Cagayan de Oro City Hall Postcard

The postcard shows the Executive Building (Old Cagayan de Oro City Hall) which was the former site of the Casa Real de Cagayan or the Spanish Provincial Governors residence. The building however was demolished and the existing City Hall was built in its place. Inaugurated on August 26, 1940 as the new Municipal Hall of Cagayan town, it became the City Hall of the new Cagayan de Oro City in 1950. It is among the buildings that survived the Japanese, Filipino and American bombardment in World War II.

Cagayan de Oro City Hall Postcard

When the city hall was renovated, the new architect tried to retain some of its colonial lines by installing new dentils and dentil bands beneath the media-agua. The old capiz windows, however, were removed and replaced with modern French windows.

SOURCES:
Cagayan de Oro Wikipedia Entry
Heritage Structures in Cagayan de Oro

Negros Occidental Provincial Capitol Postcard

The postcard shows the Negros Occidental Provincial Capitol in Bacolod City which was built from 1924 to 1935 in the style of American neoclassical and Beaux-Arts architecture favored by the city planner Daniel Burnham. The capitol complex is located three blocks north of the cathedral, bound by Gatuslao and Lacson Streets.

Negros Occidental Provincial Capitol Postcard

The capitol is planned as an E. The central section is marked by a three story colonnade crowned by Corinthian capitals. Entrance to the capitol is through wide stairs equal in length to the colonnade. Three entrances lead to the central lobby. Directly in front twin staircases in tropical hardwood lead to the main session hall of the building on the second floor. From the second floor secluded and narrow flights of stairs lead to an upper gallery (corresponding to the attic in the Neoclassical design). Sculptures decorating the capitol and the adjacent lagoon are attributed to Guillermo Tolentino, National Artist for Sculpture.

SOURCE:
Bacolod City Tour: The Provincial Capitol

Misamis Oriental Provincial Capitol Postcard

The postcard shows the Misamis Oriental Provincial Capitol in Cagayan de Oro. Unfortunately I wasn't able to find information from the internet or from my books about the capitol. The only relevant information I got online are:

Period or style: American Colonial
Year erected: 1948-50

Misamis Oriental Provincial Capitol Postcard

SOURCE:
Heritage Structures in Cagayan de Oro

Leyte Provincial Capitol Postcards

The postcard shows the Leyte Provincial Capitol in Tacloban City which is the seat of the provincial government of Leyte. Construction of the capitol started in 1918 (i), and completed and inaugurated in 1924. The capitol sports a neoclassical architectural style typical of American-era government edifices. It was the seat of the Commonwealth Government of the Philippines when President Sergio Osmena, Sr., came in 1944 with the World War II Liberation Forces.

Leyte Provincial Capitol Postcard

The original edifice was renovated, expanded and beautified in 1964. Two bas reliefs can be found on both sides of the capitol: a depiction of the "first mass" on Limasawa Island (unveiled on March 31, 1965) and the landing of Gen. Douglas MacArthur on Red Beach, Palo, Leyte (unveiled on October 20, 1964).

Leyte Provincial Capitol Postcard 2
with MacArthur landing mural

SOURCES:
Leyte Provincial Capitol Building
The Neo-Classical Leyte Provincial Capitol

(i) The Imperial Tapestry: American Colonial Architecture in the Philippinesby Norma I. Alarcon, Fuap, page 117

Ilocos Norte Provincial Capitol Postcard

The postcard shows the Ilocos Norte Provincial Capitol. The Ilocos Norte Provincial Capitol, located right in front of the Aurora Park, is the seat of the provincial government of Ilocos Norte.

Ilocos Norte Provincial Capitol Postcard

The old capitol, designed by Ralph Harrington Doane (i), was erected in 1918 and inaugurated in 1924. The capitol was enlarged and remodeled in 1957 with two wings added, but old structure was retained minus the roof. The building was constructed using the neoclassical architecture. The central sculpture pediment, square columns, balcony and hallway on the ground floor leading to an annex that now covers the old arched windows/doors were also added.

SOURCES:
Ilocos Norte Capitol
Laoag City and Ilocos Norte Province (with a picture of the old capitol) SkyscraperCity Forum
Laoag Tourism

(i) The Imperial Tapestry: American Colonial Architecture in the Philippinesby Norma I. Alarcon, Fuappage 114

Cebu Provincial Capitol Postcards

The postcard shows the Cebu Provincial Capitol. The Cebu Provincial Capitol Building is the seat of the provincial government of Cebu. The building is a neoclassical edifice designed by US-trained Filipino architect Juan M. Arellano* (best known for Manila's Metropolitan Theater and Post Office Building) and built by Pedro Siochi & Company, Inc. Construction started in 1937 and the building was inaugurated on June 14, 1938 by Commonwealth President Manuel L. Quezon.

