"Hinahanap-hanap kita Manila, Ang ingay mong kay sarap sa tenga
Mga Jeepney mong nagliliparan, Mga babae mong naggagandahan
Take me back in your arms Manila. . .”
Mga Jeepney mong nagliliparan, Mga babae mong naggagandahan
Take me back in your arms Manila. . .”
The city of Manila has always been special to my heart for the fact that I was born in Malate. The nostalgic sound of horning jeepneys and busses seems to be a melody to my ears every day from the time I wake up and ‘til I close my eyes at night. Also the everyday challenge of riding the LRT and MRT which was the easiest mode of transportation in the metro is like a taking a survivor challenge.
When I was in third-year College, I have done my internship in Manila in Intramuros in particular, I am so lucky to have my internship in one of the country’s top publishing company located within the iconic walled city. The whole duration of my internship was so memorable as I’ve learned new things and even improved what I have that time.
When I was in third-year College, I have done my internship in Manila in Intramuros in particular, I am so lucky to have my internship in one of the country’s top publishing company located within the iconic walled city. The whole duration of my internship was so memorable as I’ve learned new things and even improved what I have that time.
The Central Station of the LRT Line-1 was my stop-over, it is just in front of Manila City Hall wherein you can view the iconic trademark of the city hall building which was its clock tower. It is dubbed as the largest clock tower in the country which was unveiled in 1930; the hexagonal shaped tower has one red-faced clock placed on its three facets.
The bell of the clock tower is rung three times before being followed by a melody. The bells that are located within the tower make a sound to mark the break time of the city hall’s employees. The bells ring again at the closing of business day and during special holidays such as Christmas the clock tower is programmed to play Christmas carols that can be heard outside the confines of the city hall.
Just in front of the city hall lies one of our country’s very own Intramuros, the renowned walled city that is been the center of Spanish Colonialism during the 16th century. Intramuros is built by the Spaniards upon their occupation of Manila, it is located along the southern bank of Pasig River and is been dubbed as the oldest district of the city of Manila. Its name is taken from the Latin word, “intra muros”, which literally means within the wall enclosure of the city, it also best describe its structure as it is surrounded by thick, high walls moats.
When you look at the architectural designs of Intramuros it’s been said that you can see the same Spanish defences as those in the Caribbean which was also colonized by the Spaniards. The construction of Intramuros was completed in 1606 that serve as the center of political, military and religious power of the Spaniards during the colonization of Spain. Lies within the walls of Intramuros were structures like Roman Catholic churches, church-run schools, such as Universidad de Santo Tomas, Colegio de San Juan de Letran and the Ateneo Municipal de Manila. The Governor’s Palace, the official residence of the Spanish Viceroyalties to the Philippines was originally in Intramuros before it was officially moved to Malacañang Palace and Fort Santiago. Only Spaniards and Mestizos were allowed to take part on political issues and take residence inside the walled city.
The Seven Churches of Intramuros
First on my list during my visit in Intramuros were the two renowned churches in the country that lies just within the walled city, the San Agustin Church and the Manila Cathedral. San Agustin Church is the oldest stone church in the country and during the third world war it is the only structure that is been spared from bombing because its bell tower was marked with a Red Cross flag because in times of warfare attacking any building that carries an emblem or flag of the Red Cross is a great war crime. It was then in 1994 that the church was declared as a UNESCO heritage site.
The second most renowned church around Intramuros is the Manila Cathedral that survived catastrophic events such as fire, earthquake and war during the third world war that has caused this structure to be reconstructed eight times on the same site. These two churches nowadays serve as the remnants of the glory days of Intramuros as a site for military, economic and religious activities that is responsible in shaping the culture and history of the country.
Not known to some is that there are actually seven original churches that once lies within the great walls of Intramuros. These seven churches serve as the cradle of our profound catholic faith in the country. The remaining five churches of Intramuros is greatly devastated during the World War that wrecks its beautiful architectural standing during its time.
