Old and New Manila: Picture Postcards and Stories of 1920s Philippines

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 The busy streets of Manila now is in stark contrast with the laid back swagger of Old and New Manila. Around 1898 when the Americans arrived and experienced the Philippines firsthand, Manila carried a centuries-old charm, renowned for its impeccable beauty as the “Pearl of the Orient” and the “Venice of Asia”.

As 1904 rolled around, the old walled city of Intramuros was an astonishingly-preserved medieval city, impressing Daniel Burnham (sent by President Taft to overtake the city’s planning). Snazzy Meralco street cars were also soon installed after.

 There were beautiful old churches, and elegant, sloping Filipino Bahay-na-Bato style houses. Ground floor walls were made entirely out of stone, and overhanging second floors were crafted out of  wood. Sliding capiz shell windows filtered the sunlight, with wrought iron grill creations. And by 1912, Manila Hotel just completed its construction following the Army and Navy Club.

If you're feeling nostalgic from the heavy traffic, here are a few scenes from around Manila ca. 1900-'20s, which includes these postcards from Jonathan Best's Book, Philippine Picture Postcards 1900-1920.

North Pasig, Union Landing and Customs House Wharf
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Manila Hotel, with a view of "New Luneta" and the Bay.



The mouth of River Pasig and Anda Monument


Plaza de Goiti  and the Santa Cruz Church



                                        Escolta, Clark's famous ice cream parlor and cafe


                                                      Cascos in the Binondo Canal



                                          Escolta, and MERALCO's new street cars, 1904


The Santo Tomas Church courtyard, Intramuros, destroyed in WWII


                                                        Rotonda Circle and fountain


                                            A casco used to deliver veggies up the Pasig


                                    Sentry watchtower, Bastion de San Andres


                                      Binondo Church and Insular Cage Building



                                                      Malacanang Palace, 1909


What did you think of old and new Manila circa 1900-'20s?







About Post Author

I’m a wandering Filipina-German living in Manila. Flower child and moonlighter at heart, I dream, write, photograph, (model sometimes), and specialize in content and user experience design.

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About Me

About Me
I’m a wandering Filipina-German living in Manila. Flower child and moonlighter at heart, I dream, write, photograph, (model sometimes), and specialize in content and user experience design

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