Monday, September 18, 2006
MANILA'S PLAZA GOITI
I was inspired to post this entry about Plaza de Goiti after seeing a very old photograph of it with horse-drawn carriages, as well as a postcard published in 1932 showing the area teeming with what look like Model T Fords. What a remarkable difference compared to the above photo.
It is now known as Plaza Lacson; a tribute for the soccer player at Ateneo de Manila University and amateur boxer who once challenged Ferdinand Marcos to a fistfight and called Ernesto Maceda (who was then a Manila councilor) “so young and so corrupt.” Arsenio Lacson was supposedly the best mayor the city of Manila ever had. His statue stands tall on a pedestal across the old Roman Santos Building.
To the left of Mayor Lacson’s statue is the LRT Carriedo Station. It was on Carriedo Street and Avenida Rizal where Henry Sy’s original ShoeMart once was. One block south of Carriedo is Carlos Palanca Street, named after Don Carlos Palanca whose real name was Tan Quien-sien; a wealthy and influential Chinese trader in Manila during the late 19th century. And right off MacArthur Bridge was the popular Clover Theatre; a vaudeville theater where Don Jose Zarah’s Extravaganza and jazz pianist Ping Joaquin (brother of writer Nick) entertained many of Manila’s inhabitants. The annex building of City College of Manila now stands on its spot.
The very first school, however, that established itself at Plaza Goiti was Adamson University, but it was originally called Adamson School of Industrial Chemistry. The Philippines’ steady progress towards industrialization during the early thirties demanded people to be trained in technology to man the increasing number of local industries. Inspired by this economic trend, three Greek cousins — Dr. George Lucas Adamson, Alexander Adamson and George Athos Adamson — founded the Adamson School of Industrial Chemistry on June 20, 1932. The School, which was set to train young men and women in Industrial Chemistry, was housed at the Paterno Building at Plaza Goiti. It opened on July 1, 1932 with only 42 students. A year later, the population grew to 300, which necessitated its transfer to more spacious quarters.
After the war, Dr. George Lucas Adamson re-opened the school, this time, in the premises of the Vincentian Fathers at San Marcelino Street. In 1964, the University was turned over to the Vincentian Fathers, which signaled the transformation of Adamson University to a Catholic Institution of learning.
Another learning enterprise that had its start at Plaza Goiti is the Far Eastern Aeronautics School, which in 1946 offered the first aeronautical classes in the country. It consequently received commendation from the Philippine Educational System for having pioneered in aeronautical education. In 1959 it became FEATI University with expanded academic programs, including architecture and fine arts. Among those who became dean of FEATI's School of Architecture was Juan Marcos de Guzman Arellano who designed the Post Office, Metropolitan Theater, and Legislative building. FEATI's five-storey building at Carlos Palanca Street behind the Plaza Fair building was completed in 1953.
A major banking concern established on June 18, 1951 at Plaza Goiti was Security Bank and Trust Company. It has prospered even in the most trying times, remaining steadfast amidst the economic, political and social upheavals in the country’s history. It has steadily moved with the brisk pace of economic growth that characterized the 1950’s. Three years later, the corporate headquarters moved to Escolta, fittingly at the nation’s pre-eminent business district.
Another interesting, though somewhat morbid piece of trivia I dug up online: Citing its source as Turn of the Century by Gilda Cordeo Fernando and Nick Ricio, DLSU-D Website mentions La Funeraria, the first funeral parlor in the Philippines. It was supposedly established by Carlos March at no. 3 Plaza Goiti. It advertised hermetically-sealed coffins imported directly from Europe, embalming at moderate prices, “French Style Packing” of corpses, and an assortment of epitaphs. La Funeraria sternly warned the public against imitations and assured the public of guaranteed airtight coffins!
Its main competitor, the Phelipino Undertaking, a funeral parlor owned by Mr. Feliciano Quiogue, located at Calle Salazar, Trozo No. 2, offered luxurious funeral services consisting of one hearse with four horses, a metallic coffin and four attendants, with two carriages for mourners, all for P85.00!
