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/

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Vintage 1960’s Manila Postcards

Manila is the gateway into the country. A great place to capture her famous city-views, buildings, ruins, historical places, aerial views thru the lenses of a professional photographer and mass producing them for tourist market thru postcards.

Department of Finance, Legislative Building, Manila Cityhall, GSIS building, Manila Metropolitan Theater, Quezon bridge and Luneta park are some of the important buildings captured in this aerial shot – JMC press ( Goodwill Bookstore circa 1967)

The parents of Ms. Maria Teresa Cancio-Suplico, Mr. Manuel and Juana Cancio who founded 3 bookstores at the foot of the Escolta Bridge, Manila. These 3 were named Educational, Goodwill and National.

Chinese garden arch- Luneta park – This postcard was printed by Kruger company and distributed by National Bookstore

Aerial shot of Manila pier, buildings, aduana, intramuros are clearly seen in this postcard. This postcard was printed by Kruger company and distributed by National Bookstore.

World Health Organization building located along United Nations Avenue formerly called Isaac Peral is the headquarter of WHO Asia-Pacific

colorful jeepneys which ply the route of Blumentritt- Libertad, Pasay and vice versa within Luneta Park, Manila

Lagoon at the Rizal Park with Daily Star, Volkswagen and Manila Hilton along T.M. Kalaw street was printed by Kruger and distributed by National Bookstore.

There is also a similar postcard print but with Japanese characters at the back portion, probably intended for the Japanese tourist market.

Fort Santiago and Dr. Jose Rizal cell ruins printed by Kruger and distributed by National Bookstore

Goodwill Bookstore also printed several thematic postcards which were distributed in many smaller bookstores in the provinces.

They also have several lenticular or 3-D postcards which were quite popular in the tourist market. These were categorized into Philippine dances, flowers, religious and well-known landmarks.

According to some serious postcard collectors, They have estimated that JMC and Goodwill Bookstore might have issued between 150 to 200 thematic postcards from the 1960’s until mid- 1980’s.

Agriculture and Finance Building (Agrifina) neo-classical architecture, water fountain, Manila Cathedral and MD bus transit had a route from Quiapo to Bangkal in Makati. – JMC 1967 ( Goodwill Bookstore) 

According to a September 12, 2017 Facebook post of Ms. Maria Teresa Cancio-Suplico

Goodwill through its printing arm JMC Press, produced beautiful postcards that were photographed by 2 Japanese experts in photography who stayed for at least a month in the Philippines to go around the country on a mission to photograph our best Philippine tourist spots like Mayon Volcano, Pasonanca Park in Zamboanga, & many others.

Dr. Jose Rizal monument and Luneta Park- printed by JMC 1967 ( Goodwill Bookstore)

Arch of the Centuries- University of Santo Tomas -printed by JMC 1967 ( Goodwill Bookstore)

Some of these postcards were pasted onto greeting cards that were die-cut to fit the postcard & the resulting frame around the postcard was embossed in gold. These greeting cards were works of art in their own way.

Aerial view of Luneta and other government buildings -printed by JMC 1967 ( Goodwill Bookstore)

This postcard showed the other parts of Manila which included portion of Intramuros, post office,newly planted trees and main boulevards.

Manila is much cleaner with less visible pollution 50 or 60 years ago compared today. Some of the heritage buildings are no longer there, But only postcards, photos and collective memories are highly cherished.

Happy 449th anniversary founding of Manila !

Note: postcards were collected by the author. Postcard copyright from JMC Press/ Goodwill and Kruger/ National Bookstore

Bibliography, Sources and References:

Personal interviews with postcard collectors from the Philippines ( Mr. Rogelio de Jesus,  Mrs. Melissa Perez, Mr. Iggy Tuazon, Mr. Dionne Taeza, Mr. Federico Ligon)

Goodwill Bookstore proprietor : Ms. Maria Teresa Cancio-Suplico

Collins English Dictionary : Postal Card

Personal interview from postcard collectors

Philippine Postcards page 130 to 137 Consuming Passions

Philippine Postcards.com: https://www.philippinepostcards.com/

Puente Colgante. ( 2005). In Virgilio Almario ( Ed.), Sagisag Kultura ( Vol 1). Manila: National Commission for Culture and the Arts.

Big Crowd at the 40th Grand Marian Procession in Intramuros

Big crowd attended the 40th grand marian procession within intramuros. This year also marked the ruby anniversary of the parade and procession.

devotees from Piat, Cagayan province

Nuestra Señora de Piat with devotees in colorful floral costumes. We visited few months ago the Minor Basilica of Piat in Cagayan province.