Cebu Provincial Capitol Postcard

The capitol building has a concave facade that links two wings of the capitol, forming a u-shaped plan. One can read the inscription "The authority of the government emanates from the people." on the top of the concave facade, while below it is the main entrance with a green color marble background and three large doors. There are two columns on both sides of the facade each have a gold color painted statue in Roman costumes. The male statue stands on the left side while female statue stands on the right side. The facade leads to a tall foyer capped by a dome.

Cebu Provincial Capitol Concave Facade Postcard

Inside the dome is painted the history of Cebu, with sceneries depicting the province and its constituents. Beneath the dome is a rotunda with a spacious lobby. Near the lobby is the entrance to the Social Hall, a ballroom adorned with French-style windows draped with red curtains and three large chandeliers.

SOURCE:
Heritage of Cebu: Cebu Provincial Capitol
* ".. Antonio Toledo, whose architectural contributions are seen in the .... the Cebu and Leyte provincial capitols..." from The Imperial Tapestry: American Colonial Architecture in the Philippinesby Norma I. Alarcon, Fuap, page 124

Provincial Capitol of Basilan Postcard

The postcard supposedly shows the Provincial Capitol of Basilan; however, when I try to research it, the provincial capitol does not even look as what is shown in the postcard.

Provincial Capitol of Basilan Postcard

Basilan Provincial Capitol is former site of Fort Isabela Segunda, Isabela City, Basilan. The original Fort was bombed and destroyed towards the end of World War II, having been used by the occupying Japanese forces as a munitions dump. A newer capitol building was built on the spot where the old Basilan City Hall stood after it was burned in the early 1990s. The new building is a celebration of Muslim and Christian influences which shaped modern-day Basilan, and still occupies the highest point of the City proper.

Could the postcard show the old Basilan City Hall and not the provincial capitol?

SOURCE:
Basilan Wikitravel Entry

Iowa State Capitol Postcard

The postcard shows the Iowa State Capitol and the Pioneer Statuary Group. The Iowa State Capitol is located in the Iowa capital of Des Moines at East 9th Street and Grand Avenue. Designed by John C. Cochrane and Alfred H. Piquenard and constructed between 1871 and 1886, the French Baroque Revival building is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Iowa State Capitol Postcard

* Year completed: 1886* Original cost: $2,873,294.59

The capitol is the only five domed state capitol in the US. Both front and back porticoes have pediments supported by six Corinthian columns each. The dome, constructed of steel and brick, is gilded in tissue-paper thin sheets of pure 23-karat gold. A belvedere on top of the large dome features a golden lantern at the top. In addition, four smaller golden lanterns are each attached to copper-covered domes at every corner of the building.

The Pioneer Statuary Group can also be seen in the picture. It depicts a father and son in search of an Iowa home, guided by a Native American.

SOURCES:
Iowa State Capitol Wikipedia Entry
The Iowa General Assembly Capitol Tour

Seattle Civic Auditorium Postcard

I found a similar postcard online and the back of the postcard contains detailed information about the auditorium.

Seattle Civic Auditorium Postcard(now Marion Oliver McCaw Hall)

Construction Date: 1925-1928
Cost: $1,115,000
Seattle has constructed a Civic Auditorium, Exposition Hall and Recreation Field as a three-fold civic development, on a centrally located 12-acre site, bounded by Third and Fourth Avenues North, Harrison and Mercer Streets. The Auditorium, fronting on Third Avenue, is 194 feet by 274 feet in size, and comfortably seats 7,700 persons. Of these 5,000 are taken care of on the main floor and 2,700 in the balcony. It has a total of 40,000 square feet of utility space. The main floor is flat and of maple.
In 1959 construction began to transform the aging Civic Auditorium into a 3,100-seat Opera House in preparation for the 1962 Seattle World’s Fair. The remodeled hall was a fan-shaped room, with two balconies, seating about 3,100 persons.
Marion Oliver McCaw Hall is the latest incarnation of what was once Seattle’s Civic Auditorium (1928) which was then gutted and rebuilt as the Seattle Center Opera House for the World’s Fair in 1962.

SOURCES:
VintageSeattle's Seattle Civic Auditorium Postcard
Marion Oliver McCaw Hall Article

UPDATE: Parian Gate Postcard

Parian Gate Postcard

The postcard shows the Parian Gate and the dome of one of the churches inside the walled city. I was browsing the book Ciudad Murada by Jose Victor Z. Torres when I came across on page 43 a similar picture showing Parian Gate or Puerta del Parian, the dome of Hospital de San Juan de Dios chapel and the rectangular cupola of Nuestra Señora de los Angeles known as the San Francisco Church.

