Asian Cultural Heritage Conservation & Utilization 2024 - Team Tanglaw (Escolta)

Summary

The script narrates the rich history of Escolta, a district in Manila, once a thriving business hub for European and American traders. It faced decline during World War II and the rise of malls, leading to a loss of its historical significance. The video proposes innovative solutions like the Tang Map and Sunday bazaars to revitalize the area, emphasizing the importance of preserving cultural heritage and engaging the community in heritage advocacy.

Takeaways

• 🌉 The history of Escolta is deeply connected to the Pasig River and the Filipino-Chinese community, who were instrumental in petitioning for the first bridge in the Philippines, the Puente Grande.
• 🛍️ Escolta was a thriving business district, serving as the first stop for European and American traders, and was known for high-end shopping, restaurants, and entertainment.
• 🏰 The area's name, Escolta, originates from the Spanish term 'escolta', meaning 'to escort', reflecting the practice of escorting the governor general during visits to Santa Cruz Church.
• 💔 World War II heavily damaged Escolta, with iconic landmarks like Jones Bridge destroyed, leading to a decline in business and the area's overall prominence.
• 🏛️ Post-war, many residents sold their properties in Escolta due to financial struggles, contributing to the area's further decline.
• 🎥 The 1960s and 70s saw a decline in the movie industry in Escolta, with companies moving to other areas like Makati, leading to a decrease in tenants and rent defaults.
• 📉 The rise of malls and other commercial areas like Ayala and Cubao overshadowed Escolta, causing it to lose its shine and foot traffic.
• 🗿 A lack of awareness about Escolta's historical significance contributes to its neglect, with many not realizing the potential for revival.
• 🏗️ Proposed initiatives to revitalize Escolta include the use of a Tang Map with QR codes for interactive historical experiences and transforming Escolta Street into an open space for artists and a bazaar.
• 🏫 Emphasizing the importance of heritage conservation in educational curricula and increasing public involvement in heritage advocacy can help preserve Escolta's unique legacy.

Q & A

What is the historical significance of the Pasig River in the development of Escolta?

The Pasig River played a crucial role in the development of Escolta as it was the reason for the construction of the first bridge in the Philippines, the Puente Grande, which facilitated access for the Filipino-Chinese community, who were essential to Manila's economy.

What does the term 'Escala' mean and how did it come to be associated with the district?

The term 'Escala' means to escort, which originated from the practice of the governor general being escorted by civil guards when visiting places like Santa Cruz Church. This act of escorting eventually gave rise to the name Escolta.

Why was Escolta an important district for European and American traders and entrepreneurs?

Escolta was the first stop for European and American traders and entrepreneurs arriving in Manila, leading it to become a flourishing business district known for high-end shopping, restaurants, and entertainment.

How did World War II impact Escolta?

World War II heavily damaged Manila, with Escolta being one of the hardest hit areas. Its buildings were destroyed, businesses ruined, and iconic landmarks like Jones Bridge were shattered, leading to a significant decline in the district's prominence.

What was the situation for the families owning buildings in Escolta during the post-WWII period?

The families owning buildings in Escolta suffered greatly during the post-WWII period, not only due to the destruction of properties but also the loss of many lives, leading some to abandon the city due to the emotional and psychological impact.

How did the rise of modern malls and other areas like Makati affect Escolta?

The rise of modern malls and areas like Makati drew people away from Escolta, leading to a decline in foot traffic, businesses closing down, and a fading of the local pride associated with Escolta.

What is the Tang Map and how does it contribute to the revitalization of Escolta?

The Tang Map is a tool designed to guide tourists through Escolta's rich heritage, featuring QR codes for each historic building that provide a 3D experience showing the building's appearance before and after changes. It also includes a list of activities to enjoy at each site.

What initiatives are proposed to infuse vibrancy back into Escolta?

Initiatives proposed to revitalize Escolta include closing Escolta Street every Sunday to transform it into an open space for artists and a lively bazaar, featuring local art, crafts, and cultural expressions.

Why is it important to preserve the historical sights of Escolta?

Preserving the historical sights of Escolta is important because it attracts tourists due to its history. Destroying these sites would undermine the very reason people visit, and understanding our past is crucial for all cultures to move forward.

How can the involvement of the community and educational institutions contribute to the preservation of Escolta's heritage?

Community involvement in heritage advocacy and integrating heritage conservation into school curricula across various fields can help address the lack of awareness and equip future generations with the knowledge and passion to protect historical treasures.