The DLSU-D Website also mentioned a John Bancroft Devins who in 1905 wrote that the Spanish Friars collected varying fees for funeral services, depending on what robe they wore for the service and the length of prayers they offered. Every stroke of the church bell announcing the death would cost from tent cents to a dollar (P0.20 to P2). The Funeral itself could be ordinary, solemn or most solemn, with corresponding fees. Burial charges were extra. If the friar went all the way to the grave, it is twice as expensive if he went only half way. If death and funeral fees were not forthcoming, there can be no bells rung, no services held. Dying was expensive even for the poor who paid P30.00 for burial services!
Martin de Goiti, for which this plaza was originally named after, was a Spanish conquistador and explorer who tricked the Muslim kings into believing that the Spaniards who came and camped in the shores of Manila Bay on May 8, 1570 were only visiting for a short period. As what usually happens with any overstaying visitors, the welcome mat would eventually get worn out and the host’s inhospitable thoughts would begin manifesting themselves. In short, the natives grew restless and started bickering with the visiting Spaniards.
Only sixteen days after their arrival, Goiti has had enough of these quarrels. He marched his 300 soldiers towards Tondo were they met thousands of native defenders, but somehow managed to defeat and kill most forces of Suliman, Lakandula and Matanda. Goiti took the rulers as prisoners; summarily torturing and executing those who refused to accept Spanish rule. Goiti and Juan de Salcedo, his second in command, then marched their armies towards the Pasig River and captured the city of Manila on June 6, 1570 and burnt it to the ground, killing more natives in the area.
After the battle, both sides were still unable to negotiate an agreement; hence, sporadic bloodsheds and sieges continued for another ten months. The Spaniards, on the other hand, fortified their outposts by erecting Fuerza de Santiago. Nonetheless, some battle-weary Spaniards would sometimes seek shelter aboard their fleets in Manila Bay.
Upon Legazi’s arrival in Manila on June 24, 1571, the Spaniards had finally taken control of the settlements and a peace agreement was put into effect. It was Goiti's bloody conquest that paved the way for the establishment of Manila as a permanent Spanish settlement and capital city of the Philippines. He later explored Pampanga, Pangasinan and founded several cities in Luzon from 1571 to 1573.
in the early periods of 1574, Goiti also fought against the invasion of 3,000 Chinese pirates and warriors who attacked Fuerza de Santiago, besieged certain parts of the city of Manila, and massacred most of the Spaniards in the city. Goiti was killed by the pirates’ leader, Lin Tao Kien, now known as Limahon or Li Ma Hong.
Spanish reinforcements came all the way from Vigan and Cebu. Juan de Salcedo left Ilocos Sur after learning of Goiti’s death and headed for Manila, which he later discovered as having fallen to the Chinese pirates. Salcedo's forces succeeded in driving out the Chinese pirates out of Manila. Li Ma Hong and his surviving soldiers retreated to Pangasinan, but were later captured. The death of Goiti was avenged by the Spaniards by burning Li Ma Hong and his warriors alive. Their warships were also burnt.
Martin de Goiti was laid to rest in a tomb inside the San Agustin Church in Intramuros.
And finally, this Greco-Roman building — The Roman Santos Building — built by a successful businessman who also founded Prudential Bank.
Dona Marta Rodriguez y Tuason married Don Hilarion Santos. They had two children: Rafaela Santos y Rodriguez who married Vicente Fernandez and Roman Santos y Rodriguez who married Juliana Andres. After the death of Don Hilarion Santos, Dona Marta Rodriguez, viuda de Santos married Don Domingo Carlos.
Roman Santos y Rodriguez was raised as a ward by his first cousin Dona Florencia Sioco de Gonzalez in Barrio Sulipan, Apalit, Pampanga. Her elder sister, Dona Sabina Sioco de Escaler, lent him the initial capital to purchase his first bamboo "casco" (raft) with which he ferried the dry goods he was buying and selling in various towns.
Don Roman Santos y Rodriguez founded Prudential Bank. The building named after him still stands across from Plaza Goiti.
I very much appreciate my articles and photos appearing on fellow bloggers' sites, popular broadsheets, and local broadcast news segments, but I would appreciate even more a request for permission first.
