Threading the Pasig River for the first time

Sometimes, the best trips are unplanned--or aren't well planned. I had one recently and it was indeed beyond great.

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In Jose Rizal's novel "El Filibusterismo," the national hero talked about the Pasig River described as a transportation channel in the narrative. This body of water is not only a prominent setting of a story created by an imaginative mind; this is also a precious gem of the Philippines.

History tells us that the Pasig River was once clean and uncontaminated. Everybody loved and glorified it, and made it a part of their lives. Many years after, however, this wondrous description became quite the opposite, causing people to turn their backs on it.

But people who continue to care and appreciate its value as a historical treasure and gift from nature advocated its clean up. Massive rehabilitation ensued with the aim to resuscitate its former glory which it held for many years.

Now, the Pasig River continues to serve the public through the Pasig River ferry. Hopefully, though, the people don't see it only as an alternative mode of transportation in avoiding grueling traffic on major roads, but really treat it as one of the main choices in reaching their destination.

That's how I see it.

Two weeks ago, my friend and I decided to take the ferry in going to Intramuros, Manila. It was our first time, so our mission was just to sit back, relax and enjoy the ride. Many have said that even if clean up drives were conducted on the river, it still stinks, but we didn't care. We threaded the river and got ourselves a cup of an electrifying new adventure.

The ferry can seat about 20 passengers. From the Guadalupe station, we paid P50 for our journey to Plaza Mexico in Intramuros, the last station.

As we zoomed away, we indulged in the panoramic view of skyscrapers towering on the horizon. The Pasig River has served as witness to numerous years of development and industrialization in the Philippine capital.

We have nothing to compare the trip with since it was our maiden voyage aboard a ferry, but it was a thrilling ride that sent ounces of unparalleled gladness and satisfaction to an adventurous heart. The captain made it more exciting as he tilted the ferry to its side on every turn.

The trip lasted 45 minutes, making brief stops at the stations to unload and fetch passengers.

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I am a Filipino. The Pasig River is part of my country's history and it will still figure in the future of the nation. It's a heritage we must treasure; it's a treasure we must care for.

These are things I realized during the ride--the most memorable 45 minutes of my life as a traveler so far.