Manila to Calamba

8 August 1887

6. Manila to Calamba *

8 August 1887

       We leave Manila on the 8^th August, early Monday morning, on a steamer – Biñan.  The Pasig River seems to be more exuberant than before.

       “Let us wait until we arrive in Calamba,” I said to a lady fellow passenger,” and then I’ll tell you whether we can go back to manila or not.”  On the steamer were two young girls, Isabel and Maria, a student from Sta. Rosa, [01] several Chinese, and I.  Pasig River. – Bamboo on the banks.  The environs are not as beautiful as before.  There is a lone wire by the river.  The water of the Pasig River is dirty.  The ruins of St. Nicholas’ tower are already gone.  People still do their washing there as before.  The grotto of Doña Gerónima [02] remains as before.  The broadrock is not standing anymore as before, but seems leveled.

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       * Rizal writes this portion of his diary in German.

       [01] A town near Kalamba, Province of Laguna.

       [02] Rizal wrote down the legend of Doña Gerónima who lived in this grotto on the right bank of the Pasig River between San Pedro Makati and Malapad-na-bató.