I have been meaning to visit Escolta to see the old buildings there in the flesh. In my whole existence of residing in Manila, it was a shame that I haven't explored this place -- I am literally one jeepney ride away! It was just recently that I have been so passionate to know more about the surviving old structures and buildings in the country, that I have pulled my lazy self out of the comfort of my bed to see them for myself. I was looking forward to fly back to Cebu to visit Carcar, but wasn't so lucky to book a flight from the past seat sales, so I'd explore my (most) beloved city for now. I didn't realize there is so much to see here that I have been taking for granted all this time!
Escolta Street (or Calle Escolta) is very historic on its own -- it is one of the oldest streets in Manila and its name was derived from the Spanish word escoltar, which means "to escort." You can look up for the entire history of this street in Wikipedia, because I am too lazy to type (and reword) it here lol. Anyway, I first heard of its (hi)story through some features in our then-black and white television when I was younger and only knew then that it used to be a shopping district before the posh shopping malls we have today. I remember old folks saying that during its heyday, you're considered to be sosyal if you shop or bought your clothes in Escolta. It was later on that I also knew about the historic structures here, some of them are still in operation, but some, unfortunately, have fallen into disrepair.
We did our walking tour around 4pm on a Sunday. I do recommend for you to do the same thing as it's the most perfect time and day to go around Escolta -- it's not that very humid and not much people are outside. I didn't do a lot of prior research, so I failed to take a snap of a few more old buildings.
Our first stop is the Capitol Theater.
This is an art deco theater built during the 1930s and designed by our National Artist, Juan Nakpil. It is one of the perfect representations of how modernization took a toll on heritage structures -- it closed its doors due to the construction of the Light Rail Transit (LRT 1) and the change in preference of theater-goers for cinemas inside air-conditioned malls.
Just a few steps forward and you'd see the Calvo Building.
Also built in the 1930s, this structure was built using the beaux-arts architectural style and was designed by one of Manila's renowned architect, Fernando H. Ocampo.
Walk towards the Sta. Cruz direction and you will see the Regina and First United Buildings side by side.
A neoclassical beaux-arts and art deco style buildings respectively, these were both designed by Andres Luna de San Pedro (son of Juan Luna), with Fernando H. Ocampo as a collaborator for the former. Both of these are still being used commercially, with the latter housing Fred's Revolucion and where the Saturday Market is being held.
Towering in the midst of ever-busy Plaza Lacson is the Don Roman Santos Building.
The most challenging to take a snap of -- if you're familiar how chaotic Plaza Lacson is, you'd know why. This is yet another neoclassical building built in 1894 and expanded in 1957.
And last, but definitely not the least is my absolute favorite, the El Hogar Filipino Building.
Unlike the other buildings, this is by far the most challenging to locate. We had to walk on an alley beside Calvo Building, pass by a group of kids enjoying their "bath" at the Pasig River (no offense, but if you are familiar how "clean" this river is and what these kids' business is, you also know why it's kind of scary) and a tunnel under the bridge, which is reminiscent of horror stories where the characters in movies get killed (yikes!). Anyway, we're able to pass though these "obstacles" successfully and got out of there with our limbs still intact and complete lol. But, I opted to just take a few snaps for under five minutes and call a pedicab on the way back to our hotel as I felt so uneasy. What a scaredycat for someone who used to live in Tondo haha!
And that's it for my short walking tour in Escolta. I hope to find some time to explore the majestic Intramuros next. :)
Jovel | JUSTJVL
