Iconic Manila Hotel real photo postcards

Manila Hotel is one of the most photographed hotels in the country since her establishment in 1912.

With the advent of photography. First known photo studios were introduced in Manila in the later part of the 19th century. Taking photos of people, fiesta, landmarks, recuerdo de patay (memories of the dead) became more popular. Manila hotel postcard with the use of photos became an instant hot commodity among collectors of Filipiniana, memorabilia, postcard, photo collectors not only in the country but also from all over the world.

Manila Hotel photo postcard circa 1925

Manila Hotel real photo postcards

The Manila bay harbor was dredged with millions of tons of mud, gravel and sand were used to reclaim and extend the Luneta, making room for the Elks Club, the Army Navy Club and the crown jewel of the project was a premiere hotel with modern amenities that soon to be called the Manila Hotel.

The Malecon drive which was popular as seaside passageway and promenade area during the Spanish regime was widen and reclaimed. Eventually the drive became Dewey boulevard or Roxas boulevard.

The moat which connects parts of intramuros or walled city to the Manila bay was filled and turned into a municipal golf course and garden.

The site of the hotel was next to Pier 7, where it was now possible to berth four large passenger ships.

Pier 13 is also near the hotel which added more traffic and guests to the hotel.

Visitors can book a room at the hotel and short calesa ride into the historic city centers like Intramuros, Ermita, Malate and Luneta park. During those times, the social event would center in escolta. Eventually the grand social hall of the hotel serves as a nerve center to even the political meetings and gatherings.

It was the in-thing for the wealthy and socialite during American colonial regime to be spotted within Manila Hotel, much of today’s Bonifacio Global City or BGC.

Mr. Daniel Burnham commissioned American architect William Parsons to design the Manila Hotel as well as many buildings with the California style mission which was in vogue in many parts of the United States and Europe.

Manila Hotel circa 1947 photo postcard

Manila Hotel circa 1957 with post war cars and trees growing

Manila Hotel with large acacia and narra trees circa 1959

Please try to visit the other previous article links for Manila Hotel :

American Regime Manila thru postcards part 3: https://renz15.wordpress.com/2019/09/13/american-regime-manila-thru-postcards-part-3/

Manila Hotel postcard by Cardinell Vincent :https://renz15.wordpress.com/2020/10/27/manila-hotel-postcard-cardinell-vincent-company/

Filipinas Stamp Collectors’ Club Meeting and Salu-Salo

Filipinas Stamp Collectors’ Club had their last meeting and get together for 2019. I have 3 mail bidders which send their bid only during the day of the meeting.

I have to travel to the post office to check the items for auction. It was quite surprising to see some new faces and club members.

Meeting

There were about 500 items for bid, ranging from stamps, stamp magazines, specimen stamps, coins, banknotes, papel sellado, postcards among others.

What is exciting on this stamp club meeting was the on the spot raffle and salu-salo. It is good that someone gave electric flat iron, mugs, lock and locker tumbler and multi-purpose swiss knife.

item 40 -United States Philippine Islands 1921 postal card with 1906 2 centavos stamp

The author was quite lucky to have bid this item, This was listed under #40 and starting bid was just Php 80.00 or roughly around US$ 1.58. The postal card was written around August 25th 1921 and send to Mr. Hashi Kawa of #617 Camba street, San Nicolas, Manila by Assistant Secretary Hermo Cruz of Bureau of Labor.

The office was under the Department of Commerce and Communications ( Bureau of Labor) which was situated along 662 Rizal Avenue in Manila.

It is rare to see a correspondent postal card with English and Spanish words printed.  Another unique way to affixed the stamp within this postal card it was inverted.

The author is quite lucky to have gotten this postal card correspondence without much bidders interested.  A lot of them might have paid attention to the other items.

Php 5 pesos banknote ( circa 1987) with overprint San Lorenzo Ruiz canonization Serial number JC555555 ( item 253)

The Php 5.00 paper bill issued during President Corazon Aquino sometime in 1987 with overprint of San Lorenzo Ruiz canonization and with solid serial numbers initial bid was just Php 700 but a male banknote collector outbid everyone and reach an outstanding Php 3,600 !

The quality of the banknote is almost MINT condition and it is collected not because of the condition but the serial numbers and overprint. The banknote collector might be a newbie in the collecting world, since solid serial numbers would only reach around Php 1,000 outpost.

1 peso 1974 error coin off center with blank and clip planchet ( item 273)

The 3 pieces 1 peso Rizal coin had minting error. The starting bid was Php 700 and the lot item reach final last bid of Php 1,800 ! In the normal quality and security procedure in the MINT. These coins were normally re-minted or re-cast. Somehow, one of the person behind the mint might have got hold of these coins and collected them for over 30 years before selling them in local bourse or coin market.

one centavo coins ( item 274)

The item above were three pieces 1 centavo coins ( Marcos regime) with obvious error in the minting process with black clip planchet. The item starting bid was Php 700 and a coin collector was quickly to bid the item.

