supersampler

Manila Metropolitan Theater

Posted on November 2, 2008

Aboard the LRT before the train crosses the Pasig River, you won’t miss it: a lonesome structure with curious detailing on the busy intersection of Padre Burgos Street and Quezon Boulevard, once the “Grand Dame” of theater during the heydays of Manila before the Second World War. Meet the “Met”, the Manila Metropolitan Theater.  Designed in 1931 by architect Juan Arellano (1888-1960), this abandoned building is a prime example of Filipinized Art Deco, the geometric and decorative architectural style thatRead More→

Zamboanga City

Posted on March 16, 2008

Nestled on a southern peninsula of the Philippine archipelago is Asia’s Latin City, which boasts of a rich Hispanic heritage, evident in its local Creole tongue called Chavacano, a distinct mix of Spanish and FIlipino dialects. A symbol of Zamboanga City’s cultural heritage is Fort Pilar, a 17th century Spanish fortress built to protect the settlement from pirates and invaders. Today, this military bastion is an outdoor shrine and museum in honor of the patron Virgin of Spain, Our LadyRead More→