Outlines

00:00

🏙️ The Historical Significance of Escolta

The first paragraph delves into the rich history of Escolta, highlighting its deep connection with the river and the Filipino-Chinese community. It discusses the community's pivotal role in Manila's development and their efforts to petition for the construction of the first bridge over the Pasig River, known as the Puente Grande. The term 'Escala' is derived from the practice of escorting the governor general, which eventually led to the district becoming a thriving business hub for European and American traders. The paragraph also touches on the district's decline during World War II, the destruction of its iconic landmarks, and the subsequent challenges faced by the community as they struggled to rebuild their lives and businesses.

05:01

🎥 The Shifting Fortunes of Escolta's Movie Industry

Paragraph two focuses on the movie industry's impact on Escolta, where many actors and producers started their careers. It outlines the decline of the industry and the subsequent economic challenges faced by the district as companies moved to other areas like Makati. The emergence of malls and other commercial centers contributed to Escolta's loss of prominence. The paragraph emphasizes the lack of awareness about Escolta's historical significance and the need for revitalization. It suggests innovative approaches, such as the Tang Map, which uses QR codes to provide interactive historical experiences for tourists, and proposes turning Escolta Street into an open space for artists and a bazaar to reinvigorate the area.

10:02

🏛️ Revitalizing Escolta Through Heritage Conservation

The final paragraph discusses the importance of preserving Escolta's heritage and proposes various initiatives to achieve this. It suggests involving heritage building owners in incorporating entertainment features and increasing public participation in heritage advocacy. The paragraph also stresses the need to integrate heritage conservation into educational curricula to raise awareness and foster a sense of responsibility towards preserving historical sites. It calls for collective efforts to support local events, educate others, and advocate for the preservation of cultural legacies, ensuring that Escolta's story continues to inspire future generations.

Keywords

💡Escala

Escala is a historic district in Manila, Philippines, known for its rich history and cultural heritage. The term 'Escala' is derived from the practice of escorting the governor general by civil guards, which eventually gave rise to the name. In the video, Escala is depicted as a once-flourishing business district that has faced decline but holds potential for revitalization. The script discusses various initiatives to restore Escala's prominence and preserve its historical significance.

💡Puente Grande

Puente Grande refers to the first bridge in the Philippines, which was built over the Pasig River to facilitate access for the Filipino-Chinese community. This bridge was crucial for the development of Escala, as it connected the area to the rest of Manila and allowed for the growth of trade and commerce. The script mentions Puente Grande as a symbol of Escala's historical importance and its role in the community's petition for better access.

💡Cultural Heritage

Cultural heritage encompasses the tangible and intangible aspects of a community's history, including buildings, traditions, and practices. In the context of the video, cultural heritage is highlighted as the essence of Escala's identity, with a focus on preserving its historical buildings and promoting awareness of its past. The script emphasizes the importance of protecting Escala's cultural heritage to maintain its unique legacy for future generations.

💡World War II

World War II had a devastating impact on Manila, particularly on the Escala district. The video script describes how the area was heavily damaged during the war, with iconic landmarks like the Jones Bridge being destroyed and businesses ruined. This historical event is significant as it marks a turning point in Escala's decline, leading to the loss of its former glory and the need for subsequent revitalization efforts.

💡Modernization

Modernization refers to the process of updating or replacing old systems, structures, or practices with new, more advanced ones. In the video, modernization is presented as a double-edged sword. While it is inevitable and has led to the development of other areas like Ayala and Makati, it has also contributed to Escala's decline by drawing people and businesses away from the historic district. The script suggests that modernization should be balanced with the preservation of cultural heritage.

💡Heritage Conservation

Heritage conservation is the act of preserving and protecting cultural heritage sites and structures. The video script underscores the importance of heritage conservation in Escala, advocating for efforts to restore and maintain the area's historical buildings. It also suggests integrating heritage conservation into educational curricula to raise awareness and foster a sense of stewardship for historical sites.

💡Revitalization

Revitalization refers to the process of bringing new life or energy to something that has declined or become inactive. In the context of the video, revitalization is the goal for Escala, with proposals to transform the district into a vibrant, open space for artists and a lively bazaar. The script discusses various initiatives aimed at infusing Escala with vibrancy and celebrating its heritage, such as closing Escala Street every Sunday and encouraging building owners to integrate entertainment and cultural activities.

💡Community Engagement

Community engagement involves actively involving community members in initiatives and decision-making processes. The video script highlights the need for community engagement in the revitalization of Escala, encouraging residents and stakeholders to participate in local events, educate others, and advocate for the preservation of the area's cultural legacy. By involving the community, the script suggests that a collective effort can be made to safeguard Escala's past and shape a brighter future.

