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The Facebook page of ANC 24/7 is asking for its reader's suggestion on how to solve Metro Manila's traffic problem. This got me thinking, "what is the best way to solve Metro Manila's traffic problem?" It's easy to make suggestions, what's hard is the implementation and the cost of implementation. So what is the the best way to solve Metro Manila's traffic problem and the most cost effective solution? Punitive Fines Add caption First of all, any implementation will definitely cost money, a lot of money. The cause of the traffic mess is the people themselves so it's only right that those causing the traffic problem should be fined and the fine should hurt. That way, the fines will pay for the cost of enforcing the law. The fines should start at P500 and goes up every week if you don't pay it within 15 days. To enforce this and prevent people from ignoring the fine. It will be tied to their driver's license or car registr

Manila - The most Beautiful City in Asia 1950's to the mid 1970's





Welcome Google visitors! If you're looking for old Manila pictures from the 1950s to the 1970s, you've come to the right place.

You'll see a collection of nostalgic photos when Manila was in its heyday. Just a quick note, I don't take credit for these photos. Somebody just sent them to me and I felt that it was important that I share it in the hopes that other people will see how beautiful Manila was and hopefully help bring it back to its former glory.

Manila when it was the most beautiful city in Asia in the 1950s to 1970s

The photos must have been taken in different years, from the mid 1950's to the mid 1960's, judging from the car models (though some cars are pre 1950'd). Where is O'Henry's Coffee and Donut shop in Plaza Sta Cruz (Plaza near Escolta & Reina Regente)?

Can you recognize the cars? Chevy Bel-air 1958, Simca 1961-62s, Toyopet 1960s, VW Beetle 1960's, early 1960's Mercedez Benz 220...

Take note, naka sapatos ang mga tao, walang naka tsinelas kahit sa Avenida. It's clean and the people are very disciplined.

Jones Bridge, Manila
Jones Bridge, Manila
There were no Metro Aides, Bayani Fernando Cleaners, and stores cleaned their areas. Pedestrians were also very disciplined. Very little “hukays” and manholes were clean and were clearly visible to pedestrians. People were so disciplined. Take a look at the Pedxings. The streets were shiny, much like the streets of Singapore now.


LYRIC Theatre (in the photo below), IDEAL, STATE, ODEON were the best theatres. Environment inside and outside...absolutely clean. There were no double parking allowed and drivers followed. Streets didn’t have 2 policemen and 4 Traffic Aides for each corner. You’d be safe even if you held a clutch bag while shopping. Manholes were covered well and during those days, I remember them....as clean and polished, much like those you’d see in Champ Elysee’. We could beat Paris. Ang ganda ng bayan natin noon.

Lyric Theatre
Lyric Theatre




Dencia’s was famous for Pansit Mami, much like Mamonluk or Ricebowl. P1.50 ang Mami, 10 sentimo ang Coca-Cola. 5 centimo ang sarsaparilla. This was very near Villalobos and Carriedo. Look at the jeepneys. They were not overloaded.
Dencia's
Dencia's
Pasig was very clean. The photographer must have taken this photo (below) October to December timeframe. But Pasig, during summer would have beautiful water lilies, tiny Quiapo’s floating amidst white, yellow and purple water lilies that I remember. Water from our rich and abundant rivers were emerald green and blue. Napakalinis and walang amoy
Pasig River
Pasig River
Manila was just a beautiful place.
Manila
Manila
If you’d take an L5 plane or a Piper Cab and take pictures of Dewey Boulevard (now Roxas Boulevard) from above, you’d be so proud to say, that the place is much better than Cote’d Azure. Environment was just so very clean, air was refreshing, and take a look at the sea....wasn’t that a gift given to us during those days?!
Roxas Blvd., formerly Dewey Blvd.
Roxas Blvd., formerly Dewey Blvd.
Sidewalks were not extended to suit the pedestrians. Quiapo Church was a blessed monument. Nagbibigayan ang mga drivers. Bihira ang nag-gigitgitan. 
Quiapo Church
Avenida Rizal was a treat to everyone. There were no prostitutes nor body-brokers. Avenida was not a fickle place. It was not a “now a bistro boulevard, tomorrow a street; now a tiangge or night market and tomorrow a bistro boulevard”. It was a simple avenida where everyone enjoyed to see what was “now showing”, what movie was “extended showing”, and if Otis or Good Earth had a big sale. It was just a big clean place.
Avenida
Rizal Ave., also known as Avenida
Ayala Avenue was just like Wilshire Boulevard. Clean and no pollution. You can walk and enjoy the sun. Napakalinis. Walang masyadong trash bins pero walang basura sa paligid.
Ayala Avenue
Ayala Avenue
Even Parks like Fort Santiago was much better. No vendors, no cafe’s. There was not even an ATM machine. Malinis ang paligid.
Fort Santiago
Fort Santiago
And then, we progressed. We had more technocrats, more intelligent people educated here and....stateside. What did we do to our environment ?

Sayang. We saw a country that was much cleaner, a much better place to live in and a truly healthy place. Will it ever gain back to its former glory?


Question

Did you enjoy learning what Manila looked like back in the 1950 to the 1970? It's quite a change isn't it? Would you like to see more of old Manila? Check out the second part of my post with More Photos of Manila - The most Beautiful City in Asia 1950's to the mid 1970's..



Comments

Asul said…
Thanks for publishing these photos. I actually don't have much idea how Manila looked like during my mother's time. Whenever I watch black and white movies, it's so nice to see Manila clean and the people were so decently clothed. It just shows how the people trampled (partly maybe the government to blame) our beautiful cities.
Now the beauty of the past is at least preserved in pictures. I'm going to show these to my kids and tell them that sometime in the past, Manila is a very beautiful city.
Unknown said…
Hi Jhunne,

I'm glad you enjoyed them. But I can't take credit for the photos. I only found them and shared them.

