The Manila Jai Alai Building, formerly at least. Photo: Jeric Rustia
The demolition of the Manila Jai Alai Building may have not given way to a Hall of Justice, but according to heritage architect Gerard Lico, it galvanized the heritage conservation movement in the country.“This demolition was met with controversy and intense backlash from the community, culminating in the passage of the National Cultural Heritage Act in 2009,” said Lico.Republic Act 10066, or the National Cultural Heritage Act, requires cities to document and identify cultural heritage properties, including both built or immovable heritage, like buildings, and movable heritage, like books and art. But having the law down on paper does not mean it’s implemented on-ground. And the law, on its own, is ultimately not enough to encourage the preservation of heritage structures.“There is a frustrating lack of regard for character, quality of space, and texture in today’s urban spaces.”
Only the facade of The Capitol Theater by national artist Juan Nakpil remains today. Photo: Jeric Rustia
Old houses in Binondo, neglected. Photo: Jeric Rustia
But it’s not just about a narrative. Preserving architecture is also about utility. Villarosa studied in Spain, so she saw firsthand how old buildings can be transformed into both public and private spaces and used to satisfy present-day needs. In Spain, for example, an old monastery can be used as a warehouse or a co-working space.“The beauty of Manila is that you can be in Old Manila and see heritage houses from the Spanish period and drive down to Makati and see brutalist buildings.”
Villa Floro, in San Juan, was a private house from the 1920s that was relocated to another part of its community and rehabilitated to meet 21st century living needs. Photo: Jeric Rustia
There are bright spots in architectural conservation. Groups promoting heritage appreciation and preservation are gaining traction, especially among the youth, said Lico.“Sometimes you don’t need to start from scratch, you can respect the old building and give it a new purpose.”
Details of the Rizal Memorial Coliseum, a building from the 1930s which was used as a quarantine facility in the COVID-19 pandemic. Photo: Jeric Rustia
The First United Building in Escolta, one of the few structures in Manila to have survived the bombings of World War II. Photo: Jeric Rustia
The brutalist Cultural Center of the Philippines. Photo: Jeric Rustia