I believe a lot of people do not know that there were actually 8 churches inside pre-war Intramuros (and there were also chapels). Some are more familiar with the Manila Cathedral dome. The cathedral is located near Fort Santiago, while the Puerta del Parian is at the northeast of Intramuros. Below is the map showing the location of Puerta del Parian.

#26 San Francisco Church and Convent#27 Capilla de la Orden Tercera#28 Hospital de San Juan de Dios

Here is another picture of the dome of Hospital de San Juan de Dios chapel and the rectangular cupola of the San Francisco Church.

RELATED ENTRIES:
Parian Gate Postcard
UPDATE: Parian Gate Postcard

IMAGES SOURCES:
Map from Ciudad Murada: A Walk Through Historic Intramuros
by Jose Victor Z. Torres

Hospital de San Juan de Dios, Manila 1897, Retrato: Filipinas Collection Thread 3SkyscraperCity Forum

UPDATE: San Miguel Brewery Postcard

San Miguel Brewery Postcard

Location of the Brewery: Formerly located at General Solano Street, in San Miguel, Manila (The building, I believe, was demolished to make way to a new building in the Malacanang compound).

General Solano Street: Located in San Miguel. Named after Ramon Solano of Llanderone who became governor-general on January12, 1860. During his short reign, civil government in Manila, Monte de Piedad, Quinta Market and the Statue of Queen Isabella II were established.

SOURCES:
Catalogue of Philippine Picture Postcards American Period:1898-1941
by Conrado F. Ciriaco

Daluyan: Historical Dictionary of the Streets of Manila
by National Historical Institute, p. 37

RELATED ENTRY:
San Miguel Brewery Postcard

UPDATE: Chinese Laborers and Freight Hauler Postcards

Chinese Laborers Postcard

Finally, thanks to Mr. Price, the church that can be seen behind the Chinese Laborers in the postcard is nameless no more. It is actually the Sta. Cruz Church in Manila. Actually what can be seen in the postcard is the rear of Santa Cruz Church. The men are standing on the ramp of Santa Cruz Bridge, and in the background is Plaza Goiti, now Plaza Lacson.

The Jesuits built the first Roman Catholic Church in the area where the present Santa Cruz Parish stands on June 20, 1619. The Jesuits enshrined the image of the Our Lady of Pillar in 1643 to serve the pre-dominantly Chinese residents in the area, in which many of them were converted into the Catholic faith.

Freight Haulers Postcard

Another postcard that depicts the rear of the Sta. Cruz Church is the Freight Hauler postcard (shown above). One can notice the circular rose window above another window. Those windows can also be seen on the first postcard.

SOURCE:Santa Cruz, Manila Wikipedia Entry

RELATED ENTRIES:
Chinese Laborers Postcard
UPDATE: Chinese Laborers Postcard
Freight Hauler Postcard

Philippine Picture Postcards 1900-1920

Philippine Picture Postcards 1900-1920Author: Jonathan BestPublisher: Bookmark, Inc.Copyright: 1994Pages: 119


Jonathan Best is a book author and an arts and culture consultant. As I've said he is an avid collector of Philippine photographs and postcards and has published two books "Philippine Picture Postcards 1900-1920" and "A Philippine Album: American Era Photographs."
Philippine Picture Postcards 1900-1920 not only provides a simple history of early postcards but also gives the reader a fascinating portrait of the Philippines during the first two decades of this century. It offers us a visual memory of a time which still retained much of the charm of the 19th century. As well all know much of the Spanish-Asian cityscape of Manila was made rubble by World War II.

The period selected (1900-1920) is one when the Philippines became well known as "Pearl of the Orient." It was American tourism promotion and governmental propaganda that would really popularize the distinctive designation. The 180 postcards illustrated in the book are among the most beautiful and historically interesting Philippine cards from his collection of around 2000 postcards (lots of old Philippine cards are still in archives and private collections). It presents a selection of different types of cards and a wide range of images from Luzon to Mindanao.

Some of my reproduced colored postcards can also be seen in this book.

*The book won the 1994 National Book Awards Best Book Design.

Catalogue of Philippine Picture Postcards: American Period 1898-1941

(2) Catalogue of Philippine Picture Postcards: American Period 1898-1941
Author: Conrado F. CiriacoCopyright: 1995Pages: 200


The author started as a stamp collector, later also became a coin collector and now an avid picture postcard collector. This book contains more than a thousand postcards from his collection, old Philippine picture postcards of the bygone era during the US Administration in the Philippines from 1898 to 1941.

Most of the old picture postcards shown depict historical events, local scenes, people, animals, different provinces and cities during the period, old US Army camps and forts, ships and boats, old buildings that do not even exist anymore, manners, customs and traditions, costumes, local transportation and practically all phases of life prevalent in the Philippines during the period of the US colonization of the islands.

