El Hogar Filipino Building_HC2

FILIPINO BUILDING “The witness of the Golden Age of Pasig River as main artery of trade and commerce in the Metropolitan Manila BENDICIO | CABA | CALDERON | CAPCO | CARINO

FILIPINO BUILDING “The witness of the Golden Age of Pasig River as main artery of trade and commerce in the Metropolitan Manila BENDICIO | CABA | CALDERON | CAPCO | CARINO

The El Hogar Filipino Building (Edificio El Hogar Filipino in Spanish), known as the El Hogar, is a five-story office building designed by Ramon Irureta-Goyena and Francisco Perez-Muñoz.

It draws elements from Beaux-Arts, Neoclassical, and Renaissance styles of architecture.

STORY

Binondo is known as the world’s oldest chinatown. Since its founding in 1594 by Spanish Governor Luis Perez, the site has prospered due to its colorful and fascinating history and advantageous geographic location.

As Chinese-Filipino (Chinoy) culture rose to prominence in the nation, the name— which actually originated from its old Tagalog name Binundok, which described the region's former hilly terrain—became synonymous with that development.

Now, Binondo is home to a diverse community made up of Sangleys (people with pure Chinese ancestry), Spaniards, Americans, Japanese, and Filipinos alike. Binondo is also home to many different iconic architectural structures that remind us of the rich history and culture of the town.

SITE LOCATION

CONTEXT

OWNERSHIP DON ANTONIO MELIÁN Y PAVIA Don Antonio Melián y Pavia was born in the Canary Islands in Spain on May 21, 1879. In his earlier years, he worked as a senior clerk at the Council of Public Works, then he sailed around Argentina and Peru, where he worked as an insurance agent and eventually started up his own import and export company.

In search of another business opportunity, Don Antonio first came to Manila in 1907, where he met the Zobel de Ayala family, one of the most reputable members of Philippine society at the time. He then got to know Doña Margarita Zobel y de Ayala, the only daughter of Jacobo Zobel y Zangroniz, the mayor of Manila. The two eventually got married in June of that year at San Agustin Church and received the El Hogar Filipino Building as a wedding gift, where the interior staircase features the initials of the married couple.

During that period, the company's print advertisements exalted its reputation as a reliable business, citing the presence of notable investors such as Francisco Ortigas and Melian's brothersin-law, Fernando and Enrique Zobel, on its board.

With this, the El Hogar housed the Melián business empire, which includes the Filipinas Campania de Seguros, the first locally owned fire insurance company founded by Don Antonio. It also housed the Tondo de Benefeciencia, Casa de España, Casa de Pensiones. Ayala y Compañía, Sociedad Lizárraga Hermanos, and Smith, Bell, and Company are among the other tenants of El Hogar.

In 1945, during the Battle of Manila, the El Hogar Filipino Building suffered minor damages as it survived World War II and withstood a number of earthquakes. It is also one of only two American-era buildings still standing in the Pasig River area. Consequently, Sociedad El Hogar Filipino and other Melián companies closed in the postwar years, leaving only the Filipinas Compañía de Seguros. Eventually, the Meliáns sold the El Hogar to the Fernandez family as a result, and it was rented out to various businesses, primarily customs brokerage firms with a small number of residential tenants. Since then, it also started to be used as a filming site for TV series, films, fashion, and advertising campaigns. A few decades ago, the building finally closed as an office building and began deteriorating.

OWNERSHIP CURRENT OWNERSHIP In February 2014, the El Hogar became the subject of controversy when it was revealed to have been purchased by Chinese-Filipino real estate developer The Ritz Premiere Corporation. The Ritz Premiere Corporation stated that the building's stability would not allow it to remain standing and that it would be demolished and converted into condominiums. As November approached, the El Hogar Building appeared to be ready for demolition with G.I. sheets enclosing it.

Because of this, news of the El Hogar's impending demolition quickly went viral among cultural advocates, ordinary citizens, and heritage conservationists, who wrote to the Manila government and the National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP) to stop the building's demolition. This prompted the creation of a petition to halt the demolition. Consequently, The Ritz Premiere Corporation stated that they intend to utilize the El Hogar as a warehouse rather than demolish it.

