Ever wondered what Manila looked like during the old times? Since I am a huge fan of architecture and history, I can’t help but share these stunning black and white photos of old Manila which I stumbled upon while doing some paperwork. These photos narrate the story of Manila from the Spanish colonial to the post-war era. It shows Manila far from its current state of highways surrounded by tall glass skyscrapers . Streets are filled with calesas and the tranvia with little to no traffic compared today. The bahay na bato lined up the streets of Manila specifically Escolta and Pasig River was used a major transportation route. This is Manila Circa 1800-1900s: the Glory Days of the what was once known as the Pearl of the Orient.
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| Aerial view, Manila, ca. 1925-1930 |
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| Approach to the Bridge of Spain, Newtown, Manila, 1899 |
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| Escolta Street, Manila, 1884 |
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| Escolta Street, Manila, 1899 |
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| Calle Rosario, Manila, ca.1926-1928 |
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| Cuartel de Malate, Manila, ca. 1905 |
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| Estria de la Reina [Queen’s Canal], Santa Cruz, Manila, 1926 |
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| Former headquarters of General Pilar, now headquarters of General Charles King, San Pedro de Makati, Manila,1899 |
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| Governor General’s office, Manila, 1899 |
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| The Ayuntamiento Building, Manila, 1907-1916 |
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| Army vehicles in front of Quiapo Church, Manila, 1946 |
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| Harbor scene, Manila, ca. 1925-1930 |
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| Lighthouse and Anda Monument, Intramuros, Manila, 1901 |
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| Interior of commanding general’s quarters, Manila, 1899 |
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| Pacific Commercial Company, Manila, 1928 |
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| Pacific Motors salesroom, Manila, 1928 |
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| Pasig River, Manila, 1926 |
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| Manila street scene, early 1900s |
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| Manila streetcar, early 1900s |
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| Walled City, Manila, 1925 |
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| Manila street scene showing church in the background, 1899-1901 |
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| Fort Santiago, Manila, ca.1920-1928 |
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| Harbor scene, Manila, ca. 1925-1930 |
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| Shop interior, ca. 1920-1930 |
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| Ruins of Unjien Building in Manila, 1945 |
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| Ruins of Parliament buildings, 1945 |
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| Former headquarters of General Pilar, now headquarters of General Charles King, San Pedro de Makati, Manila,1899 |
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| Tobacco factory and its largely female work force, Manila, early 1900s |
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| Refugees and patients liberated from Philippine General Hospital, Manila, 1945 |
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| View of burnt-out Manila, 1945 |
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| Damaged buildings in Rizal Avenue, Manila, 1945 |
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| Aerial view of wrecked buildings, Manila, 1945 |
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| A Filipino family and its home, Manila, 1899 |
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| Field hospital of Camp Santa Mesa, Manila, 1899 |
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| Filipino soldiers outside Manila, 1899 |
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| Debris amid damaged buildings after bombings, Manila, 1945 |
Manila is indeed rich both in history and culture and these photos are immortalized moments that give proof to what Manila used to be. What’s your favorite photo?
Photo credits to University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee Libraries
Cheer~!
– Justin –
8 Comments. Leave new
Mesmerizing Photos of Manila. Who had wonder that Manila looked that way.
Thank you! I never though Manila looked elegant! thank you!
1800 ??? Photography was not invented yet…
Cool collections of Old Manila photos.
Thank you!
I’d say my favourite is the one of Escolta Street in 1884… Imagine if a lot of our streets still look like that. Hopefully people would gain enough appreciation and awareness for heritage houses so they can prevent further destruction of the ones left
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Hello, thank you for sharing your pictures. Do you mind telling me the source for the Interiors of Commanding General’s office? I am researching old house interiors of the Philippines.