What's so interesting is that the book outlines the history (best I have read so far) of Philippine postcards, from the pioneer era up to the photochrome era (1939-present). It includes the valuation of all picture postcards in the book and their grading value. It also provides an extensive list of printers/publishers of Philippine postcards during the American era and abbreviations/symbols that are commonly used for picture postcards.

Best part is that most of the Philippine picture postcards are illustrated in color in reduced format. Some of my reproduced colored postcards can be seen in this book.
I found a copy of this book on Philippine eBay but it's so expensive. Still contemplating on buying the book or not, or try my luck at antique shops/bookstores (it's already out of print).

RELATED ENTRY:
Old Philippine postcards

IMAGE SOURCE:
202 Thriftshop

Consuming Passions: Philippine Collectibles

Every time I visit bookstores, I go to the hobbies section, hoping to see a book or two that mainly focuses on postcards, especially Philippine postcards. I got excited when I came across the book "Consuming Passions: Philippine Collectibles" not only because it has a section about Philippine postcards, but it also lists two books about Philippine postcards. I got more excited when I found out that the National Library carry those two books.

(1) Consuming Passions: Philippine CollectiblesBy Jaime C. Laya, editorPublisher: Anvil PublishingCopyright: 2003Pages: 404

This book is a collaboration of remarkable individuals drawn together by editor and former Chair of the National Commission on Culture and the Arts, Jaime Laya. The items in the books are categorized with Philippine postcards listed under "objects we gaze at." The essay by Jonathan Best, an avid collector of Philippine photographs and postcards and a publisher, on pages 130-137 provides valuable information that a novice collector must know about collecting postcards, particularly Philippine postcards.
It also discusses the history of Philippine postcards, from American era picture postcards to modern/post 1950s postcards. The best part is that it lists publishers and distributors of Philippine postcards, like the Lambert and Springer Company, the Squires and Bingham Company, Philippine Education Company (PECO), etc., and the places one can purchase old postcards. Unfortunately these companies, I believe, does not exist anymore.
With the help of this essay, I also learned that there are two other books published about Philippine postcards, both of which are included in this blog entry. Lastly the essay mentions the names of Michael G. Price and Abraham Q. Luspo, Jr., who both have large collection of Philippine postcards, and have written researched articles about Philippine postcards. Too bad I couldn't find Mr. Price's contact information online. (Mr. Luspo died last July 2, 2008.)

Additional Information:
Abraham Q. Luspo, Jr. -- Pathfinder in Philippine Philately

Grand Palace, Bangkok Postcards

The two postcards show the aerial views of the Grand Palace (Thai: Phra Borom Maha Ratcha Wang), a complex of buildings in Bangkok, Thailand. My sister bought this when she visited Bangkok last summer. I was able to visit the palace last 2006 and it was really magnificent! A must visit whenever you are in Bangkok!
The Grand Palace served as the official residence of the king of Thailand from the 18th century to the mid-20th century. After the death of King Ananda Mahidol in the Grand Palace, King Bhumibol moved the official royal residence to Chitralada Palace.

Grand Palace Postcard 1

When Siam restored law and order after the fall of Ayutthaya the monarch lived in Thonburi on the west side of the river. Rama I, on ascending the throne, moved the centre of administration to this side of the Chao Phraya; and, after erecting public monuments such as fortifications and monasteries, built a palace to serve not only as his residence but also his offices--the various ministries, only one of which remains in the palace walls. This palace came to be known as the Grand Palace.

Grand Palace Postcard 2

The palace complex sits on the east bank of the Chao Phraya River. The other approaches to the palace are protected by a defensive wall of 1,900 metres in length, which encloses an area of 218,400 square metres. Further out from the wall is a canal, which was also created for defensive purposes, making the area surrounding the palace an island, known as Rattanakosin.
Parts of the Grand Palace are:* The Chapel Royal of The Emerald Buddha* The Upper Terrace* Subsidiary Buildings* The Galleries* Phra Maha Monthian* Chakri Maha Prasat Hall* Dusit Maha Prasat Hall* Borom Phiman Mansion* Phra Asada Maha Chedi* Amarin Winitchai Hall* Wat Phra Keo Museum

SOURCES:
The Grand Palace Homepage
Grand Palace Wikipedia Entry

Philippine Blog Awards 2 Winners!

Last night we attended the Philippine Blog Awards 2 at the One Esplanade MOA. As I've said in the previous post, this blog was nominated and a finalist for Best Blog under the Hobby/Recreation category.