The NHCP tried to buy the famous building and issued a cease and desist order. However, because the NHCP and The Ritz could not agree on the price, the negotiations were called off. And, up until today, the condition of the building is still unknown.

CONSTRUCTION Back then, during the construction of the El Hogar Filipino Building, it was customary for Mason members to place their foundation stone on the northeast side of their structure.

This is meant to represent the unification of the east, which is connected to light, and the north, which is connected to darkness. With this, the foundation stone of El Hogar is situated right next to the main entrance, where the building's time capsule and original signage were located.

On the other hand, when the El Hogar Filipino Building finally opened in December 1914, it was proclaimed to be the best of its kind in Asia, according to the Dia Filipina magazine.

In fact, it was even one of the first buildings in Manila to be built entirely out of concrete.

Because of this, the El Hogar Filipino Building became the house of business for all the companies under Don Antonio’s empire and the house for other Spanish businessmen that came and went throughout its history.

During its prime, its gallery hallways, ironwork-detailed staircase, and high ceilings commemorate a time when business was promising and deserved to be celebrated with great views, lots of light, and the romantic details lent by Beaux Arts, Neoclassical, and Renaissance influences.

For instance, two garden courtyards and a distinctive mirador (balcony) with views of the Pasig River and the southern portion of Manila, which includes the walled cities of Intramuros, Ermita, and Malate, are among the building's intriguing features. The city's most elaborate grand staircase, El Hogar, features a sculpted mythical griffin at its base and is adorned with Antonio and Margarita's initials. However, on July 6, 2014, the exquisite and complex grillework of the building's grand staircase was observed being loaded onto a building contractor's truck.

FILIPINO BUILDING

FILIPINO BUILDING

RENDERED PERSPECTIVES

Based from the old photos and other documentation materials, a reimagination of the El Hogar Filipino Building comes to life. The context of the setting is placed in the historical times of old Binondo.

RENDERED PERSPECTIVES

Based from the old photos and other documentation materials, a reimagination of the El Hogar Filipino Building comes to life. The context of the setting is placed in the historical times of old Binondo.

DAMAGE ASSESSMENT OVERALL EXISTING CONDITION

SPECIFICS FLAKING MATERIAL LOSS

VANDALISM

CRACKS EXPOSED STRUCTURAL MATERIAL (EX: REBAR) MATERIAL LOSS

PLANT GROWTH THROUGH THE CEMENT

BLACK CRUSTS

BROKEN WINDOWS

BLACK DEPOSITS MATERIAL BREAKAGE

CHARACTER DEFINING ELEMENTS As Louis Sullivan has said, “Every building is like a person. Single and unrepeatable”. Each of them has its own story to tell. A building could be replicated through its form, but never the experiences and memories it holds as it stood through time—and this is why protecting our heritage is essential. The City of Manila possesses numerous historical buildings that existed way back during the Colonial Era, and one of them is the El Hogar building. Aside from its history, its architectural features alone contribute a lot to its heritage value.

Beaux-Arts style with architectural features of Neoclassical and Renaissance elements

Arched windows that can be commonly seen in Renaissance architecture

Defined by its Corinthian columns that exhibit the Beaux-Arts style

Two garden courtyards

Detailed grillwork seen on its staircase

Intricately carved sculpture of griffins

Starting off with its architectural style, El Hogar is known for its Beaux-Arts style enriched with architectural features of Neoclassical and Renaissance elements. The design, materials, and construction techniques of the building all reflect the American era. Additionally, it is the representation of the architecture of business establishments during its time.

One of the most notable features of El Hogar is its abundance of intricate ornaments and design. Looking at the building’s exterior, aside from the arched windows that can be commonly seen in Renaissance architecture, the structural component of the building is also defined by its Corinthian columns that exhibit the Beaux-Arts style. The numerous ornate cornices, dentils, and moldings that are seen on its facade also add to the overall character of the structure.

