Home » Page 5

Then & Now - Plaza Lacson

October 31, 2008

Another then and now photos of Plaza Goiti at the back of Sta Cruz church, showing the ruins in Carriedo street during the liberation of Manila in 1945.

Click to Enlarge
(Carriedo - 1945 Photo)

Click to Enlarge
(Carriedo - Oct 2008 Photo)

During the 1960s and succeeding years, this portion of Sta Cruz had rapid development that lead to the construction of these modern buildings. The area became one of the prime shopping districts of the Philippines until late 80s.

Posted by manilahub at 1:49 pm | permalink | Add comment

Then & Now - MonteDePiedad

These are another then and now views from the Monte De Piedad Building in Sta Cruz. The old photo was probably taken before 1930s, when the original Monte de Piedad Building was still present.

Click to Enlarge
(Old Photo)

Click to Enrlarge
(October 2008 Photo)

Later on after 1938, the building was reconstructed after the bank transferred to its new location in front of Plaza Sta Cruz. The new building (named Don Roman Building) was not yet fully constructed when the Second World War started.

Posted by manilahub at 1:48 pm | permalink | Add comment

Then & Now - Sta Cruz

The old photo shows the Sta Cruz area probably during 1960s where prime commercial establishments and business offices were still present in nearby streets.

Click to Enlarge
(Old Photo)

Click to Enlarge
(October 2008 Photo)

Some buildings in front of Sta Cruz church were already present during that time, including the new Monte De Piedad Building. That street light hanging at the center of the intersection, was still present during the last time I went to the area.

Posted by manilahub at 1:47 pm | permalink | Add comment

Sta Cruz - Carriedo Fountain

Curious about this stunning fountain in Plaza Sta Cruz? This fountain also has its own history. The name “A Carriedo“, indicated in the fountain means “Avenida de Carriedo”, which commemorates the installation of the water system by Spanish Engineer Don Francisco Carriedo of the Department of Waterworks in 1884.

Click to Enlarge
(Carriedo Fountain - Oct 2008 Photo)

The project for public supply of fresh water in Manila started in early 18th century. The Carriedo waterworks was inaugurated on August 23, 1870. The fountain was relocated in several areas in Manila.

Click to Enlarge
(Original Carriedo Fountain - Construction)

Originally located in Plaza Rotonda at the foot of the bridge in Nagtahan, in Calle Alix (now Legarda Street), and just recently, the Manila government built a new replica in Plaza Sta Cruz. The original fountain was actually made of marble and bronze. One of the benefits of the waterworks was that no charge for water was to be made for poor people.

Click to Enlarge
(Original Carriedo Fountain in Nagtahan)

Another replica of the fountain can also be seen in MWSS compound in Quezon City. This replica was brought to Balara as a centerpiece when the MWSS compound was transferred here in late 70s.

Click to Enlarge
(Plaza Sta Cruz - Oct 2008 Photo)

During my last visit, I saw some tourists around. I just hope that this masterpiece will be preserved and that this area of Sta Cruz will be restored to its former glory.

Posted by manilahub at 1:45 pm | permalink | comments[3]

Sta Cruz - Monte de Piedad

Did you know that the first bank in the Philippines was established in this small building just in front of the Sta Cruz Church? The Monte De Piedad Savings Bank, founded by a Franciscan Priest named Fr. Felix Huertas, was once established in this building since 1938.

Click to Enlarge
(The GE Money Bank - Oct 2008 Photo)

The name “Monte De Piedad” means “Mountain of Mercy”. Probably because this bank served as a pawnshop of the church for the people during those days. Monte de Piedad was originally located inside the Intramuros when it was first inaugurated on August 2, 1882. In 1894, it was transferred to Monte De Piedad Building (Now Prudential Bank Building) in Plaza Goiti (Now Plaza Lacson).

Click to Enlarge
(Original Monte De Piedad Building - Plaza Goiti)

In 1938, the bank was transferred in its new location in front of the Sta Cruz Church. This building was destroyed during the Second World War however it was reconstructed in 1946, and then resumed its operations in 1947. Even former Philippine President Manual Quezon was also part of its rich history, at one time he became employed in this bank as a clerk.

Click to Enlarge
(The GE Money Bank - Oct 2008 Photo)

During the 1990s, the bank was rehabilitated by Singapore’s Keppel Group, and then changed its name to Keppel Bank. At present, as part of a broader strategy of stepping up its deals in fast-growing markets in Asia, the bank was finally acquired by General Electric Co.

Posted by manilahub at 1:44 pm | permalink | comments[1]
Page: 1 ... 3 4 5 6 7 ... 11