Historical Buildings Walking Tour (Self Guided), Manila

The Manila Central Post Office is the head office of the Philippine Postal Corporation. It is located on the bank of the Pasig River in the historic fortified part of the Philippine capital city. The structure was built in 1926 but suffered severe damages during the Second World War. Architect Juan M. Arellano designed it in neoclassical style. This Greco-Roman style building is a classic example of Western architecture that existed between the two world wars. Thankfully, the edifice was restored to its original splendor after the war and has inspired local students of architecture and those around the world with its immaculate design ever since.

Unfortunately, the interiors of the building do not meet the high expectations brought about by its magnificent exterior. Still, the building deserves a visit and must not be missed if you are in Manila. The Post Office is easily accessible from Liwasang Bonifacio Plaza, also known as Plaza Lawton.

Serving as the head office of the country’s postal operations, this facility handles the mail sorting and distribution operations. It also houses the philatelic section where enthusiasts can buy the latest as well as special edition stamps for their collections. Every year, Manila Central Post Office plays host for an exhibition displaying old stamps and equipment related to mail service.

The El Hogar Filipino Building also referred to as El Hogar, stands tall as one of Manila's early skyscrapers. Erected in 1914, this architectural gem was crafted by Ramon Irureta-Goyena and Francisco Perez-Muñoz, embracing the Beaux-Arts style with a blend of Neoclassical and Renaissance elements.

Originally a heartfelt gift from Antonio Melian y Pavia, the third Count of Peracamps, to his beloved Margarita Zóbel de Ayala, sister of Enrique Zóbel de Ayala, El Hogar Building was a testament to their union. In its prime, it accommodated the Sociedad El Hogar Filipino, a financial cooperative founded by Melian, and served as the headquarters for Smith Bell and Company.

Despite enduring the ravages of World War II and several seismic events, the El Hogar Building stands resilient, now one of only two surviving American-era structures along the Pasig River. Opposite Juan Luna Street lies another notable landmark, the Pacific Commercial Company Building, also known as the First National City Bank Building, erected in 1922.

The significance of the El Hogar Building lies not only in its architectural grandeur, representing the design ethos, materials, and construction techniques of the American period, but also as a testament to the business establishments of its time. It holds collective value as a pivotal structure within the historic Binondo district and Escolta Street, enriching the cultural tapestry of the Pasig River landscape.

The Calvo Building, situated at the crossroads of Escolta and Soda Streets in Binondo, Manila's historic area, holds significant cultural and architectural importance in the Philippines. Erected in 1938, it exemplifies Beaux-Arts architecture, a style popular in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, known for its elaborate design and grandeur.

Originally crafted by architect Fernando H. Ocampo, Sr., commissioned by Angel Calvo and Emiliana Mortera, the building has had various functions over time. Initially, it housed commercial enterprises until World War II interrupted its use. During the war, it served briefly as a space for the Japanese Imperial Forces in November 1944. Despite suffering damage in the Battle of Manila in 1945, the Calvo Building was restored in 1946, preserving its historical and architectural significance.

DZBB-AM radio station was one of its notable occupants in its early days, using the building before relocating to Diliman, Quezon City. This period underscores its role in the evolution of media and communication in the Philippines.

In 1994, the building was repurposed as the Escolta Museum on its second floor. The museum is dedicated to conserving and displaying relics from Manila's past, with a focus on the vibrant history of the Escolta area, once renowned as the country's primary commercial hub.

The Calvo Building's importance was officially recognized on August 14, 2018, when the National Historical Commission of the Philippines installed a historical marker titled "Gusaling Calvo" inside the building. This marker commemorates its architectural, historical, and cultural significance, outlining its origins, wartime use, damage, restoration, and transformation into a museum.

The Don Roman Santos Building is a notable structure located in the heart of Manila, showcasing the enduring beauty of Neoclassical design. Situated on Escolta Street in the bustling district of Santa Cruz, it not only boasts a visually appealing facade but also holds significant historical value. Its prime location facing Plaza Lacson, formerly Plaza Goiti, provides easy access to Carriedo Street or Rizal Avenue, making it a prominent landmark in the city.

