Manila’s First Modern Railway

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Manila’s first modern railway was built in 1984. Known as the Metrorail at the time, the elevated urban railway line was the city’s first modern rapid transit system. The original stretched from Baclaran in the South all the way north to Monumento in Caloocan. Many of its stations served the city of Manila itself, such … Read more

First Modern Skyscraper of Manila

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The first modern skyscraper of Manila was the Picache Building located in Quiapo’s Plaza Miranda. It was builtin 1962. Designed by the architect Angel Nakpil, the building rose to 12 stories rising high over the Manila skyline, paving the way for taller constructions in the city (for better or worse). The Picache Building was built … Read more

Manila’s First Airport

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Manila’s first airport was Grace Park Airfield, which was opened in 1935 to the north of Manila at Caloocan, near Bonifacio Monument. Also known as Manila North, Grace Park Airfield was used for domestic commercial air travel, primarily by the Philippine Aerial Taxi Company (Philippine Airlines Today). In 1937, a new airfield was opened east … Read more

First Mall in Manila

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The first mall in Manila was the Crystal Arcade, which was opened in 1932. The Art Deco commercial complex was designed by renowned architect Andres Luna de San Pedro, son of national hero Juan Luna. The mall featured detailed metal work, spacious and well lit galleries, air conditioning, and several floors with available space for … Read more

First Elevator in Manila

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The first elevator in Metro Manila was installed in 1919 at the Burke Building, which stood at the corner of Calle Escolta and Burke street. The Burke Building was equipped with an Otis Elevator, that featured a brass cage that had to be manually closed before the lift could be moved. Burke Building still stands … Read more