The journey of discovering downtown Manila’s old movie theaters begins at the city’s geopolitical center: the district of Quiapo. While it may be hard to see Quiapo today as a haven for cinema, (except for the cinema released on those not-so-legal optical media) in the olden days, Quiapo boasts of some of the most notable movie theaters in the city, even though they may not be as numerous as that in the Avenida Rizal strip. In fact in its heyday, there were about a dozen or so movie theaters found in the district, many of which were concentrated along the stretch of Quezon Boulevard, Quiapo’s main thoroughfare.
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Reminiscing the cinematic glitter: the old movie theaters of downtown Manila (Part I- an introduction)
Before came the blight, there was the bright. The bright that shone from the dozens of neon signages that illuminated the cityscape which was downtown Manila. For the people who lived in those bygone days, those neon signs were a form of welcome, a respite from those day-to-day struggles or whatever issue of the day that was bothering them. The bright lights would lead them right into a movie theater where they can enjoy the latest movie released in town. Or it could be a comedy act or some performer who will be having a show for that day. Yup, some of those theaters serve a dual purpose as well.…
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Memory and modernity in San Nicolas District
Located right along the north bank of the Pasig River near the mouth where the river meets the Manila Bay, one can find the district known as San Nicolas. But for the regular city-dweller, the mention of San Nicolas may not ring as it is overshadowed by its neighboring Binondo district and that shopping area called Divisoria, an area that is actually part of San Nicolas but has grown more prominent than the district itself. Regardless of its diminished stature as of late, one cannot discount the important role San Nicolas has played in Manila’s history and development, thanks in part for its role as the city’s business and commercial…
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An Entertainment City taking shape: the opening of Solaire Resort and Casino
Last March 16, the cityscape was buzz and all frenzied with the opening of a new gaming venue in the metropolis: the Solaire Resort and Casino. The Urban Roamer found himself among the hundreds of guests who flocked there at opening day along with some high-profile personalities and a great number of international guests. What makes the opening of Solaire Resort and Casino notable is the fact that it is the first facility to open in the planned “Entertainment City” (or more formally known as the Bagong Nayong Pilipino Entertainment City, that is if plans of building a new Nayong Pilipino in the complex has not yet been scrapped or…