The Pavilion Is Back

Today, the Fiesta Pavilion has a total renovated space of 1,522.79sqm and can now accommodate 1,300 people for a sit-down dinner or buffet and 1,800 people for cocktails. In a 2015 interview with Tatler, Nian Liwanag-Rigor, Manila Hotel’s former assistant vice-president for public relations & corporate communications, shared that the management seeks to divide the place into smaller and smarter ballrooms. 

“We envisioned the new Fiesta Pavilion to be subdivided into smaller ‘smart’ ballrooms with walls and ceilings that change colours through computer-controlled lighting to suit the event’s colour scheme," she said.

Read More: The Heritage Of Manila Hotel

Founded in 1895, the Manila Boat Club is considered the oldest existing club in Manila. Through the years, the club was situated on Manila Bay, where wealthy businessmen flock to board yachts and attend boat racing events to encourage sailing in the Philippines.

In the course of its existence, the club transferred from one place to another—it first docked in the north bank of the Pasig River at Calle Nagtahan, Santa Mesa. When 1909 came, it moved to Isla de Provisor where it remained until the end of 1918. Finally, in 1931, the club was able to lease the property upon which it now stands.

At the end of 1932, the Boat Club became popular among Manileños. It has garnered over 70 members of whom 61 were very active rowers. 

See also: Yachting Etiquette: The Dos and Don'ts

Aftermath Of The Pacific War

In December 1941, the dismantled boats greeted club members on their return after the Japanese Occupation. Several types of equipment from the Club vanished and the clubhouse was severely damaged as a result of a nearby explosion. Repair of the entire building cost PHP 20,000, a large sum of money at the time. 

By 1950, club renovation had been completed. Members could finally return and marvel at the beauty of six new boats, two clinker sculls, and two heavy fours on the water. The historical club continues to thrive until present time. 

The Philippines' movers and shakers knew which place to go if they wanted to dance and socialise all night. The Santa Ana Cabaret, which is located on the outskirts of Manila, was the “Largest Cabaret in the World and the Best Dance Music in the Orient."

The huge cabaret, which was described to be twice as massive as a gymnasium, catered only to the prominent and wealthy. Before any guest could come in, he or she is required to wear a coat and tie and pay a PHP1.00 entrance fee (around PHP2,000~ today). People danced to tango, waltz, blues, and the music of Vic Hernandez.

Santa Ana Cabaret was also a place where Americans and Filipino women meet up to dine and dance the night away.

Wrath Of Typhoon Patsy (Yoling)

Unfortunately, even the gigantic dancefloor of the cabaret was no match for the wrath of typhoon Patsy, one of the deadliest typhoons to strike the Philippines in 1970. The strong winds and heavy floods brought by Mother Nature knocked the place down, ending the years of frolicking, and night dancing in the place.

More from Tatler: Santa Ana Gin Pays Homage To A More Romantic Side Of Manila's History

If there was another thing loved by the Philippines' crème de la crème besides dancing at galas, it was watching famous plays and orchestras at the famed Manila Metropolitan Theatre.

From the late 19th century, until the beginning of the Second World War, the "MET Theater" was a thriving hub of business and entertainment, often flocked by European migrants who fancy architectural gems of the Art Deco era.

Timeline

The idea of constructing a theatre in the City came about in 1924 during the American colonial period.

The place had seen the perils of the Second World War; the theatre’s roof and walls were destroyed and it was misused as a boxing arena, low-quality motel, and even a basketball court. In 1978, the restoration of the Grand Dame was initiated by then Manila Governor Imelda Marcos. It was headed by Otilio, the nephew of the MET architect Juan Arellano.

The restoration of the building did not take off. The theatre was once again closed following conflicts between the Manila City Administration and the GSIS.

In May 2015, the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) rolled out a PHP270 million funding prompting the GSIS to transfer the right of ownership to the National Commission for Culture and the Arts.

In January 2021, the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) together with the National Historical Commission of the Philippines announced that the “Grand Dame of Manila” will once again be open to the public.

The NCCA also gave a glimpse of the newly renovated theatre in a Facebook post last 18 January. “The inauguration of the new MET is the culmination of a long arduous journey. This has been made possible by the determined effort of a long line of individuals who share a common dream to bring back to life one of our nation’s cultural treasures,” said NCCA Chairperson Arsenio “Nick” Lizaso.

“We will strive to do our best to be worthy of this collective effort as well as the high expectations of our people,” he added.

Read also: Inside The Manila Metropolitan Theatre Restoration

The Crystal Arcade was a place where the elite thronged in the the1930s. The place, which houses the Manila Stock Exchange, as well as offices and upscale shops, was bedazzled with crystals and graceful art deco lines. Inside, guests enjoy an air-conditioned atmosphere which was uncommon at the time. 

Located in the premier business district of Escolta, the Crystal Arcade used to be one of the most modern buildings in the Philippines. It was built on the land that belonged to the Pardo de Tavera family. The building was designed by Andres Luna de San Pedro, son of Juan Luna and Paz Pardo de Tavera. The artist, who studied Art in Paris, was appointed as Manila's chief architect from 1920 to 1924.

Like his father, Andres wanted to produce a series of architectural projects that can redefine Manila's image. To make such a thing possible, he infused the sleek and streamline art deco design with crystal-like glass in his design for the building. 

In June 1932, the Crystal Building opened its doors and became a commercial establishment that reminded people of arcades in Paris. 

See also: Casa Manila, Intramuros Renovation: Exclusive Interview With Arch. J. Anton Mendoza