💡Historical Significance

Historical significance refers to the importance of a place, event, or object in relation to its historical context and impact on society. In the video, Escala's historical significance is emphasized as a key factor in its potential for revitalization. The script mentions that tourists are drawn to Escala because of its history, and preserving this history is crucial to maintaining the area's appeal and cultural identity.

💡Innovation

Innovation in the context of the video refers to the introduction of new ideas, methods, or products to improve or update existing systems or practices. The script discusses the use of innovative approaches, such as the Tang Map, to guide tourists through Escala's rich history and cultural significance. Innovation is presented as a means to breathe new life into the historic district while preserving its heritage and making it more engaging for visitors.

💡Public Pressure

Public pressure refers to the influence exerted by the public on decision-makers, often to advocate for a particular cause or policy. In the video, public pressure is mentioned as a potential catalyst for politicians to prioritize the preservation of historical sites like Escala. The script suggests that raising awareness and advocating for the protection of cultural heritage can lead to policy changes and community support for preservation efforts.

Highlights

The history of Escolta is deeply connected to the river and the Filipino-Chinese Community.

Filipino-Chinese Community petitioned for the first bridge in the Philippines, the Puente Grande.

The term 'Escolta' originates from the practice of escorting the governor general.

Escolta was the first stop for European and American traders, leading to a flourishing business district.

Escolta was famous for high-end shopping, restaurants, and entertainment, maintaining its prominence for centuries.

During World War II, Manila, including Escolta, was heavily damaged, destroying buildings and businesses.

The trauma of WWII extended beyond physical destruction to the loss of lives and emotional impact.

After the war, many residents sold their property in Escolta due to financial struggles.

Modern malls and developments led to a decline in Escolta's prominence.

The movie industry's decline contributed to Escolta's fading glory.

A lack of awareness about Escolta's historical significance has led to its neglect.

Preserving historical buildings is driven by love for country and heritage.

Innovative approaches like the Tang Map can guide visitors through Escolta's rich history.

Proposed initiatives include closing Escolta Street on Sundays for a vibrant open space and bazaar.

Revitalizing Escolta requires preserving its historical sights as they attract tourists.

Heritage conservation should be integrated into educational curricula across various fields.

Increasing public involvement in heritage advocacy is crucial for the preservation of cultural legacy.

Smaller projects can lead to the gradual revitalization of the entire Escolta area.

The community can collaborate to bring new engaging events to Escolta.

Encouraging heritage building owners to integrate entertainment and cultural activities is part of the revitalization strategy.

The story of Escolta can inspire and enrich the community for future generations.

Transcripts

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esult the history of Esa is very much

connected to the river and the Filipino

Chinese Community with the Filipino

Chinese Community being present here and

facing challenges in accessing the area

because they were the business people

laborers and the backbone of Manila they

had to petition the governor general to

build a bridge over the river the very

first bridge in the Philippines and the

very first Bridge AC traversing the

pasig river and that is the pente Grande

qu Grande is not literally on the Jones

Bridge but it's actually in between post

office and Jones Bridge and it's that

quent grante that

eventually made the beginnings of Escala

the term escalar meaning to escort comes

from the practice of the governor

general being escorted by civil guards

or the guards of the governor general

when they would visit the Santa Cruz

Church and other places

this act of escorting eventually gave

rise to the name

Escala Escala was the first stop for

European and American traders and

entrepreneurs arriving in Manila which

led it to become a flourishing business

district its strategic role in the

gallan trade helped it grow

rapidly making it famous for being the

site of many

first including highend shopping

restaurant ice cream shop and

entertainment and it maintained its

prominence for

centuries how the

isalta the queen of

streets Fall From

Grace and how can we harness local

wisdom to innovate and protect its

cultural heritage

during World War II Manila was heavily

damaged with one of the hardest heat

areas being

iscala once a bustling and elegant part

of the city iscala so its beautiful

buildings destroyed and its businesses

ruined iconic landmarks like the Jones

Bridge were shattered cutting off vital

connections and isolating communities

stories from the survivors reveal that

the families owning this building

suffered greatly during those

times the trauma was not just about the

destructions of the buildings it

extended to the loss of many lives the

situation was so dire that some people

in Manila had to abandon the city

because of the deep emotional and

psychological impact in the aftermath

many residents sold their property due

to financial struggles with their means

of earning a living destroyed they were

left with little choice but to make do

with what they had this challenge was

not unique to Manila but affected the

entire

Philippines as the nation grappled with

the aftermath of World War

II Manila became the second most

devastated city in the world and the

severity of the destruction was truly

staggering as the city tried to rebuild

modern moles took over drawing people

away from

Escala this shf left the area struggling

reduced food traffic led to many

businesses closing down and the local

Pride that wants to find

Escala

faded when Mr San T bought the building

most of our tenants were from the movie

industry we had a lot of tenants who

were involved in the film production

renting space for office production were

involved in the movie industry many of

these people started as actors and

eventually became movie Producers but

during that time the movie industry was

starting to decline in claro MTO many of

the companies were moving to kuau and

maati so the industry here started to

die down we ended up with many tenants

who would not pay the

rent in the 60s and'