Manila was a beautiful city. I remember that even as late as the early 80's, during Marcos' time. It was still clean because of the Metro Aides and it wasn't over populated as it is now.

The air was cooler too and it didn't smell as bad as it does now due to the pollution and garbage all around.
It's a shame Manila and the other cities and municipalitites comprising Metro Manila lost out to a loss of control in its development, general neglect and the egos of those at their helms.
John Rome said…
I never had an idea of how Manila looked like during those times. I was born in the late 80's and had become aware of my surroundings in the mid 90's. I am so proud that I am one of million Filipinos, I am proud of my nation and I always have filipino culture in my bloodstream. I cant figure it out how would i react when I saw these pictures, as it is very clear that I really dont have any idea of it. Sa ngayon, madalas kami mgkita ng girfriend ko dito sa quiapo, Quiapo is one of most significant places for two of us, this is the place where we met and where we began everything. Quaiapo is really far different as what is shown oon the pictures, mess is all around, beggars pickpocketers and all those stuff. I dont just enjoy thses memorabilla but I will keep thse pictures as wealth of our rich history. thanks for all these.
mk said…
thanks for posting the pics, I might repost them as well if you'd let me.

I got inspired to do some design work because of the pics
Pao said…
Oh gees. These photos are awesome, so vintage. I can't imagine how Manila transformed. Drastic change. :-(
emanskie said…
all i can say is.. wow... i just hope we can get everyone to read this... this is truly amazing... i really cant believe manila is this beautiful... let's not lose hope.. i'll be sharing this to everyone i know and as them to share this too to everyone they know... i believe if everyone could read this and see how it was before.. somehow everyone would be encouraged to to bring back the old metro manila...
Unknown said…
I think for the most part the unbridled population explosion of the Phils. is to be blamed. We're now approaching 100 million...plus we have an ineffective and inefficient govt. Thailand has only 65 million people Vs. 95 Mln. Filipinos. When you have that many...you have pollution, dirt, street children, malnutrition etc.
Jasper said…
Seeing those pictures, I almost cried.
wrightroark said…
holy crap. my bathroom's cleaner than the present state of manila

thanks for the nostalgic memories.
those were the good old days the young once were talking about.
kcoteyza said…
I was speechless when I saw this entry. What have happened to our country? Well, I always thought that Philippines was once a peaceful and clean country, but I never expected it to be this beautiful and scenic!

It was not beautiful in terms of tall and advanced-looking buildings, modern cars, and the like. It was beautiful in a simple and unworldly way. The people looked educated and disciplined. They looked peaceful and secured. The streets were clean. Who would want to leave a country as beautiful as this?

I feel bad for myself and for my generation as well for we haven't got the chance to experience living in a country like this. We didn't even have the chance to see its beauty.

Well thank you for sharing these pictures with us. I was really moved. Hope our newly elected government fulfill their promises. Im still hopeful.
nineninenine said…
Thank you for posting these photos. I was raised in a time where Manila was already polluted and over-populated, so it was nice to see a "before" state of Manila. I hope that we can go back to the beautiful Manila my parents once experienced.
Unknown said…
Hi Maximus, thanks for posting the pictures. Hopefully, something can be done to revive old Manila. A few of the pictures you posted are of or near Escolta. We are one of its stakeholders at Escolta but things have deteriorated so much that a few of the building owners over there are considering selling their buildings because gov't completely has no interest in Escolta. We have managed our buildings to the best of our ability, in order for the young to see what it was like. But alas, we don't receive any support whatsoever. Instead, our taxes keep increasing, the streets of Escolta are so dirty... Very, very sad indeed. The new building owners will definitely destroy the old buildings in order to build high-rises.... Complete lack of country, of heritage...
Unknown said…
@Mk - feel free to share them.
Julius Andres said…
I remember the times when my grandmother would tell me stories of the old Manila and how our country was so proud of itself being superior to all asian countries during its time. I never believed it until I saw your pictures! I was in awe on how clean the place and the people were!
linnor said…
i remember partly some of the places looking sparse and clean (i was born in the 60s) like those shown in the pics. i think people outside of manila got enamored by it all that they decided to squat and try their luck in the city. there's just too much people in manila now, the city is choking... sayang...sad...

my family are based in cebu now. i hope it doesn't follow suit and become another overpopulated metropolis.
Unknown said…
Hi Lorraine,

I actually remember passing by Escolta in the early 80's. My mom use to take me there and we used to watch movies at a movie theatre there. I remember how it was nice even in the early 80's. Of course, not as nice as it was in the 50s' to the 70's.

There was a bit of a revival in the late 90's in Escolta when a bunch of new buildings were put up and Mayor Lim established a college there. But I don't think it went any further than that. Too bad, it wasn't developed further.

The Philippines, especially the Manila Mayors, more especially Atienza hates anything old. He'd rather destroy what's old and gives character to the city and replace it with new.

Just see how he destroyed Plaza Binondo removing all the trees and grass and replacing them with tiles and concrete. And people wonder why Manila's air is so polluted.
bumdebum said…
how I wish I was born during the better days :) Our country today is.. sad to say but wasted.
Unknown said…
Holy Crap! I never imagined that Manila used to look this way. Very very stylish!! It's such a shame that that the image of the City of Manila has been tarnished and over the past years, and unfortunately it continuous to deteriorate with the slum areas and mountains of garbage. Don't get me wrong, I love Manila. I enjoy roaming around the city from time to time, especially in Quiapo and Binondo, I still think they are cool places to visit. It would be really nice to see Manila be restored to it's original glory.

