Explore Manila! (The Romance of Quiapo)

It takes an old-soul to fall in love with the quirks and chaos of Quiapo.
 
This is what I found out after I made a short and meaningful walk around this old district in the City of Manila, two days early of its famed celebration of the Feast of the Black Nazarene. My schedule framed well as the district was bustling with festivities and activities in line with the grand procession.

Quiapo is the heart of Manila.

Quiapo is one of the oldest districts of Manila and is often referred to as downtown Manila. Its name was derived from the name "kiyapo", a water cabbage that was commonly found in the waterways in the area. It was once the center of activities of the affluent Filipino families which explains the proliferation of heritage houses within its grounds. At present, Quiapo still buzzes with economic activities but with less stellar compared to its early days.

A typical day in Quiapo.

Join me as I discover and explore the romance of Quiapo!
 
San Sebastian Church
 
Standing majestically with its twin spirals reaching up to the afternoon Manila sky, the San Sebastian is the only steel church in the Philippines. It is also known as the Basilica Menor de San Sebastian and serves as the home of the Augustinian Recollects. It is admired for its gothic architectural design with its steel vaulting and openwork towers.

The towering spirals of the San Sebastian Church was simply beautiful.

The San Sebastian Church conquers the Quiapo skyline.

Completed in 1891, the San Sebastian Church is the iconic structure that stands out in the skyline of Quiapo. It is a majestic site to see in the midst of the crowded and busy streets of the district. It is an imposing exterior that demands guests to make a stop just to view its beauty.

The beautiful interior of San Sebastian Church.

The elegant altar of San Sebastian Church is a sight to behold.

It seems that I got transported to a different time when I entered the church. Its unique design and towering pillars gave me a European church vibe. It differs from the usual church design that I commonly see during my trips. It made me think why it was only now that I visited the church. There are a lot to admire in the church – its stained glass windows and its altar designed like a smaller version of the church.

Every corner and every window in San Sebastian Church is a beauty.

Casa Consulado (San Sebastian Street)
 
At the back of the San Sebastian Church is where you will find the Casa Consulado, also called Iturralde Mansion. The house was designed using the bahay-na-bato architectural style, popular during the 1920s, and utilized stones, bricks, and wood materials. It was served as the Consulate House of Manaco in the country after the appointment of Dr. Augusto Alvaro Iturralde as Monaco’s Honorary Consul.

Casa Consulado is one of the heritage houses in the Quiapo District.

The house has maintained its charm despite the changes that it has undergone. It still evokes its historical feel as I admired it from the street. The house shows its age, not only because of its post-Spanish period design, but also because of the wear and tear that the house had experienced through the years. Similar to many heritage houses that I have seen and visited in my past trips, a lot of heritage houses needs the attention of local governments for its preservation.
 
Bilibid Viejo Street
 
Chaotically fun, walking along Bilibid Viejo Street was a delight as I watched the preparation for the Feast of the Black Nazarene. All my apprehensions about walking the streets of Quiapo diminished with the festive mood of devotees.

Bilibid Viejo Street have a number of heritage houses that needs restoration.

Bilibid Viejo is a street that runs along the side of San Sebastian Church. The street is marked with a mix of heritage houses and modern structures. It is quite unfortunate though that some of these houses, although still in use, have been left to deteriorate. Bilibid Viejo Street reminds me a lot of the streets of Silay except that Silay was able to preserve its old houses.

An old house sandwiched by two modern structures.

These old houses arekeys to the rich past of Quiapo.

I think that if the local government of Manila is able to restore these houses then we might have a cultural heritage treasure right at the heart of Metro Manila.

Quiapo Pagoda (Bilibid Viejo Street)
 
Further down along Bilibid Viejo Street and right through a small “eskinita” is another heritage find – the Quiapo Pagoda. Commissioned by Mariano Ocampo, the house was completed in 1941 and was inspired by Japanese architecture. It is a three-story structure that was built by reinforced concrete that it became a shelter during air raids. Its main highlight is a seven-story tower “Japanese” tower that juts out of Quiapo’s skyline.

The Quiapo Pagoda is a hidden gem of the Quiapo District.

Finding the Pagoda can be quite a challenge because towering modern structures have dwarfed its imposing tower. Residents in the area are familiar with the mansion that when I asked around, they were able to direct me to the side street leading to it. The landmark is the encased Black Nazarene image at the corner of the side street.

