The Manila's Queen of Streets (Escolta)

It must be the history or the pieces that's romanticized by the oldies.
Forgetting Calle Escolta is such an understatement.

 For one thing, our generation is not fortunate enough to live in that era when Escolta became the country's classiest shopping destination. I was so cruel for that fact! I just knew that fact when I read some blog about Escolta. I can still remember all those days that I was just passing along that street and definitely have no idea that, that thoroughfare have so much impact on erstwhile.



However, nostalgia will strike us when looking at old photos of Escolta, some are rows of opulent shops.

BUILDINGS:

Beaux art Regina Building

Built in 1934, also attributed to Juan Luna's son- Andres Luna de San Pedro, it wa originally three-storey commercial building. But when the De Leon family bought it fom the Roxases family, a fourth floor was added by Fernando Ocampo- the Founder of UST College of Architecture.

Beaux art Calvo Building

Built 1938, this Building is a little museum of Escolta. The museum was recently put together to showcase the old photographs, century newsprints, detailed scale models of Escolta's Architectural Land marks and an impressive Vintage Bottle Collection.

75 years Calvo Building

Unfortunately, I haven't seen the museum itself. I mean the inside view of the museum. As what said by the guard, the person who has the key is not around. What the? Haven't they think that it's a museum that anytime soon someone will visit that place? So much for that, I'll just visit that place if I have time. 

The Escolta Museum entrance fee is Php 50.00 per person. If you are alone, especial request can also be made, just call +632 2414538 .

Beaux art Narividad Building

It was designed by Filipino-born Spanish Architect Fernando de la Cantera Blondeau. Before the building was named Natividad, it was the Philippine Education Company Building during the pre war years.

 Its lower floors became the stores of Hamilton Brown Shoe Store and H. Alonso Boutique, which caries the famous Florsheim shoe. Mens wear, ladies wear and tailoring services are what Hamilton Brown is known for. Books, magazines, fine stationary, and novelty items is what the upper floors is known for were Philippine Education Company used to be.

WHERE TO EAT:

Polland Hopia and Bakery

After a long tiring walk along Calle Escolta and after admiring all of those Beaux art Buildings we visited the well known Hopia Bakery of Calle Escolta, Polland Hopia and Bakery. Obviously, they sell Hopia and other Chinese Delicacy. But if you want to have a heavy meal, chicken and gravy of The Original Savory Restaurant will full your tummy. There's some covenience store and some fast food outlets, such as Tropical Hut, Pizza Hut, Mini Stop and Family Mart.

It is impossible to bring back the extinction of Escolta as the Famous Business District. However it is such promising to see Escolta as a unique street Heritage business and tourism district in Manila.

Escolta is envisioned as a place that indeed depict its title as the Queen of Manilas Streets- a district that showcase its successful heritage conservation, unique business development and Filipino art and Lifestyle.

This time, I was with my ate. I didn't forced her to go with me. It's such a favor to have this trip with just by myself. After all, it's just around Manila. But I thank her for she's with me. 

Stay updated with my next post!

Carpe Diem!