History

Pictures of Old Manila An old photograph of the bustling street of Escolta in Binondo, Manila. Taken on the 4th of July, 1898. Manila and portions of the Philippine islands was at that time occupied by the American forces after defeating the Spanish squadron in Manila Bay on May 1, 1898 during the Spanish-American War. This section consist of 30 vintage pictures of people and places in and around Manila, Philippines from the late 1800s to early 1900s.

Picture of Old Binondo, Manila An old Photo of Binondo, a district in Manila, circa early 1900s. Under the backdrop of the Binondo church are horse and carabao drawn carriages.

Filipino POWs near San Miguel Cathedral, Manila, c. 1899 Filipino insurgents are lined-up as prisoners of war (POW) by Americans in this rare 1899 photo near San Miguel Cathedral in Manila.

Intramuros circa late 1800s Gate to Intamuros, Manila, late 1800s showing carabao drawn carts going in and out of the walled city of Intramuros.

Fort Santiago Gate, Manila, c. 1800s An elaborately designed gate in Fort Santiago, Manila, guarded by Spanish soldiers, circa late 1800s. Note the hexagram, symbol of the Star of David atop the arch.

Filipino Soldiers near Fort San Antonio de Abad, Malate, c. 1898 Filipino insurgents captures a muzzle loading canon from Spanish forces and brought to their trenches near Fort San Antonio de Abad in Malate, Manila in 1898 just before American forces occupied Manila.

Picture of Gen. Basilio Augustin & Staff in Manila, c. 1898 Spanish Captain-General Basilio Augustin became Governor of the Philippines on April 11, 1898. Less than 2 weeks into his term as governor, Spain declared war on the United States on April 23, 1898. Spain lost the Spanish American War which ended in signing of the Treaty of Paris on December 10, 1898. Photo published by Pearson Publications Co. in 1898.

Old Pictures of Malacañang Palace, Manila Montage of old photos of Malacañang Palace (also spelled: Malacañan) circa late 1800s to early 1900s. The mansion was the Spanish Governor General's residence during the Spanish times. The buildings on the compound have undergone many renovations and extensions. Malacanang Palace has been the official residence of the president of the Republic of the Philippines since 1937. The first president to reside was Manuel L. Quezon.

American Soldiers Guarding Bridge in Manila An 1898 photograph of American soldiers guarding the bridge over Pasig river to Escolta, Manila. Photo was taken on the day Spanish forces surrendered to the Americans (see Spanish-American War.) Published by Harper and Brothers in 1899.

Picture of Manila Street Vendor A photo of a street vendor in Manila selling vegetables, circa 1899.

Picture of Luneta, Manila c. 1899 An 1899 photo of Luneta Park in Manila. It was the promenade of choice during the Spanish era. The Governor- General with his entourage, the elite and the masses would come in the afternoons and early evening to get some fresh air and watch the Spanish military band play. Luneta was also the place where special events were held, including celebrations, parades and executions.

Bridge of Spain, Manila Part of the Bridge of Spain a.k.a. Puente España spanning Pasig river in Manila, built by the Spaniards in 1632. The span has since been replaced by Jones Bridge (from Lawton going to Binondo.) Above photo was taken in 1899.

Picture of Binondo Church & Convent Binondo Church and Convent, Manila in the late 1890s.

Mother & Children Ironing Clothes Old photograph, circa late 1800s, of a woman being helped by her children \"iron\" clothes.

Execution of Dr. Jose Rizal Photo of the execution of the Philippines' national hero, Dr. Jose Rizal (full name: José Protasio Rizal Mercado y Alonso Realonda) on December 30, 1896 at Bagumbayan (later called Luneta, then again renamed Rizal Park in his honor).

Picture of Maria Clara An undated photo of Leonor Riverra (Jose Rizal's betrothed). Riverra was immortalized by Rizal as Maria Clara in his novel, \"Noli Me Tangere.\"

Old Picture of Sampaloc, Manila An undated picture of Sampaloc, Manila (probably late 1800s).

Quiapo Church, Manila Church goers, pedestrians and hawkers in front of the Quiapo Church in Manila. c. 1900s.

Old Manila Cigar Factory A vintage photo of a cigar factory in Manila with mostly women workers. (c. 1899)

Picture of Escolta Street, circa 1884 Escolta street in Manila circa 1884. During this time (late Spanish era), Escolta was mostly a residential area. Right-center is the belfry of Sta. Cruz Church.

Picture of a Canal in Manila, circa 1899 An unnamed canal in the City of Manila, circa 1899. Original photograph published by Harper and Brothers in 1899.

Santa Lucia Gate of Intramuros Old colonial buildings are protected inside the walled city of Intramuros, shown in the center-left is the gate of Santa Lucia, late 1800s.

Pasig River c.1899 Pasig river in Manila, circa 1899. The building on the left is a cigar and cigarette factory, further up is a sugar refining house, and at distant upper center of the picture is the dome of the oldest church in Manila, the Church of San Francisco.

Picture of Manila Port, c. 1899 Manila's old waterfront was busy with commerce. Photo shows Manila's port in 1899.

Picture of a Manila Couple, c. 1900s An old photograph, circa early 1900s showing a portrait of a young couple in formal attire. White coat and pants for men were introduced by the Americans after their arrival in the Philippines in 1898.

Spanish Prisoners held by Americans An 1898 photo of Spanish soldiers eating lunch while held prisoners by the Americans in Manila. See Spanish- American War.

Gen. Elwell Stephen Otis General Elwell Otis (left) with his staff at Malacañang Palace, circa 1898. Otis was the second American military Governor-General of the Philippines until 1900. The general was replaced by Arthur MacArthur, the father of General Douglas MacArthur.

William Howard Taft A rare photo of General William Howard Taft riding a carabao (water buffalo). Gen. Taft was the first American civilian Governor-General of the Philippines, from July 4, 1901 to December 23, 1903. Taft Avenue in Manila was named in his honor. Above photo was taken in 1914.

Luneta During the American Period An early 1900s photo of Luneta (now Rizal Park) after the American arrived in Manila. The US Stars and Stripes can be seen on the upper left of the photo and a large gazebo at the center of the park.

Tranvia - Manila Electric Tram c. 1900s An old photo of a tranvia or tramvia (electric street tram) that used to ply the streets of Manila. The tranvia service started in 1905 during the American era. It was operated by the Manila Electric Railroad and Light Company (the same Meralco we know today.) The tranvia operated until just before World War 2 (WWII) broke.