First a little bit background about my hobby. Deltiology is the study and collection of postcards. Worldwide, deltiology is the third largest hobby after stamp collecting and money collecting. Postcards are collected because of their importance in research. For example, I have in my collection a postcard of Hyatt Terraces Baguio's restaurant, which, as we all know, was a casualty of the July 16, 1990 quake. Or I have Bookmark reproductions of old postcards that shows Philippine buildings and images during the American period.

It has been almost 10 years now since I started collecting postcards. Now I have more than 2000 postcards in my collection. So I decided last year to start blogging all my postcards. I mainly collect Philippine postcards, UNESCO sites, Maps, Paintings, Bridges, Buildings (Hotels, Museums, Palaces, Schools, Airports, etc.), Places of Worship (Churches, Cathedrals, etc.), Planes, Ships, Birthday Greeting Cards.

Now back to the awards night. We arrived at the venue before 6 P.M. and registered, and were then ushered to our seats. There I was able to see the faces behind some of the famous blogs, although I was only able to meet and converse with just one blogger, Greg Quimpo, who owns the blog Dogs Are Us!, a blog that advocates the protection of dogs. (The Animal Kingdom Foundation Rescue Center is located in Capas, Tarlac.)

We also saw several known personalities, Sen. Mar Roxas (who also blogs and gave a speech related to blogging) and Manuel L. Quezon III (one of the judges). I was hoping to meet Ivan Henares and Senor Enrique, two of the blogs I frequently read. PBA gave away 36 awards, including Best Blogs (Hobby, Personal Travel, etc., categories), Best Blog Design, Blogger's Choice Award, etc.

My blog didn't win. But heck, am happy that my blog was one of the finalist. I just want to increase awareness (maybe appreciation) on postcard collecting, and this is a good start!

To all the winners, congratulations. And KUDOS to the Philippine Blog Awards Committee!

Philippine Blog Awards 2

Last August, I received an email from the Philippine Blog Awards team informing me that this blog has been nominated for the Best Blog under the Hobby / Recreation Category. I honestly wasn't expecting this, but I got excited. My main goal is just to show here my postcard collection and of course give a lit bit of information about the image/s on the postcard, and giving awareness on deltiology (postcard collecting) in the country.

This morning I again received an email, informing me that my blog is one of the finalists for the Best Blog- Hobby/Recreation category! The winner will be announced during the 2008 Philippine Blog Awards Night, on September 21,2008. Win or lose, I'm glad that Filipinos are now aware of postcard collecting!

Hyatt Terraces Plaza Postcard

This is one of the postcards that I treasure most. It shows the Kaili Cafe-Restaurant of the Hyatt Terraces Plaza Baguio, one of the casualties of the July 16, 1990 earthquake.

The back of the postcard reads:

Kaili Cafe-Restaurant - located in the picturesque Atrium Plaza. Set amidst colorful handwoven tapestries and refreshing greenery.
Hyatt Terraces Baguio, the only 5-star resort hotel in the Philippines' summer capital, boasts 291 rooms and suites with private balconies, three specialty restaurants, two bars,an Igorot Park and discotheque.

Hyatt Terraces Plaza Postcard

The five-star Hyatt Terraces Plaza sustained the worst damage when its terraced front collapsed onto the hotel lobby area killing about 50 people.

NOTE: COLLAPSED DURING AN EARTHQUAKE
Block 150, Southdrive Road, Baguio City

Westin Philippine Plaza Postcard

Sofitel Philippine Plaza Manila (Formerly Westin Philippine Plaza) on Manila Bay is part of the largest convention complex in the country and the only resort hotel in Manila. The hotel is set in 12-acre grounds and looks out over breathtaking Manila Bay. The balconies of the rooms and suites offer harbor or city views.

Westin Philippine Plaza Postcard

609 rooms and suites, Spiral restaurant, Le Bar (a bar, bistro and library combined), 7Pecados entertainment centre, Sunset Bar with cultural shows, lagoon-shaped pool, spa and gym, 16 meeting rooms with pillarless Grand Ballroom, Harbour Garden Tent and Grand Sunset Pavilion.