This is the corner where you turn left to see a full glimpse of the Quiapo Pagoda. Landmark: The glass-encased Black Nazarene image.

I was amazed at the sight of the Quiapo Pagoda and its towers were a unique feature of the Quiapo skyline. Unfortunately, the house has deteriorated through the years. It would be great to see this unique heritage structure that has withstood World War 2, restored to its original glory.

The Quiapo Pagoda survived the World War 2 bombings and stands out with its Japanese-inspired architecture.

Hidalgo Street Heritage Houses
 
Heading back to San Sebastian, you can turn right at Hidalgo Street – another street in Quiapo peppered with heritage houses. It was formerly known as Calle San Sebastian and it is the street that links San Sebastian Church and Quiapo Church. The San Sebastian side is dotted with heritage houses while the Quiapo Church side is more popularly known as a photographer’s haven.

Hidalgo Street is famous for the heritage houses that line its street.

Unlike Bilibid Viejo, Hidalgo Street has a mix of well-preserved and deteriorating heritage houses. A number of houses on this street have the National Historical Institute’s sign that recognizes its historical value.

The Zaragoza House i the only house along Hidalgo that bears the NHI seal.

Some of the mansions that you find in the area are:
 
Genato House – this elegant mansion owned by Ramon Genato was once the gathering place of Manila’s high society. Parties and special occasions were common activities in this house.

The Genato House is the first heritage house that will greet you if you are coming from San Sebastian Church.

Zaragoza House – there are no exact date as to when the house was built but it was the home of the prominent Zaragoza clan. The house was designed in aristocratic Filipino design.

The Zaragoza House is one of the well-preserved heritage houses along Hidalgo.

Padilla House – the house is one of the oldest houses in the area. It has been restored by the present generation of the Padilla’s and converted it into an arthouse.

The Padilla House now serves as an art gallery.

Paterno House – built in the 1850s, the house is one of the oldest houses in the area and is known for its central courtyard.

The Paterno House is still in use today. It is popular for its central courtyard.

Zamora House – right across the Paterno House is the Zamora House. It was the home of the famous pharmacist, Manuel Zamora, who is known for the supplement “Tiki-Tiki”.
 
Boix House
 
The Teotico-Crespo House, more popularly known as Boix House, sits inconspicuously in the more chaotic area of Quiapo. Initial research about the house show that the house was submitted for construction in 1895 by Marciano Teotico and is popular for its Flowers in Trellis architecture. Former President Manuel Roxas is believed to have stayed in the Boix House when he was still in law school and was one of the structures that survived the slaughter of World War 2.

The Boix House is in serious need of restoration.

Currently, the ownership of the house was given to the Society of Jesus after the Boix family donated it to the organization. The structure has deteriorated through the years. Had it not been for pictures that I have seen on the internet, I wouldn’t recognize it. It is good to hear that it is being lobbied for restoration as it badly needs one.
 
Bahay Nakpil-Bautista
 
The Bahay Nakpil-Bautista is the most popular heritage house in Quiapo. Situated just beside the Boix House, it was the home of prominent Philippine Revolution personalities – Dr. Ariston Bautista-Lin, Gregoria de Jesus, Julio Nakpil, and Francisco Nakpil. The house was known as the “Tahanan ng mge Katipunero” as manys secret revolutionary meetings were held here apart from being the home of historic figures. At present, it is a well-preserved heritage house/museum where the personal things of its previous residents are on display.

The Bahay Nakpil-Bautista is the most popular heritage house in Quiapo.

Visiting the Bahay Nakpil-Bautista was definitely the highlight of my walk along the streets of Quiapo. I gathered new information about history as I was guided by Eme, one of the volunteers at the museum, along the hallowed halls of the house. I learned interesting facts about life in Quiapo during its heydays like the San Sebastian Church was the church for the rich while the nearby Quiapo Church was for the poor.

The Bahay Nakpil-Bautista was once the home of Quiapo's Black Nazarene.

The house is the repository of the valued belongings of its previous residents that gives you a glimpse of their life as revolutionaries, artists, and jewel-maker. It introduces you to all the family members and their contributions to Philippine society. It transports you to show you how they dine, how they went with their daily business dealings, the family’s love for the arts, and even to the time when Oriang would seat by the window to watch the Manila Bay sunset at a time when Quiapo was not yet crowded.

The house-turned-museum introduces you to the Nakpil-Bautista clan.