There were at least 120 Marian images, canonical and venerated images of the blessed virgin mary. Delegates come from different parts of the country. Some traveled from as far as Cagayan, Quezon, Laguna, Bulacan, Nueva Ecija, Batangas, Tarlac, Pampanga, Bataan, Cavite, Zambales, Camarines Norte, Aurora and La Union provinces.

There were also large contingent from different Metro Manila parishes and foreign tourists.

We organized a small tour and went early at around past 2:00pm, Met a lot of marian devotees, heritage advocates and friends along the parade route.

Nuestra Señora Delas Flores owned by Mrs. Imelda Ongsiako Cojuangco

local band from Pangil, Laguna province

40th Marian Procession

The marian carriages were lined along the old Intendencia or Custom House, Plaza de España, Andres Soriano avenue and Plaza Roma.

order of procession

There is an information counter near the BIR building along Andres Soriano Avenue which provided some clues on the parade routes.

participants from Bulakan, Bulacan province

These are the participants and devotees from Bulakan, Bulacan province. They gave some suman and bottled water to us while walking.

devotees

Nuestra Señora dela Leche y Buen Parto

Nuestra Señora dela Leche y Buen Parto image first time debut in the grand marian procession. Devotees also gave away some estampitas to visitors.

Nuestra Señora de Porta Vaga de Manila- the processional carriage had thousands of yellow dancing lady orchids or oncidiums arrangement.

devotees from Laguna

Nuestra Señora Inmaculada Concepción de Salambáo

participants in colorful terno

Immaculada Corazon de Maria

devotees from Bulacan province

Nuestra Señora dela Paz ( Apung Maria de Manila )

Our Lady of Sorrows

students and nuns

Maria Mananabang Sang Mga Kristianos from Capiz province

Nuestra Señora del Pilar de Imus

Mary Mediatrix of All Graces

Devotees from Batangas gave away estampitas, devotional booklet to the early birds. Most of the devotees came from Lipa and nearby towns of Batangas.

devotees from San Fernando , Pampanga sell some handmade scapular

Plaza Roma and Manila Cathedral Basilica

Nuestra Señora Delas Saleras from Nueva Ecija province

marian images

Nuestra Señora Virgen de Mar Cautiva from Santo Tomas La Union province

ladies in traje de mestiza

devotees in colorful balintawak dress

The mood is very festive and processional carriages bedeck with flower arrangements, fruits, vegetables and live plants.

Manila Cybertron & Modern Vintage Collectibles at Old Manila Eco Market and Puesto Manila

Manila Cyberton and Modern Vintage Collectible items are some of the exhibitors at the Art Pop Art within Old Manila Eco Market and Puesto Manila from November 16 and 17 saturday and sunday from 9:00 am to 6:00 pm.

Old Manila and Puesto Manila stalls

Copperazo

Old Manila Eco Market and Puesto Manila have teamed up to have this unique trade fairs which combines pop culture, vintage, toys, collectible items, handmade products, environmentally friendly and sustainable products.

Old Manila Eco Market and Puesto Manila

collectible items, toys, comics and lunchboxes

We took some time to explore the event and saw over 20 stalls selling different kinds of vintage items, toys, stickers, note cards, soaps, hand made jewelries, food, coffee, accessories , cassettes, food, t-shirt and eco friendly products among others

wind catcher, necklace and other items

different kinds of native delicacies and preserve foods

There were also a lot of local and foreign tourist roaming around the bazaar area.

sketch works

locally published comics being sold for just Php 50.00

baguito bags

water proof stickers

sticker and key chains

handmade notebooks and scrap book

itlog pin

notecards / viewcards for sale

Do not forget to visit the bazaar and know the sellers advocacy and try to explore interesting places in intramuros and nearby areas.

Intramuros Open House 2019

It was a hot sunny day when our small blogger group met at Plaza Roma past 7:30 am for the one day Intramuros Open House event.

Manila Cathedral Basilica

They took a chance to explore and enjoy these museums within the walled city. Some of the bloggers are living in northern part of Metro Manila like Deparo,Novaliches, Fairview, Rodriguez, Montalban and San Mateo, Rizal did not have much time to visit the place during ordinary days.

Intramuros Open House

https://photos.app.goo.gl/nxsgfrKrLFzmaD2x8

Old Manila Eco Market

Mr. Philip Reyes is one of the early bird at the meet-up place which was the Old Manila Eco Market in front of Manila Cathedral Basilica.

Manila Cathedral Basilica and former Manila Collectibles place

flowering Dendrobium orchids and ornamental plants for sale

Old Manila Eco Market had stalls selling environment sustainable products, flowering plants, handicrafts and food made by locals or ethnic groups.

