22 Things We No Longer See in Manila

9/12/2016
22ThingsWeNoLongerSeeinManila
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22 Things We No Longer See in Manila

By FilipiKnow |
104k
Change is the only constant thing in the world, that we know. But sometimes, there were
changes we wish never occurred at all.
http://www.filipiknow.net/thingsandlandmarkswenolongerseeinmanila/
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Take Manila for example. We all know that it was

overowing with grandeur and sophisticationat
least according to some vintage photographs we
come across once in a while. And then came the war,
urbanization, and people who couldnt care less
about our heritage sites.
Private Jets and

Helicopters
The Leading Private Jet and
Helicopter Service in the
Philippines
Also Read:29 Things Youll Never See in Manila

Again
Soon, some of the things and places we once loved
disappeared before our very eyes.
I admit I was born in the late 80s, but seeing photographs of Manilas glorious past makes me
feel like Im living in the wrong generation. Here are some of the most nostalgic things and
places we no longer see in Manila.
1. The Tranvia.
Tranvias de Filipinas. Photo credit: John Tewell via Flickr.
In case you dont know, the tranvia is the grandfather of the modern-day LRT. Our ancestors
would have remained dependent on the calesa or carruajehad Leon Monssour of Department
of Public Works didnt propose the construction of a streetcar system in 1878.
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Monssours plan earned the governments approval, but it only materialized when an
entrepreneur namedJocobo Zobel de Zangroniz took over the project. Together with a Spanish
engineer and a Madrid banker, Jacobo established theLa Compaia de Tranvias de Filipinas in
1882.
Among the ve routes, only the Malabon line ran on steam while the rest were horse-drawn.
Therefore, it can be said that the rst steam railroad in the country was a streetcar.
A steam-powered tranvia in 1883.
The steam-powered tranvia (see photo above) operated from 1888 to 1898. Trips coming from
Tondo usually started at 5:30 AM and ended at 7:30 PM. Those that originated from Malabon,
on the other hand, ran from 6:00 AM until 8:00 PM.
The tranvia was a major mode of transportation in Manila until 1902, when the company
operating it stopped expanding and only 10 streetcars were used for each of the ve lines. As a
result, a law was passed in October 1902 to build electric power and transportation networks
in the city.
This is when Meralcoknown then asManila Electric Railroad and Light Companycame to the
picture. The companyreplaced theLa Compaia de Tranvias de Filipinasand by 1913,
completed 9 out of 12 lines.
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Electric street tram. Photo credit: www.philippine-history.org
The slow demise of the tranvia started when it was heavily damaged during the WWII. After the
war, it was decided to nally end the tranvia operations and just focus on rebuilding the nation.
Later, resourcefulness pushed Filipinos to put the remaining army jeeps into good use. The
jeepney was born and has since become the countrys major mode of transportation.
2. This 1980s double-deck bus.
You may occasionally see them around Mall of Asia Arena, but double-deck buses are still a
rarity in the countrys capital. In the 1980s, however, these giant vehicles usually plied the
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routes around EDSA, with a capacity that we could only wish for todays Manila buses.
With a price tag of 1 million pesos, the Leyland Atlantean double-deck bus could accommodate
up to 100 passengers, 62 of them on the upper deck. They were ordered from a British
company as part of the initiative of theMetro Manila Transit Corporation (MMTC).
3. Virra Malls futuristic escalator.
Photo via Old Manilas Facebook Page
Back in the day, Virra Mall was the ultimate haven for shoppers. Its a part of the Greenhills
Shopping Center best remembered for the Space Age escalator inside its lobby.
Eventually, Virra Mall was changed into V Mall and the famous escalators were moved to the
sides from its old location at the middle of the mall.
Today, the mall also features a modern facade and a large parking building across the street,
with a bridgeway linking to the second oor of the mall.
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4. This classic gas pump atAzcrraga (now Claro M. Recto).
Interesting fact: Built in 1898, one of the rst gas pumps could pull fuel from an underground
tank. It features a glass cylinder on top of the pump where you could see whether the gas
youre getting was dirty or not.
It also has a manual pump to help pull the gas out of the underground tank into the cylinder,
and nally into the hose leading to the car.
5. Nayong Pilipino.
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Nayong Pilipino in Pasay City was our very own Disneyland during its heyday. Its a cultural,
educational, and historical landmark that showcased a miniature Philippines to foreign
travelers coming from the nearbyNinoy Aquino International Airport.
Sadly, the 45-hectare park had to be sacriced to give way to the expansion of the thenManila
International Airport. It was also seen as a threat to the safety of the airplanes as the park also
served as a sanctuary for birds. In the end, the Visayas and Mindanao areas of the park closed
down in 2004.
Although there was a project to revive the park, this was discontinued when the ocials of the
Nayong Pilipino Foundation were replaced by a new set of appointees in 2010, wasting
hundreds of millions worth of taxpayer money in the process.
6. The MRR train.
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From 1917 up to the 1940s, the Manila Railroad Company was one of the largest corporations
in the country.
It was acquired by the government afterAct. No. 2547 was passed by the Philippine
Legislature on February 4, 1916. As a result, its railway lines had been extended toSan
Fernando, La Union in the north andLegaspi, Albay in the south.
MRR was heavily damaged during WWII, and out of the1,140 route-kilometers before the war,
only452 were made operational. The company was renamed Philippine National Railways
(PNR) on June 20, 1964.
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7. The Matorco double-deck bus.
Photo credit: John Ward via Flickr.
The Manila Motor Coach (Matorco) bus was the brainchild ofDon Carlos Palanca who was also
the founder of La Tondea Distillery. It used to ply Roxas Boulevard from the 13th and Chicago
Streets in the Port Area all the way to theRedemptorist Church in Baclaran and back again.
According to Lou Gopal of Manila Nostalgia, rates per passenger were set at 20 centavos in
1975. Children who were less than 1 meter in height were admitted free.
Matorco started to disappear in the early 1980s. It ocially stopped operation in 1994 due to
high maintenance, overcrowded streets, and increased pollution.
8. These giant 3-D billboards.
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3-D billboard for Caf Puro that sat on top of one wing of the Metropolitan