NOTE: RENAMED SOFITEL PHILIPPINE PLAZA MANILA

CCP Complex Roxas Boulevard Pasay City 1300 Manila, Philippines

Tel: (632) 5515555 - (632) 5515610

SOURCE:
Sofitel Philippine Plaza Homepage

Waterfront Airport Hotel and Casino Mactan Postcard

Waterfront Airport Hotel and Casino Mactan is located literally a stones' throw away from the airport terminal. It is only 15 minutes away from Mactan's white sandy beaches and 30 minutes to Cebu City's financial district.
Rooms: 167 soundproof deluxe rooms, from delightful villas to grand executive suites

Waterfront Airport Hotel and Casino Mactan Postcard

Services:
* Color television and Cable TV
* International Direct Dialing phone connection
* Safety deposit box
* Mini-bar and refrigerator
* 24-hour room service
* Shoe shine service

NOTE: OPERATIONAL

1 Airport Road, Lapu-Lapu City, 6015 Cebu, Philippines
Tel: (6332) 340-4888

SOURCE:
Waterfront Airport Hotel and Casino Mactan Homepage

Subic International Hotel Postcard

Subic International Hotel is a 3-star hotel ideally located at the heart of the Subic Freeport Zone, 3 hours away from Manila.
Accommodations: 284 Deluxe Rooms and Suites

Subic International Hotel Postcard

Amenities and Services:-Laundry and Valet-E-mail and Internet-Cable TV-Safety Deposit Boxes-IDD Telephone Systems (AT&T, MCI, Sprint)-Free Entrance to the Gym and Sauna, to the Swimming Pool and to the Casino Filipino Olongapo

NOTE: OPERATIONAL

Rizal cor. Sta. Rita Road, Subic Bay Freeport Zone Olongapo City 2200, Philippines
Tel: (047) 252-22-22, 252-67-03

SOURCE:
Subic International Hotel Corporation Homepage

Makati Shangri-La Postcard

Makati Shangri-La, Manila is located at the centre of Manila's most prestigious business, shopping and entertainment district, Makati City. The hotel offers 699 spacious and beautifully appointed guest rooms and suites, each with views of Makati’s famous avenues and the city beyond.

Makati Shangri-La Postcard

Rooms and suites include:• Colour television with in-house movie channels and cable TV• Data and computer ports• Electronic safe• International direct-dialing telephone with voice mail• Mini-bar and refrigerator• 24-hour room service• Broadband Internet access

NOTE: OPERATIONAL

Ayala Avenue corner Makati Avenue, Makati City 1200 Philippines
Tel: (632) 813-8888

SOURCE:
Makati Shangri-La, Manila Homepage

Shangri-La's Mactan Resort and Spa Postcard

The Philippine's premier five-star resort, Shangri-La's Mactan Resort and Spa is a lush garden retreat ideal for vacationers and families, with kid's play areas, a wide range of restaurants, and CHI, one of the largest and most luxurious spas in the region.

Shangri-La's Mactan Resort and Spa Postcard

Just 15 minutes from Mactan-Cebu International Airport, Shangri-La's Mactan Resort and Spa recently completed a three-year major renovation programme on its 547 rooms and suites. The new resort features a stylish design, sleek contemporary furniture, and the latest in-room communications and media amenities. The highlight of the contemporary resort is the entirely refurbished Ocean Wing, that contains exceptionally luxurious and spacious accommodations with memorable views of the Visayan Sea.

NOTE: OPERATIONAL

Punta Engano Road, Lapu-Lapu, Cebu 6015, Philippines
Tel: (63 32) 231 0288

SOURCE:
Shangri-La's Mactan Resort and Spa Cebu Homepage

Manila Hotel Postcards

The Manila Hotel is a 570-room, five star hotel in Manila, Philippines, located in the heart of the Manila Bay area. The Manila Hotel is the oldest premiere hotel in the Philippines, built in 1909 and opened in 1912. To design the hotel William Howard Taft hired William E. Parsons, a New York architect, who envisioned an impressive, but comfortable hotel, along the lines of a California mission, but grander. The original design was an H-shaped plan that focused on well-ventilated rooms on two wings, providing grand vistas of the harbor, the Luneta, and Intramuros. The top floor was, in fact, a large viewing deck that was used for various functions, including watching the American navy steam into the harbor.

Manila Hotel Postcard 1

The hotel was the residence of General Douglas MacArthur from 1935 to 1941. During World War 2, the hotel was occupied by Japanese troops, and the Japanese flag was flown above the walls for the entirety of the war. The hotel survived the bombing of Manila and was later reconstructed. The hotel was remodeled in 1976 and expanded to 570 rooms. The hotel’s spartan interiors in simplified Mission style gave way to more lavish furnishings and, for some sections, major renovations by Paris-trained Filipino architect Andres Luna de San Pedro (son of Juan Luna).

Manila Hotel Postcard 2

The hotel contains the offices of several foreign news organizations, including The New York Times.It has hosted numerous historical persons and celebrities, including authors Ernest Hemingway and James A. Michener, U.S. President John F. Kennedy, The Beatles, actors Michael Jackson, Douglas Fairbanks, Jr., and John Wayne, publisher Henry Luce, entertainer Sammy Davis, Jr., Prime Minister Sir Anthony Eden, and many various world leaders.

