Famous Structures of the Philippines

YOUR TRAVEL GUIDE FAMOUS STRUCTURES Philiinpthepines THAT YOU SHOULD VISIT!!!!

THEPhilippines 1 The Philippines, an archipelago composed of 7,107 islands, offer a lot of beautiful places and more than one can imagine. A true reflection of the country’s transition from 2 past to present, the architecture of the Philippines tells the story of its rich history, with Chinese, America, and Spain all making their mark. 3 Today, sterling skyscrapers stand tall, a symbol of the country’s move to contemporary design and modernism.

PHSILtrIuPcPtuIrNesE Having been ruled by several foreign powers before it gained independence, these rulers have influenced not only the Filipinos’ way of life but also the architectural designs of the structures built during each era. Some of these buildings have become iconic and they have attracted many visitors especially those who are interested in architectural designs.

Here are the top spots in WITH ITS HISTORY AND the Philippines that DIVERSE CULTURE, THE COUNTRY TAKES PRIDE architecture enthusiasts shouldn't miss. IN ITS MAGNIFICENT BUILDINGS THAT FEATURE DIFFERENT ARCHITECTURAL DESIGNS.

NATIONAL MUSEUM OF THE PHILIPPINES If you’re looking for some interesting things to do, try to visit the National Museum of the Philippines, one of the best attractions in Manila. Located at the heart of Manila, the nation’s capital, it spans Padre Burgos Avenue, Rizal Park. The complex is composed of the National Art Gallery, now known as the National Museum of Fine Arts, housed in the Old Legislative Building; Museum of the Filipino people, which used to be the Finance Building; and the National Museum of Natural History, which is located in the Old Tourism Building. Construction of the National Museum of Fine Arts started in 1901 and finished in 1928. It was designed by Ralph Harrington Doane, an American Architect, and his assistant, Antonio Toledo. Featuring a Neo-classical architectural design and Greek Corinthian columns, the building is considered an architectural wonder.

San Agustin Church is the oldest church in the Philippines. It was built between 1587 and 1606 in Baroque and Spanish Colonial architecture. During World War II, it was the only building spared from destruction in Intramuros. It has weathered several earthquakes and other natural calamities. The façade is massive, and when you step inside, your eyes are met by the grandeur of the elaborate interior. The vaulted ceiling displays intricate and colorful frescoes. Glass chandeliers hang over the nave. These 19th- century fixtures were purchased from Paris. SAN S TIN AGU R CH CHU

The Minor Basilica and Metropolitan Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, or Manila Cathedral, is one of the most prominent churches in the Philippines. In 1851, it became a cathedral - the first one in the country. The original church was made in bamboo and nipa. However, a fire destroyed it and a stone church was built on the site. Every time the structure was destroyed by natural calamities, a new one was built on the original site, with each structure built in the current architectural style. It was renovated several times until it attained its present grandeur. Today, visitors come to see this historic and magnificent structure that stood witness to the steadfast faith of the Filipinos and ManiClaathedralthe evolution of architecture in the country.

ArenaPP HH II LL II PP PP II NN EE The Philippine Arena has been named the world’s biggest indoor arena. It is a multipurpose structure with a capacity of 55,000 people. Designed using the modernist style, the building was inspired by the country’s national tree, the Narra tree, as well as the roots of the banyan tree, and the nipa hut. Located in Ciudad de Victoria, an enterprise zone in Bocaue, Bulacan, it has served as the venue for basketball, boxing, tennis, football, music performances, concerts, and even cockfighting. It was featured on the Discovery Channel as among the structures in the Philippines that can withstand typhoons and earthquakes.

ZUELLIG BUILDING Zuellig Building in Makati is a skyscraper that offers office spaces. At 33 levels, one can enjoy a fascinating view of Manila and a lot more. The structure has sustainable features that allow the efficient use of water and energy and improves the quality of air inside the building. Amenities include a food plaza, a sky garden, and a restaurant. Zuellig Building looks imposing as it seems to reach up to the sky.

Malacañang Palace Malacañang Palace is the official residence of the president of the Philippines. It was originally built as a summerhouse of a Spanish nobleman in 1750. Its name was derived from the words “May Lakan Dyan”, which, in English, means, “there lives a nobleman here”. The Spanish government purchased it in 1825 to be used as the official home of the governor-general. Throughout the years, major renovations have been made. In 1979, renowned interior decorators were hired to give the palace a makeover. Today, it has several halls and within the premises were several buildings. The palace has a vast garden and park that is now called the freedom park.

CULTURAL CENTER Philippinesofthe The Cultural Center of the Philippines is another impressive building in Manila that is highly popular. It is admired by art enthusiasts that come to the center to see live artistic performances. Designed by Leandro Locsin whose works are known to appear like floating masses, the Cultural Center of the Philippines has a capacity of 8,458 divided into 10 sections, Established in 1966, the CCP has been tasked to oversee the development, promotion, and preservation of the arts and culture of the Philippines. The building has been the venue of several national and international events relevant to the culture and arts.

Tharnekadiynogu! for Architecture is a visual art, and the buildings speak for themselves. -Julia Morgan Road-