Theater. Photo via www.philstar.com
Long before EDSA became the paradise of sexy advertisements, there were 3-D billboards that
were, in fact, entertaining. Take these two memorable landmarks for example. Theyre both
gone now, but we all wish theyre still here to fascinate the child in us.
Billboard advertisement for Tru-Orange Drink, north bank of the Pasig River west of
the Jones Bridge, Manila, Philippines, 1940. Photo credit: John Tewell via Flickr.
9. Jai Alai games.
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Photo credit: Lou Gopal via Manila Nostalgia.
In old Manila, Jai Alai was considered the sport of the citys elite, just like golf. It was launched
in 1940 at a four-story building along Taft Avenue.
Dubbed as one of the most stunning Jai Alai frontons in the world, the Jai Alai Club was
designed by Welton Becket, the same architect behind the original Los Angeles airport.
A sport of Basque origin, the Jai Alai (which literally means happy feast), is usually played in a
three-sided court and with slings that are similar to wicket baskets. The players use these
baskets to throw the hard ball at breakneck speed.
After the war, the Jai Alai building was converted into one of the worlds largest Red Cross
service centers. The game, on the other hand, met a slow and painful death.
No thanks to issues of gambling and xing that had plagued the Jai Alai palace for years, the
game was ocially banned by the government in 1986. Soon, then Manila Mayor Lito Atienza
ordered the demolition of the Jai Alai building to supposedly give way to the construction of a
new Hall of Justice.
10. The Love Bus.
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The Love bus, one of the rst air-conditioned buses in the country, was another brainchild of
formerFirst Lady Imelda Marcoswho was a Metro Manila governor back then.
It was revolutionary vehicle when it was launched: It was painted blue, fully air-conditioned,
and with no standing on the aisle policy.
The rst terminal of Love bus was in Escolta. From there, the bus goes to Philcoa, then makes a
U-turn towards East Avenue and to Ali Mall terminal. There was also a route from Cubao to
Rustan Makati and then back to Escolta.
11. Heacocks Department Store.
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Heacocks Department Store in 1941. Photo credit: Lou Gopal via Manila
Nostalgia.
During the prewar years, Heacocks was considered one of the modern stores in Manila and the
largest of its kind in the country. It was air-conditioned and was even equipped with an electric
door which automatically opened via a photoelectric cell.
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The history of Heacocks started whenMr. H.E. Heacock opened a retail storenext to the Hotel
Metropole by the Sta. Cruz bridge. Due to popularity, the store was moved toEchague Street,
Quiapo in 1908. The following year, partnersH.E. Heacock and Freer decided to sell the
business toSamuel Gaches and other partners.
By 1918, the store was already in a four-story building at Escolta and soon became a one-stop
shop oering oce equipment, rearms, and sporting goods among others. A new building
was eventually opened on thesouth west corner of Escolta and David streets.
Although it was heavily destroyed during WWII, the Heacocks Department Store was
reconstructed and emerged as one of the popular stores in the 50s.
12.Insular Ice Plant and Cold Storage
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Photo via Old Manilas Facebook Page.
After the Spanish-American War, there was an increasing demand for ice in the Philippines. This
was mainly due to Americans who decided to settle here with their families. As a result,The
Insular Ice Plant and Cold Storage was born in 1902.
Designed by an American architect namedEdgar Bourne,Insular Ice Plant oered distilled
water, ice, and cold storage services to the US military as well as the general public.
Unfortunately, it was demolished in the 1980s to make way for additional structures that were
part of LRT1.
Interesting fact: According to Nick JoaquinsAlmanac for Manileos, the popular saying
mabilis pa sa a las cuatro!originated from the ice plants whistles which regulated peoples
lives at that time.
The whistle usually sounded three times a day: At 7:00 AM, 12:00 PM, and 4:00 PM which
signaled that it was time for people to go to work, take the lunch, and rush back home,
respectively.
13.Ysmael Steel Robot
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Ysmael Steel, once a leading manufacturer of electric appliances in the country, is best
remembered for its giant, 5-story mascot.
Known as Ysmael Steel Robot, this iconic Filipino giant once stood on the front lawn of the
companys factory along E. Rodriguez from the 1950s to the 1960s.
Photo via www.philstar.com
Ysmael Steel Robot was well-loved by children back then that the company regularly held a
month-long activity every Christmas season.
During this special event, the robot was either dressed as Santa Claus or was part of the belen.
Aside from lm showing (mostly sci- movies), the company also built a rocket ship for children
and their families to ride on.
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14. The Rizal Theater
Photo via dmcinet.com
Back when people still used real theater curtains to unveil the silver screen, Rizal Theater was
considered the real deal.
READ:20 Beautiful Old Manila Buildings That No Longer Exist
Rizal Theater was part of what used to be called Makati Commercial Center. It wasfrequented
by middle-class families who preferred it over Cubao and Recto cinemas. Rizal Theater would
later be replaced byShang-ri La Makati.
15. The Acme Super Market
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Acme Super Market, 1953. Photo credit: Lou Gopal via Manila Nostalgia.
If youre born in the 50s, you probably remember Acme Super Market as the store where kids
would sneak in to buy their favorite Sen-Sen candies, Double Bubble Gum, or comics.
Found on Padre Faura between Mabini and M.H. del Pilar, this grocery store was also the rst
choice of families who wanted to buy imported chocolates, potato chips, and other food items
from America, Europe, and Australia.
16. Balintawak Beer Brewery.
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Some jeepneys plying Valenzuela and Bulacan still use BBB to indicate their destination. The
name actually originated fromBalintawak Beer Brewery, a Japanese-owned company that once
replaced San Miguel Brewery during WWII. They used this place to brew Asahi beer.
After the war, the Balintawak Beer Brewery was liberated from the Japanese, and San Miguel
Brewery took over again.
17. Globe fountain and skating rink in Rizal Park.
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Agrina Circle in Rizal Park.
In the 70s, the Agrina Circle in Rizal Park was famous for its globe fountain and skating rink
where kids and adults practiced their moves. Both are gone now, replaced by a huge Lapu-Lapu
monument.
18. Autocalesa or Jeepneys (that arent OVERSIZED!)
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Jeepneys back then were not as oversized as todays.

