THE CONCEPT of “home” is very personal. It frequently changes throughout one’s life. Home transcends the concept of bricks and mortar as it can be anywhere, anything, or anyone.
It can also refer to the experiences, relationships, and feelings that provide us with a sense of stability, identity, and purpose in life. For skaters, the concept of “home” is not limited to the four walls of a house.
For them, it is distinguished by nerve-racking ramps, endless rails, and the open space of a skatepark. A place where individuals could push themselves, share their passion, and become a part of a greater community.
Photo Courtesy: Cee Bee Haitch | Facebook
Before its demolition, the Manila Skate Park (MSP) represented identity, growth, and independence for many Manileño skaters.
For those who skated there on a regular basis, it was a haven where they could escape the strains of their everyday lives, connect with others who shared their interests, and hone their art.
To claim that the park’s demolition is simply the loss of another urban place is to ignore the park’s profound emotional and cultural value to Manila’s skateboarding community.
A “Home” for Years
MSP is reported to be the country’s first public skate park, having opened in 2015. The skate park’s establishment has sparked the development of several skate parks throughout Metro Manila and the country.
However, footage has recently appeared online showing workers dismantling portions of the skate park’s courses and sealing the gates outside. This made many skaters worry why their home was suddenly being demolished.
RepublicAsia spoke briefly with Rence Jiro Evardome, a regular skater in MSP. He has been skating in the park since 2017, and he can still recall the smell of the newly painted orange park from that day.
Photo Courtesy: Cee Bee Haitch | Facebook
“I was skating for 2 years palang that time, pero even a beginner like me felt welcomed by the skate park, filled with lots of good people who will help you work on your skateboarding skills,” Evardome said.
Evardome describes the response to learning that the park was already being demolished: “I was devastated, for sure.”
“Last time I skated there was last year, and I remember na active pa yung park. I never expected the demolition to come so soon, and for no clear reasons as to why it was demolished.”
“Huge impact ‘yung demolition because this is the training grounds of kids who are highly interested in skateboarding, and are based in Manila,” he went on to explain.
Loss of Home is Loss of Security
Skateboarding is more than just a sport; it is a culture, a way of life, and a form of self-expression for many. Manila Skate Park was essential for skaters’ practice and safety as well.
It was more than simply a venue to show off tricks or hang out with pals; it was a sanctuary, a safe zone where skaters could perfect their skills without the dangers that come with skating on the street.
The park’s demolition has far-reaching effects beyond the loss of a recreational facility. “Street skating is a thing in skateboarding, pero sobrang shunned dahil sa mga security reasons,” Evardome said.
Skaters’ safety in Manila may be jeopardized if the number of safe, legal skating venues decreases, forcing skaters to pursue their passion in places that are not designed for the activity.
“I remember skating sa Mendiola and we were scared off by the police to stop skating there, and ito ‘yung time na sarado ang MSP for reconstruction purposes,” he shared.
“When we asked the policeman “San kami mag-skate kung bawal dito sa open area na ito?” And they arrogantly answered “Ewan ko sa inyo, basta bawal diyan” which is very upsetting. Now, san na talaga magsskate ang mga bata safely?” he added.
A Home Filled with Dreams
It is worth noting that in 2020, the Olympics included skateboarding as one of its sports to compete in, with 2018 Asian Games gold medalist Margielyn Didal delivering one of the most memorable performances.
Evardome, along with all other skaters and bike riders, criticized the demolition, claiming that it is detrimental for people who want to follow Didal’s greatness.
“Honestly, no offense to the basketball players, but we have enough basketball courts in Manila. We won gold in the Asian Games in skateboarding before, pero now it’s disregarded since it only happened once,” he said.
“This country is disappointing when it comes to the inclusion of other street sports. Napaka important ng skateparks para mas mahasa ang skills ng future generations of skateboarders sa Pilipinas.”
“Who knows, maybe with enough skateparks, we might represent the Philippines again in the Olympics and such other competitions that can represent the country with skateboarding,” he added.
Skateboarding is also a Sport
The park’s removal left many skaters feeling unsettled, unsure where to train or meet up with pals. Many people were concerned that the sport would lose its existence in Manila as there is no dedicated skating venue.
The closure of Manila Skate Park raised larger concerns about the perceived worth of skateboarding and other alternative sports among municipal planners and developers.
While traditional sports such as basketball and volleyball receive major financing and infrastructure support, skateboarding is frequently overlooked, despite its growing popularity.
For many, the park meant more than just a place to skate; it also acknowledged their activity as a legitimate and significant element of urban culture.