70s when places like aala and kobau

started

emerging and malls began to appear the

Escala began to lose its shine Escala

had two theaters back then the capital

and the lyric theaters that people would

flck

to but as the other areas just like I

said Ayala and kuau became more

Progressive aggressive the scas

Limelight seem to fade

away today es sc's decline is worsened

by the lack of awareness about its

historical significance and potential

for

Revival the area remains

neglected with its past Glory

overshadowed by new developments

actually I've already been to

Escala but I didn't know much about its

history but when I saw something on Tik

Tok it seemed like there really is

something historical connected to Escala

in it history um there's not much that I

know but I do know that Escala is known

for its aesthetic of its old buildings

and uh the era in which they were

constructed most of this citizens around

here probably didn't know what's

happening with the historical buildings

so it's just a lack of awareness

generally while modernization is

inevitable in every place we can still

find solutions that pers serve and

celebrate our

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heritage well now we have no incentive

it doesn't matter we would preserve it

purely by heart

it is because we because of love of

country that we preserve this building

it is because we want our youth to see

what a building built in the American

period looks

like that's why we preserve

it if it's true such dedication and love

for our heritage combined with local

wisdom and Innovation that we can bring

a scult Back to Life by embracing the

past and harnessing the insights of our

community we can protect and celebrate

Escala unique Legacy for future

generation Tang map is a tool designed

to guide tourists through escalas swich

Heritage each historic building will

feature its own QR code which when

scanned provides a 3y experience showing

the building's appearance before in

recent years the map also includes a

list of activity these you can enjoy at

each site as you explore and visit each

buildings you will collect stamps on

your map making your journey through

Escala both interactive and

immersive to further Revitalize Escala

we propose closing Escala Street every

Sunday to transform it into an open

space for artists and a lively Bazaar

this initiatives aimed to infuse Escala

with vibrancy by featuring local art

crabs and culture Expressions will

celebrate our heritage and create a

vibrant engaging

atmosphere as we consider the

revitalization of Escala it is crucial

to recognize the importance of

preserving its historical sight tourists

are drawn here because of its history

and if we destroy these historical sites

we undermine the very reason people come

understanding our p is important for all

cultures which is why we have museums to

move forward we need to know where we

came from destroying historical sites

erases our identity and it often takes

public pressure to make politicians

prioritize preservation I hope we can

start by closing the street from bankera

to the area in front of the two

buildings every Sunday this would create

space for activities like a Sunday

market previously vintage cars used to

gather here we can explore other daytime

activities our creative community at Hub

make clab which is inclusive and

supportive of safe spaces can

collaborate to bring new engaging events

to Escala there are opportunities to get

involved by encouraging owners of

Heritage buildings in Escala to

incorporate entertainment features such

as mini movie theaters or event spaces

into their structures currently is scult

has a lot of potential for development

due to its low foot traffic making it

easier to make make gradual improvements

starting with smaller projects along the

sides of the street could eventually

lead to revitalizing the entire area

additionally it's important to increase

Heth involvement in Heritage advocacy

and integrate Heritage conservation into

school curricula this should include not

only architecture students but also

those in tourism business and

Engineering a broader educational

approach can help address the LA of

awareness that often leads to

destruction of our heritage properties

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preserving scult as Heritage requires a

concerted effort from all of us by

embracing local wisdom and Innovative

approach like tangl map we can guide a

new generation of visitors through its

Rich history and cultural significance

through Dynamic initiatives such as

transforming is C Street into a vibrant

open space and encouraging building

owners to integrate entertainment and

cultural activities we can breath a new

life into this historic district Key

informance and sight highlight the need

for greater involvement in Heritage

advocacy and the importance of including

Heritage conservation in educational

curricula across various Fields this

approach will equip future generation

with the knowledge and passion to

protect our historical Treasures it is a

time to up let us come together to

support these initiatives Advocate the

preservation of our cultural Legacy and

ensure that the story continues to

inspire and enrich our community join us

in making escota vibrant Testament to

our history and Heritage for future

Generations your involvement whether

supporting local events educating others

our advocating for preservation is

crucial in this effort let's take this

opportunity to safeguard our past and

shape a brighter future for a together

we can make a difference

spee

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