Salu-salo

chicken empanada

peachy-peachy from Arny Dading

 After the bourse / auction the members got to taste several late afternoon snacks which consisted of peachy- peachy from Arny Dading, Kikiam ni Aling Upeng, Sushi rolls from Suki Market and Chicken empanada.

sushi rolls from suki market

Gat Andres Bonifacio shrine near Manila Cityhall

Christmas tree at the Andres Bonifacio Shrine and Manila Cityhall clock tower

Everyone enjoyed the hearty afternoon snack, We decided to visit the Andres Bonifacio and Manila Cityhall to see the beautiful evening Christmas lights and went to nearby Manila Cathedral for the start of the anticipated misa de gallo.

Manila Weekend Market Goes Full Blast

Ermita, Malate, Paco, Pandacan, Manila, Makati residents and bazaaristas would be happy to know that there is an upcoming weekend bazaar. The weekend bazaar will be held at the parking area of UN Square Mall which is divided into several sections like food, fashion accessories, ready to wear shirts, regional products, plants, small mammals, pet supplies, art works, orchids, home decors, t-shirts, cacti and succulents, pots among others.

Venue: UN Square Parking, United Nations Ave. Cor. San Marcelino Street, Ermita, Manila
Booth Size: 2m x 2m
Market Schedule: Every Saturdays and Sundays, Opens(4:00am-6:00pm)

Products to Sell: Plants, Planting materials , accessories, foods, fruits drinks, dry goods like ready to wear dress, furniture and more. Wet market sellers are welcome too.

The weekend market will be at the parking area and will start on May 18 and 19 Saturday and Sunday from 4:00 am until 6:00 pm and for inquiries please call:  09391290444 / 09267488898

UN Square Mall

This is in cooperation with UN Square Mall , Manila Bulletin and Agriculture Magazine.

How to Commute

UN Square Mall is located just less than 50 meters away from LRT line 1 United Nations Avenue. Accessible in all modes of transportation like jeep, auv express, passenger bus.

Great Dishes at Srinidhi’s Cafe

Srinidhi’s Cafe serves south Indian dishes. We took time to eat at this Indian restaurant after attending a short talk at the recently concluded Cactus Fiesta Fair 4 held at UN Square Mall.

Srinidhi’s Cafe

The restaurant had already established a following among local Indian , Sri Lankan and even Pakistani residents. They also offer unlimited rice promo for their dishes.

It can accommodate between 30 to 50 people at any given time, with modern ambiance. One can adjust the amount of spiciness by telling the waitress your preference.

menu

Chicken Biryani – a highly aromatic and well-seasoned one-pot dish we would highly recommend this dish- Ideal for sharing between 2 to 3 people.

We ordered 1 chicken biryani rice, 1 south indian dish combo meal which comes with soup and unlimited white rice. 1 fish fry and 1 grilled fish.

soup had some spices, slices of tomatoes and vegetables.

grilled fish with some chopped cabbage, onions and slice of lemon.

fish pry with with sauteed cabbage, onions – We prefer this dish over the grilled fish which seems to be over cooked.

l-r Ms. Surya Nasmaskar, Mr. Frandel Recto along with Ms. Anita Are, Mrs. Luz Santa Ana

Overall, We would recommend this place for all those craving for Indian dishes.

Address: ground floor UN Square Mall, United Nations Avenue corner San Marcelino Street, Ermita, Manila

Operations: 10:00 AM – 9:30 PM Everyday

Contact : 0949- 118 1502

Duo Halo-halo and other Dishes at Kuya J, UN Square Mall

Duo halo-halo which combines milk and ube, roasted chicken, kaldereta, pinakbet are just some of the well known Filipino desserts and dishes served at Kuya J restaurant UN Square Mall branch.

Kuya J’s UN Square Mall branch is fitted with well-lighted and sophisticated interiors, while serving well-designed and well-executed native dishes that cut across regional palates.

pinakbet

Pinakbet had okra, bitter melon, squash, string beans, meat and shrimp paste. (Php 198 ) for sharing between 2 to 4 people.

roasted chicken

Roasted chicken also tried their version of their roasted chicken, It serve with slice tomatoes and cucumber and can be shared with 2 to 4 persons. The meat is tender and mildly spice. One can add hot sauce or liver sauce to add taste.

Beef Kaldereta we like the tender beef meat and the sauce, the slices of potatoes and carrot . Php 415 for sharing between 2 to 4 persons.

Duo Halo-halo

Duo Halo-halo which combines milk and ube flavors, The shave ice had infuse flavors, similar to the more popular halo-halo brands in the market. The halo-halo is not too sweet and just right. It is topped with corn flakes and leche flan with the usual mixed like saba banana , gelatin and strips of coconut. Php 109 is quite irresistible especially with the hot weather.

Note: Prices posted in this blog is subject to change without prior notice. The author is not connected with the management of the restaurant.

Kuya J Restaurant

Address: ground floor of UN Square Mall, San Marcelino street corner United Nations Avenue in Ermita, Manila.

Operations: 10:00 am to 9:00 pm Everyday

Holy Week operations might differ from Maundy Thursday to Black Saturday