Though we do not see these beautiful churches nowadays, their glorious past will always be reminisced in the great walled city of Manila that once served as the center of economic and military of the Spanish Empire in the Far East but it was a bastion of a strong Christian faith. There may be a new infrastructure and buildings that rose from their ruins today but we cannot deny the fact according to Nick Joaquin that Intramuros was the conjunto of traditional temples, that without the five other churches even the Cathedral and the San Agustin are merely crown jewels without a crown.
Not known to some is that there are actually seven original churches that once lies within the great walls of Intramuros. These seven churches serve as the cradle of our profound catholic faith in the country. The remaining five churches of Intramuros is greatly devastated during the World War that wrecks its beautiful architectural standing during its time.
- San Ignacio ChurchThe church (Neo-classical in style with two towers) was built by the Jesuits in 1889. The famous Filipino sculptor Isabelo Tampiangco and his students worked on the lavish woodwork on its interior. However, it was greatly destroyed during the war ans was left ruins to date. At one time it became the E.J. Neil warehouse. Currently, there is an archaeological excavation at the site of its ruins, it is said that San Ignacio Church will be the future site of Museo de Intramuros that will house the religious collection of Intramuros admin.
- Lourdes ChurchHouse of the Franciscan friars built in 1891. It houses the allegedly miraculous statue of the Our Lady of Lourdes, carved by Manuel Flores in 1892. The war was also destroyed by the church in 1945 forcing the Capuchins to move to its current location in Retiro, Quezon City. This site is now occupied by El Amanecer compound where the Ilustrado Restaurant and Silahis Antique shop is located.
- Recoletos ChurchThe church that was famous for its four-story bell tower and its magnificent interior it was built several times from 1619 (the last was built in 1782). It was in this church that father Diego Cera, the man behind the construction of Las Piñas Bamboo Organ, started making organs made of bamboos. The Recollect friars moved to San Sebastian Church in Quiapo after the war severely destroyed their church in Intramuros. Manila Bulletin now occupies the site.
- San Francisco ChurchThe church of the Franciscan Order (they are the second to arrive in the country) first built in 1578. It was burned down in 1583 so a new stone church was built in 1602. The earthquake of 1645 destroyed again the church. The third church was built in 1738. It then had a retablo-like façade decorated with columns, statues and niches. It remained in ruins after its destruction during the war. Mapua Institute of Technology rose from its rubble.
- Santo Domingo ChurchThe Dominicans built five churches on the same site; the last (built in 1868) was designed by Felix Roxas Sr. in Neo-Gothic style. The church was famous for its ivory images of Our Lady of the Most Holy Rosary (Nuestra Señora del Santisimo Rosario) also known as the Virgin of La Naval. It is believed that the Virgin Mary brought victory to Spanish fleet over the invading Dutch; hence the feast of La Naval is celebrated annually every 7th of October. When the Japanese burned down the church in 1941, the Dominicans moved to its current site in Quezon City. This site is now occupied by the Bank of the Philippine Island.
Though we do not see these beautiful churches nowadays, their glorious past will always be reminisced in the great walled city of Manila that once served as the center of economic and military of the Spanish Empire in the Far East but it was a bastion of a strong Christian faith. There may be a new infrastructure and buildings that rose from their ruins today but we cannot deny the fact according to Nick Joaquin that Intramuros was the conjunto of traditional temples, that without the five other churches even the Cathedral and the San Agustin are merely crown jewels without a crown.
At some point we can say that it’s hard and even harder to restore these majestic temples but what really matters now is how we took care on what’s been left. We still have the walled city standing all these years, little things such as knowing your country’s history will be much appreciated, if you have time go on a walk in the streets of Intramuros, reminisce the past and learn to appreciate your own heritage by these means you cannot only help in preserving these beautiful structures but you will also develop a sense of patriotism-the love to your own country.
Manila Metropolitan Theatre
Just outside the great walled city of Intramuros lies another cultural heritage site of the country. It was in 1942 during the American Colonial Period that an idea of constructing a theatre in Manila came about. It was then approved by the Phillipine Legislature; the construction began in 1930 under the supervision of the engineering firm Pedro Siochi and Company and was inaugurated on December 10, 1931.