Thanks for posting these pics!!
Unknown said…
it was really a treasure for me, I long been wanted to have more old pictures of manila even during spanish time if possible up to were manila was not yet over populated and cleaned as well.

i jope someday, somehow i could owned a couple of old pictures of manila most especially intramuros, escolta, quiapo, sta. cruz or even roxas boulivard. i love manila the place before.
Unknown said…
i love old manila, hope someday i could owned a couple of this old pictures.

i'm great full you've posted this pictures. hope you post somemore.
Unknown said…
seriously, It made me really sad when I saw these photos.. I'm an architecture student and I enjoy seeing photos of buildings and streets of Manila . I just wished I was there when it was that beautiful. :(
laughing.gams said…
hmmm... i think these (disciplined) people have already migrated... although they do comeback here for a vacation. I love my country but unfortunately I can't be proud of it right now, hopefully I will be SOON!
Thank you for this beautiful post about the old Manila.

The photos are amazing.
Unknown said…
yan ang panahon na konti pa lang ang tao sa ating bayan, kayanaman malinis ang kalooban kaya nagre- reflect sa kapaligiran. Maaari nating ibalik ang nakaraan una ay suriiin natin ang ating kalooban, maging kuntento at marunong magbigay at umunawa sa bawat isa. may pagmamahalan at pagbibigayan ng kabutihang loob.

ISA LANG ANG MASASABI KO ANG PANGLABAS NA KAGANDAHAN AY REPLEKSION NG KABUTIHANG LOOB. MARAMING SALAMAT MGA KAPATID AT KAPAMILYA.
Anonymous said…
Past Manila is pretty and beautiful, I cannot even believed it, at first I thought it was from the other country, but when I saw all the captions and read it from top to bottom, I was amazed that it was really Manila. I wish Manila would be forever beautiful like in those photos. Thank you for sharing it to us!
Anonymous said…
dapat siguro ung mga taga-probisya dati na lumawas sa maynila na walang magawa kundi manirahan lamang sa mga squatter area ay dapat na lamang ay pauwiin ng ating gov't sa dati nilang mga bahay sa probinsya upang mabawasan naman ang mga tao dito sa maynila at upang gumanda naman ito at bumalik sa dating anyo :)
Anonymous said…
Gusto makabalik sa nakaraan panahon.
Anonymous said…
Ricaden Mendoza Population changes everything. Over populated Philippines these days is nothing compare to how it was before.I just thought how civilized those people were compare to what it may seem now. It seems they know theyre heading into hard life and poverty that lead them to a reason to change their approach with different mentallity and views to life. They become selfish,greedy and corrupted.
Then we discovered democracy and everyone went their way. This is what happens when you let people loose after experiencing traumatic events in their lives. A nation is like a huge complex individual with a psyche. It's like having a daughter raped in a very young age and grew up, discovered drugs and be like an emo goth with drugs and other emo friends. It's degenerate state of being.
Anonymous said…
GRABE PARA NASA PARIS KA LANG :>
GANYAN TALAGA ANG BUHAY :> HAYYYYS
ALF said…
This is the Manila I used to see in old postcards (pre-1980's). I used to wonder what went wrong because the old city looked so clean and sophisticated. Even Luneta looks fantastic in the bygone years! What a shame.
Anonymous said…
Wow! Manila was such a beautiful place! I hoped we can bring it back... :(
Anonymous said…
I gotta share this! if that's ok w/ you....? People must see this...
Anonymous said…
Wow! I never really thought Manila was such a beautiful place back then. I live in the province and I never really understood why people choose to move and live there because of all kinds of pollution it has. I find the modern Manila a scary place, and as much as possible, I try to stay away from that city. But seeing these pictures, and comparing them to what I've been seeing, I can't help but wish that the city could have stayed that way.

If people continue doing what they are doing now, what would Manila look like in ten years time?
Anonymous said…
i think it was not beautiful but gorgeous ... thank you for letting me to see how manila looks years ago... hope to see the cities here in the philippines clean again... "it will be the same again if we pinoys are disciplined enough "
Anonymous said…
wowwwwwwwwwww!
arnz said…
Wow! I can't believe how beautiful Manila was back then.. It's so far from what we see now.. I remember my dad telling me that we used to be so progressive even surpassing countries like South Korea but where are
we now? sigh

I wish Manila would look like this again.. All i see are trash, slums and of course hoodlums who prey on the people.. i long to walk the streets of Manila without having to cover my nose, without having to be afraid that someone's going to take my belongings, without having to see slums and so on.. Looks impossible right now though..
Thanks for posting the pictures :)
mariahirish said…
People back then were look respectable, with the way they dress even when out in the streets.
Anonymous said…
Does anyone have photos of these exact same places as they look today? Putting them side by side would be a compelling study of contrasting times.
Anonymous said…
hi!!! It's my first time to visit your blog.. and I love this one. Thank you for the memories you shared here. It made me feel young again. More power
Unknown said…
Hi All,

Thanks for visiting. I'm glad you all liked the photos. I hope I have inspired some of you to realized what Manila was before and hopefully, what I can be again.

If you want to see more photos. Please visit this.

http://palaisip.blogspot.com/2011/04/more-photos-of-manila-most-beautiful.html
alfred said…
this is wow :D
patricia de mesa said…
The picture was awesome! i never thought manila would be clean as that! its really nice to see that people in late 50's was so disciplined. I just remember my mom say's nung kapanahunan namin "napakadisiplina ng mga tao, malinis, maayos at ang bilihin sobrang mura talaga" Good governance! Excellent job that time!
myla said…
The Philippines during the early years is a picture of serenity, cleanliness and peace. Those are the images you see in this pictures. However, with outrageous corrupt politicians starting from the top, out-of-control population growth, the exodus overseas of most of our talented citizens, sickening poverty of millions of its populace, YOUR QUESTIONS ARE ANSWERED. Now, readers, WHAT CAN WE DO? Share your thoughts and ideas. I WILL SET UP A WEBSITE FOR BRILLIANT PROPOSAL AND SUGGESTION. Let's make a difference!!!Join me.
Anonymous said…
OUCH!
if you don't mind, I'm sharing this on FB. Actually, i did before the comment.
joeboy vera said…
I was born 1945, and I can feel the lump in my throat in my effort to control my feeling as I browse on he pictures you magnificently posted. Just to stroll along Avenida and Escolta was quite an experience already more than the giant modern malls that you can find almost in every corner of Metro Manila.
Unknown said…
Hi Joeboy,

I share your feelings. I used to walk along Escolta with my mom looking for books or just browsing. Sometimes we go and watch a movie at a the Lyric theater. We frequently go to Avenida and watch movies at Odeon. I was safe to walk or take a calesa back then without having to worry whether you'll be mugged or have your bag snatched.

