The Urban Roamer

Reminiscing the cinematic glitter: the old movie theaters of downtown Manila (Part I- an introduction)

May 9, 2014April 6, 2013 by The Urban Roamer

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.

from Flickr: Rizal Avenue in the 1950s. note some of the movie theaters that used to stand there

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.

From the early 20th century up until the 1970’s, downtown Manila was home to dozens of movie theaters that made it become the entertainment hub of sorts of the city. Unlike what it is today, each movie theater has something different to offer in an effort to stand out and beat the competition, so to speak. Some would hire the best architects of the day like Juan Nakpil or Pablo Antonio to design their theaters. Some would make arrangements to make their theater become the exclusive venue for movie studios, both local and foreign, to show their films. One can imagine how vibrant and cut-throat the business was back in the day.

Memory and modernity in San Nicolas District

August 10, 2014March 30, 2013 by The Urban Roamer

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 hub, a natural extension for the Filipino-Chinese based in neighboring Binondo to do their day-to-day trade. Its location is also a favored factor given its proximity to the Pasig River and the Manila Bay as trade at the time was being carried out by the boats delivering goods to and from the port.

An Entertainment City taking shape: the opening of Solaire Resort and Casino

August 10, 2014March 17, 2013 by The Urban Roamer

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 something) that was first conceived years ago by the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) to be Manila’s answer to Macau and Singapore as a premiere gaming and entertainment destination. So no, it’s not just casinos but there will be shopping malls, a theme park, and other facilities that the whole family can go to.

A mall built right: SM City Marikina

August 10, 2014March 10, 2013 by The Urban Roamer

Despite the vast and commanding presence nowadays of SM malls around the metropolis, the country and beyond as well, these malls are not exactly what one would call as compelling as far as form, aesthetics, and overall design is concerned. Save for some notable exceptions, SM malls are generally derided as “dull box structures” of concrete and, in recent years, glass, and steel which do not strive to become standout landmarks. I suppose the mentality employed here is, “Hey! It’s and SM mall! What more fancy design does it need? We can build a plain-looking building and put an SM tag on it and people will still go.” You get the picture.

But as I said, there are exceptions. One of them is the subject of this post today: the SM City Marikina. Actually, SM City Marikina is not ranked as among the “top-tier” SM malls as the Mall of Asia and Megamall. Indeed, the SM mall in Marikina does not offer as much retail choices as the latter two that I mentioned. What makes this mall stand out though is its unique design that takes into consideration the topography and conditions of the area where it’s located.