In its interior, El Hogar was recognized for its two garden courtyards that aside from their contribution to the beautification of the building, also served as a great ventilation system that helped keep the air moving in and out of the building. Lastly, El Hogar possesses features that were considered one of the most ornate in the city at its time which are found on the staircase—the detailed grillwork and an intricately carved sculpture of griffins.

With all these being said, it shows that El Hogar owns remarkable characterdefining elements and the building itself deserves to be preserved and be considered as a valuable heritage structure in order to be able to continue to show its beauty and importance as we move forward.

ASSESSMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE

HISTORICALSIGNIFICANCE

Escolta Street, Manila, Philippines (1941) © John Tewell / American Geographical Society (AGSL), University of Wisconsin, Milwaukee

The El Hogar Filipino Building, is a poignant representation of its era's architectural style and holds collective significance within the historic district along the Pasig River. It silently witnessed pivotal moments in Philippine history, from the American insular government to the city's liberation in 1946. As part of an era influenced by American-style governance, it encapsulates a dynamic narrative, embodying historical transitions.

Binondo, historically a trade hub, gained prominence through Escolta Street, acting as a global gateway during an era dominated by Spanish exclusivity in Manila. Known as Chinatown, Binondo facilitated diverse merchant activities connecting Mexico and the Far East through the Manila-Acapulco galleon trade.

Escolta Street, echoing Binondo's history, transformed into Manila's "Broadway" or "Bond Street" by the late 19th century, evolving into a luxury goods hub in the 20th century.

It played a crucial role in the city's development, marked by technological advancements.

El Hogar Filipino, constructed in the 1900s, witnessed the Golden Age of the Pasig River, serving as a financial and commercial institution. It survived World War II and earthquakes, becoming one of the two remaining American-era buildings parallel to the Pasig River. After the war, it was sold to the Fernandez Family and rented out to various companies, retaining its Beaux Art style with Neoclassical and Renaissance elements. The building, credited to a Spanish priest for earthquake resistance, was occupied by Japanese troops during World War II.

ASSESSMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE

ARCHITECTURAL SIGNIFICANCE

Constructed in 1914 during the United States occupation of the Philippines, the El Hogar Filipino embodies American period design, materials, and construction methods. This architectural gem survived World War II and earthquakes, standing as one of the two remaining American-era structures along the Pasig River. Highlighting its historical importance, Eric B. Zerrudo, the Philippine representative to UNESCO's World Heritage Committee director of the University of Santo Tomas Graduate School-Center for Conservation of Cultural Property and Environment in the Tropics and professor in the Master of Arts in Cultural Heritage Studies program of UST, emphasizes its significance as a representative example of business establishment architecture from that era.

The El Hogar, or Edificio El Hogar Filipino, is a five-story office building situated along Calle Muelle de la Industria by the Pasig River. Noted for its beauxarts/renaissance/neo-classical architectural styles, it stands between the First City National Building and the Hong Kong and Shanghai Bank Building. The structure was designed by Spanish-Filipino engineer Don Ramón José de Irureta-Goyena Rodríguez.

The El Hogar stands out for its distinctive features, including not one but two garden courtyards. Adding to its uniqueness is the presence of a mirador, or balcony, offering panoramic views of the Pasig River, the southern part of Manila—including Intramuros, Ermita, and Malate. Another notable element is the ornate staircase, considered one of the city's most embellished, adorned with a sculpted mythical griffin at its base.

Old Colored Photo of El Hogar Philippines © Manila Nostalgia/Isidra Reyes

Don Ramón José de Irureta-Goyena Rodríguez, architect of the El Hogar Filipino, © Manila Nostalgia/Paquito dela Cruz

ASSESSMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE

Group photo of the El Hogar Filipino leaders and employees © Manila Nostalgia/Paquito dela Cruz

Escolta, a bustling street in Manila, garnered attention from Western high society, fostering architectural developments that blended historic Spanish colonial-style row buildings with 20thcentury expansions showcasing Art Deco and Beaux-Arts designs. Notable landmarks like the Capitol Theater and the Regina Building, with its distinct office edifice, embodied the fusion of cultural richness and architectural elegance in Escolta. The interconnected histories of Binondo and Escolta emerged as narratives of economic gateways, cultural hubs, and showcases of evolving architectural styles, contributing to the vibrant tapestry of Manila's urban development.