Nu said.
19. The Meralco Building
Photo via www.philstar.com
Just like the Jai Alai palace, the Meralco Building was also an Art Deco masterpiece that once
served as the electric companys headquarters.
Known as one of the countrys rst air-conditioned buildings, the Meralco Building was sold o
in sections and all that remains is The Furies, a relief sculpture made byItalian sculptor
Francesco Riccardo Monti.
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20. The Manila Aquarium
The Manila Aquarium, early 20th century. Photo credit: John Tewell via
Flickr.
The Manila Aquarium in Intramuros is the precursor of todays Manila Ocean Park.
Opened in 1913, the Manila Aquarium was under the management of theBureau of Science. It
had 27 exhibition tanks where you could see bright-colored shes and other sea animals found
in Philippine waters.
QUIZ: Can You Guess These Famous Manila Landmarks By Their Old Photos?
The place was abandoned during WWII but was later revived by the City of Manila. A private
charitable organization called the Zonta Club of Manilaadded an Orchidarium and managed it
until 1983. It was later revived and renamedAcuario de Manila in 1998.
Finally, in 2004, the aquarium was refurbished by the Intramuros Administration and
renamedAcuario de Real.
21. Manilas Megabus
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1990 1219 Megabus. Photo via Old Manilas Facebook Page.
Manufactured by Santarosa Philippines Motorworks, this megabus has a 400 seating capacity.
Its operation, unfortunately, was short-lived either because commuters were not used to it or
its size made U-Turns on narrow streets a complete impossibility.
22. Bullghting.
Bullghting in Manila, 1890s. Photo via Old Manilas Facebook Page.