It wasn't so polluted and it was cooler too as there's not a whole bunch of jeepneys with their hot engines plying the streets.

Those were the days.
Unknown said…
Hi Myla,

Please share your website.
Ms. Mike Portes said…
Ang sabi ng "Puta": ..marahil tama ka na ang aking pinagdaanan ay "ang kulay na magbibigay yaman sa ating nakaraan". dapat sana! kaya lang di ko maituturing na yaman ang isang pinagdaanan na halata naman walang natutunan...
hango mula sa http://www.facebook.com/note.php?note_id=332198557923

Ibinahagi ko ang iyong blog sa FB wall ng aking akda: http://www.facebook.com/minsan.may.isang.puta

Maraming salamat.
Anonymous said…
This is just Manila, if you expand this to a much bigger picture you'll see what is happening to the world. This is what happens when people don't do their jobs very well and money starts corrupting people. Seeing the pictures makes me angry to what we've done to our environment. Hope this will be a lesson and warning to the rest of the country.
Anonymous said…
Now i understand why my folks keep telling me that life was way better then. more peaceful. cleaner. and filipinos more disciplined. take note, we live in Tondo (my folks almost 50yrs here). well everything has a price, the dirty Manila we have now is the price we have to pay for our democracy. good or bad? thinks about it.
Anonymous said…
,.i felt the sadness of this blog while comparing manila at the present time...
Maria said…
It's soooo beautiful.. 0_0 This was exactly how my dad told me kung ano ung Pilipinas noon.. lalo na ung ilog Pasig ganyan nga daw kalinis non.. sayang nmn.. sna bumalik lht sa dati
Anonymous said…
Great pictures! it makes me sad though that what we have now is a far cry from the old manila. We have done so much damage, reclaiming land here and there...but your blog is such a treat. Thanks!
bitong said…
i was so happy to saw the old manila pictures! i feel so great! thank you for posting it! i post your blog on facebook. i hope the government and the whole filipinos appreciate the beauty of old manila and i hope the government will restore the beauty of manila! im one of the millions hoping!
Photography said…
wow, Philippines is really clean back in the 70's, even the people looks decent. thanks for the share!
Dentist said…
I heard a lot of stories that Manila was a much better place before, but its truly obvious now. Unfortunately it became like that and there will not be a way back anymore.
Arukado said…
the old manila is so clean.. the people have decent clothes.. i didn't know 1960's - 1970's manila looks like america. unlike today there are many slums, many crimes, many juvenile delinquents, many people don't care about the environment. unlike the past look at manila bay before it's so clean. unlike today it's dirty polluted, many trash.. i really want to go to the past this is so peaceful.. we should blame the government and the people.. the government is corrupt and people really don't care at our environment. i really want the old manila. i hate the manila today.
Anonymous said…
Dapat kasi noon pa may RH bill na.
Anonymous said…
I heard it a lot of times before, Manila being the most beautiful city in Asia, when we were only second to japan! This just prove it, thanks for sharing!
Anonymous said…
nakakapang hinayang ang nakaraan. sana mabalik natin ang dati.
Daniel B said…
I have to look at the pictures to convince myself Manila's glorious beauty was true and not just a myth my old folks used to mumble about. Beauty and good life gone to waste. We did screw our country big time. Thanks for showing the once beautiful face of Manila and probably elsewhere in the Philippines. I hope these photos will inspire the younger generations born after the good times passed by to bring Manila and the country in general back to its old glory.
Jeff said…
the only way to prevent continuous downfall of manila and metro manila is to stop big companies from developing the city. go out and invest in the provinces. We have a very very large country that needs attention. MANILA is not the only place in the PHILIPPINES.
Anonymous said…
i hope we could turn back manila's beauty and it will be the most beautiful city in asia again :D
Anonymous said…
this country is so blessed and beautiful. i lived in Europe for quite sometime and ours is comparable to them. few years ago, i had seen pictures of trains in the Philippines before the war. can you please post it, if you have? we should always change politicians and diapers, for the same reason....
Anonymous said…
we used to go to baclaran when i was 4 years old that was 1975 i remember infront of baclaran church naliligo kame doon at talagang malinis pa sya noon malinaw at maputi ang buhangin ngayon dagat ng basura ang makikita mo nalulungkot ako talaga ....
boy65 said…
Cebu province is not so nice in the olden times but now cebu province is the most beautiful place to live in the philippines. Thats why Koreans love it too much.
Blogger Claa said…
Grabe! Ang ganda ng Maynila noon.Kaya naman pala gustong-gusto ni lola at lolo ko magpunta doon dati. An dame-dame nilang kwento. Sana na-maintain yung kalinisan, kagandahan at kaayusan kahit nagdagdag ng mga bagong building. *sigh (-_-)>
Anonymous said…
soooo vintage.. dat was soooo amazing. how i wish i could go back to old manila. awesoooooomeeeeee!!!
Anonymous said…
what happened? -

people (educated and non educated) as in all, just didnt seem to care.
it only takes one to bring a mess. it takes everyone to have peace and order.
Anonymous said…
May take years to regain it back.

There is always a time to start.

Hopefully the good people of Metro Manila sees this.