Thank you!
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Labels: life, life in Manila, Manila history
posted by Señor Enrique at 2:54 PM
35 Comments:
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said... hello señor!
i always admire the way you take pictures of Manila. ang galing, parang hindi Manila!
;-)-
ladybug said... Bravo! You've outdone yourself again this time eric! This is a very well-done and informative post. Your blog should be a must-read for students of Philippine history.
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Señor Enrique said...
In case you are having problems opening the link to the very old photograph of Plaza Goiti, please use this:
http://overtureph.tripod.com/old_pics/74_1_b.JPG-
Señor Enrique said...
Thanks much, Kars.
I think the beauty that is in our beloved city is merely reflected or captured by my point and shooter :)-
Señor Enrique said...
I'm basically a student of our local history, Ladybug ... and I'm just sharing what I've been discovering.
So please, if you and others have anything to add (or some inaccuracies that needed to be pointed out), kindly share with us ... this way we could all learn something as we go along.
Thanks, Ladybug :)-
said...
Eric, I love this post! It really is informative and I get to know more about the history of the Philippines.
It really is awesome! Hehe.
(:-
Señor Enrique said...
I was once told by a teacher that the best way to reinforce what we've learned is to share our knowledge with others, Kyels :)
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Sidney said...
I agree with the others Eric, you are getting better each day !
To be honest (and I am ashamed to confess)I walked by this Plaza so many times and I never bothered to research about the history of the place. I even wondered why this guy got a statue. ;-)
Eric, keep up the good work!-
said...
This is very informative! Lagi rin akong nadadaaon but never bothered to do a background check and only admired how it changed recently. Very good entry!
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ipanema said...
I think you have to compile this into a book Eric. Copyright this. You have good materials here.
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Amadeo said...
Another old fixture in that area is FEATI Tech, owned by the Aranetas. Here’s a little map:
http://www.featiu.edu.ph/contact.htm#map
FEATI also had an airline so named, with routes plying as far away as Mindanao, until it was bought by PAL.
That very colorful mayor of Manila, Arsenio Lacson, nicknamed the Arsenic, was from Negros and was a schoolmate of my father at Ateneo de Manila. During the Garcia administration, he was in turn publicly challenged to a gun duel at the Luneta by an administration appointee but it never materialized. I believe it was another bisaya named Cabangbang (how appropriate!).-
Señor Enrique said...
I've walked through this plaza a lot as a student on my way to MIT's campus in Intramuros, Sidney. That's the reason why I may have a certain affinity to the area.
First time I saw Lacson's statue thought it was General MacArthur since it faces MacArthur Bridge and because of the way they've made him seem much taller in this statue.
Many thanks :)-
Señor Enrique said...
And I'm sure, Ferdz, that I, too, must pass by without realizing the historical assets of some of our city's neighborhoods.
Hmmmm ... this is something that we should request Mayor Atienza to consider -- putting up markers on historical sites in the city.-
Señor Enrique said...
Instead of a book, Ipanema, a monthly glossy about the size of a comic book would be a more interesting prospect; inviting both our published and non-published writers to submit photo essays on our city's culture, but making it attractive even for our young people to pick up and read.
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Señor Enrique said...
I don't know why I missed FEATI, but many thanks for reminding me, Amadeo. I had already made an insertion in the entry.
That was funny about Mr. Cabangbang ... lol! Mayor Lacson's feisty demeanor must have earned him some ire from other politicos, but I don't remember him as appearing as tall as depicted by his statues.
How fascinating as well that your father attended Ateneo with the Arsenic -- the 7 degrees of separation rings true once again, which reminds me to be always nice to everyone. Vina, a fellow blogger I recently met on Carlos' North Bank Tour, not only happens to work with a nephew, but also knows a business friend's son in Bacolod.-
Photo Cache said...
plaza fair...that's another blast from the past. is it still operational?
you rock senor. thanks for sharing your thoughts and photos. i just love 'em all.-
Señor Enrique said...
Yes, Photo Cache, that place is still going strong.
Thanks!-
said...
