Social Items

Showing posts with label Namesake. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Namesake. Show all posts

Few thoroughfares in Metro Manila carry the historical weight, academic energy, and sheer transit volume of Taft Avenue. Stretching roughly 5.7 kilometers through the heart of Manila, Pasay, and ParaƱaque, this vital artery is much more than a crowded commuter route—it is the spine of the nation's capital region.


Who Was It Named After?

Taft Avenue was named in honor of William Howard Taft, who served as the Governor-General of the Philippines from 1901 to 1903. Taft would later become the 27th President of the United States and, subsequently, the Chief Justice of the U.S. Supreme Court.

During his brief but highly influential tenure in the Philippines, Taft headed the Second Philippine Commission and spearheaded civil governance reforms, the establishment of the public school system, and the physical modernization of Manila.


History: From Burnham’s Grand Plan to Post-War Bustle

Taft Avenue was conceptualized at the turn of the 20th century as part of architect Daniel Burnham’s grand urban master plan for Manila. Burnham envisioned Manila as a "Paris on the Pasig," characterized by wide, tree-lined boulevards, neoclassical government buildings, and sweeping radiating vistas.

Taft Avenue after World War II

Key Historical Milestones


1905–1910s (Construction): Built out as a scenic, wide boulevard cutting south from the civic center around Rizal Park. It quickly became an upscale residential and institutional zone.

1945 (The Battle of Manila): Taft Avenue became a fierce, bloody battleground during World War II. Its heavy concrete universities, hospitals, and government structures were turned into fortified Japanese strongpoints, resulting in near-total destruction by allied shelling.

1984 (The LRT Era): The avenue underwent its most radical physical transformation with the construction of the Light Rail Transit Line 1 (LRT-1). The elevated concrete tracks forever changed the face of the road, trading Burnham's open skies for the urban shade and rapid mass transit that defines it today.

LRT-1 along Taft Avenue


Importance & Role Today

Today, Taft Avenue serves as a premier commercial, transport, and educational hub. It functions as a critical economic baseline for three major reasons:


1. The University Belt (U-Belt) South
Taft is the spiritual home of Manila’s student population. It anchors some of the country’s most prestigious higher education institutions, creating a vibrant, high-density student economy packed with dormitories, study hubs, printing shops, and affordable eateries.


2. High-Volume Transit Corridor
The avenue handles hundreds of thousands of commuters daily. It operates on three distinct transport layers:

  • Elevated Rail: The LRT-1 line runs directly above the entire length of the avenue.

  • Surface Traffic: A constant stream of traditional and modernized jeepneys, buses, and UV Express vehicles.

  • Underground Infrastructure: Extensive utility and drainage channels serving downtown Manila.


3. Healthcare and Civic Backbone
Taft Avenue houses the country's premier referral hospital and central government agencies, making it an essential destination for public health and national bureaucracy.



Connecting Roads

Taft Avenue runs a north-to-south course, acting as a crucial bridge between downtown Manila and the southern gateways of the metro.


Nearby Destinations & Tourist Attractions

Whether you are a heritage buff, an academic, or a traveler navigating the city, Taft Avenue places you within minutes of Manila's most iconic landmarks.


Heritage & Parks


Rizal Park (Luneta): Located right at the northern foot of Taft, this historical urban park is home to the Jose Rizal Monument and the Kilometer Zero marker.

National Museum Complex: Just off the northern end of Taft, visitors can easily walk to the National Museum of Fine Arts, National Museum of Anthropology, and National Museum of Natural History.

Paco Park: A short detour from Pedro Gil brings you to this beautiful, circular 19th-century Spanish cemetery turned peaceful public park.


Major Institutional Landmarks


Philippine General Hospital (PGH): Founded in 1907, this expansive, historic neoclassical compound is the largest government hospital in the country.

Manila City Hall: Famous for its iconic hexagonal clock tower, sitting prominently near the northern terminus.


Prestigious Educational Campuses


De La Salle University (DLSU): Its historic St. La Salle Hall is a registered National Historical Landmark boasting stunning neoclassical facade architecture.

University of the Philippines Manila (UPM): The health sciences campus of the premier state university.

Philippine Women's University (PWU) & Adamson University: Historic staples of the Taft educational landscape.

