Page 94 - Raffles09_March2022

92 RAFFLES MAGAZINE
− CURATION −
GRANDDesigns
Manila’s eclectic mix of architectural jewels, which range from Spanish colonial style buildings to ultra-modern skyscrapers, are a showcase for the seamless integration of the old and the new in this unique city of contrasts...
1. University of Santo Tomas
Architect Fr. Roque Ruaño was influenced by
Frank Lloyd Wright’s Imperial Hotel in Tokyo when he designed the earthquake-resistant main building for the University of Santo Tomas – and the result is practically magnificent.
ust.edu.ph
2. Manila Cathedral
This cherished cathedral has risen from the ashes multiple times due to fire, earthquakes and war, and still endures as a place of sanctuary with worshippers gathering under its dome for prayer. manilacathedral.com.ph
3. Malacañang Palace
The evolution of Malacañang from humble casita
to presidential palace took several centuries with the present day mansion boasting a mix of Spanish and Ilocano influences that reflect its storied history. malacanang.gov.ph
4. Manila Metropolitan Theater
Mosaic tiles, intricate carvings and Spanish stucco finishes were just some of the design elements waiting to surprise visitors when this stunning example of Philippine art deco re-opened in 2021.
5. National Museum of Natural History
A neoclassical vision in white, Manila’s former Agriculture and Commerce Building delighted culture lovers when it reopened as the National Museum
of Natural History in 2018 thanks to the new, airy, expertly-designed spaces within. naturalhistory.si.edu
6. The Zuellig Building
A near-transparent glass monolith, intersecting the corner of Paseo de Roxas and Makati Avenue, the Zuellig Building is not only starkly futuristic but also boasts some serious green credentials due to its eco-conscious design.
zuelligbuilding.com
7. The Cultural Center of the Philippines
The centrepiece of the CCP Complex is this major modernist building designed by noted Filipino architect Leandro Locsin, which still operates as Manila’s theatrical hub with a brace of quality modern art galleries.
culturalcenter.gov.ph
8. San Agustin Church
This Roman Catholic Baroque-style church should be on the itinerary of anyone with an interest in history or architecture – the intricate trompe l’oeil frescos on the vaulted ceiling are a sight to behold.
9. Ayuntamiento de Manila
Once the grandest building in all of Intramuros, the Ayuntamiento was destroyed in WWII and spent years as a parking lot before a faithful reproduction of its original structure from the Spanish era was erected in 2010.
10. Minor Basilica of San Sebastian
An architectural marvel in steel, the Minor Basilica of San Sebastian was the first all-iron church to be built in the world, and has retained its neo-Gothic façade for the most spectacular of entrances.