That's one heck of a post Senor. I just had a crash course in the history of Manila! I remember there was an Echague St. in the area - had it been renamed?
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said...
nalulunod ako sa information Eric, kung baga sa History Class, it won't settle for a day of discussion ;)Kailangan itong blog mo e ipromote ng DECS :) very informative and of course I like the way you treat our HOME ..syempre Manila yun :)....you know what? I really like to view Old Manila's photos .....gustong gusto kong icompare yung noon at ngayon, wanna see the difference and of course pinipilit kong hanapin yung naiwan na bakas kahit katiting lang. You're the best po ....dapat may book ka na rin :)
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said...
Such a broad and interesting post, there so many things or facts that is worth learning. I reckon that Martin de Goiti should be more famous than what he is right now, considering the conquest he had made in his time, establishing the nascent Manila and other cities in Luzon. I never heard of him before, maybe our History professors were not just as keen.
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Señor Enrique said...
If I'm not mistaken, BW, Carlos Palanca was once Echague Street.
That street is where one can buy affordably-priced baking ware and all kinds of housewares. There's also a store there where you can buy those delicious sweetened baked ham. There's also the old hopia factory.-
Señor Enrique said...
Ewan ko ba, Melai, naswertahan ako't daming information nakuha ko online :) Eh, alam mo naman na, basta Maynila excited na akong malaman kasi konti lamang naturo sa amin sa local history -- karamihan puros Greek and Roman sa high school noon.
Hayaan mo, maghahanap ako ng mga archives na mga lumang litrato ng ating lungsod :)-
Señor Enrique said...
This plaza was quite popular when I was young, Major Tom, yet no one knew much about who that man Goiti was. It was his superior, Legazpi, who grabbed the spotlight.
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PhilippinesPhil said...
Mr E! My kind of post! Goiti will now become one of those "must remember" names for me concerning Filipino history. I took a Philippine History class last year and I don't think he was even mentioned much, if at all, in the textbook. I'll go back and check it out.
Your post mentions Muslims in the Manila area of the 1570s...Many of us don't realize that MUCH of the Philippines outside of Mindanao was thickly populated by Muslims before the coming of the Spanish. Islam was not the only religion spread by the sword, eh?-
Señor Enrique said...
Lol ... apparently not, Phil.
Actually, all I wanted was a bit of information about this man Goiti, but when I googled it, whoa! I was just inundated with all these information about the guy. And yet, the only way I got his name embedded in my consciousness was because of this seemingly insignificant plaza in the heart of Manila.
However, I don't feel as bad now as the first I found out they had changed the name to Plaza Lacson. Goiti may have been a fine explorer, but he was just too much into bloodbath.-
said...
At first I couldn't figure out what you were referring to as Plaza Lacson until I saw the pictures of Isetann and Plaza Fair. I've been there only a few times, I think. And I remember that ShoeMart when it was still a small store.
I admire your dedication in researching for information to go with your pictures. I agree with the others. I already think that you are a good writer but you're even getting better.-
Señor Enrique said...
Would you believe Irene that when I came back, I kept grappling where on earth Plaza Goiti was?
I remember the name but not the place. That is, until my sister told me the name was changed to Plaza Lacson.
Governor Forbes Avenue was also changed to A. Lacson Avenue.
Thanks, Irene :)-
Empire Insurance said...
dude ganda ng post na to I loved the picture of the Don Roman Santos building as it stands today! I'm a great grandson of Don Roman, and it's really great to see that his legacy gets to be appreciated by people. Don Roman indeed founded Prudential Bank, but before its inception was the Empire Insurance Company which was opened on Jan 2 1950 as a way for the private sector to contribute to a post-world war II philippines. I believe that the revenue generated by Empire served as capital for Prudential bank, but I'm just guessing. After prudential bank was acquired by BPI in late 2005, I think Empire's the only Don Roman Santos legacy that is still being run by the Santos clan. Wala lang just wanted to share haha great blog!!!
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Señor Enrique said...
Wow! I am honored to have been visited by a member of Don Roman's clan!
I really am impressed by that building built by your great grandfather, Joey. And I really hope BPI doesn't ever demolish it.
