One Peso Philippine Bill

I got this 1949 one-peso Philippine bill, with the face of the one of the Philippines' national heroes Apolinario Mabini, on one of the most popular pishpishim (flea markets) in Tel Aviv Israel. I thought I had a great find in terms of its monetary value. It turns out that the Philippine peso's worth at eBay is 50 pesos, or a little more than one dollar. I bought it from pishpishim at 20 NIS, which is roughly $5. Ha! Ha! Anyways, even if the bill turns out to be expensive, I wouldn't part with it as I thought it is cool to have something important from my country's past that I can hold on to. Kind of crumpled and even worn-out, the bill definitely deserves a mention here at My City of Manila blog, if only because if it historical value and overall significance.

Manila City of Spanish Time

I just love watching clips about old Manila. However, many of the clips are not moving videos but simply compilation of pictures of the old city. Here is one of the few documentaries about the city of Manila of old, complete with annotation.

The video mentions of Manila places such as Intramuros, Pasig River and Escolta Street. Drugstores of Escolta then was mentioned as having soda bar and telephone booth. The video likewise distinguishes the local women from those with foreign blood, Spanish and American most certainly.

The tobacco industry was recognized then as one of the major and most successful. Cigar produced during that time was considered as among the best in the world. Philipine prison, Tondo and Corregidor islands are also featured in the video. The prison then was obviously a place for rehabilitation of those who committed crimes to pave the way for future reintegration to society. Tondo was famous then for its nipa shacks while Corregidor, as always, is known for its beautiful sunset.

Just about anyone who loves to watch old Manila will definitely have a nice treat upon watching the video.

Roman Santos Building, Sta Cruz Manila

The hot afternoon had me wanting to check on some books at National Bookstore in Sta Cruz Manila. From Blumentritt, I took a Sta Cruz Manila – Taft bound jeepney, but then I decided to go farther and got off in front of Plaza Lacson (formerly known as Plaza Goiti) instead. Immediately I took notice of the Roman Santos Building, one that I often mistook as a government office when I was small.


Imposing structure Roman Santos Building, Santa Cruz Manila

Indeed, if there is a building worth mentioning in any Pinoy blogs, it is the Roman Santos Building, just near the Sta Cruz Church Manila. It is certainly one of the finest Manila attractions. I am not an expert at building styles and designs, but if only because of its columns and imposing height, the structure is simply worth marveling at. The site was originally occupied by the Monte de Piedad Savings Bank, founded by Felix Huertas, a Franciscan priest. Then the building was acquired by Roman Santos, a Filipino businessman who owns the Prudential Bank and Trust Company.

Currently the Bank of the Philippine Islands takes over ownership of the building, with one of its branches occupying the ground floor. One of the occupants was South Supermarket; I even had the chance to buy some snacks to eat on way to Dasmarinas, Cavite (The buses on way to the province pick up their passengers right in front of the building).

Escolta, Manila

Escolta is a one of the most famous streets in Manila. This was known during the olden days as the commercial and shopping street of the rich and famous. The olden days I speak of here date back during the American and even Spanish occupation of the country. Escolta was definitely one of the in Manila places back then.


Built in 1934, the Regina Building is one of the most famous landmarks in Escolta. Currently, the Union Bank of the Philippines is found on its ground floor. Back then, it housed the Prudential Insurance and the International Bank.


The Tropical Hut and Mercury Drug have been tenants of this building for ages.

How did Escolta street get its name? I was guessing that there was a school located within or near the area, or perhaps the street was originally a big place for stables of horses. But actually, the name Escolta originated from the time of the 1800’s when the Spanish Captain General, The “Capitan General” went out to parade on the street with their escorts, hence the name.


With its minimal traffic, one can still enjoy some leisurely walk on the street of Escolta


Small eatery with name "Escolta Resto Bar"


Syvel's - Its spirit lives on (at least for my aunt)

Many of the expensive shops from old Manila can be found in Escolta such as Botica Boie, La Estrella del Norte, and Oceanic. Even the old Regina Building, built in 1934, is still standing to this day, thankfully left untouched and still proudly displaying its built of seemingly immense strength. (Hopefully immense enough to withstand 8 and above intensity earthquakes)


The BPI building at the far end of the Escolta Street


Escolta street sign

Today, I am surprised that despite some closed shops and theater (Capitol) Escolta seems to remain a busy street. Business as usual in Escolta albeit I won’t have the chance anymore to shop at Syvels (or to specific, be tagged along to the store by my aunt who used to love frequenting the place).