Manila Hotel Lobby Postcard

The main lobby was designed for sitting as well as for making grand entrances. Measuring 125 feet (38 m) long by 25 feet (7.6 m) wide, the lobby is lined with white Doric columns. The floor is Philippine marble, the chandeliers are made of brass, crystal and seashells, the furniture is carved out of Philippine mahogany which is used throughout the hotel. The penthouse, the most expensive suite (with a private swimming pool) on the 18th floor, has a view of the Bay, of Rizal Park and the 16th-century ruins of the Spanish walled city of Intramuros, opposite the hotel. Like the Presidential Suite, the penthouse is decorated with rare paintings, Asian antiques and Filipino crafts.

NOTE: OPERATIONALOne Rizal Park, Roxas Boulevard, Manila Philippines 1099Tel: 1-800-9-MNL-HTL

SOURCES:
Manila Hotel Wikipedia Entry
Manila Hotel Homepage

Manila Diamond Hotel Postcard

Bask in Manila Bay's magnificent sunset from the 27-story, 500-room Diamond Hotel, a World-Class Hotel in Manila of exceptional beauty and elegance. Only minutes away from shopping malls, museums and parks, convention and exhibit centers, business districts, sports complexes, and country embassies, the Diamond Hotel's luxurious guestrooms, bars, fine-dining restaurants, amenities, and special facilities provide the most exquisite Manila accommodations possible.

Manila Diamond Hotel Postcard

NOTE: OPERATIONAL

Roxas Blvd. cor. Dr. J. Quintos St. Manila 1000 PhilippinesTel: (0632) 528-3000

SOURCE:
Diamond Hotel Philippine Homepage

Mandarin Oriental Hotel Manila Postcard

Mandarin Oriental Hotel Manila is located in Makati City, which lies to the east of Manila, the country’s capital.

Mandarin Oriental Hotel Manila Postcard

Guest Rooms: * 442 spacious rooms * 89 Club rooms with exclusive use of the Club Lounge * 19 suites on the highest levels of the hotel

Restaurants and bars: * The Tivoli - Classic continental cuisine * Paseo Uno - Modern casual dining * Tin Hau - Oriental delicacies * Clipper Lounge - Relaxing area to meet and lounge * Captain's Bar - Meeting and entertainment venue * Kipling's Cigar Bar - Perfect retreat for cigar lovers * Martinis - Fashionable jazz bar * Mandarin Deli - Proffers the freshest breads, pastries and light meals

NOTE: OPERATIONALMakati Avenue, Makati City 1226, Metro Manila, Philippines
Tel: +63 (2) 750 8888

SOURCE:
Mandarin Oriental Hotel Manila Homepage

Corregidor Hotel Postcard

Corregidor Hotel is a comfortable place to stay for visitors and tourist. The hotel has a pool, souvenir shop, bar and restaurant. For those who still have energy to spend, the hotel has tennis and basketball courts. Corregidor Hotel is walking distance to the North Dock, wharf and beach.

Corregidor Hotel Postcard

SOURCE:
Where to stay in Corregidor: Corregidor Hotel

Casa Punzalan Postcard

A restored ancestral house, Casa Punzalan is the first tourist inn in the centuries-old town of Taal. This is a traditional old house that has been converted into a simple but comfortable guesthouse and offers a real taste of provincial life in the Spanish-era.

Casa Punzalan Postcard

National Theatre Munich Postcard

Nationaltheater München (National Theatre Munich) on Max-Joseph-Platz is an opera house. After the first theatre, commissioned by King Maximilian 1st of Bavaria and designed by Karl von Fischer, which opened in 1818 with Die Weihe by Ferdinand Fränzl, was destroyed by fire in 1823, it was reconstructed and re-opened in 1825. This second theatre, designed by Leo von Klenze, incorporated Neo-Grec features as seen in its portico and triangular pediment.

National Theatre Munich Postcard

Based on the original plans by Karl von Fischer, the architect Gerhard Moritz Graubner recreated the original neo-classical 2100 seat theatre. Albeit somewhat enlarged and only the foyer and main staircase retaining their original look, the theatre opened on 22 November 1963 with a performance of Richard Wagner’s Die Meistersinger von Nürnberg.

SOURCE:
National Theatre Munich Wikipedia Entry

Avalon Casino Theatre and Ballroom Postcard

The beautiful Art Deco Avalon Casino Theatre and Ballroom, located in Avalon on Catalina Island off the coast of Los Angeles, was constructed in 1929. The Casino's name derives from a more traditional Italian definition of casino, meaning social gathering place; the building has never served as a gambling establishment and for many years did not even serve alcoholic beverages.