Glad to know that Empire is still with the family :)
Thanks for stopping by and for saying hello!-
GingGoy said...
i always pass by that area and aware of the statue there as well as about Martin de Goiti but I didn't know that my school's first campus was there :(
I'm an ECE graduate of Adamson U :)
muchas gracias, senor!
tito-
ka tony said...
24yh of June, ARAW ng MAYNILA
When The Best Mayor of Manila ever had, Gat Arcenio Lacson, in 1958, proclaimed June 24 as Manila's "Foundation Day", he was criticized for exalting a colonial event; since Manila already existed way long before 1571, it could have not founded by Legaspi. But The Great Mayor acted on Faustian man's obsession with definite data; an invented "nationalist" date to mark the foundation old pre-1571 Manila would be pure myth-making, an activity repellent to the man of history.
Manila is located at the mouth of Manila Bay (Bay opens to China Sea), like Egypt was the gift of the Nile, Manila was born because of its Pasig River. Mesopotamia (“land between two rivers” now Babylon, Iraq) where The Garden of Eden was located - its Tigris & Euphrates. China - her Yellow river. India - her Indus river. Anatolia (modern Turkey) - its Carsamba river. Jordan - the Jordan river. Brazil, Columbia, Peru, Venezuela, Ecuador and Bolivia - their Amazon. The rich delta of the river made it possible the practice of agriculture and settlement by which its residents use the river for their source of food and water.
Pasig – an old Malayan word pertaining to the coast or strand. Manila is the best strategic military location and was used as "Kuta" or Fort (now Fort Santiago) by Raja Matanda and his nephew, the first king of Manila, Rajah Sulayman. The long stretch of Pasig River was the first commercial street of Manila, the same route Chinese, Hindu, Japanese, Annamese, Malay and Arab merchants rowed up with their porcelains and silks for trading with the villagers’ produce. Riverine route dotted with settlements, came towns, hence the resident was called "TAGA-ILOG" (meaning "from the river") also later became the dialect the TAGA-ILOG speak, "Tagalog". With its towns and cities on the banks of Pasig river, there was a place where floating plants abundantly multiplied, stayed, just refused to float elsewhere, but only where Rajah Sulayman's kingdom, plant called "NILAD." During that time when a Taga-ilog asked another Taga-ilog..."What part of Pasig are you from?" The Taga-ilog from Rajah Sulayman's fort reply..."Sa May-NILAD" ("I'm from where NILADs are"), hence the name of MAYNILA.
Rajah Sulayman, was aware of the importance of his strategically sited domain. Sulayman was the River Lord, dominating river traffic and exacting tolls from traders as they came and went. To show his power, he built a palisades of his “Kuta” dozens of cannons, made by the famous PANDAY PIRA from Tondo. The great maritime empire of SRI VIJAYA had based its power on control of the trade. Manila’s location along these vital sea lanes assured it a successful trade role, in which the famous Spanish Galleon Trade, Manila - Acapulco was based.
Like I wrote on your blog about the city of Manila's flooding, I don’t know the reason why Thailand’s capital city, Bangkok is called the “Venice of Asia” because of its canals. In fact The City of Manila should be called “Venice of Asia” for the city has more canals or “Esteros” than Bangkok. Perhaps Bangkok got the “title” because Intramuros, then was the Manila they knew, minus the districts that are now part of Manila. If only the government will clean the canals & esteros that are gone and reclaimed by the Manileno’s garbage, Manila could have been more beautiful with perhaps gondolas or colorful native “bangkas” rowing the “esteros” and using them as “streets” “highways” and “freeways” for transportation, solution for the heavy traffic, high cost of gasoline and air pollution…mga politiko paki konsiderahin lang po ito…”ang lagay” ehhh, papabayaan na naman ninyo ang pagkakataong ito!!!
