Dito, Noon: Fort Santiago Gate
I took the historical image I found here, dated 31 October 1896 and a photograph I took in August 2011 to create this composite of the front gate of this historic citadel. After it’s destruction in WWII’s Battle of Manila, restoration efforts began in the 1950s. The location of the bridge over the moat that connects Plaza Moriones and the main part of the fort has moved since the late 1800s.
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Research Notes
- Dumindin, Arnaldo. “Philippine-American War, 1899-1902“. Photo dated 31 October 1896. Unknown owner. Date accessed: 26 Aug 2011.
- M. Veluz. ”San Agustin Church Door”. 2011. Personal collection.
Dito, Noon: Meralco Building
The Meralco Building along San Marcelino Street, Manila was built by Juan Arellano in 1936 as the headquarters of the country’s largest power company. It was a modern office building and was the first air-conditioned office the country. Its façade has relief sculptures by the Spanish artist, Francesco Ricardo Monti. Since the power company vacated the premises, it has become near derelict. Not since the destruction of the Jai Alai building along Taft Avenue has the Internet been ablaze with uproar over the destruction of yet another heritage building. Over the last week, the structure was almost completely demolished. Read Ivan Henares’ article. Today’s fade was brought to you by Skyscraper City. [I do not own these images.]
My friend’s father used to work in MERALCO back in the days when their tranvias roamed the streets. Do you have any ancestors who worked for MERALCO?
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