Manila Cathedral interior

Archbishops of Manila from late 1579 up to the present

Manila Cathedral Basilica – We have waited a couple of minutes and took some time explaining a brief history of the church to the participants.

La Pieta

Fort Santiago entrance

Fort Santiago is our second stop, The well manicured space was a delight to photographers, we saw a lot of intagramers. However it seems hotter compared to what we have accustomed with. It was the paved concrete which gives a heat island effect.

Plaza de Armas

historical marker at the Dr. Jose Rizal’s shrine

Dr. Jose Rizal wax figure

tribunal

Dr. Jose Rizal cell

lego exhibit- Manila Hotel

The Lego exhibit is one of the MUST See attractions inside the Fort Santiago. I have been there several times. Some visitors keep on touching and playing the lego buildings that some of them have missing parts.

tranvia

The group met a lot of familiar faces and friends during our tour.

https://photos.app.goo.gl/RuWukfrsBEocc7iW6

San Agustin church facade

 Except for Philip Reyes and the author. It was the first time for the rest of the group at the museum. The last time i have entered the San Agustin museum was two months ago, when the company that i am working organized a pre-conference tour in intramuros.

columbary units

retablo

https://photos.app.goo.gl/7g2hupejEqYDoSK26

At the ground floor of the San Agustin Convent and Museum, There was an ongoing Marian exhibit entitled ” Regina Caeli”  which also attracted record number of people.  We saw Sir Jeff Fernando ( a santo devotee and collector).

botanical prints and samples

We also saw a couple of stamp collectors and heritage advocate at the museum.

 immaculate conception carved from elephant ivories – Don Luis Ma. Araneta collection

 The group enjoyed the two hour or so tour inside the San Agustin convent and museum.

Casa Manila and San Luis Complex

Casa Manila is a three -story rich merchant house in the late 18th and early 19th century. According to travel brochures and some books, This  merchant house was replicated from an actual house in San Nicolas district in Manila. Some materials were from demolished period houses in Manila and nearby provinces.

second floor

The collection also included furniture f rom estate and family collection acquired by Intramuros administration in the early 1980’s up to the mid-1990’s

sala

kitchen area

toilet

Casa Manila central courtyard

Casa Manila central courtyard is favorite location set for films, television commercial and wedding reception venue.

bambike

Instituto Cervantes – There was an art and bazaar at the second floor of the institute.

The group took a short lunch at the nearby convenient stores, It is much cooler inside compared to the karinderia.

Bahay Tsinoy – Bahay Tsinoy is a resource center,venue and museum. The place also had an auditorium area and resource library.

terracota warrior replica from Xian- donated to the museum

We used to include the museum as part of the extended postal heritage tour.

life size mannequin

The group of Mercedes Maata left after the Bahay Tsinoy museum tour. We were able to get some postcards, books and Tulay newspapers at the lobby.  They use to sell the postcards before.

Museo Destileria Limtuaco signage

We continued our Intramuros and visited the Museo Destilleria Limtuaco which opened their door in 2018.  It was my 8th time in this museum and first time for the rest of the participants.

https://photos.app.goo.gl/CDFV9rdYxTajMibv5

Museo Destileria Limtuaco facade

( photo courtesy of Mr. Philip Reyes)

Museo de Intramuros– We arrived past 1:30pm at the museum and fall in line to revisit the museum. It was the first time for the rest of the participants. Saw Axl Guinto and Dennis Dy Kho fellow bloggers. According to the security guards manning the museum, The museum is still FREE until the end of the year. Do not the miss the chance to visit the place.

Museo Destileria Limtuaco– This used to be an ancestral house of the Limpe family acquired in the late 1970’s. Eventually the ancestral house was converted into a museum and memorabilia center.

bottles

Destileria Limtucao company had tucked into their colorful history 5 generations of master blenders.  It was established by a Chinese immigrant born of a merchant family in Amoy, China, Lim Tua Co.

visitors

barrels

Lights and Sound Museum– The museum opened past 1:00 pm. There were two other schedule held within 1 hour interval.

life-size mannequin

Boy Scout monument  ( photo courtesy : Philip Reyes)

Boy Scout Monument  sometimes called Laging Handa Monument beside Colegio de San Juan de Letran. The monument was featured in a local postcard in the late 1960’s. It was printed by Madonna and distributed by Goodwill Bookstore.

The three boy scout featured were the three boy scout from Colegio de San Juan de Letran.

The group also went to the Parian gate area where is an ongoing Likhaan booths. By this time, most of the participants were tired and could not take any photos.

We accompanied Ms. Darylle and her daughter at the foot of Quezon bridge, where they rode an AUV express going to Fairview and the author took an LRT line 1 Central station. Finally bid farewell after almost 8 hours of walking tour within intramuros.