From Extravagant Movie Theatres to Lowly Bomba Houses: Investigating the Degeneration of City Spaces Along Claro M. Recto Avenue, Manila
ABSTRACT
Title: From extravagant movie theaters to lowly bomba houses: Investigating the degeneration of city spaces along Claro M. Recto Avenue, Manila
There is a lack of understanding about the overall process of degeneration of city spaces in the Philippine setting, specifically along Claro M. Recto Avenue, Manila. This study addresses this concern by suggesting a functionalist approach, using the theories of Durkheim and Merton, in analyzing the negative consequences and implications of massive urbanization and gentrification along the aforementioned street. By using an exploratory qualitative research design, this particular study tries to give light to the process of deterioration and in essence, be of significance to various government rehabilitation efforts and projects to curtail the problems bedeviling the entire length of Recto. Key informant interviews and a review of pertinent historical data elucidate various perspectives highlighting the process of degeneration. An in-depth analysis of the key informants was compared and contrasted to the accessed and analyzed literature and historical data. The findings of the study include: the investigation of how Recto Avenue was once a developed and progressive city, teeming with extravagant movie theaters, commercial, industrial and residential establishments; the negative implications and consequences of modernity on the street, presented as the arrival of bomba houses and illegal establishments; and lastly the manner of adaptation showcased by those living or working on the area, perceived as an innovative type of reaction. Through these findings, the argument detailing the overall process of deterioration of city spaces through time, as brought about by rapid social changes, is elucidated.
I. INTRODUCTION
Background of the Study With explicit sexual titles such as “Hayok: Hanggang Saan ka Papasok?” and “Gisingin ang Gabi,” bomba houses, albeit
Title: From extravagant movie theaters to lowly bomba houses: Investigating the degeneration of city spaces along Claro M. Recto Avenue, Manila
There is a lack of understanding about the overall process of degeneration of city spaces in the Philippine setting, specifically along Claro M. Recto Avenue, Manila. This study addresses this concern by suggesting a functionalist approach, using the theories of Durkheim and Merton, in analyzing the negative consequences and implications of massive urbanization and gentrification along the aforementioned street. By using an exploratory qualitative research design, this particular study tries to give light to the process of deterioration and in essence, be of significance to various government rehabilitation efforts and projects to curtail the problems bedeviling the entire length of Recto. Key informant interviews and a review of pertinent historical data elucidate various perspectives highlighting the process of degeneration. An in-depth analysis of the key informants was compared and contrasted to the accessed and analyzed literature and historical data. The findings of the study include: the investigation of how Recto Avenue was once a developed and progressive city, teeming with extravagant movie theaters, commercial, industrial and residential establishments; the negative implications and consequences of modernity on the street, presented as the arrival of bomba houses and illegal establishments; and lastly the manner of adaptation showcased by those living or working on the area, perceived as an innovative type of reaction. Through these findings, the argument detailing the overall process of deterioration of city spaces through time, as brought about by rapid social changes, is elucidated.
I. INTRODUCTION
Background of the Study With explicit sexual titles such as “Hayok: Hanggang Saan ka Papasok?” and “Gisingin ang Gabi,” bomba houses, albeit
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