quiapo.

Here’s a photo of fortune tellers waiting for customers in their designated area, a few steps from the church.

For professional photographers and photography enthusiasts, R. Hidalgo Street is the destination. Known as the photographer’s haven, R. Hidalgo Street is a shelter of stores that sell anything that has something to do with photography.

Here’s a video of my visit to R. Hidalgo Street, where I interviewed Ogie Almoniña, president of the Hidalgo Business Organization and owner of the M20 store.

In September 2006, R. Hidalgo Street was rehabilitated. Vendors in the streets were relocated. But after two years, they were back selling ukay-ukay and other wares.

You will also find street kids running here and there. Here is a little boy trying to protect himself from the heat of the sun.

“Sa pagbabago ng kalye, naging hazard, inconvenient sa customers,” says Pining Latupan, manager of Columbia.

She recalls that this is a far cry from the scenario in the 1970s. Back then, the streets were clean and peaceful. There were no vendors in the area.

Times are changing, and one must learn to adapt. That’s one of the things a first-timer learned as she wandered around Quiapo.

Still thrilled, and also relieved that she left Quiapo with an unslashed bag.

Editor’s note: Photos and videos taken by INQUIRER.net multimedia reporter Izah Morales.

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