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Thursday, October 1, 2009
PRE-WAR "ESCOLTA"
Escolta 1899
The name Escolta was inspired by the Spanish word “escortar,” meaning to escort. The British commanding general passed through this street under heavy escort on his way to hand over Manila back to the Spaniards after Britain’s 20-month occupation of the city in 1762 to 1764. During the final years of the Spanish Occupation in the Philippines, Escolta had the reputation for being the best of the business districts in Binondo, and Sta Cruz.
Prior to these art deco buildings which we are seeing today, several magnificent European-Style structures were already built in Escolta. The street was paved using cobblestones which were even imported from Hongkong. There were also magnificent street lights installed to lighten up the narrow street.During those days, only European shops were allowed to sell products in Escolta. All Filipino and Chinese Mestizos merchants were only allowed to trade in nearby streets such as Rosario, and Nueva in Binondo.
When Americans came to the Philippines in 1898, Escolta became even more progressive, new art deco buildings were constructed same as with the operations of Manila tranvia had started. The main mode of transportation then were the ‘calesas’ and had a street-car line known as "Carromatas," each car drawn by one horse, as in European countries. The travel is all to the left. This was replaced by ‘tranvia’ (Tranvia de Escolta) which first opened in 1905. It connects Manila’s busiest streets, just like first class cities in Europe. The old Manila Tranvia can also be seen in the street of Escolta from Sta Cruz going to Binondo, and from Jones bridge entering the walled city of Intramuros.
There was a bustling banking and financial community which included international insurance companies, banks, foreign embassies and other financial institutions from Britain and the United States.
i remembered escolta in the 60's.was about 7 or 8. whenever my mother mentioned she's going downtown that means escolta. i think the stores then was berg's, soriente santos, aguinaldo's. the sidewalks reminded me of bathroom tiles-blue and white....
4 comments:
Simon,
Inabot ko pa ang Glory days ng Escolta noong 60s. Wala pang Ayala Avenue at Makati noon.
Sayang at walang URBAN RENEWAL PROGRAM si Mayor....
Auggie
Auggie, inabutan mo rin ba ang 'tranvia'? Nawasak yata ito during the war?
Simon,
Baby Boomer tayo, kaya post-war na lang,LOL!
Auggie
i remembered escolta in the 60's.was about 7 or 8. whenever my mother mentioned she's going downtown that means escolta. i think the stores then was berg's, soriente santos, aguinaldo's. the sidewalks reminded me of bathroom tiles-blue and white....
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