Calesa

Equine Wonders

The horse, with beauty unsurpassed, strength immeasurable, and grace unlike any other, still remains humble enough to carry a man upon his back. 

– Amber Senti

Raise your hand if you want to learn about a unique means of transport in the Philippines.

Good.

Let me tell you all about the calesa.

It was a primary mode of public and private transportation during the colonial era. 

I know. It’s old-fashioned and vintage. I get it. It is so not even a thing any more. 

But it looks fancy. Sort of. And farmhouse. Kind of like Little House on the Prairie. Plus I suppose there is nothing quite so romantic as a horse-drawn carriage traversing cobble-stoned streets. 

Which is what the calesa is.

So let's start.

You already know it's a two-wheeled inclined cart. Made from wood, metal, or a combination of both, it is commonly vividly painted and gaily-decorated.

The cochero (driver) sits in front. Behind is a single forward-facing bench that can accommodate two passengers. All sit under a canopy originating from the back of the cab.

Nowadays, the horse-drawn calesa largely only survives as a tourist attraction but for me, it hasn't lost  its charm. I think it's beautiful. I love that it signifies travel, movement, and desire. And its best point of appeal is that it is drawn by a single horse.

A spirit animal that raises in so you can set your soul free.

A totem animal that inspires you to jump the hurdles of life with ease.

A power animal that invokes sharpened intuition.

So, ready?

Ya! Gee up!