The early 20th century marked the height of Manila as an important cultural and economic destination in Southeast Asia. Despite the destruction brought by war and revolutions, some iconic architectural marvels have been restored and preserved for new generations to see. Eventually, the latter half of the century brought upon a distinctive Filipino identity in the field of architecture that continues to influence today's cityscape. We list down some of the country's important architectural masterpieces that serve as cultural legacies for decades to come.
Photo 1 of 20 El Hogar Filipino was built in 1914 and was designed by Ramon Irureta-Goyena and Francisco Perez-Muñoz in the Beaux-Arts style. It is also considered as an early skyscraper in the city, towering over the Binondo district. | Photo: Wikimedia Commons
Photo 2 of 20 Designed by Spanish architect Salvador Farre and styled as French Renaissance, the Luneta Hotel on Kalaw Avenue was built in 1919. In the photo: Aerial photo of the Luneta hotel in 1930, to the left of the no-longer existing University Apartments | Photo by: JL Highfill / San Diego Air and Space Museum Archive
Photo 3 of 20 St. La Salle Hall in the De La Salle University campus in Taft Avenue was built from 1920 to 1924. It was designed by Tomas Mapúa. | Photo by: Ramiltibayan from Wikipedia
Photo 4 of 20 Back in the day, Nielson Field in Hacienda San Pedro de Macati used to be the base of the American Far Eastern School of Aviation. Nielson Tower was built in 1937, making it the largest airport in the Far East at the time, and eventually ceased operations in 1948. Now it serves as home to Blackbird Restaurant. | Photo: Wikimedia Commons
Photo 5 of 20 The Philippines started to rebuild itself after the Second World War and one of the first was the Philippine American Life and General Insurance Company at Ermita, Manila. It was uniquely designed for the modern period by Carlos Arguelles in 1961. It is known for sun bristles made of aluminum sheets. | Photo: Wikimedia Commons
Photo 6 of 20 Affectionately called as “The Big Dome”, the SMART Araneta Coliseum is an indoor multi-purpose sports arena in Cubao. With its dome diameter measuring 108 metres and a floor area spanning 23,000 square metres, the coliseum was recognised as the largest covered coliseum from 1960 to 1963. It was designed by Dominador Lacson Lugtu. | Photo: Wikimedia Commons
Photo 7 of 20 The Main Building of the University of Santo Tomas in España, Manila houses the university's administrative centre, Faculty of Civil Law, Faculty of Pharmacy, College of Science, and the Museum of Arts and Sciences. Designed by Fr. Roque Ruaño, O.P. to be the first earthquake-resistant building in the country. Completed in 1927. Moreover, original sculptures of philosophers, saints, and artists on the roofdeck are by Francesco Monti. | Photo: Tristantamayo / Wikipedia
Photo 8 of 20 The Manila Metrpolitan Theatre, designed by architect Juan M. Arellano and inaugurated in 1931. It is known for its art deco style and diverse imagery of Philippine flora and fauna. The sculptures of Adam and Eve were done by renowned sculptor Francesco Riccardo Monti while the plant-themed carvings in the interiors are by Isabelo Tampinco. | Photo: Wikimedia Commons
Photo 9 of 20 The Manila Hotel is the oldest existing hotel in the Philippines. Built in 1909, it was designed by William E. Parsons and became the official residence of General Douglas MacArthur. Later in 1935, renovations were done by Filipino architect Andres P. Luna, son of painter Juan Luna. In 1975, expansion was done by Leandro Locsin and Ildefonso Santos. | Photo: The Manila Hotel website
Photo 10 of 20 Malacañan Palace is the official residence and principal workplace of the President of the Republic of the Philippines. The palace complex includes numerous mansions and office buildings in San Miguel, Manila but the main palace (pictured above) was the former site of Don Luis Rocha’s summer residence. Today’s palace was completed in 1939 and subsequently refurbished and renovated by Philippine presidents and their spouses. | Photo: Wikimedia Commons
Photo 11 of 20 The Cultural Centre of the Philippines Complex is composed of Tanghalang Pambansa (National Theatre), Tanghalang Francisco Balagtas (Folk Arts Theatre), Philippine International Convention Centre, Manila Film Centre, Coconut Palace, and Sofitel Philippine Plaza Manila. Designed by National Artist Leandro V. Locsin, and the landscape architecture designed by Ildefonso Santos, in 1966.
Photo 12 of 20 The Manila Central Post Office, designed by Juan M. Arellano and Tomas Mapúa. Construction began in 1926. | Photo by: Corteco8 / Wikimedia Commons
Photo 13 of 20 National Museum of Fine Arts (housed in the old Legislative Building). Designed by Ralph Harrington Doane, Antonio Toledo, and Juan M. Arellano, completed in 1921. | Photo by: Joelaldor / Wikimedia Commons
Photo 14 of 20 The Perez-Samanillo Building or The First United Building in Escolta is an art deco building designed by Andres P. Luna. It was completed in 1928, making it the tallest building in Manila at the time. | Photo: Wikimedia Commons
Photo 15 of 20 Designed by Antonio M. Toledo in the ‘30s and completed in 1941, the Manila City Hall takes pride for having the largest and most prominent clocktower in Manila. The shape design of the structure has been said to resemble a casket but it is actually a shield of the Knights Templar. | Photo: Wikimedia Commons
Photo 16 of 20 Originally the Main Library of the University of the Philippines Manila Campus, the current Supreme Court building was designed by William E. Parsons in accordance to the Burnham Plan of Manila. Together with the Philippine General Hospital and other structures within the UP Manila campus, they are designed in Neoclassical style. Currently, a new state-of-the-art Supreme Court building designed by Angelo Mañosa is being built in Fort Bonifacio, Taguig. | Photo: Wikimedia Commons
Photo 17 of 20 The University of the Philippines was established in 1908 and eventually in 1949 has formally established the Diliman campus as its flagship campus. Pictured above is the Quezon Hall designed by Juan Nakpil, the first to be conferred with the title of National Artist for Architecture. It is an imposing colonial structure built in 1950. As an example of Eclectic Architecture, the Quezon Hall has elements of different historical styles and influences. | Photo: Wikimedia Commons
Photo 18 of 20 Tahanang Pilipino, also known as Coconut Palace, was designed by Francisco Mañosa in 1978. Now it serves as the official residence and principal workplace of the Vice President of the Republic of the Philippines. The palace celebrates coconut as the ultimate “Tree of Life” by using its every part for the design, form, and ornamentation. | Photo: Wikimedia Commons
Photo 19 of 20 The National Arts Centre, also known as Tanghalang Maria Makiling, is a flat-top pyramid-shaped, open-air theatre with a 2,500 seating capacity built in the slopes of Mt. Maria Makiling, and was designed by Leandro V. Locsin. It was established in 1976 and currently houses the Philippine High School for the Arts. | Photo: Wikimedia Commons
Photo 20 of 20 This is the site of the former residence of the Governor-General during the Spanish Colonial Era until it was destroyed by the 1863 earthquake and the seat of power was transferred to Malacañan Palace. The current building, which houses the Commission on Elections and Intramuros Administration was completed in 1976. | Photo: Wikimedia Commons