This is not some grammatical anomaly there. I am referring here to the grand old dame of Philippine theaters: the one we affectionately call “The Met” or The Manila Metropolitan Theater. Located near the foot of Quezon Bridge in the corner of old Arroceros, (now known as A. Villegas St.) this iconic landmark was built in an area that was once part of Manila’s first botanical garden in the late 1920’s and was opened on December 10, 1931. It is one of the few remaining structures in the metropolis that follows the architectural style known as Art Deco, one of the most popular architectural designs of the period. It was…
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new landmarks rising in Santa Ana
Folks as our Santa Ana series is about to close for now, (I will be roaming back there from time to time) I thought it would be interesting to share with you some new landmarks springing out in the area lately. All in the name of the district’s urbanization which is hopefully for the better rather than for the ruin of this historic district. Inaugurated just last April 28 is the new Santa Ana Hospital, a district hospital built by the Manila City Government with the help of the Tan Yan Kee Foundation of Lucio Tan. Actually Lucio Tan happens to have owned the land the hospital was built on…
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reminiscing the Insular Ice Plant
At this time when we in the metropolis are suffering from the effects of El Niño and temperatures reaching as to as high as almost 37 degrees Celsius, this urban roamer cannot help but look back at a time when there was such a thing as a literally cool spot in Manila where perhaps we can take refuge from all the heat. I’m referring to none other than the Insular Ice Plant. Back in the days when refrigerators either were non-existent or not widely used yet, the Insular Ice Plant was one of the first buildings built by the Americans to keep the steak and beer fresh and cold. Designed…
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the heritage of Santa Ana (part II)
As was mentioned before, Santa Ana’s overlooked heritage flavor is a tourism goldmine of sorts waiting to be utilized fully, thanks to a number of Spanish and American-era architecture that still defines the area. If the houses along Plaza Hugo are not enough for examples, you can also find some old, grand, and, sadly, some dilapidated houses right across the plaza, along the vicinity of Old Panaderos St. If you’re hungry, you won’t find any bakeries here, unfortunately. However this area was once before the place where bakers live and/or ply their business during the Spanish times. I’m not sure if the old houses still standing in the area once…