Ermita have Estero Balete. San Nicolas and Binondo have Estero de Binondo extends to Estero de la Reina, Ongpin, Gandara,Estero de la Industria, crosses Soler street ends at Reina Regente. Tondo have the wide Estero de Vitas, Ampioco, Patria, Estero Sunog Apog, Herbosa, Moriones, Estero Teneria, Abukay, Molave, Bambang, Estero de San Lazaro, and Estero de Magdalena. Quiapo have Estero de Quiapo and Estero de San Sebastian. Sampaloc have the San Juan River and Estero de Valencia. San Miquel, where The Malacanang Palace is located is surrounded by The Pasig River. Paco have Estero de Paco, Estero Concordia, Estero Balete and Estero Provisor. Santa Cruz have Estero de la Reina and Estero de San Lazaro. Pandacan have two esteros named Estero de Pandacan. Malate have Estero San Antonio Abad. Lastly, Santa Ana have Estero de Santa Clara and Estero Tripa de Gallina. These canals or esteros, I mentioned are located in the City of Manila, not counting the rivers, esteros and canals of the now Metro Manila. Basically Manila is surrounded by water, which flows to the main artery, Pasig River, that meets Manila Bay.
Replacing Raja Sulayman's palisade of hard wood , logs and bamboos, the first Spanish construction was the fort that would bear the Apostle's name; and July 25 is the Feast of Fuerte Santiago. Acute angle at the mouth of Pasig river contained quarters for the artillery, large house for Legaspi and Augustinian friars. The shape of the city (pentagon) and its perimeter (about four kilometers) were determined by the tongue of land inherited from Sulayman's kingdom. High walls and moat were built for protection around the city, fear of invasion from hostile forces which can no longer trade with Manila, Muslims and Chinese pirates, like Limahong. Thus arose the Walled City, called "INTRAMUROS" (within the walls) a medieval town with moats and five gates with drawbridges. The gates were closed at night and the drawbridges drawn up to prevent unwanted persons from entering the city. Only "PENINSULARES" (Spaniards born in Spain) were allowed to reside in Intarmuros. "INSULARES" (Spaniards born in the Philippines called Pilipino or 'Creoles' even with Peninsulares parents, were not allowed to reside), Foreigners, Mestizos (Spanish half breed), Indios (Tagalog) and Sangleys(Chinese), lived 'EXTRAMUROS", outside the walls, were then simply called "Arrabales" or suburbs. People had to rush back to Intramuros or out of it because all gates would be closed at 11:00 at night to be opened only at 5:00 o'clock the following morning. The "curfew" was then in effect.
With the expanding towns around Intramuros "old Manila", like Binondo, Santa Cruz, Quiapo, and San Miguel, where business and commerce were booming and with the occupation of the Philippines by America, Manila expanded to these towns. Adding Tondo (old kingdom of Lakan Dula), San Nicolas, Sampaloc, Ermita, Malate, Paco, Pandacan and Santa Ana. Intramuros was literally a sitting duck when destroyed during the liberation of Manila. The Japanese didn't destroy the city, the Americans burned The famous "Distinguished And Ever Loyal City" called by King Philip II, to the ground!!! Manila was second to Praque among the cities devastated by the second World War. While during the Reign of Greed of the Dictator MARCOS, added more towns; Makati, Malabon, Pateros, Navotas, San Juan, Mandaluyong, Taquig, Las Pinas, Muntinglupa, Paranaque, Marikina, Pasig, Valenzuela. Expanded the city…hence called METRO MANILA, appointed his shoe shopping wife IMELDA control a bigger configuration as the "Governadora,"
Muchisimas gracias a usted Senor Enrique.-
said...
That Greco-Roman building on Plaza Goiti was the old Monte de Piedad bank building at the foor of the Sta. Cruz bridge.. Across the plaza (on the left hand side was the back end of the Santa Cruz church.Across the plaza was the start of Rizal Ave.
If you turned left from the Monte De Piedad bldg and crossed the estero, you would be on the Escolta (the equivalent of Rodeo Drive of that era).-
said...
I have a pic of the statue in it's original place from 1985
http://i.imgur.com/eSyDP.jpg-
Señor Enrique said...
Wow, what a treasure!
Many thanks for sharing with us!-
Ishmael F. Ahab said...
Thank you vey much for this blog post Senyor.
The information that you placed here is very useful. It gave my new blog post about Lacson Plaza a historical background.