Manila Metropolitan Theatre was designed by Juan Arellano; he was also the brain behind the architectural design of Manila Central Post Office Building and the Legislative Building. Arellano was sent to United States to be guided by one of the experts in designing theatres, Thomas W. Lamb. According to Arellano the concept of the theatre is that the country needed a modern cultural center for operas, concerts, and plays, and he planned to achieve a monumental one through its dimensions, elevations, and splendid decorations and through its harmonious liens it would symbolize an organ or a cathedral.
The Metropolitan Theater façade resembles a stage being framed by a proscenium-like central window of stained glass which carries the name “Metropolitan” with flora and fauna motif surrounding the label. This helps bring in light to the lobby. It was highlighted on both ends by the curving walls with colorful decorated tiles in resemblance with the batik patterns from Southeast Asia.
Manila Metropolitan Theatre was designed by Juan Arellano; he was also the brain behind the architectural design of Manila Central Post Office Building and the Legislative Building. Arellano was sent to United States to be guided by one of the experts in designing theatres, Thomas W. Lamb. According to Arellano the concept of the theatre is that the country needed a modern cultural center for operas, concerts, and plays, and he planned to achieve a monumental one through its dimensions, elevations, and splendid decorations and through its harmonious liens it would symbolize an organ or a cathedral.
The Metropolitan Theater façade resembles a stage being framed by a proscenium-like central window of stained glass which carries the name “Metropolitan” with flora and fauna motif surrounding the label. This helps bring in light to the lobby. It was highlighted on both ends by the curving walls with colorful decorated tiles in resemblance with the batik patterns from Southeast Asia.
There are also moldings of zigzag and wavy lines that go with the sponged and painted multi-colored massive walls. The wall that framed the stained glass is a segmented arch with rows of small finials on the upper edge of the wall.
Angkor Wat-inspired minarets crown the top of the concave roof which suggested its status as a theater back in its prime days. Located in the entrance are elaborate wrought iron gates which are patterned into leaf designs and various lines. Accenting the ground level are Capiz lamps and banana-leaf formed pillars which go alternately with the theater’s entrances.
Standing at the back is a huge vertical box decorated on the sides by geometric motifs. The ceiling profile of the auditorium was reflected in the exterior through stepped vaults.
There were different artists who collaborated in this project especially inside the theater. Located at the main lobby were sculptures of Adam and Eve done by Francesco Riccardo Monti,who resided in Manila from 1930 up to his death in 1958. Isabelo Tampingco, a Filipino artist designed the Philippine plant-themed carvings in the interior spaces including the lobby while National Artist Fernando Amorsolo painted the murals The Dance and The History of Music located at the ends of the balcony.
The grillwork on small balconies looking out into the foyer was exceptionally elegant transitions from Art Nouveau to Art Deco, expressed by Lourdes Montinola in her book. The two black posts at the bottom of the staircases were decorated with glass mosaic tiles.
The main auditorium projects a different character as compared to the building envelope’s ornamentality. A sequence of gradually lowered arches made of local wood, enhanced by panels with colorful motifs. These motifs were a combination of mangoes, bananas, and foliage painted by the brother of Juan Arellano, Arcadio.
On top of the proscenium are figures symbolic of Music, Tragedy, Poetry and Comedy. Resembling bamboo stalks are the tapering lamps of translucent glass which surround the theater space. The focal point is the rectangular stage adorned with mango fruits and leaves motif.
The crystal lamps made from bamboo stalks which vertically light up the hall are the first in the country in terms of indirect lighting. It is also a new character of Art Deco during that period. The theater, according to some people has good acoustics and lighting and a large seating capacity of 1,670 (846 orchestra, 116 in loge, and 708 in balcony) which housed performances, operas, concerts, and plays for more than a decade. It also continued up to the Japanese occupation where Zarzuelas, Filipino operas, films and stage were shown.
