Calvo Building, Manila
The Calvo Building, situated at the crossroads of Escolta and Soda Streets in Binondo, Manila's historic area, holds significant cultural and architectural importance in the Philippines. Erected in 1938, it exemplifies Beaux-Arts architecture, a style popular in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, known for its elaborate design and grandeur.
Originally crafted by architect Fernando H. Ocampo, Sr., commissioned by Angel Calvo and Emiliana Mortera, the building has had various functions over time. Initially, it housed commercial enterprises until World War II interrupted its use. During the war, it served briefly as a space for the Japanese Imperial Forces in November 1944. Despite suffering damage in the Battle of Manila in 1945, the Calvo Building was restored in 1946, preserving its historical and architectural significance.
DZBB-AM radio station was one of its notable occupants in its early days, using the building before relocating to Diliman, Quezon City. This period underscores its role in the evolution of media and communication in the Philippines.
In 1994, the building was repurposed as the Escolta Museum on its second floor. The museum is dedicated to conserving and displaying relics from Manila's past, with a focus on the vibrant history of the Escolta area, once renowned as the country's primary commercial hub.
The Calvo Building's importance was officially recognized on August 14, 2018, when the National Historical Commission of the Philippines installed a historical marker titled "Gusaling Calvo" inside the building. This marker commemorates its architectural, historical, and cultural significance, outlining its origins, wartime use, damage, restoration, and transformation into a museum.
Originally crafted by architect Fernando H. Ocampo, Sr., commissioned by Angel Calvo and Emiliana Mortera, the building has had various functions over time. Initially, it housed commercial enterprises until World War II interrupted its use. During the war, it served briefly as a space for the Japanese Imperial Forces in November 1944. Despite suffering damage in the Battle of Manila in 1945, the Calvo Building was restored in 1946, preserving its historical and architectural significance.
DZBB-AM radio station was one of its notable occupants in its early days, using the building before relocating to Diliman, Quezon City. This period underscores its role in the evolution of media and communication in the Philippines.
In 1994, the building was repurposed as the Escolta Museum on its second floor. The museum is dedicated to conserving and displaying relics from Manila's past, with a focus on the vibrant history of the Escolta area, once renowned as the country's primary commercial hub.
The Calvo Building's importance was officially recognized on August 14, 2018, when the National Historical Commission of the Philippines installed a historical marker titled "Gusaling Calvo" inside the building. This marker commemorates its architectural, historical, and cultural significance, outlining its origins, wartime use, damage, restoration, and transformation into a museum.
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Calvo Building on Map
Sight Name: Calvo Building
Sight Location: Manila, Philippines (See walking tours in Manila)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: Manila, Philippines (See walking tours in Manila)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in Manila, Philippines
Create Your Own Walk in Manila
Creating your own self-guided walk in Manila is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Manila Introduction Walking Tour
The capital of the Philippines, Manila was officially founded in 1571 by Spanish conquistador Miguel L贸pez de Legazpi. However, an organized polity, called Maynila (meaning "where indigo is found" in Tagalog), existed on the site since as early as 1258.
The earliest human life in the area dates to 3000 BCE, but much of the existing constructions found around the city were created... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.3 Km or 1.4 Miles
The earliest human life in the area dates to 3000 BCE, but much of the existing constructions found around the city were created... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.3 Km or 1.4 Miles
Historical Buildings Walking Tour
Manila鈥檚 long history results from its situation as a natural port in a huge bay. With the Spanish conquest of the Philippines in the 16th century, it became united, along with Mexico City and Madrid, into the first truly globalised trade system. Intramuros, Manila鈥檚 old walled Spanish town, stood for 350 years before World War II came, and still houses many of the historic buildings.
For a... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.5 Km or 1.6 Miles
For a... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.5 Km or 1.6 Miles
Historical Churches Walking Tour
International surveys have repeatedly ranked Filipinos among the world鈥檚 most religious people. The archipelago鈥檚 colonization and evangelization by the Spanish, started in 1565, has left Manila with many shrines and churches sprawled around its streets, despite the destructions by wars and natural disasters. Some of these old churches are especially attractive due to their delicate mixture of... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.9 Km or 2.4 Miles
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.9 Km or 2.4 Miles
Traditional Markets
Traditional markets showcase a unique aspect of life in any city. The ones featured in this walk offer a glance into the authentic life and habits of Manila鈥檚 people and play a vital role in the Philippines' capital's economic and cultural landscape. Traditionally, local markets sell a broader range of products than regular shops can provide: from veggies and fruits to dried fish and... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.0 Km or 1.9 Miles
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.0 Km or 1.9 Miles
Useful Travel Guides for Planning Your Trip
Manila Shopping: 20 Filipino Goods To Bring Home
An archipelago of 7,000+ islands, The Philippines is a diverse nation populated by different tribes, each having their own culture and traditions. In Manila, one can find a whole lot of things worth keeping as a Filipino memento; it just might take one a little while to figure out what's best...