PARIAN CREEK: The Story of Pasig's Bitukang Manok

In the bustling urban landscape of Pasig City lies a hidden gem of historical and cultural significance - the Parian Creek. While concrete jungles and modern infrastructure dominate the cityscape, the legacy of this once-thriving waterway still whispers tales of Pasig's rich past.

Historical accounts may be scarce prior to the arrival of Spanish colonizers, but through surviving genealogical records and folk histories, we catch glimpses of a vibrant indigenous Tagalog community flourishing along the banks of the Bitukang Manok river, now affectionately known as Parian Creek.

" Rio de Pinagbujatan" - Section taken from "Plano Topográfico de Manila y sus Contornos" Cuerpo de Ingenieros/ Manila 1823. Biblioteca Virtual de Defensa (Spain)

Legends speak of great rulers like Rajah Lontok and Dayang Kalangitan, whose leadership intertwined with the pre-colonial glory of neighboring realms like Tondo and Maynila.

Originally dubbed "Bitukang Manok" for its winding, serpentine form, the creek was more than just a waterway; it was a lifeline for early settlers. Ethnic Tagalogs, Han Chinese traders with roots tracing back to the Ming Dynasty, and Indigenous Tinguian nomads found refuge along its shores. The Bitukang Manok flowed as a principal tributary of the Marikina River, earning the moniker "Rio de Pasig" from Spanish colonizers, yet retaining its indigenous identity among locals.

The significance of Parian Creek transcended mere geography; it was the beating heart of Pasig's economic life. The 18th century witnessed the construction of the Pariancillo Bridge, a concrete-covered bridge fashioned like a pagoda, built by the Gremio de Mestizos de Sangley or Chinese Mestizos.

The Pariancillo Bridge over Parian Creek and the Pasig Cathedral in the background in 1910.

Later named Fray Felix Trillo Bridge in honor of Pasig's dynamic pastor, this bridge added architectural charm to the already historic waterway.

The "Pariancillo," once bustling with ethnic Chinese and Malay merchants, evolved into the city's main public market by the 1970s. The creek's waters nourished vast paddy fields, fueling agricultural prosperity, while fostering vibrant barter trade exchanges that drove Pasig's growth during the Spanish Colonial Era.

ATTRACTIONS TO SEE IN MANILA

Before modern engineering projects reshaped the landscape, Parian Creek wove a watery network connecting the Marikina and Antipolo rivers. Its tributaries, like the Sapang Bato-Buli Creek and the Hinulugang Taktak Falls, formed vital arteries of regional trade and transportation.

Parian Creek from Kapasigan to Pinagbuhatan

Today, as we reflect on Pasig's past, the revitalization of Parian Creek emerges as a symbol of reconnecting with our heritage and preserving the stories etched into its meandering waters.

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