Angkor Wat-inspired minarets crown the top of the concave roof which suggested its status as a theater back in its prime days. Located in the entrance are elaborate wrought iron gates which are patterned into leaf designs and various lines. Accenting the ground level are Capiz lamps and banana-leaf formed pillars which go alternately with the theater’s entrances.
Standing at the back is a huge vertical box decorated on the sides by geometric motifs. The ceiling profile of the auditorium was reflected in the exterior through stepped vaults.
There were different artists who collaborated in this project especially inside the theater. Located at the main lobby were sculptures of Adam and Eve done by Francesco Riccardo Monti,who resided in Manila from 1930 up to his death in 1958. Isabelo Tampingco, a Filipino artist designed the Philippine plant-themed carvings in the interior spaces including the lobby while National Artist Fernando Amorsolo painted the murals The Dance and The History of Music located at the ends of the balcony.
The grillwork on small balconies looking out into the foyer was exceptionally elegant transitions from Art Nouveau to Art Deco, expressed by Lourdes Montinola in her book. The two black posts at the bottom of the staircases were decorated with glass mosaic tiles.
The main auditorium projects a different character as compared to the building envelope’s ornamentality. A sequence of gradually lowered arches made of local wood, enhanced by panels with colorful motifs. These motifs were a combination of mangoes, bananas, and foliage painted by the brother of Juan Arellano, Arcadio.
On top of the proscenium are figures symbolic of Music, Tragedy, Poetry and Comedy. Resembling bamboo stalks are the tapering lamps of translucent glass which surround the theater space. The focal point is the rectangular stage adorned with mango fruits and leaves motif.
The crystal lamps made from bamboo stalks which vertically light up the hall are the first in the country in terms of indirect lighting. It is also a new character of Art Deco during that period. The theater, according to some people has good acoustics and lighting and a large seating capacity of 1,670 (846 orchestra, 116 in loge, and 708 in balcony) which housed performances, operas, concerts, and plays for more than a decade. It also continued up to the Japanese occupation where Zarzuelas, Filipino operas, films and stage were shown.
Currently, the Manila Metropolitan Theater continues to physically deteriorate because of the lack of historical consciousness and aesthetic sense of some according to the accounts of Montinola. Government Service Insurance System (GSIS), the Manila City Hall, and the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) had an agreement in reviving the historical theater.
Developments grow in its surrounding area. An example of this is a bus terminal and a parking structure that have both been constructed at the back of the theater. Vandalism, political advertisements, promotional materials and trash now degrades the heritage theater. The theater has been protected using pieces of wood, scrap electrical wires and rundown plywood. Help continuous to pour in but lacks any concrete actions.
On June 11, 2015, it was the announced that the theater was sold by the GSIS to the NCCA for 270 million pesos. An assessment is being done to determine the cost of restoration, which was initially estimated at another 270 million pesos. It is planned to transform it into a "people's theater", as opposed to the Cultural Center of the Philippines, which is for high-end consumers. Clean-up drives were started in December 2015, paving the way for the eventual restoration of the building by 2016.
Developments grow in its surrounding area. An example of this is a bus terminal and a parking structure that have both been constructed at the back of the theater. Vandalism, political advertisements, promotional materials and trash now degrades the heritage theater. The theater has been protected using pieces of wood, scrap electrical wires and rundown plywood. Help continuous to pour in but lacks any concrete actions.
On June 11, 2015, it was the announced that the theater was sold by the GSIS to the NCCA for 270 million pesos. An assessment is being done to determine the cost of restoration, which was initially estimated at another 270 million pesos. It is planned to transform it into a "people's theater", as opposed to the Cultural Center of the Philippines, which is for high-end consumers. Clean-up drives were started in December 2015, paving the way for the eventual restoration of the building by 2016.
For some Manila may be a city that offers a lot of opportunities for work, for some it may be a place full of street dwellers but we cannot deny that this city has been and will always be a center of our history, our glorious and dark past. Manila has witnessed a lot of historical events and it has even survived several wars and has adapted itself to the fast changing world.