The Building By The River

Lobby of the Post Office

Manila Bulletin - Earlier this year, the Manila Central Post Office was in the news.  A leading hotel chain was reportedly interested in leasing the structure to convert it into a hotel. First, it was all rumors and names of various hoteliers cropped up. But it was not too long ago, and perhaps after a few pundits have guessed correctly, that it was the group behind Fullerton Hotel. It was not too hard to guess, for Fullerton in Singapore is housed in a former Post Office building.

If an international hotel brand was interested in the Manila Post Office, I suddenly became curious about the building. I remember when I was in college, going home from school, I take the LRT daily at around 5 p.m. After Central Station, the train goes to Carriedo. In that short span of time and length between two stations and the Pasig River, the view becomes majestic: The Manila Central Post Office suddenly breaks the concrete gray landscape bringing a golden glow to the panoramic windows of the train. I don’t know if it has something to do with sunsets but the Post Office stood majestically along the Pasig River, as if it is new.  It is a view I love, and anticipate every time I pass by.

So one afternoon, I met with PhilPost Postmaster General Josie dela Cruz, who was former Governor of Bulacan.

“Actually, there are various reports about the conversion of the Post Office building into a hotel. However, these are all speculations as Malacañang, that is President Aquino who formed a Task Force, who has the final say on how this building will be utilized in the future,” said Ms. Dela Cruz. “It will take a lot of consideration but the utmost priority is that the structure should be preserved as this is a heritage building. To be clear about it, the building would not be demolished.”

A heritage building, the Manila Post Office is not a posh destination. If you are expecting chandeliers, carpeted marble floors, or an airconditioned lobby, better head to the Manila Hotel. But if you want to see architecture, read history, or feel the grandness of a Neo-Classical building, then a visit to this part of Manila is a must.

The first time I stepped inside, what really impressed me was the high ceiling. It was a hot afternoon yet a soft breeze circulated in the air. Even though age and tear seemed to appear in some cracks in the walls or floors, the overall feeling of grandness and strength was there.  I can only assume that it is the vision of noted Architect Juan M. Arellano, who was trained in the U.S. in 1927 and influenced by the Art Deco movement of that era.

The building was finished in 1931, destroyed during the WW2, and reconstructed again in the late 40’s.  It has a rectangular shape with two semi-circular drums on each end and has an atrium in the middle that provides natural ventilation and light.

The “American” style of the Post Office Building can be seen as you walk pass the mighty columns. Looking up, it soars above and carries a majestic roof. Anyone who will pass by these columns would feel important—perhaps also underscoring the importance of communications through letters and the urgency of hearing from someone so far away.

“The PhilPost is very privileged to be housed in such a storied structure. However, with the changing times and streamlining of our operations, PhilPost can function efficiently even with half of the space provided to us by the present building,” said Ms. Dela Cruz.

She added that the upkeep of the structure and the utilities cost are very enormous that’s why it was recommended that the Manila Post Office Building be leased out to a company or another government agency who can better utilize its five floors.

As of press time, PhilPost is still waiting for Malacañang’s directive, yet for the meantime, Ma’am Josie has already pushed the agency forward by introducing new reforms and making the postal system work efficiently once again, even amidst modern technology.  But for the rest of us, whether we are architecture, history, or stamp enthusiasts, the Manila Post Office reminds us of a time when there were grand things in plan for Manila.

Whatever the future may bring, the building will hopefully stand as a gleaming beacon for generations of Filipinos to appreciate, from sunrise to sunset.

For latest update on real estate development and its RA 9646, the Real Estate Service Act of 2009, visit www.ra9646.com.