The house also serves as the repository of the personal effects of the family giving you a glimpse of their lives.

The balcony that overlooks one of the waterways of Quiapo.

The house is not just a museum but is also a civic center where upcoming artists are given the opportunity to showcase their talents. Bahay Nakpil-Bautista is a MUST to visit when you find yourself exploring Quiapo.
 
Quezon Bridge
 
The Quezon Bridge is a bridge that spans across the Pasig River and connects the districts of Malate and Quiapo. It was constructed in 1939 in Art Deco style and replaced the Puente Colgante.

Philippine crafts at its finest under the Quezon Bridge.

But what makes the bridge interesting, apart from its design, is that under the bridge on the side of Quiapo is where you will find ambulant vendors that sell Philippine handicrafts at a really good price. This is a great place to visit if you are looking for lamps made from Capiz Shells, bead curtains, woodworks, and even costumes, from Filipiniana to the outrageous ones. The best part of it is that you can get it at a very good price depending on your haggling skills.
 
Plaza Miranda
 
Plaza Miranda is a public square that is considered to be the center of Quiapo. It is a popular venue for political discourse and was the site of the Plaza Miranda bombing in 1971 when two hand grenades were hurled at a political rally. The political attack claimed the lives of nine people. It has gone through a major facelift in 2000 that gave it a more modern look. At present, it is a Freedom Park where people can peacefully gather in protest.

The monument at Plaza Miranda that reminds you the value of freedom.

Plaza Miranda is a mirage of different people and different colors. It is a place that is always bustling with activities and people from all walks of life. This is where you can find local fortune-tellers who can give you a preview of your future for a minimal fee. This is also the place to go if you are looking for Pinoy talisman and lucky amulets and charms.
 
Simbahan ng Quiapo
 
When you talk about Quiapo, the church is the first thing that would come into mind is the Simbahan ng Quiapo or the Minor Basilica of the Black Nazarene. It is the centerpiece of Quiapo and serves as the main venue of the annual celebration of the Feast of the Black Nazarene every January 9.

The Simbahan ng Quiapo is the centerpiece of the district.

The current structure of the Simbahan ng Quiapo was built in 1933 and it followed the design by National Artist Juan Nakpil. The Baroque architecture of the church, together with its twin belfry towers, stands out amidst the chaos and bustle of the district. It does look like a refuge for those seeking solace from the noise of the city.

The huge navel of the Quiapo Church.

I found the interior of the church very appealing with its wide and simple navel. The simple design directs your attention to the altar that houses the image of the Black Nazarene that is believed to have healing powers. The very same image attracts hundreds of devotees annually who brave the huge crowds just to touch the image during the procession.

Interestingly, John the Baptist is the original patron saint of the Quiapo Church.

Just right by the side entrance of the church stands the image of Saint John the Baptist. An interesting trivia of the church is that the original patron saint was St. John the Baptist and it was only in 1988 that it was conferred as a Minor Basilica honouring the Black Nazarene as its patron saint.
 
Post Travel Notes
 
Going around Quiapo may not exactly be the ideal "day trip" for some travelers BUT the place in itself is rich in history and chaotic charm. It takes a special eye and interest to appreciate Quiapo. Some may appreciate Quiapo for its simple economy and yet there are those that will love it for its rich history.

The ever-bustling Quiapo life.

Metro Manila, highlighting Quiapo, has its own heritage areas that can be comparable to that of Silay in Negros. Quiapo does not only have one or two but has numerous old houses that spans decades, and even centuries, to form its own heritage district. The biggest challenge though is for the local government to recognize and step up its efforts to preserve these historical treasures from further urban decay. This would not only be a good pull for tourism but will also be a huge step towards making the younger generation feel proud of our rich history and culture.
 
Getting There: Going to Quiapo is relatively easy as most public utility jeeps from the south or the north ply the routes that pass by Quiapo. One can also take the LRT Purple Line and go down at Legarda Station to start of their exploration at San Sebastian Church. One may also opt to take the LRT Yellow Line and go down at Carriedo Station and walk towards Quiapo Church as their starting point of their visit.
 
*”Explore Manila!” is a personal weekend project that I am doing with the objective of going around the cities of Metro Manila to discover its beauty and rich history. I started the project in 2015 and, after a year of hiatus, I am bringing it back to explore the still unexplored areas of Metro Manila. If you are interested to joining these simple explorations, please feel free to email or message me so I can inform you of the next location and schedule.