Blumentritt Market, Manila

Overhead shot of the Blumentritt Market in Metro Manila

Ferdinand Blumentritt was a teacher from Germany who was a close friend of the Philippines’ national hero, Dr. Jose Rizal. But the name Blumentritt today is more known as a Light Rail Transit (LRT) station and a market in Metro Manila. Definitely as a major market place (I consider it a level lower than Divisoria Market but higher than that in Quiapo), it is one of the important Manila places to go to especially for one’s day-to-day needs.


Cart carrying large plastic bags full of vegetables at Blumentritt Market

Fish sold along the street is cheap and so is the chicken; prices tend to be higher of vendors with stalls. Chicken eggs are surprisingly cheap – I was able to buy 8 pieces for 20 pesos, which means it sold for 2.50 per piece. However, the size of the egg is almost small enough to be mistaken for quail eggs. And so I just have to settle for a bit larger eggs selling for 6 pieces at 20 pesos.


Poultry and Meat stalls

I like Blumentritt if only because of its proximity to many Manila places. One short jeepney ride and I am at Recto or Quiapo. I will just take the MCU jeep and would be at Grand Central Caloocan 15 to 20 minutes later. A tricycle ride can take me to Espana Boulevard in 5 minutes. A ride on a project 8 jeep will see me in Munoz along EDSA in 20 minutes. LRT can also be a convenient means of transportation; 25 minutes is all it takes for me to reach Pasay Taft EDSA when taking an LRT ride at Blumentritt Station.


Fruit vendor using space under the Blumentritt Station to sell her wares

A few known Manila landmarks are just near Blumentritt such as SM City San Lazaro, which can be reached by just walking, albeit on a blistering summer day, we take the tricycle. By the way the location of the present SM San Lazaro is originally were one can find the San Lazaro Hippodrome. Also near the market is the Chinese General Hospital and Manila North Cemetery.

Manila Places – Metrica Street of My Dreams

What are the Manila places to go to? I came back last November after five years of being away. And oh, so many changes had happened in the city (and still happening). Well, at least I can see them in familiar places like Sampaloc, Morayta, Recto, Quiapo, Sta Cruz, just to name a few.

I notice that the appliance shops in front of UST at Espana side have closed down. Likewise is the proliferation of more food restaurants and stores (which means more competition for Jollibee) UST, my alma mater, itself had a major makeover, and it is apparent that more changes and renovations are still going on.


I took this shot on a bridge crossing Espana just near Blumentritt Street. I am facing the Boulevard going to the direction of the University Belt, Quiapo and Taft Avenue.

Well, the city is composed of a number of districts; the one where I was born was called Sampaloc, which is mainly a residential district. Here (and also San Miguel District) is where the popular universities are situated, such as University of Santo Tomas along Espana Boulevard, University of the East in Recto Avenue and Far Eastern University along Morayta Street.

I had my elementary and high school education at UST, and so I am a proud Thomasian. Our house at Sampaloc was at Metrica Street. We stayed there until 1995 when the family decided to sell the property to divide the money among the siblings. My parents decided to spend their money to buy a house in Dasmarinas Cavite.

My grandfather told us that the place (Metrica) used to be a swamp filled with water cabbage. I thought that Sampaloc was where tamarind trees thrived, hence the name. It was here in this place where I had great memories of how life was simple then. If one would notice that the streets in Sampaloc, particularly in the residential zones where alternatively narrow and wide. Metrica was one of those narrow streets; of course not too narrow in order for cars to still be able to pass through.

Espana Boulevard is major thoroughfare and it is also a major river when heavy rains fall, especially on that part in front of UST. Governor Forbes I believe is now known as Lacson Street. Just take a passenger Jeepney in front of UST at Lacson and a number of blocks later, you can see yourself at SM San Lazaro.


Espana Blvd going to Quezon Avenue, Quezon City. One would notice the QC Rotunda Circle from afar

I loved that house in Metrica, I thought then that we were in the heart of the city and from such point, it was easy to go to any Manila places and sites. I still believe that it is. I used to promise myself that I will buy back the property and have it all for myself.

It was an old wooden house with iron grills to protect the windows. I was “given” the chance of three years to be able to acquire the property in its original form. But my ability to raise the amount needed was practically nil. Eventually the new owner tore it down and built a townhouse in its place.

Perhaps I failed in getting our old house and be able to live in Metrica again. But then hope springs eternal for somebody who’s forever dreaming. Hopefully in the future I can buy for myself my own house in Manila. I might have to forego that dream in getting a Metrica address, but it is very possible to be able to live again in Sampaloc, Manila.