Beautiful Heritage Buildings to See Next Time You're in Manila
The city of Manila is undergoing a major change. Uptown Manila, once the district of early 20th Century sprawling mansions, has now become more democratic with its high-rise residences. But together with this transformation, pockets of heritage conservation are also emerging.
We’ve rounded up a couple of fine examples of heritage buildings that have been repurposed in Manila. They have been suited to address the needs of the modern times without losing soul and character, perhaps a possible direction where heritage conservation should be heading.
Museum of a History of Ideas, University of the Philippines
Housed in what was the Department of Dentistry building, the museum chronicles the University of the Philippines' birth and its contributions to nation building since its establishment in 1908. It took the path of education and public health—as sanitation and the eradication of tropical diseases were primary objectives of the new American conquistadors. Get your history geek on while staring at old medical equipment and blown-up microscopic photos.
Budget: P75 entrance fee; P60 for Senior Citizens and People with Disability (PWD); P50 for students; P25 for UP students and employees
Open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. (Tuesday to Sunday), the Museum of a History of Ideas is at UP Manila, Padre Faura Street, Manila. 
2680 F.B. Harrison
This Pasay City compound of the Cheng family features post-war houses intended for the Cheng siblings. It is now a haven for the arts, design, and hospitality. By the entrance of the compound is The Henry Hotel. Further down the path are A11, a showroom and retail store of furniture designer Eric Paras; gallerist and curator Albert Avellana’s Avellana Art Gallery; and the atelier of fashion designer Jojie Lloren. Stay for the weekend and let yourself be recharged from all the beauty this enclave holds.
Pablo Antonio House
Within the labyrinth that is Pasay City is this gem of a home—the residence of National Artist for Architecture Pablo Antonio. He is best known for designing elegant buildings such as Far Eastern University Main Building, the Bel-Air and Syquia Apartments, and the Manila Polo Club in Makati. A far cry from his Art Deco edifices, Pablo Antonio’s 1948 house is reminiscent of Tropical architecture popular in the late 20th Century. His daughter, fashion designer Malu Veloso, and granddaughter Letlet Veloso currently live in the house, but have now opened its doors as a private dining place by appointment. The offerings are what fashion designer Letlet calls comfort food, dishes she grew up with. Must-haves are the Mustard Pork and Chicken, as well as the Chorizo Pasta. Ending what would be a satisfying meal is Tita Malu’s Sansrival and Blueberry Cheesecake.
The Pablo Antonio House is at 2650 Zamora Street, Pasay City. For reservations, call 831 8407. You may also contact Letlet Veloso at 0918-702-2125 or visit Veloso Brides at The Podium, ADB Avenue, Ortigas Center, Mandaluyong City.
This story originally appeared on Spot.ph. Minor edits have been made by the Esquiremag.ph editors.