De La Salle University (DLSU)



Nearby Hotels & Accommodations

Given its central role as an entry point for students, medical tourists, and corporate commuters, Taft Avenue and its immediate cross-streets host a wide spectrum of lodging choices, ranging from boutique hotels to transit-focused budget stays.


Mid-Range & Boutique Comforts


Orchid Garden Suites: A popular choice for visitors looking to combine heritage aesthetic with proximity to the Vito Cruz portion of Taft. Tucked just a short walk away on Pablo Ocampo Sr. Street, this boutique hotel is set inside a beautifully preserved pre-war mansion compound.

The Heritage Hotel Manila: A well-established pick if you want a full-service experience positioned right at the intersection of Taft Avenue and EDSA, making it ideal for straightforward highway access toward the airport or the SM Mall of Asia complex.

The Heritage Hotel Manila

Budget & Transit-Friendly Options


Hop Inn Hotel Ermita Manila: Provides highly reliable, no-frills lodging just a short detour away toward the vibrant Malate and Ermita neighborhoods, known for its functional, squeaky-clean rooms.

Kabayan Hotel: Located right at the southern foot of the avenue near the Pasay Rotonda (where Taft Avenue meets EDSA), it sits literally steps from the LRT-1 and MRT-3 connection points, offering budget-friendly capsule-style dorm beds and private rooms.


Commuter Tips for Navigating Taft Avenue


Use the LRT-1: To bypass the heavy ground-level traffic during rush hours (7:00 AM – 9:00 AM and 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM), the elevated train is your fastest option. Central, U.N. Avenue, Pedro Gil, Quirino, and Vito Cruz stations span the main Manila stretch.

Stay Alert: Like any high-density metropolitan area worldwide, keep your personal belongings close and be mindful of your surroundings, especially around busy transit transfer points like Edsa-Taft and Pedro Gil.



Conclusion

Taft Avenue is far more than an ordinary transit corridor; it is a living timeline of Metro Manila's evolution. From its inception as an elegant boulevard in Daniel Burnham’s early 20th-century urban vision, through the devastation of World War II, to its modern transformation into an elevated transit-led megalopolis, Taft has continuously adapted to the changing needs of the city.

By seamlessly connecting institutions of higher learning, vital national healthcare centers, corporate districts, and foundational historic landmarks, the avenue serves as the true lifeblood for generations of Filipino students, professionals, and travelers. Navigating Taft Avenue may be chaotic and fast-paced, but understanding its rich history and strategic layout reveals why it remains an irreplaceable pillars of Manila's identity.

Taft Aveue corner Kalaw Avenue

WHERE TO STAY IN MANILA

Here's a list of hotel accommodation you can book in Manila:



ALSO IN MANILA



IMPORTANT NOTE: The rates, contact details and other information indicated in this post are accurate from the time of writing but may change without IMFWJ's notice. Should you know the updated information, please let us know by leaving a message in the comment box below.


TAFT AVENUE: History, Importance, and Guide to Manila’s Core Arterial Road


Roosevelt Station, now officially named Fernando Poe Jr. Station, is a pivotal transportation hub situated along Roosevelt Avenue in Quezon City, Metro Manila.



Where is Roosevelt Station (The Fernando Poe Jr. Station)

Formerly known as "Roosevelt Station", the Fernando Poe Jr. Station is situated near the intersection of Fernando Poe Jr. Avenue (Formerly Roosevelt Avenue) and EDSA (Epifanio de los Santos Avenue), making it a convenient transportation hub for commuters traveling within Quezon City and neighboring areas.


The station serves as an interchange for the LRT-1 train system and the EDSA Carousel Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system, providing commuters with access to various modes of transportation for their daily journeys.

Loading...


How to Get to Roosevelt Station


By Jeepney

Commuters can reach Roosevelt Station by jeepney through various routes serving the area. Here are some jeepney routes that pass by or near Roosevelt Station:

  • T120: Pantranco-Project 8 via Roosevelt
  • T3159: Munoz–Pantranco via Roosevelt Ave.
  • T3194: Roosevelt Ave. - Quiapo
  • T3195: Roosevelt Ave. - TM Kalaw

Passengers can board these jeepneys at designated stops along their respective routes and alight at or near Roosevelt Station.


