Melo Villareal
Must-See Historic Photos of the Philippines
The Philippines is definitely one of the most diverse countries in Asia. With its incredibly diverse language, religion, ethnicity, and geography, The Philippines has its share of a colorful past. Check out these photos and learn a little bit of Philippine history from this vintage photo collection:
Old Street in Cavite
Cavite, the Land of Heroes, is where the Philippine Independence was declared on June 12, 1898. The first President of the Philippines was born in Kawit Cavite.
This was a 1930 photo of a street in Cavite, but the exact location was not specified.
Binondo Church pre-war Photo
This photo shows San Fernando Bridge leading to Binondo Church with an old panciteria on the left and a traditional Bahay na Bato surrounding the church.
The Pansiteria de Macanistay Ruemcustu was a restaurant that Jose Rizal wrote about in two of his books.
Many people just traveled on foot back then, and the primary mode of transport was a horse and carabao-drawn carriages.
Fort Santiago Pre-war photo
A beautiful view of Fort Santiago from the Pasig River – a center for trading in Manila during the pre-war period. Today, the building seen in the photo is already gone, but the walls are still there to remind us of Manila’s glorious past.
Two Filipino Mestiza’s Circa 1899
Photo of Two young Filipino – Spanish mestizas wearing Filipiniana inside a beautiful house in Ermita Manila. Circa 1899
Flood in Manila Circa 1905
The photo above shows a Street flooding in Manila after a Typhoon. Circa 1905
Vintage Bird’s eye view photo of Beautiful Manila Circa 1941
Bird’s eye view of Manila before the Japanese Bombers devastated the beautiful city.
Manila Cathedral Circa 1929
On December 11-15, 1929, the first National Eucharistic Congress was held in the cathedral. Manila Cathedral became a Basilica through Saint John Paul II when he visited the Philippines in 1981.
Manila after World War II
Photo of Manila after a massive bombing. General Douglas MacArthur said Manila was the second most devastated city globally, next to Warsaw, when he saw the city after the long battle.
Native Beautiful Filipina circa 1899
A beautiful native Filipina wearing Filipiniana Dress. Circa 1899
Battle of Manila circa 1945
During the Battle of Manila, The Japanese soldiers set Manila on fire on February 2, 1945. Thousands of innocent citizens caught in the fight have nothing but the luck to survive. This photo was taken along Gandara, now Sabino Padilla Street, in Binondo Manila.
Manila Central Post Office Pre-war photo
The first known location of the Manila Central Post Office was in the business district of Escolta. In 1936, this new building was constructed but was later destroyed during the Battle of Manila and was subsequently rebuilt in 1946 while retaining the most original design.
Minor Basilica of St. Michael the Archangel in Tayabas Circa 1901
One of the Philippines’ biggest and most beautiful churches, the Minor Basilica of St. Michael Archangel, is in the historic City of Tayabas. The former capital of Quezon Province.
Filipino-Chinese Banana Street Vendors circa 1900s
Photo of Tsinoy (Filipino-Chinese) Banana street vendors circa 1900 – 1902.
Typical Market Day in Ermita Manila
Early 20th Century photo of a typical market day in Ermita Manila.
Escolta Street Vintage Photo
Before Ayala Avenue in Makati and other shopping districts in Metro Manila, Escolta used to be Manila’s shopping center.
San Agustin Church in Manila circa 1945
War damaged San Agustin Church and convent in Intramuros, Manila. Circa 1945.
Kalinga Women Circa 1921
Women of Kalinga carrying water storage pots (immosso). Banga (pronounced ba-nga), meaning “pot,” is an earthen container for fetching and storing water in Kalinga in the Philippines’ northern Cordillera region.
Tattooed Ifugao of Kababuyan District in Benguet
A 1903 photo of a Tattooed Ifugao man of Kababuyan District in Cordillera Mountains, Benguet. Traditional tattoo patterns showcase animals like dogs, eagles, centipedes, scorpions, and other designs like lightning (zigzag) and shields.
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Also read:
- Things To Do And Places To Visit In Taal, Batangas
- Things To Do And See In Tayabas City
- Top Ten Places To Visit In Camarines Sur
- Lake Holon Travel Guide: A Serene Destination In Mindanao
