Revisiting MNL

Manila: The History Capital

"Few will have the greatness to bend history itself; but each of us can work to change a small portion of events, and in the total; of all those acts will be written the history of this generation." - Robert Kennedy 

They say that "A picture is worth a thousand words" or "Pictures convey information more efficiently and effectively than words do." This is probably true because when we got the chance to visit the Photo Exhibit in NCCA, a collection of rare historic photos of places, people and events.. it's like taking a step back in time. Monochromatic pictures, Baro't Saya and Bahay Kubo? Blast from the past indeed! 

You may think that it's hard for us or maybe even impossible for us, the so-called "Selfie generation" (Selfie, an internet slang that literally means a self-taken picture of you) to appreciate and deeply understand old photographs without getting bored or falling asleep... 

We maybe the most self-centered & image-conscious batch of kids you'll ever meet but despite of that, I've witnessed a whole new, completely different side of us, an instant 360-degree turn.. We actually valued something in front of us that doesn't need charging and wi-fi to be seen. Hooray for old photographs!! 

I didn't experience what Manila was like in the old times but based on the pictures and films that I've seen, a lot has changed if you compare it to our Manila today. Pollution? Flooded streets? Traffic? The list goes on.  

So, Is it who controls the past controls the future? or Who controls the present controls the past?? Our lifestyle now is very different from what our grandparents used to have but despite of that, some things remain unchanged.

Manila is our passport through history. Almost everything is preserved from the past and I'm one of the lucky few who get to see and experience this everyday. I can definitely say that our history had greatly influenced our lives today. 

Want Proof? Then I'll take you on a short tour with me

Let's explore MNL - one step at a time! 

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Quiapo is a district of Manila. It was referred to as the "Old Downtown 

of Manila". Quiapo is home to the Quiapo Church, where the feast of the Black Nazarene is held with millions of people attending annually. Quiapo has also made a name for itself as a place for marketplace bargain hunting.

   Minor Basilica of the Black Nazarene. Quiapo Church is a center for pilgrimage of Filipinos from all over.

Do you remember, Miranda? Plaza Miranda is considered to be Manila's version of Times Square. 



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The Battle of Manila Bay was one of two major American naval victories in the Spanish-American War, both of which were very decisive and very one-sided. The Battle of Manila Bay occurred on the morning of May 1, 1898, only days after war had been declared between Spain and the United States.

By the bay. Manila Bay is considered to be one of the finest natural harbors in the world. 

Tree of Life. Coconut trees in front of Manila bay still remain unchanged despite typhoons and renovations. 

Sea of Waste. The bay also serves as a giant waste dump for the people of Metro Manila. 

Take the wheel and steer.  In the past, you would mostly see men on their horses or women in carriages. Now, we use cars, motorcycles and bicycles.

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Intramuros was Manila. The walled City was the capital of the Philippines during 

the Spanish regime and was the center of the Spanish Empire in Asia. 

It was known as Ciudad de Manila and was different from 

the Provincia de Manila. 

400 years of Augustinians in Intramuros. San Agustin Church originally known as "inglesia de San Pablo" is the oldest stone church in the Philippines.

The Augustinians were the first religious order in the Philippines, arriving with Legazpi expedition in 1565. From Cebu, they moved to Manila where they were given a parcel of land near the seashore. 

San Agustin was looted during the British occupation of Manila in 1762. The Augustinians were driven out of the convent as several priests were arrested and shipped to England. They would return two years after the occupation.

In 1933, San Agustin Church was inscribed in the World Heritage List of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO)

Move over, BMW. Kalesa was the mode of transportation for the noble class in the 18th century. 

Today, most "Kalesas" can only be found in Intramuros or in Chinatown carrying

tourists as passengers and their kutsero (driver) acting as tour guide. Still 

a bit pricey though (P350) for a 30-minute ride but negotiable 

depending on the season. 

Old-fashioned. A stamp maker in Dapitan contours the sides of a wooden stamp base. 