By Walking

From MuƱoz Market:
If coming from MuƱoz Market, which is located near Roosevelt Station, commuters can simply walk to the station. MuƱoz Market is situated within walking distance of Roosevelt Station, allowing pedestrians to reach their destination conveniently and quickly.

From WalterMart Quezon City - North EDSA:
WalterMart is located in front of the LRT-1 Fernando Poe Jr. Station, making it very accessible to the commuters coming in and out of the shopping mall.



Modes of Transportation


LRT Line 1 - Fernando Poe Jr. Station

Roosevelt Station is part of the LRT-1 train system, providing commuters with a rapid transit option connecting Baclaran in ParaƱaque to Roosevelt (Fernando Poe Jr.) in Quezon City. Passengers can board LRT-1 trains at Roosevelt Station to travel to key locations in Metro Manila, including major commercial centers, government offices, and residential areas.

Fernando Poe Jr. Station

EDSA Carousel Bus Stop - Roosevelt (MuƱoz)

The EDSA Carousel Bus Rapid Transit system operates along EDSA, Metro Manila's main thoroughfare. Roosevelt Station serves as a major stop along the EDSA Carousel route, with designated bus stops providing commuters with access to buses traveling along EDSA.

EDSA Carousel Bus Stop - Roosevelt at the intersection of EDSA, Fernando Poe Jr. Avenue and Congressional Avenue.

The bus stop can be accessed from the connected footbridge of MuƱoz and Congressional Avenue.


Nearby Landmarks


MuƱoz Market

MuƱoz Market, also known as Farmers Market, is a bustling public market located near Roosevelt Station. It offers a wide array of fresh produce, meats, seafood, and other goods, making it a popular destination for locals and visitors alike.


WalterMart Quezon City - North Edsa

WalterMart MuƱoz is a shopping mall situated near Roosevelt Station, offering a variety of retail stores, dining options, and leisure facilities. It provides shoppers with a convenient place to shop for groceries, household items, and other essentials.


S&R Membership Shopping - Congressional

S&R Membership Shopping is a popular warehouse club located in the Congressional area near Roosevelt Station. It offers a wide selection of imported and local products, including groceries, electronics, appliances, and more, catering to the needs of members and non-members alike.


STI College MuƱoz-EDSA

STI College MuƱoz-EDSA is an educational institution located in the vicinity of Roosevelt Station. It provides students with academic programs in various fields, contributing to the educational development of the community.


Quezon City General Hospital

Quezon City General Hospital (QCGH) is a public tertiary hospital located in Quezon City, Metro Manila, Philippines. It is one of the primary healthcare institutions serving the residents of Quezon City and neighboring areas. QCGH is operated and managed by the local government of Quezon City under the Quezon City Health Department.



Where to Eat


Jollibee MuƱoz Market Plaza

Located at EDSA South corner Fernando Poe Jr. Avenue, this Jollibee branch offers 24-hour service, providing commuters with a convenient option for satisfying their cravings any time of the day or night.


McDonald's MuƱoz

Situated at 1 Bago Bantay, Quezon City, this McDonald's branch operates 24 hours, offering a wide selection of fast-food favorites, including burgers, fries, and breakfast items.


KFC Congressional Bowling Alley

Found at Congressional Avenue, District 1, Quezon City, this KFC outlet is open 24 hours, providing commuters with delicious fried chicken, burgers, and other menu offerings.


Padi's Point EDSA Congressional

Situated at the corner of EDSA and Congressional Road in Bago Bantay, Quezon City, Padi's Point is a popular spot for drinks and pulutan (bar snacks). It remains open until 2 am, making it a great option for late-night hangouts.


Tropical Hut T & K Building

Located at Congressional Avenue in Bago Bantay, Quezon City, Tropical Hut offers 24-hour service, serving Filipino comfort food and classic favorites in a casual dining setting.


Samgyup Mukbang MuƱoz

Found at 10 Congressional Ave, Bago Bantay, Quezon City, this Korean restaurant specializes in samgyupsal (grilled pork belly) and other Korean barbecue dishes. It is open until 12 am, making it a great choice for a late-night dining experience.


Where to Stay


RedDoorz Plus @ EDSA Congressional: This budget-friendly hotel is located near EDSA Congressional, offering comfortable accommodations and convenient access to transportation hubs, shopping centers, and dining establishments.

