My grandmother spoke of Escolta, the heart of Philippine commerce in her young days, and of the tram line lost to the war. Even under occupation, Escolta thrived. Firms set their roots deep, flaunting riches in decor, a bastion of stability.
As Manileños or as tourists of Manila, we can help restore Escolta by giving interest to it, visiting it, or through activism by protesting against the demolition of buildings like El Hogar, for example.
Here’s how you can spend a day in Escolta. There are lots of ways to reach Escolta, but the most original way is by using the Pasig River Ferry. Fares go from 28 pesos to 95 pesos depending on the distance; the ferry line stretches from Pinagbuhatan, Pasig till Intramuros. From Makati, the nearest stop is Guadalupe, which is very close to Guadalupe MRT station.
The old Manila post Office from the Escolta river ferry stationThe building was initially called Roxas Building. The son of Juan Luna, Andres Luna, designed this neoclassical beaux-arts building. Imagine this place without the dangling electric wires!The First United Building was an Artdeco designed by Andrés Luna de San Pedro, the son of Juan Luna, the Philippine’s foremost painter. It was Manila’s tallest building back in 1928. Check out the Escolta Museum for model buildings depicting how it was before.Designed by Juan Nakpil, the Edifice is now but a shadow of itself. Its decay reminds me of how we do not value so much our past. Significant buildings are National Treasures because they tell a compelling story of how we’ve reached the present.Escolta in its HaydaysVery close to Quiapo church is Roman R Santos Building. Escolta street starts just a few meters from this building.Quiapo church is very close to Escolta! From Escolta, you will have to pass by the Chaotic market place. But that is an attraction by itself.While you’re at it, why not visit the Golden Mosque, which is close to Quiapo church. Manila can be quite cosmopolitan!Finish your day in China town! It’s just at the other end of Escolta street. Did you know that Chinatown(Binondo) is the oldest China town in the World? So many places to eat good Chinese food in Binondo!! Manileños need not spend money to go to other countries to get the authentic Chinese food experience!
Lakwatsa.net is a living collection of writings and photographs celebrating the act of traveling, which may or may have not a fixed course, but ultimately brings us something valuable. The Filipino word Lakwatsa means "to wander" in English. The site will have a significant number of posts about the Philippines, but will also contain local travel information in Geneva, Switzerland, and other travel destinations.
