Revisiting Escolta

Walking Tour of Escolta

Manila is such a rich place for heritage buildings and sites, Escolta is one of the Bohemian commercial district of Manila during its heyday. I remember seeing Escolta in my younger years, it is the place where famous shopping department stores located, working professionals dressed in suits, it was like little Europe. The structures of the building were mostly neo-classical and art-deco style which reminds of architectural geniuses of the past.

The walking tour is part of  Mr. Rence Chan's "Walk with Chan" initiatives,  part of the efforts of the advocacy is to bring back the glory of the queen of the streets, that is Escolta. Home to art deco buildings such as the Regina, Calvo, Burke and First United, it was a trip down memory lane.

Don Roman Santos Building now BPI Building 

The Regina Building

First United Building

We are allowed to enter the First United Building, you could see the details of the structures, old clocks, old-fashioned elevator that still works, the former movie outfit offices of Dolphy, FPJ and Ms. Nora Aunor.  

Art in every structure 

Every Saturday 98B is having a flea market here at FUB

Former office of Nora Aunor

Dolphy used to have his office here

Some of the former offices are converted into dormitories

Syvel's used to be a famous department store

Calvo Building, a former house of GMA Radio station

Capitol Theater

Our last stop is the Juan Luna building, formerly the First National City Bank, now Juan Luna E-services building. It was being renovated as a call center offices, we are permitted to go upstairs up to the top floor (without elevator but it's worth the inconvenience) to see a great view of Intramuros .

Views from the top of Juan Luna E-Services Building:

El Hogar Building now privately owned is in danger of demolition 

Manila Port Area

Manila Central Post office

Maestranza a.ka. The Royal Warehouses 

Escolta Tour is being conducted by Mr. Rence Chan of "Walk with Chan" and also part of the Royal Postal Heritage Tour, for more info on how to join, contact Rence at e-mail : L_rence_2003@yahoo.com