Revisiting historic Manila

Manila, Philippines - Here’s a closer look at the civic heart of historic Manila.

Architect and Star columnist Paulo Alcazaren will hold a lecture entitled “The National Museum: Civic Heart of Historic Manila” on July 28, Saturday, 2:30 p.m. at the Museum Foundation of the Philippines Hall of the National Art Gallery, P. Burgos Street, Rizal Park, Manila. He will revisit the American vision, the Filipino plan to move the capital to Quezon City, and the hold forced on both these efforts with the onset of the Second World War. He will discuss “a view of an unfinished capital for an incomplete nation.” He follows the course of history to the National Museum today as it envisions itself vital to civic life in the city and in the country.

The National Museum’s Art Gallery (the former Legislative Building) offers close to a hundred years of history. The story of its beginnings under the brilliant architectural design of Juan Arellano and as part of the American architect Daniel Burnham’s grand plan for Manila to its present function as repository of our country’s material culture is a complex and colorful one.

Alcazaren worked with the Singapore Tourism Board 10 years ago on improving the heritage and tourism districts of Chinatown, Little India, the Civic District, the Singapore River, the Merlion Park and Orchard Road. He quietly labors over master plans for the revival of the Rizal Park, the historic core of Pasig City and the new esplanade at the Iloilo River, with half a dozen other resorts and commercial projects in the Philippines, Vietnam and Indonesia.

Admission fee is P200 for non-members and free for members.

A special meeting for MFPI members will follow at 4 p.m. at the Reception Hall of the National Art Gallery.

 (For more information, call 404-2685,0949-333-8211 or 0927-848-4680. Look for Elvie or Mae.)