C O M PA S S
Clockwise from top left: The Manila
Central Post Office is a neo-classical
building designed by Juan M. Arellano and
Tomás B. Mapúa. That it is easily accessible
from Ermita, Malate, Quiapo and Binondo is
not coincidence but part of Daniel Burnham’s
strategic plan for Manila; an array of Ionic
pillars greet visitors to the Post Office;
The iconic art-deco façade of the Manila
Metropolitan Theater, currently undergoing
restoration; detail of the porte cochere;
Sculptures of exotic dancers and other
oriental-inspired touches give this art deco
landmark its distinct Asian flavor
Central
From the Central Station, one could stroll through a long list of landmarks.
Start outside the Manila Metropolitan Theater, an art deco gem currently being
restored by the National Commission for Culture and the Arts, and cross the
street to find the Manila Central Post Office at Liwasang Bonifacio. The Post
Office sits east of the Walled City of Intramuros, which is the address of a few
universities (like the writer’s alma mater, the city-owned Pamantasan ng Lungsod
ng Maynila), churches, many cultural institutions and historical sites including
Fort Santiago. A ride to the Central Station offers a view of the Pasig River,
though it might take a bit more imagination to see how it used to be treated with
importance by the people who lived and worked here.
p ho t ogr a p h y Patrick Kasingsing
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