Let’s forget for a while about Bonifacio Global City (BGC) or Ayala Triangle and other similar locations where urban planning and execution actually occurred.

In Metro Manila, walking feels like joining an unplanned obstacle course.

Every step has a surprise waiting for you, while all you want is to get to your favorite restaurant or wait for a ride without stumbling or running into anything.

This is the Sidewalk Wars — where getting to your destination takes a Jedi skill and Filipino grit.

Sidewalks are supposed to be for people on foot, but in Metro Manila, they’ve turned into everything else — parking areas, mini-stores and sometimes even basketball courts.

A recent feature pointed out that most Metro Manila sidewalks are either too narrow, completely or partially blocked, or missing altogether.

You read it right — a missing sidewalk.

Some stretches force you to walk along busy roads like David Blaine doing a balancing act, walking on a wire.

If you’ve ever tried squeezing through a sidewalk with one foot on the ground and the other balancing on a ledge, you’ve unlocked a stuntman achievement.

Vendors love sidewalks. They own the sidewalks. There goes the saying: “Love your own.” Stalls are packed with phone cases, snacks, and random merchandise that can make walking feel like moving through a shopping center.

You’re constantly dodging displays and sidestepping other pedestrians while hoping you don’t accidentally knock over someone’s goods.

Carry loose change. You might suddenly feel like buying that snack staring at you from the corner or tip over a basket of tomatoes. Carry at least “pipti pesos.”

Parked vehicles seem to think sidewalks are partial and free parking lots. SUVs, sedans, motorcycles and e-bikes often occupy spaces where feet should be. Some are parked so oddly, you’d wonder if you’re in a Grand Theft Auto game.

The worst ones are those parked right in the middle, leaving you no choice but to walk on the road. If pedestrians could fine these offenders, many of us may have extra spending money.

Construction zones love taking over sidewalks. Paths become cluttered with barriers, tools, and materials. Some even leave open holes with no warning signs.

By the time you’re through, you feel like you’ve survived a high-intensity workout session.

Sidewalks come with their fair share of surprises. Loose debris, forgotten trash, or even half-finished projects can slow you down and keep you guessing what’s next on the other side.

Every step is a reminder to watch where you’re going because the next might not be as straightforward as it seems.

Sometimes, sidewalks just disappear entirely, like ships and planes in the Bermuda Triangle.

Then there’s the classic pedestrian who freezes mid-walk while scrolling through their phone. Some are simply daydreaming.

These unexpected pauses can create human traffic jams.

A simple “Excuse me po” often solves it, but it’s one more hurdle in an already crowded path.

It’s not impossible to fix this mess. Clear rules need to be enforced — ban parking on sidewalks, relocate vendors and finish construction projects without endless delays.

Sidewalks should return to their purpose — providing a safe space for pedestrians.

Walking on Metro Manila’s sidewalks may be frustrating or, in some cases, dangerous. Surviving these daily pedestrian struggles is a reminder of how adaptable we are.

Filipinos always manage to keep moving despite the challenges. We always figure out a way through the clutter or just laugh at the absurdity of it all.

We always find a way.

Someday, maybe we’ll finally get the sidewalks we deserve.