Rosas Traveller's Inn: Situated in the vicinity of Roosevelt Station, Rosas Traveller's Inn provides affordable rooms for travelers looking for a place to stay in the area.

Hotel Harts: Hotel Harts offers cozy accommodations and modern amenities, catering to both business and leisure travelers. It provides a convenient base for exploring Quezon City and its surrounding areas.



Roosevelt Station, with its convenient access to both the LRT-1 train system and the EDSA Carousel Bus Rapid Transit system, serves as a crucial transportation hub for commuters traveling within Quezon City and beyond. Whether commuting by train or bus, passengers can easily reach their desired destinations while enjoying the accessibility and connectivity offered by Roosevelt Station.


ATTRACTIONS TO SEE IN MANILA 

Klook.com

EDSA Carousel Bus Stops and Routes

The line initially had 15 bus stops on its interim launch, with additional stops added in the following months. There are 550 authorized buses that serve the entire route.


EDSA Carousel Southbound Stations




EDSA Carousel Northbound Stations

  • PITX
  • EDSA Taft Avenue Eastbound
  • MRT-3 Ayala Station, EDSA (NB)
  • EDSA Carousel Buendia Median Stop (NB)
  • EDSA Guadalupe Median Stop (NB)
  • EDSA Ortigas Median Stop (NB)
  • MRT Santolan-Annapolis Median Stop (NB)
  • Main Ave. Median Stop (NB)
  • EDSA Nepa Q-Mart Median Stop (NB)
  • EDSA Quezon Ave. Median Stop (NB)
  • North Avenue Median Stop (NB)
  • EDSA Munoz Median Stop (NB)
  • Balintawak LRT 1, Epifanio de los Santos Ave., Quezon City
  • Bagong Barrio, Caloocan Median Stop
  • MCU Median Stop, EDSA, Monumento


As of March 1, 2023 there are 21 bus stops are currently operational.


METRO MANILA BUS TRANSIT MAP

To understand thoroughly about these routes, here's a detailed infographic of bus routes in, from and to Metro Manila:
metro manila bus routes 2022 edsa carousel bus stops list 2022 edsa carousel routes edsa carousel payment provincial bus routes bus routes edsa today ltfrb bus routes provincial bus schedule
Click to enlarge the image



ROOSEVELT: Fernando Poe Jr. Station and EDSA MuƱoz Bus Stop (Schedule and Fare)


Quezon City, often dubbed as the "City of Stars," holds a rich tapestry of history woven through the ambitions of its founders, the tumult of war, and the resilience of its people.



Manuel L. Quezon
Named after Manuel L. Quezon, the second President of the Philippines, this sprawling metropolis stands as a testament to progress and transformation. Delve into the corridors of time as we unravel the intricate narrative of Quezon City's evolution.


Loading...

The Commonwealth Era: Seeds of a New Capital

Quezon Memorial Shrine

Initial Plans for a New Capital City

Quezon City highlighted
on map of Metro Manila 
In the tumultuous 1930s, Manila grappled with urban challenges ranging from overcrowding to inadequate housing. President Manuel L. Quezon, cognizant of these issues, envisioned a solution – a city where the common people could thrive.

Collaborating with influential figures like Alejandro Roces Sr., Quezon laid the groundwork for what would become Quezon City. Through initiatives like the People's Homesite Corporation (PHC), vast tracts of land were acquired, paving the way for the city's birth.



The Transfer of the University of the Philippines: A Catalyst for Change

The relocation of the University of the Philippines from Manila to Diliman served as a pivotal moment in Quezon City's genesis. This move not only addressed the university's need for expansion but also catalyzed the city's development. With the establishment of the new UP campus, Quezon City's destiny as a hub of education and innovation was sealed.

UP Diliman Campus

Creation of Quezon City: A Vision Materialized

The official seal of Quezon City
On October 12, 1939, Quezon City was officially born through Commonwealth Act No. 502, albeit without Quezon's signature. Named in honor of the president, this burgeoning city emerged as a beacon of progress.

With a master plan crafted by luminaries like William Parsons and Juan M. Arellano, Quezon City boasted wide avenues, green spaces, and a vision for a modern capital.



