This year, the Araneta Coliseum a milestone of sorts as it celebrates its golden anniversary this year.
Yup, the place called as the Big Dome has turned the Big Five-O.
Meet the Met (again)
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 designed by Juan Arellano, who also happens to be the architect of the Manila Central Post Office and the Jones Bridge; the area where these works are located is known as the “Arellano Triangle.”
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 and gave the land as a donation to the city government for the hospital to be built. (with that I would rather not go into the controversies surrounding the building of the hospital vis-a-vis the Century Park Hotel sale) Originally the City Government (still getting the yellow fever madness) wanted to name the hospital after the late former President Corazon Aquino, just as it did in renaming the Lambingan Bridge found a kilometer or so away. But reportedly, the Tan Yan Kee Foundation was more keen in naming the hospital after Lucio Tan’s mother or father. So it seems both parties made a consensus to keep things simple so to speak.
this coming election…
The Urban Roamer joins the call for the Filipino people to make a discerning and intelligent choice for the next leaders of our country, province, city, or town.
So much has been said about voting for our next national leaders. But I believe the local elections are also important. We cannot fully be able to love and stand up for our country if we do not feel proud and love for the city/town we were born, grew up, and/or have lived in.