Despite the devastations of World War II, significant examples of Manila’s architectural heritage from the Spanish, American and early Independence periods did survive. Baroque, Neo-Gothic, Neoclassical, Bauhaus structures along with graceful Wood-and-Stone houses can still be admired. But for how long? Lack of district planning, the urge for quick profits via high-rises, and sheer neglect are blotting out examples of Filipino creativity. They are also erasing landmarks in Manila’s story: Its rise from a small port to the first global city during the Galleon Trade, to the cradle of a new nation, to a city that during the first half of the twentieth century connected four continents together. This series was written in the hope that seeing all the remaining splendor gathered together under one cover, the public might feel it urgent to keep alive Manila’s story and its landmarks.

Volume 1: The Center focuses on Intramuros, Binondo, San Nicolas, and Tondo.