This exhibit offers a glimpse into life in Manila before the advent of modern waterworks, highlighting the daily routines, water collection methods, and community practices that defined the city’s early urban experience. Through artifacts, illustrations, and historical accounts, visitors can see how households and neighborhoods relied on wells, rivers, and communal water sources, often requiring labor-intensive effort to secure this essential resource.

The display also explores how these practices influenced social interactions, neighborhood organization, and public health, shedding light on the challenges faced by residents in sustaining their communities. By examining these aspects of daily life, the exhibit provides a richer understanding of Manila’s historical development and the transformative impact of introducing modern water infrastructure on the city’s growth and well-being.