Thanks for posting....


Mabuhay ka!
Manila then looked very... European.

Mid-rise buildings with narrow streets, complete with very nice architecture. It actually make sense because a lot of the people who created it studied in or was exposed to Madrid and other European cities.

Spain afterall did not just "colonized" these people in Nipa Huts. They also gave Europe to us - the architecture, the science, the engineering, etc.

The European style was also very prominent to the Americans in the pre-skyscraper era.
Anonymous said…
Wow, i would love to live there during those times, pero ngaun, mas gugustuhin ko pa tumira dito sa dubai, all the blame should go to our political leaders... Alam nyo madali lang naman ibalik ang manila sa ganyang klaseng state,we have the money, we have world class engineers and man power to bring manila back it`s glory... The only thing we don`t have is the political will... All the politicians just want the money for them self... Sa tax palang na ninanakaw ng gobyerno saming mga ofw every year eh kayang gastusan ang buong construction and renovation cost for the entire manila... The only problem are the politicians and their greed for money...
Kevo123 said…
population
like Thailand vs Phillipines for example in the 60s, Phil is richer and more prosperous, but they don't conduct birth control. Both country have around 25million people in these times.
Today Thailand is booming with 57 mill people compared to Phil's 100mlll people,,, poverty, unemployment, crime rate, urban chaos all of these problems aroused
Jari Rivera said…
Thank you for this informative and well educating facts that you gather and make this is so educating to read. Now I know how our capitol Manila is so beautiful in the past decades and how our country look liked.
Anonymous said…
Thank you so much for this wonderful blog. I would like to share it thru Facebook. I was born in Manila in late '58 and was able to see and experience what it was like. I also experienced how everything deteriorated. Back then our country was number 2 to Japan, but everything went backwards since Marcos' martial law era. The Filipinos, especially the younger ones should know this and learn a valuable lesson from it.
Unknown said…
Feel free to share
Anonymous said…
Fack! Dapat ipinanganak ako sa panahong iyan.
Anonymous said…
Hi! Nice post and photos, it's just so sad that Manila turned out to be the way it is now... :-(

Anyway, I don't mean to be epal...
You said, "Avenida Rizal was a threat to everyone." ...maybe you mean "treat" (?) :-)
Anonymous said…
I was born in the 60"s, I remember metro manila as a whole was really beautiful, clean and people were disciplined. I love these pictures... thank you! Hopefully, these pictures can show the new generations of how Metro Manila used to look like and how orderly and disciplined the people were back then. Kudos for posting!
Allan M said…
In 1960, d Phil had a population of 25 million & Thailand had 24 million. In 2010, the Phil has 92 million & Thailand 65 million. In 1960 Metro Manila had 2 million inhabitants, by 2010 it had grown to 12 million. Our population grew too fast indeed & development in other areas, like infrastructure, did not keep pace.
Anonymous said…
These pictures make me sad. Seeing these makes me wish that I lived during this time and experience the clean and beautiful Manila back then.
rebel said…
Do you guys know why Manila was as beautiful as it was in the 1950's?

Simple. Because that was just right after the American period. All these roads, all these canals, all these buildings, the Americans constructed for us for FREE.

We would be as rich as Japan if we allowed the Americans to stay. Hong Kong, Singapore, and Shanghai were nothing in the 1950's compared to American Manila.

Now look at us. We are the Nairobi of Asia. If you were to ask me, I would vote to have the Philippines annexed by the USA. We share a history. We should be together in one country.
Eric said…
There is a Flickr group dedicated to pictures of old Manila:

http://www.flickr.com/groups/69656716@N00/pool/with/3511914223/
Anonymous said…
Thank you for these, but what do they mean by "decent clothing"? Aren't what we are wearing now decent? It's just a matter of what goes in and out of style. Just saying.
J.B. said…
LET'S JUST SAY "YES" TO R.H. BILL. I'm not saying it is the answer! duh??!! No one says it. But I'll stand up and say, it is "PART" of the answer to our country's problems. There is no alternative to that. Let's just accept it. We are over populated.
Eric said…
This comment has been removed by the author.
Anonymous said…
Nostalgia and patriotism are fine. But "beat Paris"...? Seriously...?
Anonymous said…
I guess people nowadays are just too busy surviving on their own. Our current manila is just a manifestation of a disease. The sad part about this is that we actually see the signs and we feel the symptoms, but we don't do anything about it. Most of us just don't give a damn.

PS: Thank you for the photos. :D
Anonymous said…
- Government after Marcos
- Bisaya
Anonymous said…
I guess people nowadays are just too busy surviving on their own. Our current manila is just a manifestation of a disease. The sad part about this is that we actually see the signs and we feel the symptoms, but we don't do anything about it. Most of us just don't give a damn.
Arjay said…
Beautiful.
Psyche said…
I must agree with you. The other summer, my boyfriend and I walked from Intramuros to Escolta to Hidalgo Street and back to Intramuros via the Post Office, and I can still see the remnants of that beautiful city. Except, we can't deny the stench -- mabaho talaga every where. Hope we can address this as a nation.
Anonymous said…
we can never bring back the past but for sure, we can still do something about the future by starting today. in as much as it was a big/ drastic change that has happened, hopefully, we can be that aggressive and assertive too, to take part even in our little means to help. we need good and truly concerned leaders - that is a fact. but we also need responsible and cooperative citizens, and that includes each and everyone of us.
Unknown said…
kung naging part pa tayo sa state ng estados unidos noon malamang hanggang ngayon di tayo inaapi ng china at wala na sanang OFW. Our government of the Philippines should blame now a days what happened to our beloved land. Napakagandang tignan talaga ang picture sa manila dati. nakapanghihinayang. cgro until now di tayo nanghihingalo sa kakamiss ng mga pamilya natin sa pinas kung under state pa tayo sa US. during 1940's not sure pinagbotohan na isali ang pinas bilang state sa America peru di nanalo. hanggang sanan ngayun if state pa tayo sa America maganda ang buhay nating mga Filipino. Kahit noon pamay si jose rizal nagsabi na may independence tayo mas practical at maganda ang buhay pag Americano ang nagdala sa ating bansa.
Anonymous said…
Sir I envy you hehe. Thanks for showing us the pics :) Let us all pray for the restoration of our country. Godbless u sir
Unknown said…
I believe its still possible to bring back the beauty of our country not only in Manila but the whole Philippines as well. We need to live our values everyday and taking ownership of our country, doing our own part of how to make it possible. Awareness and reminding a lot of people to do their part would be one of the key. Nobody will care to our place other than us. Let us do our part, NOW! Be blessed everyone.
Glad said…
Wow. This was Manila? It looked so beautiful. I was born in 1984 in Metro Manila. Too bad, I didn't get to see Manila during it's glorious decades.
Anonymous said…
I agree with Rebel. This splendor is MAINLY attributed to what the Americans did for us. If we had let them stay, we would be like Hawaii, Guam or I should say, possibly even better.

