Traversing the streets of the capital, I started to observe my surroundings. Once again, I was in awe of the old jewel of a city. Across the road was the Manila City Hall, its bell tower visible in the afternoon sun. Cars and jeepneys honked at each other as the traffic built up. The heat and humidity of summer’s end caused me to perspire — nothing unusual, same old news.
Suddenly, a droplet or two fell on my face. In the few seconds that followed, a light shower engulfed the cityscape. The unusual phenomenon was strangely beautiful against the backdrop of the urban scenery, with the sunshine making the droplets dance and sparkle. I stopped on my tracks and admired the strangeness, as people too preoccupied or too busy walked past me.