The Japanese Occupation Era: Trials and Tribulations


The Impact of World War II

The Japanese occupation cast a shadow over Quezon City, as it did the entirety of the Philippines. Amidst bombings and upheaval, the city witnessed both despair and defiance. Yet, through the darkness, the seeds of resilience were sown, culminating in the eventual liberation of Quezon City from imperial forces.

Quezon City map with its barangays

The Postwar and Independence Era: A New Dawn


Quezon City: Capital of the Philippines

July 17, 1948, marked a pivotal moment in Quezon City's history as President Elpidio Quirino signed Republic Act No. 333, designating it as the capital of the Philippines. The city's boundaries expanded, symbolizing its ascent to prominence on the national stage. As the capital, Quezon City embarked on a journey of growth and transformation.


The Marcos Administration Era: A Period of Change and Challenge

The Marcos era ushered in a wave of change, both transformative and tumultuous. From economic upheavals to social unrest, Quezon City found itself at the heart of a nation in flux. The tumultuous events of this era, including the People Power Revolution, left an indelible mark on the city and its people.

EDSA Shrine


ATTRACTIONS TO SEE IN MANILA 

Klook.com

Contemporary Quezon City: A Beacon of Progress


From Crisis to Resilience: Navigating the COVID-19 Pandemic

In the face of adversity, Quezon City exhibited resilience during the COVID-19 pandemic. Implementing stringent measures and community initiatives, the city weathered the storm, emerging stronger and more united.

Quezon City Hall

Innovations in Governance: The No Contact Apprehension Policy

Quezon City embraced innovation with the implementation of the No Contact Apprehension Policy, revolutionizing traffic enforcement. Despite initial challenges, this forward-thinking approach underscores the city's commitment to efficiency and accountability.


Quezon City's journey from humble beginnings to metropolitan prominence is a testament to the Filipino spirit – resilient, resourceful, and relentlessly optimistic. As it continues to evolve and adapt to the challenges of the modern age, Quezon City stands as a shining example of progress and possibility. Embracing its storied past while forging ahead into the future, Quezon City remains an enduring symbol of hope and resilience for generations to come.



The History of Quezon City: From Vision to Vibrancy in the Philippines


Wondering what EMBO means in Makati? Here's a thorough explanation.



What is EMBO?

Embo (sometimes capitalized as EMBO; from "Enlisted Men's Barrio") refers to a collective term for barangays administered in a de facto state by the city government of Makati but de jure of the city government of Taguig after the Supreme Court sided with the City of Taguig denying any further legal remedies to Makati.

Marker of Barangay Cembo

The barangays were originally established to house military personnel of the Armed Forces of the Philippines. The area is part of the larger disputed Fort Bonifacio area which is claimed by the local governments of Pateros and Taguig. As of April 2023, the barangays are in the process of transition and handover from Makati to Taguig.

Loading...

Origin of EMBO

The collective for the Embo barangays were derived from enlisted men's barrios (EMBOs).


EMBO in Details

First military settlement (Cembo): 1949
Transfer of control to Makati: 1986
Transfer of control to Taguig (de jure): 2023
Total Area: 3.05 km2 (1.18 sq mi)
Population (2020)
  •  Total: 215,625
  •  Density: 71,000/km2 (180,000/sq mi)

Barangays (as part of Taguig): 8
  • Cembo
  • South Cembo
  • Comembo
  • East Rembo
  • West Rembo
  • Pitogo
  • Pembo
  • Rizal

Aerial view of University of Makati and the rest of West Rembo in 2010's


Meanings of EMBOs

  • Central Enlisted Men's Barrio (Cembo & South Cembo)
  • Combat Enlisted Men's Barrio (Comembo)
  • Riverside Enlisted Men’s Barrio (East Rembo & West Rembo)
  • Panthers Enlisted Men's Barrio (Pembo)

Barangay Rizal is named after JosĆ© Rizal while Pitogo believed to be a local term for a palm plant.


EMBO History

Part of the Embo area was formerly known as Mamancat, Masilang, San Nicolas, and Malapadnabato, respectively, all former parts of the town of Pateros. Mamancat was known as a trading hub alongside its more developed neighbor, Aguho (now Barangay Agujo, Pateros) during the Spanish colonial era.

San Nicolas, which comprises the present-day western portion of West Rembo, is the location of the Ermita de San Nicolas de Tolentino that was established in 1686 and is believed to be first settled by Chinese traders. Malapad-na-bato used to be linked to Pasig via an old bridge. Masilang comprises the present-day South Cembo.



