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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.

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Escolta - Calvo Bldg

In 1950, the Calvo building was home to the studios and corporate offices of the Loreto de F. Hemedes, Inc., later renamed Republic Broadcasting System. Robert “Bob” Stewart of the Uncle Bob fame sent the first signals of radio station DZBB from a makeshift studio on its 4th floor. Seven years after in 1957, that company moved to its current location along EDSA in Quezon City and is now more known as GMA 7 - the Kapuso network.

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(Oct 2008 Photo)

The Calvo Building was built in 1933. Home to the Escolta Museum, where visitors can see miniature models of art deco buildings in Escolta.

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(Oct 2008 Photo)

Very informative and interesting were the artifacts, pictures, assorted vintage bottle collection and scale models of the different architectural building designs of modern Escolta.

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Escolta - Capitol Theater

The Capitol Theater was designed by National Artist for Architecture Juan Nakpil in 1935. It is one of the few newly airconditioned theaters in Manila, and has two balcony levels.

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(Oct 2008 Photo)

Juan Nakpil commissioned another national artist Victorio Edades to do a mural for the lobby. By 2008, only the facade remains, the rest of the theatre which was being used as a restaurant has been demolished.

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(Oct 2008 Photo)

During the Japanese Occupation, the theatre was host to productions and shows as the local movie industry was non-existent. One of the more prominent producers then was Fernando Poe, Sr.

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Escolta - Perez Samanillo Bldg

Built in 1928, the Perez-Samanillo Building was a fine example of Art Deco, and was also designed by Andres Luna de San Pedro, the same designer of the Regina Building.

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This simple but elegant 6-storey building stands after the Estero de la Reina, just in front of it is the Regina Building, which makes a grand entrance for every visitors who wants to witness the classiness of Escolta.

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The building is currently owned by the Sylianteng family who bought it in the 1960’s. The building is now known as the First United Building.

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Escolta - Regina Bldg

If you are in Sta Cruz, you will probably see this proud building standing at the entrance of historic Escolta street. The Regina Building was built in 1934 by Juan Luna’s son, Andres Luna de San Pedro.

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(Regina Building - Oct 2008 Photo)

This neo classical building is surrounded by rivers, beside it is the Estero de la Reina and at the back is Pasig River.

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(View from Pasig River - Old Photo)

Originally designed as a three-floor commercial building, later when the De Leon family bought it from the Roxases, a fourth floor was commissioned and was designed by architect Fernando Ocampo, one of the pioneers of modern Filipino architecture.

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