Avalon Casino Theatre and Ballroom Postcard

The Casino was 140 feet (43 m) high when it was built and was the tallest building in Los Angeles County at the time. Surrounded by sea on three sides, the circular Art Deco structure stands the equivalent of 12 stories tall. The Avalon Theater, on the first level, shows first-run movies nightly. The circular domed ceiling has remarkable acoustics studied by experts from around the world. The upper level houses the world's largest circular ballroom with a 180-foot (55 m) diameter dance floor. French doors encircle the room, and balcony views are spectacular.

SOURCE:
Santa Catalina Island, California Wikipedia Entry

We Are Here - Philippine Location Postcard

This is also an over-sized postcard (12.5 x 17.5) postcard, an artwork by Wilfredo Santiago and distributed Philippine-German Magazine, Manila. It is a world map that shows the location of Philippines.

World Map Postcard

Philippine Map Postcard

This is an over-sized postcard (12.5 x 17.5) Philippine postcard, an artwork by Wilfredo Santiago and distributed Philippine-German Magazine, Manila. It shows the three island groups (Luzon, Visayas, Mindanao), bodies of water that surrounds the country (i.e., Mindanao Sea, Pacific Ocean), some cities (e.i., Baguio City) and several provinces (i.e., Ilocos Norte, Basilan). Also shown is Sabah, a disputed Philippine territory.

Philippine Map Postcard

Fürstenberg Haus Postcard

The postcard shows the castle, or Fürstenberg Haus, in Donaueschingen which was built when Prince Joseph Wilhelm Ernst moved into this new planned town from his castle in the hills above in the 18th century. It is a Baroque building set next to the Schlosspark and source of the River Danube. Its interior is lovely, full of 19th century paintings, tapestries and many original furnishings. The building is open as a museum, allowing visitors to wander around the various rooms. Guided tours are available.

Fürstenberg Haus Postcard

SOURCES:
Fürstenberg Sammlungen
Das Haus Fürstenberg Homepage

Dôme des Invalides Postcard

The postcard shows the Dôme des Invalides that can be found at the Invalides Complex in Paris. The Dôme des Invalides is the most recognizable and well-known part of Les Invalides. In 1676 King Louis XIV - the Sun King - charged architect Jules Hardouin Mansart with the task of creating a separate private chapel at the Invalides for exclusive use of the royal family. This gold-domed church was completed in 1708 by de Cotte after Mansart died. Inspired by Rome’s St. Peter’s Basilica, this chapel, known as Église du Dôme, is considered one of the world’s most exciting examples of French Baroque architecture.

Dôme des Invalides Postcard

The dome itself is 107 meters high (351 ft), making it one of the tallest monuments in Paris, and was centrally placed in order to dominate the court of honor – one of 15 courtyards at the complex, designed for military parades. The inside of the dome was painted by Charles de La Fosse, disciple of 18th century well-known French painter, Charles Le Brun.
Napoleon Bonaparte was entombed at Les Invalides. Also buried at Invalides are several members of Napoleon’s family as well as a number of prominent French military leaders and war heroes.

SOURCE:
Dôme des Invalides

William Taylor Hotel Postcard

The 100 McAllister Street Tower was built by the Methodist Church in the “modern Gothic” style and opened in 1929 as the luxury William Taylor Hotel, designed by architect Lewis P. Hobart. It was briefly, during the 1930s, San Francisco’s tallest structure.

William Taylor Hotel Postcard

In 1936 the building was sold and reopened as the Empire Hotel featuring the Skyroom. During World War II, 100 McAllister Street was taken over by the government for federal workers before the present federal building on Golden Gate Avenue was constructed. In 1978, Hastings acquired the building and converted it to student housing, opening the facility in 1981.

NOTE: NOW A STUDENT HOUSING

SOURCE:
Hastings College of the Law Institutional Master Plan

The Waldorf-Astoria Hotel Postcard

The postcard shows the Waldorf-Astoria Hotel, a famously luxurious hotel in New York. It started as two hotels: one owned by William Waldorf Astor, whose 13-story Waldorf Hotel was opened in 1893 and the other owned by his cousin, John Jacob Astor IV, called the Astoria Hotel and opened four years later and four stories higher.

The Waldorf-Astoria Hotel Postcard

The first, designed by architect Henry J. Hardenbergh, was on the Fifth Avenue site of the Empire State Building. The present building at 301 Park Avenue in Manhattan is a 47 story, 625 ft. (191 m) Art Deco landmark, designed by architects Schultze and Weaver and dating from 1931. The name, Waldorf=Astoria, now officially appears with a double hyphen.

NOTE: OPERATIONAL
301 Park Avenue, New York, NY 10022 USA
Tel.: 1-212-355-3000

SOURCES:
The Waldorf-Astoria Hotel Wikipedia Entry
Waldorf=Astoria Homepage