Too bad we had to let National Pride get into our heads and seek for independence at a time when we didn't know how to even run our country. Everything went haywire after mismanagement.
having been born in the late 50s, I do remember Ayala Avenue, Intramuros and Dewey (now Roxas) Boulevard looking this way....so sad.
marsisred07 said…
Very sad that Manila's glory had to come to an end. Well, "had"? actually no. Manileños could acutally have done something so it didn't HAD to come to end. With the right leadership, even the slightest educated people will appreciate and follow the good example. I can only just sigh watching the pictures, I wish I have had seen this beauty. WHY does it have to be trampled upon?
ikezeh said…
Sa tingin nyo kaya pa mabalik to? Magdadasal ako na abutan ko na ang Pilipinas ay manumbalik sa ganitong sitwasyon sana abutan ko pa
Anonymous said…
I strongly believe that the only way to discipline the now barbaric citizens of Manila is the use Martial law. As long as the government doesn't abuse this power there would be no problem.
Anonymous said…
I was born in Manila during the 80's. I was raised there so I witnessed how the city changed for the worse. Sadly, I didn't see or experience how it is like to live there when it was still the most beautiful city in Asia. Though we have properties in Manila, my family is now residing in the province where the air is cleaner and the environment is much better.
Anonymous said…
Quezon once said, "I would rather have a country run like hell by Filipinos than a country run like heaven by the Americans." I guess he got his wish. What a waste Manila is now. Gates of Hell indeed. :(
Anonymous said…
ang masasabi ko ay 'SAYANG'... sayang ang mga panahong ipinaglaban ng ating mga bayani.. sayang ang mga naitulong ng ibang bansa na maiayos ang ating kapaligiran.. sayang ang mga matatalinong mambabatas at namumuno nung mga panahong iyon.. sayang at hindi na nakita at naranasan ng makabagong mamamayan ang ipinakita mong larawan.. madaming nasayang at sinayang ang mga tao. kung may disiplina lang sana, malasakit at pagmamahal sa sariling bayan ang mga tao, di sana'y patuloy pa ding maganda ang ating bayan.. iba kasi ang bayanihan noon at pagiging makabayan kumpara sa ngayon..

sayang...

siya nga pala, ang larawan pagkatapos ng 'Dewey Boulevard' (Roxas blvd) ay Sta. Cruz Church at hindi Quiapo..
Anonymous said…
Impressions or opinions based on a few photographs may not be very accurate. These photographs show only the space and time they framed at that moment, little is revealed about what is outside the frame and those which happened before the shutter clicked, and then, after. That is the reality of photography- it can only show so much, and yet keep much more. :)
Anonymous said…
i showed this blog to my parents...guess what?...there is a never ending stories of how times were back then...how it is back then...and the never ending name mentioning of the administration of MARCOS...

everything was good back then...during my time i was studying in MIT everything is different...nothing resembles to these photos unless the landmarks placed there for a long time...
Hakone said…
Where are all those beautiful cars?!
Chefnarspau said…
What went wrong? I hope that every Filipino will take part in saving what we still have now. By simply keeping our trashes on our pocket and put it in a bin afterwards, we can make a difference.
walataani said…
As I read your post I'm really teary eyed and very disappointed of what is Manila now. I prefer to experience that kind of Manila in your pictures. I'm really amazed on your pictures within the post office building as well as the Roxas Boulevard, I can't imagine that is a very nice place that can be compared to other places in the world. I'm imagining that now it is full of building and a lot of messy things. To all government officials shame on you. You are all selfish thinking of expanding manila but not on the right way. Tall buildings are just rising in inappropriate place. I really salute the attitude and the ethics of the people during this days. I hope that in coming generations Filipinos will be educated enough to value things that needs to be preserve to be seen by our future generations.
Anonymous said…
we could have had a border control of people from provinces migrating to manila back then.
merlmd said…
I was born in Manila at the UST hospital, moved back to the province when I was 3 but regularly visited every summer staying in Pasay where my maternal grandparents lived. I do not remember much of the Manila of my childhood, but looking at these pictures sure bring back good memories. I remember going to Berg's in Escolta with my mom. I went back to study in UST in the mid-70's...medyo traffic na although flowing naman. I have a post on Manila in my blog too...maybe you could give me a visit.
Anonymous said…
These photos made me almost cry. Seeing Manila before, and comparing it to today, all I feel like doing is screaming at everyone. Mocking them for all they've done, how they ruined such a wonderful place. Honestly, I am only 14. I did not know that Manila looked great. Seeing these famous places that used to be clean, I feel great. Seeing the mess now, I feel angry and terrified. I am a lover of photography, and I seem to have lost my interest after seeing this. I will never be able to capture something as perfect, as picturesque as this. I am affected, greatly. Knowing that my grandparents enjoyed a clean Manila, I envy them and I am also happy that at least, they were able to experience waling in a sidewalk without seeing garbage, walking around Manila with no fear. i really enjoyed these photos, thank you very much for posting them. May you post more of these to show today's people how we should treat our surroundings. Kudos.
Kael Conciso said…
Great old days. What happened to Manila? These photos made ma cry(a lil bit). I have so much love for our environment.

