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Escolta - History

November 19, 2008

Here in Escolta, you will see several art deco landscapes that were constructed during the American occupation in the Philippines. This historic street became the central business district of the Philippines date back to the Spanish period.

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(View from Sta Cruz Bridge - Oct 2008 Photo)

The name Escolta was inspired by the Spanish word “escortar,” meaning to escort. The British commanding general passed through this street under heavy escort on his way to hand over Manila back to the Spaniards after Britain’s 20-month occupation of the city in 1762 to 1764.

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(Escolta - Old Photo)

During the final years of the Spanish Occupation in the Philippines, Escolta had the reputation for being the best of the business districts in Binondo, and Sta Cruz.

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(Escolta - Old Photo)

Prior to these art deco buildings which we are seeing today, several magnificent Europian-Style structures were already built in Escolta. The street was paved using cobblestones which were even imported from Hongkong. There were also magnificent street lights installed to lighten up the narrow street.

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(Escolta - 1920s Photo)

During those days, only European shops were allowed to sell products in Escolta. All Filipino and Chinese Mestizos merchants were only allowed to trade in nearby streets such as Rosario, and Nueva in Binondo.

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(Escolta - July 4 1899 Photo)

When Americans came to the Philippines in 1898, Escolta became even more progressive, new art deco buildings were constructed same as with the operations of Manila tranvia had started.

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(Escolta - 1930 Photo)

There was a bustling banking and financial community which included international insurance companies, banks, foreign embassies and other financial institutions from Britain and the United States.

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(Natividad Building - Oct 2008 Photo)

The Natividad Building in the corner of Escolta and Tomas Pinpin streets is one of the most beautiful landmarks in the area. It was made to look like they met somewhere in a rainy Paris street.

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(Burke Building - Oct 2008 Photo)

National Bookstore was also established here in the late 1930s, as a small stall selling school supplies and textbooks. The DZBB radio station also started in Escolta, their office was located in Calvo Building.

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(Escolta - Oct 2008 Photo)

Other notable landmarks were the famous Crystal Arcade, the Masonic Temple where the Philippine National Bank was first established, the Cosmopolitan Building where the Manila Times was first established.

Posted by manilahub at 9:58 am | permalink

Previous Comments

can i have the name of the first bank built at escolta?i need it for my research,,,thank you…

Posted by dhana at September 2, 2009, 12:12 pm

hi, what documents did u consult for this? i need it for my research about escolta back in spanish and american period.thanks!

Posted by ivy at November 28, 2009, 7:54 pm

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