15 Vintage Photos of Manila During the 1950s That Show What Life Was Like Back Then

The '50s were a time of prosperity and growth in many places around the world—the Philippines included. Manila, specifically, had almost recovered from the Battle of Manila and was entering its golden age as it was tagged the "Pearl of the Orient." Here's what life was like in the city of Manila during the decade.

A busy street scene with a mix of repurposed Willys Jeeps, buses, and cars.

The west end of Escolta Street

Heacock's, the largest department store back in the day

People line to watch rice being planted in Mandaluyong's fields

The Harlem Globetrotters and the New York Celtics visit the La Perla Cigar and Cigarette Factory in Parañaque

The group poses inside the building with packs of cigarettes

Quintin Paredes Road in the 1950s

Elpidio Quirino during his re-election campaign in 1953

Young women walk along an old Manila home

The Manila Jai Alai Building

Photo by WIKIMEDIA COMMONS.

The funeral of President Ramon Magsaysay in 1957

The first person view of a kalesa ride in the '50s

An aerial view of the city in 1958

Photo by WIKIMEDIA COMMONS.

Signs and posters behind a line of cars and jeeps

Manila, in color, during the late '50s