We can still make our environment clean, if we work together. Filipinos need to learn the importance of clean environment.

"There is always a time to start"
Anonymous said…
Wow. Enforcement of the laws should be a priority. Hope not only Manila be restored but also some major cities that need restoration like Iloilo, Cebu, Baguio. Davao is on its way now due to th epolitical will of the present Mayor
Anonymous said…
after ni marcos wala ng order ang mga tao, ang mga sumunod binenta na ang pilipinas sa mga dayuhan.
+ kyashi + said…
it's amazing! whoever shared the photos to you, thank you!

omg i wasn't aware that's how wonderful manila before...

it's a shame how it transformed today. (shakes head)
oh well, what's done is done...
we can only return what was before,
if we have enough funds and no corruption from petty to big scale.

i wonder when will that be. :/

anyway, thank you for writing this up and sharing the photos that's been passed to you.

it's pleasing to eyes. <3
Anonymous said…
I heard recently while on a walking tour of Intramuros that the reason Manila is now such a mess is because it was destroyed during World War 2 and was never rebuilt properly. These photos prove that idea to be simply untrue. Manila just after the American period looked clean and prosperous and orderly. When did it all go so wrong?
Looking at these photos make me nostalgic of the days in my childhood walking in the clean and beautiful streets of Manila!!! I just feel angry at the sight of Manila today..why have they neglected this beautiful and adorable city?
Anonymous said…
Wow ang ganda manila dati.... Makes me sad... =(
CGN said…
Siguro pg ganito kalinis ngaun mas mayaman sana ang Pilipinas :)
Anonymous said…
awesome! thank you for the memories
Anonymous said…
wow..ganda grabe. lalo na yung roxas boulevard.. dapat kasi pag may progress kasama dun yung environment.dpat di nila kinakalimutan yun, sayang lang ang ganda ng manila dati. ngayon full of undisciplined people na
Anonymous said…
Guess who was the President between 1950 - 1970?

Yes, It was Marcos.

Then the Aquino government just destroyed everything until now.
Anonymous said…
Yep I remember those years and old days. am from cavite at dayo pa kami sa recto just to watch the movies and do shopping sa Rustan ,Manila.Right wala nandurulot at lahat ng tao kahit na suot ay gabardine pants kita mo na descent sila.From Cavite to Recto just 45 mins at most. Now sus oras bilangin mo bago ka makarating at maka balik. Thank you at least na preserve ang ganda ng Manila noong araw kahit sa pictures lna lang.
Anonymous said…
Tanda ko noong araw nadayo pa kami na taga Cavite sa Recto para manood ng sine at mag shopping sa Rustan Manila. Wala ka dapat ikatakot kasi wala mandurukot. Street food di ka mag alala kasi malinis,mga tao suot ay gabardine pants lahat naka sapatos.Di ka maki pag agawan sa bus pa uwi sa Cavite.Salamat sa iyo at na preserve ang ganda ng Manila kahit sa larawan man lang.
Unknown said…
had you all noticed, all billboards are written in English or some in Spanish. I recalled my father's stories before that most of the people in Manila Particulary are well groomed in English and Spanish Languages :) also, Manila was the main land or desitination point of all people either local or foreigner who visits Philippines. Movie Theaters, Parks, Fine Restaurants, Schools, Churches, and many more. :)
Anonymous said…
panahon ni former pres.marcos yan.
vertuz said…
Wow! this is awesome. ! I've never imagined Manila is just great like in the urban cities abroad before.

nakakalungkot pero let's not lose hope in improving the state of this city. The government must put up more effort in restoring our city's glorious days. Dapat malaman din ng mga lokal kung paano ang kanilang mga ginagawa ay makaaapekto sa kanilang kapaligiran.

Leadership, political will and discipline has a vital role in this. :)
anna said…
Some of key 'issues' that are sources of risk listed in research journals about sustainability included Innovation and Continuous Improvement. An important and critical amount of sustainable development was never applied.

I'm still young and have vague memories of other cities in the Philippines as a child, but there are some cities that have the capacity and ability to pause and take alternative pathways to development.
Unknown said…
Wow! Just wow! I couldn't believe my eyes. Being born in the 90's, wala akong masyadong idea how Manila had been nung wala pang high-end technologies. This is soooo GRABE!
Angelo Infante said…
That was the golden age of the PH...
such a great place to live in! :3

how about now?
anonymous said…
Agree. Also when most people went to manila then became squatters polluting everything. Kung kasing higpit ng ibang bansa like sg, mas organized p rin cguro.
Anonymous said…
Beautiful images of days past. I enjoyed old pictures my father had and people were well dressed
It would be interesting to see pictures of the same locations as they are today to see the drastic comparison compared to the pictures above in this article. I would love to see them.
Pal said…
I was born in 1980. I did saw how Manila and other parts of metro Manila gradually deteriorates every great places and landmarks that is trying to preserved. Dati parang nakakatamad maglakad pag nakikita mo ang luwag at linis ng Daan at Malayo makikita ng mata mo. May mag lugar na Kahit pano makakalanghap ka ng malinis na hangin.

Until late 80's na nakikita kong Hindi handa ang government na ma-handle ng malaking responsibility. Nabigla Yata sila...

Ngayon kuntento na Yata ang mag Tao magpunta, mamasyal, magpalamig at mag jogging na lang sa mall....