At the end of the Philippine–American War, the United States colonial administration established the Fort William McKinley at the center of present-day Metro Manila. During World War II, the military reservation would be used as the headquarters of the United States Army Forces in the Far East (USAFFE) until the Imperial Japanese military took over it. After the conclusion of the war, the Philippines would be granted full independence by the United States in 1946 but retained control over its military bases.


Fort McKinley would only be turned over to the Philippine government in 1949. The reservation was renamed as Fort Bonifacio and the government made plans to create settlements for military personnel within the vicinity of the installation.

Cembo would be the first settlements among the EMBO barangays to be established. In 1949, when the first batch of enlisted servicemen from the Infantry Group, Philippine Ground Force from Floridablanca, Pampanga arrived to settle in the area.



In 1954, East Rembo was established as settlements for Fort Bonifacio-based enlisted men serving in the armed forces upon the authorization of the Armed Forces of the Philippines through the office of General Alfonso Arellano, commanding General of Fort Bonifacio.

In 1956, two more more settlements would be authorized: West Rembo and Pitogo.

In 1957, Comembo, in the site formerly known as Mamancat, would be settled by personnel from the Combat Engineering Group of the Philippine Army. In the same year, the area was reserved for military use.

Pembo would be established to for personnel of the First Ranger Regiment, who were also known as the Panthers.

In 1966, Cembo Annex was separated from Cembo proper and was renamed South Cembo.


ATTRACTIONS TO SEE IN MANILA 

Klook.com

President Ferdinand Marcos issued Proclamation No. 2475 which transferred control of the Fort Bonifacio area to the municipal government of Makati in 1986 which also reserved the area for military personnel and their dependents.

In 1990, President Corazon Aquino issued Proclamation No. 518 to award land titles in the EMBO area to bona fide occupants.

In February 1996, a new barangay named Rizal was created from Pembo through Makati City Ordinance No. 96-010. Prior to the creation of Rizal, Pembo was larger than the neighboring municipality of Pateros with a land area of 123 hectares (300 acres) and a population of 65,000 in 1995.

Aerial view of Brgy. Pembo and C-5 Road

The Fort Bonifacio area including the Embo barangays would be subject of a territorial dispute between the city governments of Taguig and Makati. In 2022, the Supreme Court of the Philippines ruled that Makati should stop exercising jurisdiction over the Embo barangays although the Makati government has maintained that will continue to do so until it exhaust all legal remedies.

In April 2023, the Supreme Court of the Philippines has junked the motion for reconsideration that was filed by the City Government of Makati to override the court's earlier decision, siding with Taguig. The Taguig city government has released a statement "welcoming the new TaguigeƱos", referring to the residents of the affected Embo barangays, and that they will start working on the transition and handover of the Embo barangays.


ACTIVITIES AND TOURS IN MANILA


WHAT IS EMBO: Origin and History of Enlisted Men's Barrio in Metro Manila


All you need to know about Plaza San Lorenzo Ruiz in Binondo, Manila.

I don't miss to visit this plaza whenever I am in Binondo. The last time I came here was when I did a food crawl in Binondo.



Plaza San Lorenzo Ruiz or Plaza Lorenzo Ruiz is a major public square in Binondo, Manila, bounded by Quintin Paredes Street (formerly Calle Rosario) to the east and Juan Luna Street (formerly Calle Anloague) to the west, parallel to the Estero de Binondo.

A fountain at Plaza San Lorenzo Ruiz and Binondo Church in the background

It is the plaza that fronts the Minor Basilica of San Lorenzo Ruiz (Binondo Church), one of the main churches of the City of Manila, and is considered the center of Binondo as a whole.

Loading...

Originally called the Plaza de Binondo, and then Plaza Carlos IV after Charles IV of Spain, the plaza was eventually renamed Plaza CalderĆ³n de la Barca (often shortened to Plaza CalderĆ³n), after the famous Spanish playwright.

It is believed that the plaza may have been renamed after CalderĆ³n either by the then-sitting Governor-General, or by the Dominican friars who were at the time running the Binondo Church, who had adored his works.

Plaza San Lorenzo Ruiz is named after Lorenzo Ruiz, whose statue stands at the middle of the square.

