Paco Park and the Old Cemetery

In the heart of the City of Manila is a small and old circular park which used to be a municipal cemetery for Spanish aristocrats of the old walled city of Intramuros – the Paco Park and Cemetery. Situated in the western boundary of the district of Paco (San Fernando de Dilao district during the Spanish era) and in the eastern end of Padre Faura Street, Paco Park and Cemetery was completed and opened to public in 1822 as a burial ground for victims of Asiatic cholera pandemic... Read More

Campo Santo de La Loma and its “Lumang Simbahan”

The old San Pancratius Chapel inside La Loma Cemetery The Cemetery In the northernmost district of Sta.Cruz, on the city boundary with Caloocan, sits Manila’s oldest Catholic cemetery, the La Loma Catholic Cemetery or Campo Santo de La Loma. It opened in 1884 and was known as Cementerio de Binondo back then where it was exclusively used as burial ground for Catholics during the Spanish colonial period. It was also an important battleground during the Philippine-American... Read More

In Focus: Manila, Our Manila

When I was a kid, one of the first books I owned was Nick Joaquin’s “Manila, My Manila: A History for the Young“. Being the foremost chronicler of 20th century Manila, Joaquin dedicated his life to the city. To describe Manila more than how he vividly chronicled the city is hard to accomplish, and I cannot think of ways to match his writings. At my very young age, his words made me love my hometown… and everything grew from there. So let me just borrow... Read More

Experience a Different Manila

So you’ve been to Manila! You have walked the walls of Intramuros; strolled Rizal Park, Paco Park, Roxas Boulevard, Manila Ocean Park, Manila Zoo and even malls, plazas and other open spaces; shopped in Quiapo, Sta. Cruz and Tutuban; satisfied your Chinese food cravings in Binondo; marveled on its old churches, structures and other landmarks. But is that all that Manila can offer? My good friend and high school classmate, Antonio Totto, shares some unusual things to do to... Read More

My Manila, My Hometown

When I asked about your hometown, a lot of you replied. Your responses overwhelmed me, and I thought that sharing mine would at least equal all your efforts in replying to me. I am a Bisakol* by blood. My father is a son of Ligao, Albay and my mom is a daughter of Palompon, Leyte. But I was born and raised in Manila, the place I call home. I am proud to be a Manileño. Manila Skyline I already said this before but I will say it again, Manila is my hometown. Its historic streets... Read More

The Beauty of Quiapo

I am a Manileño, in heart and in deeds. Having been born and grew up in my beloved City of Manila, its historic streets are my playgrounds; its alleys and sidewalks are my everyday walkways; its structures, buildings, halls, walls and tombs are my regular sights. I grew up and still living in the crowded and frenzied market street in the boundary of Sampaloc, Tondo and northern Sta. Cruz districts popularly known as Blumentritt; spent my elementary days there; had my high school... Read More

A Walk Through Philippine Postal Heritage

Not everybody knows that the very first stamp in Asia was issued in the Philippines on February 1, 1854. Some carries a genuine error in printing the word “corros” rather than “correos”, which are valued by avid stamp collectors due to its rarity. I assume, very rare also knows that the world’s first stamp that featured basketball was also issued in our country? Needless to say, our rich postal history follows the vibrant history of our country. Thanks... Read More

A Glimpse of Metropolitan Theater

You may be passing by her everyday. She, who was a victim and managed to survive the war. She, who was a witness to the bombings, powerful calamities, and countless demonstrations. She, who stood still amid the ever changing cityscape of Manila. She, who was neglected and forgotten. The classic and beautiful Manila Metropolitan Theater. Metropolitan Theater, old yet still beautiful A landmark on her own right, the Manila Metropolitan Theater or simply the MET was designed... Read More