Built in 1894 and expanded in 1957, the building reflects the architectural styles and societal changes of its time. Initially serving as the headquarters of the Monte de Piedad Savings Bank until 1937, it played a crucial role in financial and community services. Its historical importance is further highlighted by its use as an American Red Cross-operated hospital from 1945 to 1947, demonstrating its versatility and significance during different periods.

After its medical services phase, the building transformed into a commercial center, housing the Prudential Bank and South Supermart, thus maintaining its status as a hub of economic activity. Notably, the ground floor currently accommodates a branch of the Bank of the Philippine Islands, following its acquisition of Prudential Bank in 2005. This transition marks a new chapter in the building's history, emphasizing its ongoing relevance in the financial sector.

The Don Roman Santos Building stands as a historical landmark that has adapted to various phases of Philippine history. Its architectural charm, coupled with its diverse history of serving different purposes from banking to healthcare, and now back to banking, demonstrates its adaptability and enduring significance.

The Nakpil-Bautista House, located in the Quiapo district of Manila, is an ancient dwelling constructed in 1914 by Arcadio Arellano. Initially spanning two lots totaling 500 square meters, it was designated as a cultural property by the National Historical Commission of the Philippines on August 25, 2011. Today, it operates as a museum exhibiting various artifacts from the Katipunan era, along with paintings and other historical items.

Arcadio Arellano erected the house for Dr. Ariston Bautista and his spouse, Perona Nakpil. Completed in 1914, the architecture of the house reflects the prevailing style of its era: with thin brick walls on the ground floor, supported by wooden studs, while the upper floor features well-ventilated rooms with large windows and ample eaves for shade. The design is typical of the Bahay na bato style, featuring two entrances - a front door facing the street and a sizable iron gate leading to the estuary at the rear. The ground floor exhibits a wood-and-stone architectural style popular after 1880.

The Nakpil-Bautista House holds significant historical importance, having been home to notable figures in Philippine history. These include Dr. Ariston Bautista, one of the earliest professors at the University of the Philippines College of Medicine, who also developed a medicine to combat cholera. During World War II, the house also sheltered the original Black Nazarene statue from Quiapo Church.

Due to its historical significance, the Nakpil-Bautista House has been designated as a National Historical Landmark.

The Manila Metropolitan Theater, located near Mehan Garden, is an iconic example of Philippine Art Deco architecture, designed by architect Juan M. Arellano. In 1862, the Teatro del Príncipe Alfonso XII was erected in Plaza Arroceros, close to where the Metropolitan Theater stands today. Unfortunately, it was destroyed by fire in 1876.

During the American Colonial period in 1924, plans for constructing a theater in Manila were conceived. Construction commenced in 1930, and the theater was officially inaugurated on December 10, 1931. Over the years, it hosted various performances including zarzuelas, dramas, and translations of foreign classics.

The façade of the Metropolitan Theater features a central stained glass window framed like a stage, adorned with the name "Metropolitan" and surrounded by flora and fauna motifs. The curved walls on either end are decorated with colorful tiles reminiscent of Southeast Asian batik patterns. Zigzag and wavy line moldings complement the vibrant, multi-colored walls. The entrance is distinguished by Angkor Wat-inspired minarets atop the concave roof, and elaborate wrought iron gates patterned with leaf designs and lines. Capiz lamps and banana-leaf pillars adorn the ground level.

During World War II, the theater suffered partial damage to its roof and walls. In the post-war period, it was repurposed as a boxing arena, motel, gay bar, basketball court, and squatter settlement. Restoration efforts began in 1978 under the initiative of then-Governor of Metro Manila, Imelda Marcos, with Otilio, Juan Arellano's nephew, leading the project.

In May 2015, the Department of Budget and Management allocated Php 270 million from the National Endowment Fund for Culture to commence the rehabilitation of the Met. The restoration project aims to reopen the theater's wings by 2020 and unveil the new Metropolitan Theater Complex by 2021.