The plaza was renamed after Lorenzo Ruiz, one of the Martyrs of Japan and the protomartyr of the Philippines, on September 12, 1981, by virtue of Batas Pambansa Blg. 133.


Plaza San Lorenzo Ruiz in Details

Names: Plaza San Lorenzo Ruiz, čŠ±åœ’å£å»£å “, (former names: Plaza CalderĆ³n de la Barca, Plaza de Binondo, Plaza Carlos IV)
Dedicated to: Saint Lorenzo Ruiz
Owner: City of Manila
Location: Juan Luna Street, Binondo, Manila, Philippines



Plaza San Lorenzo Ruiz History

In 1594, the town of Binondo was established on the northern bank of the Pasig River by then Governor-General GĆ³mez PĆ©rez DasmariƱas as a settlement for Chinese migrants arriving in Manila.

With urban planning not as strict as that of Intramuros, compounded by the geography of the newly established settlement which is bounded by numerous streams which drain into the Pasig River, Plaza San Lorenzo Ruiz was created to serve as the largest plaza of the settlement, directly fronting the Binondo Church. Similar to Plaza Moriones in Tondo, the plaza was originally an open grass field.

During the Spanish colonial period, the plaza was a hub for economic activity, and was even described by Teodoro Agoncillo as "one of the most impressive open spaces of old Manila". The plaza was surrounded by trees and tipped with two large fountains, both of which still stand today.

1899

With the completion of the Binondo Church in 1854, trade around the area increased, and several large buildings and mansions were built around the plaza. Economic activity continued to grow in Binondo during American rule, and the plaza was a busy center of activity alongside other major plazas in Manila. The plaza was also well-served by Manila's pre-World War II tram network.

Cheapest Flights and Airline Tickets Online Booking

While the plaza was spared from the Battle of Manila in 1945, and economic activity in Binondo recovered thereafter, the area around the plaza started declining around the 1960s, when most business activity shifted from Manila to Makati and Cubao in Quezon City.

By the 1980s, the plaza (and the area in general) was in serious decline, even becoming a repository for monuments moved from nearby Plaza Cervantes and Plaza Goiti (now Plaza Lacson), which were cleared to make room for parking space.

In 1990, the Manila City Council passed an ordinance prohibiting parking around the immediate vicinity of the plaza in a bid to alleviate chronic traffic congestion.

In 2005, Plaza San Lorenzo Ruiz was redeveloped by the Manila city government during the tenure of Lito Atienza, with help from the Metrobank Foundation, which donated ₱3 million for the project. Another redevelopment was completed in 2014, under the tenure of Joseph Estrada.



Plaza San Lorenzo Ruiz Design and Layout

Plaza San Lorenzo Ruiz has an area of 1,200 square meters (13,000 sq ft), which unlike other plazas in Manila is shaped like an ellipse, with a fountain on each end. The plaza is paved with granite tiles and multicolored interlocking concrete bricks, similar to Plaza Miranda in Quiapo.

Park benches have been installed around the plaza's perimeter, and a number of royal palm trees have been planted in the plaza's center, complementing a number of existing narra trees.

The plaza is lit at night with 42 promenade lampposts, 32 floodlights and 24 uplights that have been installed at strategic points around the area. Previously, a perimeter fence circled around the plaza: this was removed in the 2005 redevelopment.

A number of historical markers have been installed at the plaza, two of which are centuries-old. The most notable marker is a statue of Lorenzo Ruiz which in the 2005 rehabilitation was repositioned to face the Binondo Church.

Behind the statue of Lorenzo Ruiz is a memorial to Chinese Filipino victims of World War II erected in 1995 by the Confederation of Filipino Chinese Veterans.

A memorial to Chinese-Filipino victims of World War II erected in 1995 by the Confederation of Filipino Chinese Veterans


At the northern end of the plaza is an obelisk dating back to 1916 which was erected in memory of Tomas Pinpin, the first Filipino printer, which was moved to the plaza from Plaza Cervantes in 1979, when it was cleared to make room for more parking space.

