May 15, 2026: XVIII

First of all, apologies for running off again from blogging.

Life happens.

Let me interrupt the Bangkok series, by inserting our 18th wedding anniversary ganap (happening). 

He took two days off work so we could spend quality time together. 

Yes, it has been 18 years of married life. 

Despite the betrayal, the lies and the deception, I still chose to stay.

Not a day passes by without me questioning my decision.

My strong faith reaffirms and sustains my commitment. 

It hasn't been easy but with God's mercy, I get by (for now!)

We went to the National Shrine of Our Lady of Peace and Good Voyage in Antipolo for our annual May pilgrimage for the 12 noon mass. 

Next day Friday on our actual anniversary, we heard mass at the Edsa Shrine where we got married 18 years ago. 

Then we visited two museums in San Juan area, Museum el Deposito and the Katipunan Museum.

The Museo El Deposito is a history museum that showcases the Manila waterworks system in the 19th century as well as the underground water reservoir. Both museums are located within the grounds of the Pinaglabanan Shrine in San Juan. 

The underground water reservoir is made of volcanic tuff. The cavernous repository held water pumped from Santolan to the various fountains and hydrants in Manila. It was part of the Carriedo waterworks designed by Spanish engineer Genaro

Palacios and built from 1878 to 1882. 

The infrastructure project was named after Francisco Carriedo, a Spanish official/philanthropist who donated 10,000 pesos as stated in his will in 1773. It was to fund the first, free public water system in Manila.

Even though it was completed 139 years after his death, the Carriedo waterworks system is a very vital part of Manila's rich history.

From the museum, you step outside to make your way to the undeground water reservoir. You have to wear a hard hat to protect your head. Just a few stairs down and you are in the deep annals of the reservoir. There is a distinct smell of sewage but the steel walkway is well lighted up. 

El Deposito was used as an armory during the Japanese and American rule, a hospital for tuberculosis patients as well as a firing range.

It is a small museum and you can explore everything in less than 30 minutes. But it is a good source of information to make us value water as a natural resource and pay homage to the people who created and built this waterworks system which we, Filipinos enjoy until now.