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Sta Cruz - History

October 21, 2008

Sta Cruz is one of the most historic places in Manila. Date back before the Spanish came to the Philippines, the town of Sta Cruz was just a swamp and partly rice fields.

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(Sta Cruz Church - Feb 2008 Photo)

On June 24, 1784, the King of Spain gave the deeds to about 2 sq km of land that was part of the Hacienda de Mayhaligue to the San Lazaro Hospital which served as a caring home for lepers in Manila at that time.

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(Sta Cruz Church - Oct 2008 Photo)

The land was awarded to the Jesuits in 1581, then later on June 20 1608, they built a church where the present Sta Cruz Church stands.

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(Sta Cruz Church - Old Postcard)

The church served as a parish for Chinese immigrants to Manila, in which many of them were converted into the Catholic faith.

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(Sta Cruz Church - Old Photo)

The original structure of the church was twice damaged by earthquakes, but was totally destroyed during the Second World War.

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(Sta Cruz Church - Old Photo)

The belfry of the church was restored to its original structure, the facade was now painted and the bricks in those old photos were all gone.

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(Historical Marker - Feb 2008 Photo)

The church structure we are seeing at present was rebuilt in 1957, after it was damaged during the liberation of Manila.

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(Prudential Bank Building - Feb 2008 Photo)

The town of Sta Cruz and Binondo were once became the central business district of the Philippines during the American period and until 1970s. Major streets of Sta. Cruz were also used for festivities and parades during its heydays.

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(Escolta street - Feb 2008 Photo)

Most of the business establishments like banks, department stores, radio stations and some offices started in this area. However in 1980s, they transferred their offices to Makati.

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(Plaza Lacson - Oct 2008 Photo)

At present, some old American and Europian buildings can still be found in the area. If you want to witness the heydays of Manila during the American period, I recommend to visit the place…

Posted by manilahub at 1:24 pm | permalink

Previous Comments

again…manilahub, thank you for your blogs and for sharing precious history.

keep it up!

Posted by malie at November 2, 2008, 2:06 pm

i just wanted to know if ther are records or written info about my lola Paz Lelis contribution to the Sta.Crus church.I was told that she donated a very old gold coin with high value for the reconstruction of Sta. Cruz church between 1960’s to 1980’s. I just want to know if there are records.

Posted by Cyrille L. Buno at December 30, 2008, 10:46 am

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