Touted as a testament to urban renewal, the plaza boasts of a colorful fountain, benches that allow weary folk to catch the sea breeze, and new lamps that give the scene a European flavor at night.
Last June, days before the weeklong Araw ng Maynila celebration, the park and the entire stretch of waterfront were cleared of prostitutes, petty drug dealers, beggars and youthful vagabonds.
These days, they are back with a vengeance. It is nigh impossible to walk on sidewalks opposite the plaza without running into entire clans of homeless folk.
It is amazingly easy to pick up nubile, young bodies. On the side of the plaza facing the famous Aristocrat Restaurant, just looking for parking space will bring droves of sex workers. As the vehicle slowed down midway through the plaza, near a burger stand, eight men and women emerged from the trees and the benches and approached the team. It was 11 p. Three cops idled in the middle of the plaza.
The Times vehicle made another turn around the place. By the time it returned, people waved for attention and were soon flocking around the van. Twenty-year-old Sheila took over the bargaining. Told the team wanted a man, she rattled off prices. For a live show, a couple for as low as P2, A solo performance without sex, P1, A minute later, the price went down: P to P for a man and P for a woman.
