Deviating from the usual or typical presumption of the hustle and bustle of the metro, there lies a peaceful and magnificent Escolta Street in the city of Manila -- wanting and just waiting to revive its vintage charm 💖 Similar to Binondo and Santa Cruz, Calle Escolta is one of the oldest and most historic streets in Manila; thus, in the Philippines. It was the premier and leading commercial district in the 1800s to 1930s as people used to eat, shop, work, and have fun here. Escolta definitely had the glitz and glamour back in its heyday, that was why it was dubbed as "The Queen of the Streets" of the old Manila. However, the street gradually lost its appeal to the masses after the Battle of Manila and due to the world's rapid modernization. Thankfully though, a few years ago, some advocate groups gathered to work on the revival of Calle Escolta. Also with the help of the local community and initiatives of some artists, slowly, Escolta is climbing back to its renaissance again. Yes, Dada and I heard so many things about this once-and-forever-beautiful street. So! To make our leap year much unforgettable, we decided to rediscover this part of Manila by going on a day tour. I know we already had a sneak peek to this view-tiful street when we had our Binondo date in 2016. But, the sun was almost down that time, so we did not push through. Truly glad that after four years, we were here at Sta. Cruz again! :) Instead of taking the right turn to Chinatown, Dada and I took the left as we were going to Calle Escolta. No regrets though! As in, no regrets for choosing photo walk over food trip. I easily fell in love with this place -- my Western heart and American dreams were overjoyed! Amazed at how fine and intricate the buildings are at Escolta street. It is an honor to witness these good-old buildings. 'Cause you know, some of them are in danger to be demolished. Yup... Sad, right? But calm your hearts, calm your hearts! There have been petitions to save these ancient skyscrapers. I, too, believe that the heritage buildings are not only architectural treasures, but a symbol of the bittersweet past as well. The impressive structures have been here for a long time and the future generation deserves to see it, too 💖 The 11/11 couple were just walking for five to ten minutes and we had seen almost all the impressive buildings I stalked before we go here! Escolta Street can really be explored on foot. However, we did not see the famous El Hogar Building because it is located on the other street. Like, we need to cross the bridge (literally) in order to get there. I was skeptical because there are many cars, no stoplight, and who knows, pickpockets, maybe? So we decided to just revisit that gem sometime soon. I expected that the Escolta Street was long, a big subdivision something like that, but no, Escolta Street is just a short one -- short, but sweet, I must say. So if you are like me who loves classic archi designs, you would love this kalye, too! Enjoyed walking while taking #selfiEscolta around. Felt like we were not in Manila; like we were transported back to the old Manila 💖 The historical Calle Escolta is filled with impressively wonderful architectural gems. Dada and I saw them and we loved it all! Yes, yes, yes, from the neoclassical Don Roman Santos Building to the Capitol Theater by the National Artist: Juan Nakpil to the futuristic, spaceship-like building of The Commercial Bank and Trust Company Building! There, we also appreciated the Burke Building where the first elevator in the Philippines was constructed, as well as the beaux-arts Natividad Building. My favorites are the twin buildings: First United Building and Regina Building because of its timeless beauty. The First United Building, formerly known as Perez-Samanillo Building is the tallest building in Manila when completed in 1928. The Regina Building, on the other side, is a neoclassical and beaux-arts structure built during 1934. One would indeed feed, not just the Instagram, but also the mind at Calvo Museum located at the Calvo Building. Dada and I really enjoyed this two-doored museum because it is like a time capsule that transports you literally and figuratively back in time! In the first room, the one that's nearer the stairs, showcases antique newspapers -- as in, old-old, like the 1910s where the diaryos are written in Spanish. While the on other side, guests can see real vintage stuff such as hand-drawn movie posters, postcards of Carnaval de Manila beauty queens, original Pinoy music sheets, beverage bottle collection, negatives of the bygone era, and the most unique of them all: the display of historic publications since the Calvo Building is the birthplace of the GMA Network. Indeed, Calvo Museum has well-preserved important memorabilia from the past; from the old Manila. Also located at the 1938-Calvo Building, there is UNO Seafood Wharf, an authentic Chinese resto and an established Binondo favorite and of course, the nostalgic diner: Tropical Hut. That is right, friends, the childhood favorite fast-food joint is still serving yummy meals here! This is where Dada and I had lunch, actually. Mine was cheeseburger; his was burger steak. And if you are looking for some desserts... Trivia time: the first ice cream parlor in the Philippines, Clarke's originated here! It stopped operating already, but do not fret because Escolta Snacks and Ice Cream is here to the rescue! It is a great alternative for your sweet treats cravings. Plus, the diner is like a vintage ice cream parlor, so that is a plus plus plus! And I loved my strawberry sundae, no joke. Also liked the chocolate parfait. TBH, I never thought I would be having such a good time here at Escolta 💖 Aside from photo walks, museum touring, and eating sesh, oh, did I mention the wall arts around, too? Uh-huh, there are arts all over this place! I am impressed. And much more impressed since there are also other things, more things to do here at Calle Escolta despite its not-so-big space! Next time, next time -- next time, Dada and I shall make sure that we would visit the artsy Saturday market, as well as the Sunday vintage-cars exhibit. If given a chance, we would love to attend weekend festivals like the Escolta Block Party, too! Indeed, Escolta Street has gained a special spot in me now. aAaAaHhhh, can't wait to go back here again and gaze at the intricately beautiful-designed edifices! Also to hear more true, wonderful-filled stories of its fallback to comeback! Come here to understand why Escolta is a sight to behold; how Calle Escolta is one of the secret gems in the heart of Manila. Escolta is a queen and is still the queen! 💖
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THE BLOG-GIRLE L A M A N I L A Ela Mones, a Filipina girl,
is a passionate lifestyle blogger who loves to express her unforgettable life experiences and best moments through words, photos, and videos 💖
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