Preserving architectural heritage with Modern Cultural Stores

MANILA, Philippines - While preserving the treasures of the past is an extraordinary undertaking for any one or for any institution, 7-Eleven — via its exclusive licensee Philippine Seven Corp. (PSC) — shares this commitment as it raises the awareness to help preserve some of the country’s most important architectural treasures through its Modern Cultural Stores.

The 7-Eleven Intramuros stores (Ferlaw Building of the Manila Cathedral and OWWA Building) along Cabildo and Victoria Streets have preserved the overall Hispanic look of the buildings. The heritage aspects of both 7-Eleven stores have been kept almost entirely intact — with modern installation designs only found inside the store premises.    

In the Las Piñas area, 7-Eleven’s commercial building was constructed in compliance with the city’s requirement that all commercial building and office along Quirino Avenue in Las Piñas should possess brick-like finishing. The same important preservation initiatives were also accomplished in 7-Eleven store outlets in Laguna (in particular Jose Rizal’s hometown in Calamba), Cavite and  Batangas  (Lipa)  in  which the proposed plans should incorporate “a little bit of old-world charm.” 

These regulations, according to Francis S. Medina, Business Development Division Manager of PSC, are under the provision of the National Heritage Institute (NHI), the government agency responsible for the conservation and preservation of the Philippine historical legacies. It encompasses cultural program on historical studies, curatorial works, architectural conservation, historical information dissemination, restoration and preservation of relics and memorabilia of heroes and renowned Filipinos.

Medina explained, “All of these conditions only apply to the facade of the store. 7-Eleven still applies the current design of ‘Store of the Future’ through signage and interior while still incorporating some of the heritage look. Linking the past with the present creates a broader, optimistic view of our culture’s future. And while there’s a lot more work to be done, we are glad that in our own little ways we are taking part in the preservation movement.”