90s Greenbelt Snapshots and Some Ramblings

For those who regularly shop and dine from one hotspot to another in Metro Manila, it's easy to overlook the changes that take place in the areas. Twenty years ago, who would've thought that the mere talahiban in the intersection of QC, Pasig and Mandaluyong would actually become one of the business hubs in the country called the Ortigas Center?

Those in their mid-20s would have probably seen the transformation of Fort Bonifacio Global City, which is more commonly known to the younger generations as The Fort. Back in the early 2ks, there wasn't even Serendra or Bonifacio High Street. There wasn't even Market! Market! nor any of those high-rise offices and condominiums.

My boss told me that way back during the late 80s and early 90s, Makati Avenue was like the place-to-be. However, these days, most women I know cringe at the idea of walking in gimmick clothes along the area. Of course, everyone knows why. (But you might as well watch out for A. Venue. Makati Av might just be the A-venue for all 'em A-list parties and It people.)

It was Greenbelt which took the glory that was that of Makati Avenue. These days, in spite of the mushrooming of malls--upscale or not, in Metro Manila, Greenbelt remains to be the most modern and best landscaped mall complex. As Greenbelt 5 opened its doors to the public late last year, I cannot help but wonder how Greenbelt looked way back in 90s' sophistication.

So here. These are the pictures which I found over the internet.

Not-So Recent Snapshots: Miss Universe 1994

One of my fondest memories of the 90s is that of the Philippines being the host country of the Miss Universe back in <strike>'93</strike>'94 (Thanks for the correction, Jemyr). Among the long-legged beauties in the picture is Miss Mauritius-Viveka Babajee + (who was also involved in the Film Fest Scandal) and our own darling, Charlene Gonzales.

It was also because of this pageant that the Manolo and Michelle pair came to exist: Ogie Alcasid met Miss Australia-Michelle Van Eimeren who later on became her wife. Former Miss Universe Dayanara Torres of Puerto Rico met Aga Muhlach who soon became her boyfriend. Sad to say, both couples are no longer together. Michelle went back to Australia as Ogie went for Regine Velasquez and Dayanara went back to Puerto Rico and married international artist Marc Anthony. Well, yes, they too separated.

And here's a twist of fate: Charlene Gonzales married Aga. They didn't expect it, for sure.

Photos taken from www.elanecdotario.com.

Read more about your favorite beauty queens on that website.