The back part of the obelisk dating back to 1916 which was erected in memory of TomƔs Pinpin, the first Filipino printer, which was moved to the plaza from Plaza Cervantes in 1979

At the southern end of the plaza is a monument to Joaquin Santa Marina, the founder of the La Insular Cigar and Cigarette Factory


ATTRACTIONS TO SEE IN MANILA 

Klook.com

Surrounding Buildings and Structures

Aside from the Binondo Church, a number of other notable structures are (or were) located within the vicinity of Plaza San Lorenzo Ruiz. The largest building to have been built around the plaza was the La Insular Cigar and Cigarette Factory, which was opened in 1883 after the lifting of the Spanish tobacco monopoly three years earlier.

Destroyed by fire during the Battle of Manila, the site is now occupied by the Wellington Building, which was once the headquarters of the Metropolitan Bank and Trust Company (Metrobank), founded by Chinese Filipino businessman George Ty, and still home to the Binondo offices of a number of Metrobank-affiliated companies. Beside it was the Hotel de Oriente, then the most popular hotel in Manila, where JosƩ Rizal stayed in Room 22, and which also served as the erstwhile headquarters of the National Library of the Philippines.

Plaza CalderĆ³n de la Barca in 1899 with Hotel de Oriente and La Insular Building.

While the Hotel de Oriente, unlike the La Insular Cigar and Cigarette Factory, was only partially destroyed in the Battle of Manila, it was demolished afterward, and the site is now occupied by Tytana Plaza, home to the current Binondo offices of Metrobank. A replica of the Hotel de Oriente today stands in the Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar complex in Bagac, Bataan.

On the northern end of the plaza is a building formerly housing the Binondo offices of Bank of the Philippine Islands (BPI), which is currently home to the branches of Jollibee, Chowking and Greenwich. While the Binondo branch has moved to a taller building next door, at the corner with Reina Regente Street, BPI currently maintains its main Binondo offices at the BPI Building along Quintin Paredes Street.


ACTIVITIES AND TOURS IN MANILA


Plaza San Lorenzo Ruiz in Literature

Plaza San Lorenzo Ruiz is mentioned in Chapter 4 of JosƩ Rizal's novel Noli Me TƔngere, where Crisostomo Ibarra reaches the plaza and its vicinity after attending Captain Tiago's dinner party at his house on Calle Anloague.

While walking around the vicinity and noticing that very little has changed in Manila while he was studying in Europe, Lieutenant Guevarra reveals to Ibarra what happened to his father, Don Rafael, who Father DƔmaso slandered during the dinner.


How to Get to Binondo

Going to Binondo, Manila is made easy because of Metro Manila's transport system - where you can ride any of the following mode of transportation:

Via Train

If you are coming from North (Caloocan City) and from the South (Paranaque/Pasay), you can take LRT1 and drop off Carriedo station. Turn left at Rizal Avenue, and walk past Sta. Cruz Church towards Bustos. Turn left at Bustos, and walk about 1 block until you get to Ongpin. Chinatown begins there, right behind Sta. Cruz Church.

Nearest Train Station: LRT1-Carriedo

Via Bus

If you are coming from North (Quezon City), you can take a bus ride en route to Sta. Cruz, Manila or if you are from the South (Muntinlupa), you can take a bus ride en route to Lawton, then a jeepney ride to Sta. Cruz. Then take a short walk as previously suggested above.

Via UV Express

UV express is another option going to Binondo. Here are the available UV Express Routes: Divisoria-Roxas Blvd./Baclaran; Divisoria-Taft/Buendia/Baclaran

Via Jeepney

Here are the following jeepney routes you can take going to Binondo: Cubao-Divisoria; Divisoria-Roxas Blvd./Baclaran; Divisoria-Taft/Buendia/Baclaran; Espana-Divisoria; Morayta-Divisoria; North Avenue-Sta. Cruz; San Juan-Divisoria; Sta. Cruz-Binondo/Divisoria; Sta. Cruz-Taft/Buendia/Baclaran



WHERE TO STAY NEAR BINONDO

Pearl Manila Hotel

Here's a list of hotel accommodation you can book in Manila:



IMPORTANT NOTE: The rates, contact details and other information indicated in this post are accurate from the time of writing but may change without IMFWJ's notice. Should you know the updated information, please let us know by leaving a message in the comment box below.


PLAZA SAN LORENZO RUIZ: Binondo's Public Park in Manila (History and Facts)

Subscribe to: Posts (Atom)