The Manila Hotel: 105 years of good stories and history

Over a hundred years ago, an idea was hatched: to transform Manila into The City Beautiful of the Orient.

Architect and city planner Daniel Hudson Burnham drafted a wide and long tree-lined boulevard that would begin with the park and at the spit’s end of the bay, a boulevard that would be dominated on one end by a hotel.

In 1908, William Parsons continued where Burnham left off. He supervised the design and construction of the hotel. Four years later, a magnificent, white, green-tile-roofed missionary-styled edifice emerged. The hotel, which faces the Manila Bay in the west; the Walled City in the east, and the Rizal Park in the north, is none other than The Manila Hotel, famously The Grand Dame of Manila.

Writers, poets, politicians, rebels and history-makers have all passed through its doors, and it was no less than the literary great Ernest Hemingway who said, “It is a good story if it’s like Manila Hotel.”

One hundred and five years later, Manila Hotel’s stories continue to evoke nostalgia from people who hoard fond memories in its hallowed halls at its different stages.

During its 105th anniversary celebration held last Thursday, Oct. 12, at the Fiesta Pavilion, we asked the hotel executives and VIP guests about their most unforgettable experiences at Manila Hotel and what it is about the Grand Dame they keep coming back to.

Nikki Coseteng, former Senator

Some of the best things I remember about Manila Hotel were the rigodon dances. I was part of various social clubs before and I always got invited to their functions. Also, who could forget its chairman, the late Don Emilio Yap, our most gracious host. The balls that were held here were always grand.

Gina De Venecia, former Representative

My father, the late Dr. Jose R. Perez of Sampaguita Pictures, used to be the chairman, I think, of the Manila Hotel. So when we were younger, he would always take the family here. And then when I married House Speaker Jose de Venecia, all his special events were held here. He would also take the family to a staycation at the Presidential Suite and our children Christopher and KC loved it here. They’d swim and order room service.
Basilio C. Yap, chairman of the board, Manila Hotel

Manila Hotel reminds me of my father, the late Don Emilio Yap, the man who kept the Grand Dame’s legacy alive.

Heherson Alvarez, former Senator

My siblings and I grew up in the province. So when we were still young, Father would give us a very special treat — he would bring us to the Manila Hotel on Jan. 1 just to have dinner at the Champagne Room. He would endure the long drive from Cagayan Valley to Manila for this annual treat. For a provincial family like us, it was the greatest thing in the world! We also had our family pictures taken at the Rialto Studio here. At that time, the Manila Hotel was the paradise experience for the whole family, there were eight of us.
When I became a politician, Manila Hotel was the site of the Constitutional Convention in 1971 — those were troubled years.
It was also here where the first global conference on climate change was held (in 1995) through the generosity of its chairman, the late Don Emilio Yap. 

Francis Tolentino, former MMDA chairman

I was supposed to welcome Prime Minister Musharraf of Pakistan here at Manila Hotel. But I couldn’t remember his face so it took quite a while before I finally recognized him in the crowd. That experience was memorable and embarrassing at the same time.

DR. Emilio ‘Emil’ Yap III, vice chairman of the board, Manila Hotel

My fondest memory of  Manila Hotel was our family lunch or dinner at the Cowrie Grill. It’s one of my favorite restaurants because I love steaks and when you partake it with the family, everybody’s happy.

Atty. Salavador Panelo, Presidential Chief Legal Counsel

Manila Hotel is a historic landmark. World leaders have stayed here that it has become part of national patrimony. Aside from the many social functions I’ve attended here, what keeps me coming back to this hotel is the ambience and architecture.

Felipe “Philip” Cruz Jr., president, FF Cruz & Co.

I love having dinner at The Champagne Room, which was designed by Bobby Mañoza. It was the most elegant dining place to be and be seen in during my time. My friends and I also used to hang out at the penthouse with a swimming pool in the ’70s.

Dina Bonnevie, actress

Way back in 1979, I lived here for a month because I was one of the candidates of the Miss Magnolia beauty contest. We held our rehearsals here every day and we had a show for a month. It ended with the coronation night where I won first runner-up.

Joey Lina, president, Manila Hotel

As president of Manila Hotel, I had the opportunity to meet and mingle with international artists, world-class performers, even world leaders in this historic landmark, which they, too, called home. But the most unforgettable would be Pope Francis’s visit. Though he didn’t stay here, he passed by in front of the hotel, and just seeing him in person gave all of us goose bumps.

Secretary Hermogenes Esperon, National Security adviser

When I was still a graduating PMA cadet, First Class, 1973, we stayed here for the Independence Day parade. Forty-four years later, I’m back at this historic hotel, celebrating its 105th anniversary as a retired general.

Hilario Davide, former Chief Justice

The Manila Hotel was actually the seat of the Constitutional Convention (ConCon) In 1971. My first room assignment was the Dewey Room, the most -sought-after room in this hotel at that time. It think it became the Presidential Suite now.

When Diosdado Macapagal was elected president of the ConCon after the death of President Carlos Garcia, he requested me to give up that room in his favor. It was an acceptable request — since he was the President — so I yielded. I was then relocated to Room 315, I used to walk up to the third floor, because the elevator was too slow and too small. But the delegation didn’t stay here until the end of the ConCon because there were problems about the funding requirements. And so we moved to Quezon City because the City Hall was offered for free.

I worked so hard for that Constitutional Convention and I got to finish most of the work in my room here at  Manila Hotel.

Rachy Cuna, style director, Manila Hotel

This is where my graduation and special occasions were celebrated. I love the Champagne Room and Cafe Ilang-Ilang. As its style director, I create drama in The Manila Hotel.

Atty. Jun Santiago, presidential adviser for revenue enhancement

My wife, the late Senator Miriam Santiago, and I celebrated our last wedding anniversary here at The Manila Hotel. How could I forget that? Also, the late Don Emilio Yap was a family friend so I couldn’t help but think of him whenever I’m here.

Wilson Tieng, president and CEO, Solar Entertainment

I celebrated my birthday here last year with family and close friends. The Manila Hotel is a historic landmark and evokes good, happy memories. Aside from sports, I’m also into architecture and Manila Hotel is a masterpiece.