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The bloody sport of bullghting was brought to Manila in the 1890s. The gory event, which was
held in a bull ring somewhere in Paco, was described by an American named Trumbull White in
his 1898 book entitledOur New Possessions:
The sports of Manila are materially dierent from those to which we are accustomed, for their
favorites have been bull-ghting and cock-ghting.
The bullring in Manila, in the suburb of Paco, draws great crowds when the entertainment is
oered, in spite of the fact that the performances are by no means spirited.
Also Read:10 Greatest Filipino Athletes Youve Never Heard Of
Neither Spanish bullghters nor Spanish bulls are brought to the island, so that native talent
has to be obtained for both roles. The bulls are timid and lazy, the bull-ghters are little better
so that the traveler does not see bullghting of the same sort that he would in Spain, Cuba or
Mexico.
Bullghting near Manila City Hall. Photo via Flickr.
In the same year, American writerJoseph Earle Stevens published a book that describes yet
another animal cruelty disguised as sports which was held early in February: A battle between
two innocent animals described in posters as aStruggle between wild beasts grand ght to
the death between full-bloodied Spanish bull, and royal Bengal tiger, direct from the jungles of
India.
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Manila Bullght. Evening News Jan. 5,1955. Photo via Flickr.
During the 1953 Manila International Fair, bullghting made a brief comeback. The event was
held at the sunken gardens outside Intramuros and featured bulls and matadors from Spain.
Although it was a big hit, the bloody sports failed to return in 1999 after a group rallied to
block its comeback.
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References
Alcazaren, P. (2009). Bulls in Manila. philSTAR.com. Retrieved 23 April 2016, from
http://goo.gl/1rj9Go
Alcazaren, P. (2012). Christmas in the 1960s. philSTAR.com. Retrieved 23 April 2016, from
http://goo.gl/AoQL4q
Brief History of PNR. PNR.gov.ph. Retrieved 23 April 2016, from http://goo.gl/KBFUlx

