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Take a selfie break and seek out Metro Manila’s architectural gems for Instagram-perfect posts that will win you not just likes, but new followers too. This healthy mix of something old and something new, will make you feel look like a true child of Manila in no time.
1. Cultural Center of the Philippines
That big chunk of concrete on Roxas Boulevard didn’t look new when it was unveiled in 1960 yet still doesn’t look old 50-odd years later. That’s what you call a classic. The most recognizable work of National Artist Leandro V. Locsin, it is best captured when the fountain is switched on, which is every Sunday morning or whenever there’s a performance scheduled at the main theater. Roxas Boulevard corner Pablo Ocampo (formerly Vito Cruz) Street, Pasay City, Metro Manila.
2. Blackbird
Formerly an airport control tower, this compact building along Makati Avenue has been done up with stately and elegant interiors that’ll surely get your friends asking for its address in no time. There’s a stunning spiral staircase, a spray of white orchids in the reception area and creaseless white table clothes spread on the tables. In short, you won’t lack for subject. Nielson Tower, Makati Avenue, Makati.
3. Manila Central Post Office
Built in 1926 and designed by Juan M. Arellano and Tomás Mapúa, this imposing building is a showpiece of Neo Classical architecture. Destroyed during the war, it was renovated in 1946 and now stands proudly a good example of how to restore an American colonial building. Liwasang Bonifacio, Magallanes Drive, Intramuros, Manila.
4. The Henry Manila
This 32-room boutique hotel in this hidden Pasay City compound occupies five houses built during the 1950s. The two-storey buildings have been painted either stark white or neutral gray and looks like a chic plantation house; a good argument for conservation and restoration, if you ever needed one. 2680 FB Harrison St, Pasay City.
5. Metropolitan Theater
Though worn out because of its age and neglect, this National Treasure, built by architect Juan M. Arellano in 1931, still retains details of its gloried past that would look great in Willow filter. But don’t wait until the NCCA restores the building back to its former glory. Even in this state of disrepair, the Metropolitan Theater is still a stunner. Padre Burgos Ave, Ermita, Manila.
6. Rizal Monument
With or without (but preferably without) the hotly-contested Torre de Manila high-rise looming in the background, this bronze and granite monument that holds the remains of our National Hero is an interesting subject. Created by a Swiss sculptor and unveiled on the 17th death anniversary of Rizal, it is guarded by four men from the Philippine Marine Corps 24 hours a day. TM Kalaw St cor Roxas Blvd, Ermita, Manila.
7. Yardstick
With bleached wood tables and chairs that stand out because of its minimalist lines, and small potted plants on the tabletops, this café in Legaspi Village would look lovely in any Instagram filter. Natural light pours in from the big windows and the subtle color accents just makes you want to take a deep breath and relax. G/F 106 Esteban St, Legazpi Village, Makati.
8. Casino Español de Manila
During the Spanish period, Casino Español was an exclusive venue for all them Ilustrados and mestizos. Thankfully the days of exclusivity are over! Before you dig into your order of callos and albondigas at their time-warpy restaurant, however, snap photos of the arched terraces surrounding the peaceful courtyard, designed by National Artist Jose Maria Zaragoza. 855 TM Kalaw St, Ermita, Manila.
9. Paco Market
Designed by American architect William Henry Parsons, this Mission Revival building was neglected for some years until the Paco Market Redevelopment project in June 2010 cleaned it up real good…and then some. The all-white structure stands in stark contrast to the busy atmosphere of street sellers and jeepneys stuck in traffic. Pedro Gil cor Angel Linao Sts, Paco, Manila.
10. Locavore
The concrete-washed walls of this Pinoy-themed restaurant can be best described as hipster meets Filipiniana. There are bamboo shades covering the windows, a plywood tray box for condiments like patis, UFC and suka, and when you order the singkamas and mangga on sticks, they serve the dips in sari-sari store-style garapons. 10 Brixton St, Bgy Kapitolyo, Pasig.
11. Carmen Apartments
The elegantly curved Carmen Apartments was designed by Carlos Arguelles and completed in 1958. Arguelles, who is hailed as one of the most respected Filipino modern designers, chose a curved plan in order to complement the larger curve of Roxas Boulevard. The apartment units have wide cantilevered balconies that are already considered luxury spaces in today’s real estate market. The building is bursting with vintage vibe. 2000 Roxas Blvd, Malate, Manila.
12. North Syquia
Believe it or not, there is a waiting list for this six-storey Art Deco apartment, built in 1936 and a favorite among the artsy and designy crowd because of its generous layout, big windows, natural light, vintage elevator and overall old-world charm. It’s a well-preserved building and security is normally strict, but you can get in if you pay a visit to Firma, a homeware shop located on the ground floor. 1991 MH Del Pilar St, Malate, Manila.
13. Ronac Art Center
Curves are a recurring shape at this sexy building along Ortigas Avenue in Greenhills. You see it on the facade and then in the spiral staircase inside. Seriously, it’s hard not to fall in love (and feel like you’re not in Metro Manila) when you enter the structure that not only houses an art gallery, it has a basketball court and Uratex showroom too. 424 Ortigas Avenue, San Juan.
14. UST Main Building
The main building of the country’s oldest university, built in 1927, is probably the grandest looking educational institution in the country. Designed by Fr. Roque Ruaño, it is the country’s first earthquake-resistant building. Be sure to capture the soaring tower in the middle and statues on either side of the rooftop. España Boulevard, Sampaloc, Manila.
15. Malate Catholic Church
Established in 1588, the Malate Church, also known as Nuestra Señora de Remedios, has gone through quite a lot: a couple of invasions from the Chinese and the Brits, an earthquake, plus the great destruction in 1945. Thankfully, it’s still there, providing care especially for Filipino mothers who like to bring their sick children here on Saturdays to put them under the love and protection of the great Señora. 2000 MH Del Pilar St, Malate, Manila.
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