Manhattan Cafe Manila (1920s)

The Manhattan Cafe in Manila, photographed around 1920. Note the capiz shell saloon doors

Luneta Hotel, TM Kalaw, Manila (1920s)

Small Sailing Ships on Pasig River (1897)

Vintage Photograph of Women Washing Clothes Along Pasig River

The Pasig River (called Ilog Pasig in Filipino) is a river in the Philippines that connects Laguna de Bay to Manila Bay. Stretching for 25 kilometres (15.5 mi), it is lined by Metro Manila on each side. Its major tributaries are the Marikina River and San Juan River.

The Pasig River is technically a tidal estuary, as the flow direction depends upon the water-level difference between Manila Bay and Laguna de Bay. During the dry season, the water level in Laguna de Bay is low and the flow direction of the Pasig River depends on the tides. During the wet season, when the water level of Laguna de Bay is high, flow is normally from Laguna de Bay towards Manila Bay.

The Pasig River used to be an important transport route in Spanish Manila. Due to negligence and industrial development, the river has become very polluted and is considered dead (unable to sustain life) by ecologists.

Facade of De La Salle University Post World War II

De La Salle College, St. La Salle Building, post-World War II

The building is apparently being repaired but war damage can still be seen on the facade as well as debris from the Battle of Manila. Military vehicles can be seen parked in front of the building on what is apparently the driveway. Photo taken from Taft Avenue. The main facade is blocked by the tree but the entrance to the building can be seen.

Fort Santiago ca. 1950s

This was how Fort Santiago looked like following the Second World War and the neglect of the government following the conflict. It was only in 1950 that sporadic restoration began in the area after it was declared a National Shrine by the Quirino Administration. The gate was restored in the 1970s while the entire area was converted into a park by the National Parks and Development Committee (NPDC) and later by the Intramuros Administration

The Meralco Tranvia (1920s)

This 19020's picture of the Meralco Tranvia was uploaded by Paulo Alcazaren on Facebook.

Army Navy Club in Manila 1920

Manila Police in Intramuros circa 1890's

Night time picture of Old Escolta

Colgante Bridge, Manila

Old Bull Fighting Ring near Manila City Hall

(Source: Charlie Gaw of Sabroso Lechon)

Charlie Gaw of Sabroso Lechon sent me this picture of an old bull fighting ring in Manila. In the background, I think, is either the Manila City Hall Clock Tower or one of the school towers in Intramuros.

Manila was definitely more European in those days.

Philippine National Railways during its Glory Days

Flower Clock in Rizal Park 1960s

Flower Clock at the Rizal Park, 1960s. (From Paulo Alcazaren on Facebook.)

Balintawak Beer Company in Manila

Balintawak Beer Brewery 1940s, Post World War II. (From Paulo Alcazaren on Facebook)

Aurora Arcade in the 1960s with Mamonluk

Aurora Arcade with Mamonluk. (Paulo Alcazaren from Facebook)

Paulo's note:

 You can see the Mamonluk Restaurant ...years later Hong Ning competed with it for cheap Chinese fare (most famous of which was their Jumbo Pao --- so fresh that when you bit into it ...it would go "Meooow!). My mom bought us school supplies from the famous Vasquez Brothers store somewhere there.

Flooded Escolta, Manila (1960s)

Flooded Manila, 1950s

Flooded Manila circa 1950s or 1960s. (From Paulo Alcazaren on Facebook.)

Rizal Memorial Stadium 1960s

Rizal Memorial Stadium. (From Paulo Alcazaren on Facebook)

Aerial View of Rizal Park in its Prime (1960s)

Rizal Park in its prime. (From Paulo Alcazaren on Facebook)