Cruz, N. (2012). Site of new Nayong Pilipino now abandoned. Inquirer.net. Retrieved 23 April
2016, from http://goo.gl/Kl4mW9
Gopal, L. (2012). The Jai Alai Building, a beautiful example of Art Deco in Asia. Manila Nostalgia.
Retrieved 23 April 2016, from http://goo.gl/9NwGqb
Gopal, L. (2013). Malate Ermita District: Part 1. Manila Nostalgia. Retrieved 23 April 2016,
from http://goo.gl/vnDySG
Gopal, L. (2014). Heacocks Department Store on the Escolta. Manila Nostalgia. Retrieved 23
April 2016, from http://goo.gl/mbzKhM
Pamintuan, A. (2013). Ride at your own risk. philSTAR.com. Retrieved 23 April 2016, from
http://goo.gl/0tCPiF
Satre, G. (1998). Japan Railway & Transport Review No. 16 (pp.3337) New Urban Transit
Systems The Metro Manila LRT System A Historical Perspective. Japan Railway & Transport
Review, (16), 33-37.

Sauler, E. (2013). Like copying Amorsolo then destroying original. Inquirer.net. Retrieved 23
April 2016, from http://goo.gl/NjjJoo
Simbulan, V. (2009). From Virra Mall To V Mall. Juice.ph. Retrieved 23 April 2016, from
http://goo.gl/K13lxB
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22 Things We No Longer See in Manila

Take Manila for example. We all know that it was

Private Jets and

Also Read:29 Things Youll Never See in Manila

Tranvias de Filipinas. Photo credit: John Tewell via Flickr.

A steam-powered tranvia in 1883.

Electric street tram. Photo credit: www.philippine-history.org

2. This 1980s double-deck bus.

3. Virra Malls futuristic escalator.

Photo via Old Manilas Facebook Page

4. This classic gas pump atAzcrraga (now Claro M. Recto).

Photo via Old Manilas Facebook Page

Photo via Old Manilas Facebook Page

6. The MRR train.

Photo via Old Manilas Facebook Page

7. The Matorco double-deck bus.

Photo credit: John Ward via Flickr.

8. These giant 3-D billboards.

9. Jai Alai games.

Photo credit: Lou Gopal via Manila Nostalgia.

10. The Love Bus.

11. Heacocks Department Store.

12.Insular Ice Plant and Cold Storage

Photo via Old Manilas Facebook Page.

13.Ysmael Steel Robot

Photo via Old Manilas Facebook Page.

Photo via www.philstar.com

14. The Rizal Theater

Photo via dmcinet.com

15. The Acme Super Market

16. Balintawak Beer Brewery.

Photo via Old Manilas Facebook Page.

17. Globe fountain and skating rink in Rizal Park.

Agrina Circle in Rizal Park.

18. Autocalesa or Jeepneys (that arent OVERSIZED!)

Jeepneys back then were not as oversized as todays.

19. The Meralco Building

Photo via www.philstar.com

20. The Manila Aquarium

21. Manilas Megabus

1990 1219 Megabus. Photo via Old Manilas Facebook Page.

Bullghting in Manila, 1890s. Photo via Old Manilas Facebook Page.

Bullghting near Manila City Hall. Photo via Flickr.

Manila Bullght. Evening News Jan. 5,1955. Photo via Flickr.

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Brief History of PNR. PNR.gov.ph. Retrieved 23 April 2016, from http://goo.gl/KBFUlx

Review, (16), 33-37.

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