SOCIAL SIGNIFICANCE

A group photo of the El Hogar Filipino leaders and employees. © Manila Nostalgia/Paquito dela Cruz

At the heart of Escolta's historical fabric stands El Hogar, constructed between 1911 and 1914. This architectural gem serves as a testament to a significant event—the marriage between Doña Margarita Zóbel y de Ayala and Don Antonio Melián Pavía. Melián, a Spanish businessman and Conde de Peracamps, played a pivotal role in the establishment of El Hogar Filipino and the Filipinas Compañía de Seguros, solidifying his business empire's headquarters in the iconic El Hogar building. Home to various esteemed entities such as Filipinas Compañía de Seguros, Tondo de Beneficiencia, Casa de España, and others, El Hogar became a symbol of Manila's economic and cultural vitality in the early 20th century. The relocation of Filipinas Compañía de Seguros in the 1920s marked a shift in the street's dynamics, but the legacy of El Hogar continues to echo through the bustling streets of Escolta.

STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE

MODERATE The El Hogar Filipino Building, standing as one of Manila's notable heritage structures, reflects Beaux Arts, Neoclassical, and Renaissance influences is of moderate significance. It has survived World War II and earthquakes, becoming one of the two remaining American-era buildings parallel to the Pasig River.

Old Photo of El Hogar Filipino

The building is an original building with a high degree of original fabric, but due to continuous usage, it has lost some elements and been altered to accommodate its users. As it is now privately owned and closed off to the public, the exterior is not being maintained properly, lowering its significance.

While considered moderately significant, the current condition of El Hogar is cause for immediate concern. Its preservation is vital for safeguarding a crucial part of the Philippines' cultural heritage, representing our history and identity. Urgent action is needed, especially as the National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP) has discontinued preservation efforts. Collaborative efforts from communities, individuals, and authorities are essential to prevent the loss of this irreplaceable piece of shared history.

Current Photo of El Hogar Filipino

REFERENCES Calle de la Escolta. Hist1120: At China’s edges. (n.d.). https://mediakron.bc.edu/edges/2019-midtermprojects/binondo/calle-de-la-escolta de la Cruz, G. (2023, June 9). Conservation Conversations: Breathing Life into El Hogar Filipino and Times Theater. Kanto.. https://kanto.com.ph/spaces/built-heritage/conservation-conversations-elhogar-filipino-and-times-theater/ El Hogar Endangered?. The Urban Roamer. (2014, November 7). https://www.theurbanroamer.com/elhogar-endangered/ Layug, B. (2021, December 19). El Hogar Filipino Building (Binondo, Manila). B.L.A.S.T. – Benjie Layug: Adventures of a Savvy Traveler. https://benjielayug.com/2021/12/el-hogar-filipino-building-binondomanila.html#google_vignette LITA, R. S. (2014, March 11). NHCP ENCOURAGES ADAPTIVE REUSE OF EL HOGAR BUILDING IN BINONDO. National Historical Commission of the Philippines. https://web.archive.org/web/20140904224746/http://nhcp.gov.ph/the-alleged-demolition-of-the-elhogar-building/ Maliwanag, D. (2017, June 27). El Hogar to stay . . . for now. Lifestyle.INQ. https://lifestyle.inquirer.net/266385/el-hogar-stay-now/ Rich history of Escolta. The Market Monitor. (2021, December 6). https://marketmonitor.com.ph/richhistory-of-escolta/ Rubio, P. (2014, April 6). El Hogar Filipino Building. Arquitectura Manila. https://arquitecturamanila.blogspot.com/2014/04/el-hogar-filipino-building.html Sembrano, E. A. M. (2014, February 17). El Hogar to be torn down?. Lifestyle.INQ. https://lifestyle.inquirer.net/151910/el-hogar-to-be-torn-down/ Yu, A. (2014, June 11). Story of El Hogar Filipino’s founder Don Antonio Melian: Coconuts manila.

Coconuts. https://coconuts.co/manila/features/don-antonio-melian-el-hogar/