im just adding to the discussion you con only read in the archives.
for those history fans living in the the Philippines.
MERALCO (national electrc utility) was foubded as Manila Electric Rail Company. They electrified the city and operated an electric trolley network.
so no stinky, loud jeepneys back then.
most buildings in Manila were wooden and fewer than 5 stories tall.
Also, very little plastic existed so it didnt litter the streets yet.