Escolta, A glimpse of our Heritage

Having housed the Manila Stocked Exchange and the country’s largest department stores, Escolta was
once considered to be the country’s premier financial district. Long before the Ayala’s brand of business
districts arises.

In 1945, the Battle of Manila, cause a wreck in the long stretch of this historic street. After the war the
area has never fully recovered. However, some of the Heritage advocates, started a campaign to turn
Escolta as one of a tourist spots in Manila. Here are some of the buildings that exemplify its Heritage,
that makes Escolta, a worthy of a visit.

Don Roman Santos Building

Originally built in 1894, Don Roman Santos Building was designed by Don Juan de Hervás and first served
as the headquarters of the Monte de Piedad Savings Bank. The building incorporates Neoclassical and
Renaissance architectural style in its design and is one of the few buildings that survived the Battle of
Manila in 1945.

The building is currently owned and occupied by the Bank of the Philippine Islands after their acquisition
of its former owner, Prudential Bank. (THEMANILAPROJECT)