The rubber stamp maker is a fixture in Manila streets. They are known for 
producing stamps for big companies as well as duplication of documents. 

During the world war era, Filipinos make stamps out of apples and potatoes. 
Because of the limited materials provided for them, they used almost 
everything and made sure that nothing goes to waste. 

A legacy of fine cuisine. Barbara's is a popular place to dine in because of their buffet lunches.

Mamang Taho. A Taho vendor is a common sight in the streets of manila. 

Taho may be of Chinese origin, but it's definitely a staple comfort food of Pinoys.

It is high in protein, low in fat and very affordable.

Neo-classical architecture. General Luna Street in Intramuros is known where the Spanish influences are still abundant. 

In Intramuros, most of the Ancestral houses are well-maintained and the embellishments is still intact. 

Serene. Post-war Intramuros is now a popular destination among tourists. 

During the world war, American and Japanese troops inflicted severe damage 

on the "Walled City" resulting it to the Manila Massacre.

Today, Intramuros is home to prestigious educational institutions in 

Manila and is free to all kinds of deadly explosives. 

ADUANA. Housed the Customs offices before it was moved to the Port Area. 

Aduana also became offices to the Central Bank of the Philippines and Commission on Elections (COMELEC). It was heavily damaged by Japanese bombs 

and American distillery, destroyed by fire and earthquake. Unfortunately, 

it was demolished in 1872.  

Río Pásig. The Pasig river served as an important means of transportation in the Spanish era.

Pasig River was the center of economy and was open to all trade ships. Due to informal settlers residing beside the river and factories dumping their waste, it has become extremely polluted and is now considered dead. 

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The Arch of Goodwill. The Chinese Goodwill arch is the key structure that signals your arrival towards Chinatown. 

The Chinese traded in Philippines long before the arrival of the Spanish. However, the founding of Manila Chinatown in 1594 was a product of the Spanish colonial policy towards to the Chinese population. 

Manila Chinatown is located just across the Pasig River opposite the Spanish walled city Intramuros. The area was originally for Catholic Chinese only. Non Christian Chinese were allowed to move into Chinatown much later in 1790.

Manila Chinatown is known by various names reflecting its multiple functions and layers of meanings. To the tourists, it is known as Chinatown, a common reference to an area where there are a lot of Chinese or Chinese businesses. To the Filipinos, the area is known as Binondo.

Center of trade and commerce. Binondo is known as the oldest chinatown in the world. 

All types of businesses can be found here, mostly run by Chinoys 

or Filipino-Chinese businessman. It is still considered today 

as the community for banking and finance. 

City lights will guide you home. When the clock strikes midnight, Manila instantly transforms into a magical city where anything can happen. 

The only place that I call home

Manila  ☕

SOURCES:

Burton,  Holmes., (1901) "Manila", The Burton Holmes Lectures, Battle Creek (Michigan: Little-Preston)

Torres, Jose Victor Z., (2005) Ciudad Murada: A walk through historic Intramuros. (Manila: Vibal Publishing House Inc.)

Aguilar, Reynaldo L.,  Buenaventura, Ernesto M., San Valentin, Luisito S., Rizal: Kabayanihan Tungo sa Globalisasyon. (Manila: University Committee on Textbooks and Instructional Materials, Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila)

Aguinaldo, M. M., A Study on Filipino Culture: THE DEVOTION TO THE BLACK NAZARENE OF QUIAPO. (Manila: MMA Publications)

Manila Bay Environmental Project (MBEMP).(2001). Manila Bay Coastal Strategy. Manila Bay Environmental Project (MBEMP). Quezon City, Philippines.

The National Archives (TNL Building. T.M Kalaw St. Ermita, Manila 1000)

Chinatownology: Manila Chinatown, Philippines http://www.chinatownology.com/chinatown_manila.html

National Center for Culture and the Arts. (633 General Luna St. Intramuros, Manila 1002) http://www.ncca.gov.ph/main.php