Fun Friday - “P” is for Pleasure
Yay! I barely noticed that it took me quite a few days to update this blog. I’ve been too preoccupied with work and home responsibilities that I hardly had any spare time for my blogging pleasures. Speaking of pleasure, let me share with you this pleasurable yet inexpensive activity we had as a family just recently.
This is my entry for this week’s Fun Friday in our Blogging For Fun Group. If you want to join, feel free to leave a comment and I’ll introduce you to our group of supportive bloggers.
Have you ever seen a kalesa? A kalesa is a horse-driven carriage popular in the Philippines. It was introduced by the Spaniards back in the 18th century as one of the modes of transportation here in the Philippines but only nobles and high ranked officials could afford it back then. Rich Filipinos known as the ilustrados used the kalesa for business and personal travel. Fortunately today, the kalesa still exists in some tourist spots and rural areas plus riding it is not that pricey anymore for ordinary people. So last week, our family had the pleasure of touring the river park using the kalesa!
My hubby took us to Marikina Riverbanks where there were two kalesas waiting for patrons. I didn’t expect to see any of them in our city so I was pleasantly surprised. And since it was our first time to ride it, we had a blast. And we only paid P50 each ($1.11). It was awesome! I hope more people will patronize the kalesa so that they’ll continue to exist for our children to see and experience.
As usual, I’m not in the picture because I was the frustrated photographer, lol! But that’s my pleasure. *hugs*
Posted in 
Tags: 
February 5th, 2010 1:09 pm
your daughter is really cute and beautiful Rochelle, glad you pursued your life’s pleasures, would love to ride a kalesa too, maybe when I visit home. We do have kalese here in San Diego ( for tourists), however, I am afraid to ask how much, hahaha, it may be too pricey.
February 5th, 2010 2:05 pm
Yep, riding the kalesa is fun! I think I took one at Intramuros… can’t remember the rate, though.
February 5th, 2010 7:36 pm
Rochelle, I love horse and carriage rides. It looks like Bianca does too. They are whimsical, and even a little romantic.
February 6th, 2010 2:20 am
ohh! that’s what i want my little girl to experience when we were home a month ago but never did, tsk! my hubby is not keen on going to Binondo/ Intramuros ( that’s where i though they still exist…lol!) for a kalesa ride. i’ll bear the Marikina riverbanks next time we are home, thanks!
eng
February 6th, 2010 10:53 am
Hi Rochelle, the last time I rode a kalesa was when i visited my home province in Ilocos Sur last year. I also saw a kalesa in Sta. Cruz, Manila but I haven’t tried to ride one here in Manila.
February 6th, 2010 2:44 pm
I didn’t know we have that here. The last time I rode a kalesa, I was still based in downtown Manila and my mom and I always rode it home after our Christmas shopping. We went to Chinatown from time to time but never had the chance to ride it again, I hope we will next we meet Una’s ninong.
February 6th, 2010 8:57 pm
Hello Rochelle, I’ve missed reading your blogs, and am glad I chanced upon your comment in Betchai’s blog. Your daughter is lovely, and I can see that she is really having a grand time with the kalesa. Am so glad, it’s still around and have not been phased out. I would love to try it too!
It’s such a PLEASURE to read your again! 
February 7th, 2010 10:02 am
Hi Rochelle. Haven’t seen the kalesa since I’ve been in the Philippines. Hopefully, will find one in my travels here, plenty of time since I am retired. We had one back in the city I am from, Springfield, Illinois, but I can guarantee it cost more than 50 pesos.
February 7th, 2010 10:08 am
Thanks, guys! You should try riding the kalesa too when you get the chance before they become “extinct.” hugs and kisses to ya’ll!
February 8th, 2010 1:21 am
First, I love your new header!
When I was a little kid, we have kalesa plying the streets in my hometown, In my last visit, I have not seen them anymore. It was fun then!