Even with a large population. There's still a way to create and maintain a place. It's just seems most of filipino now a days are really allergic in the word

....."DISCIPLINE".....
Unknown said…
Hanggang pictures na lang ba natin makikita na ganito ang Manila dati? Imposible na yata bumalik pa ang dating ganda ng Manila kung ang nakatira rin dito halos ay puro wala ng disiplina sa kanilang mga sarili.
Melissa said…
I would like to share this little story - I am a Singaporean, and in 1987/1988, i was a child then, and my friend Angela told me how she had just been to Manila. Oh boy was I jealous! For I had only heard in 1988 that Manila was so beautiful and modern and sooooooooooo American! My family were average to slightly above average, but we seldom found money to travel much what with high transport and housing prices in Singapore, so I was full of envy as i asked Angela "How was manila" and she told me "Great! It is just like America!". At that stage, going to America was an impossible dream, amd going to Manila a more "achievable" wish. So I always hoped one day to go. And i always remembered Angela's words.

Anyway, along the way I grew up. And got a job. And travelled more. And yes, I've since been to Manila.

And was baffled.

This Manila i saw was nothing like what Angela described!

Where was this "American Manila" she assured me of?!

I LOVED Manila, don't get me wrong - people are so affectionate and they treated my old parents with such tenderness and kindness, and i LOVED the shopping.

But I had come to see what my friend Angela told me all those years ago, and it simply wasn't there.

I continued to be baffled.

Until now.

Looking at these photos, i now get it! As "Rebel" said, Americans built so much of the city and so during that time even in the late 80's, Manila looked so much like SMALL TOWN USA!

Wow, it looked so modern, and so beautiful and sooooooooooo American!!!

I can now finally picture what Angela must've seen all those years ago.

And sadly, I find myself now STILL jealous of Angela - for she got to see Manila with her own eyes, during its heyday.
Sen G of Manila said…
Yes, during the 60s and 70s this is how Manila looked like. It was really beautiful. Also, during the 60s to 70s, Baguio City (my hometown) was probably the best and the cleanest city in the entire Philippines. Talagang maipagmamalaki natin ang Pinas (noon).
Unknown said…
What is the popular food that time?
Unknown said…
I went to school on Claro M Recto in the 60's and also had the opportunity to explore Escolta, Sta. Cruz and Quiapo. Rizal Park (Luneta then) was nice and clean. We used to go to the house of representative to watch and listen to the debate and practiced our stenography. Population explosion is prevalent in a country that is so backward when it comes to contraceptives. I don't know why the government and churches have not intervene and help educate people especially women to use birth control? I'm not a proponent of abortion, but for pete's sake,have a free IUD's for women if birth control pills is that expensive or free vasectomy for men? Attention Macho Men and get more educated about Vasectomy. It's 's a crime to have all these children running the streets with no education. Their future is so bleak. Re; discipline on littering, it can be done. Go to Palawan or Davao and if they can do it so as Metro Manila!
Unknown said…
looks a beautiful part of Asia haven't get chance to visit that place but after visiting pics and reading detail about that part of Asia i am wishing to visit this place bundle of thanks dear to publishing this post for public. i know a lot people wishing to visiting this place after reading your blog metro airport taxi
Anonymous said…
Well Ayala Avenue and the whole Ayala CBD is still clean and walkable despite the arrival of technology. The main pollutants are the FRIGGIN' SMOKERS who make a mess around the trash bins and sidewalks and worse is THEY SMOKE WHILE THEY WALK! URGH!
Vincent Agustin said…
Sayang ang Maynila. Sa tingin ko nag-iba ang Maynila dahil hindi napagplanuhan ng gobyerno ang angkop na rehabilitasyon para sa pagpapaganda ng ating lungsod. Sayang dahil hindi natin napanatili ito. Siguro kung hindi lang tayo dumaan sa ilang krisis noong dekada '80, maayos pa rin ang Maynila. Dapat ding disiplinahin ng ating gobyerno ang mga tao tulad ng ginawa ni Marcos sa Pilipinas.
nognog26 said…
Isa ako sa mga batang pinanganak nung 1970's (1976)..tanda ko pa binabagtas pa namin ang Roxas Boulevard at CCP Complex para maligo sa napakalinis na Manila Bay..."Naalala ko mga funny moments naming magkapatid at maguncle dahil nanghuhuli kami ng maliliit na talangka sa Manila Bay habang nagswimming dun"..iba ang Maynila noon at ngayun malinis at di maalinsangan..pati Luneta though maganda parin pero mas maganda at maaliwalas dati...iba ang lamig ng simoy ng hangin sa napakalinis na Maynila (Metro Manila)....
Anonymous said…
Thank you for your vintage pictures of Manila. This was my home, as a 3rd generation American expat born in Davao. My grandparents on both sides came from the U.S. and settled in Zamboanga (one pair settled in Jolo first, then moved to Zamboanga). My grandmothers had coconut plantations after my grandfathers died. My father joined the American army in WW2, then did not surrender but joined Fertig's guerrillas in the hills. My uncle commanded a submarine that regularly brought supplies from Australia to the guerrillas, sneaking through Japanese lines. My cousins still live there. I have not been back since my family left in 1961 when I was 12, and probably I should not ever return, hearing how it is now. Your pictures made my heart leap with love for the home I remember and will always miss....those surroundings were mine as a child, impressed in my mind, never to be seen again. Yes, it was beautiful, lovely, but most of all it was the home I loved. Anne Jurika, California,Sept. 2016
Anonymous said…
i was with philbanking during the 60s who's main ofc then was at dasmarinas(before moving it to the anda circle at port area) & whenever we get tired eating the bank's cafeteria food we go "lets eat at botica boie" not that botica boie of course but the cafeteria located at the top floor of that building catering mostly to the white collar employees of the area...i wonder if anyone ever knew of that cafeteria.
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