Anievas, Maria Estrella E.

ARC1602: Section 4
Ar. Elmer Soliman

First United Building, Escolta Street Binondo Manila

• It was completed in 1928.

• In 1928, it received the award for finest decor.
• Designed by Andres Luna de San Pedro, the son of renowned painter Juan Luna
• Commonly knowns as Perez-Samanillo Building
• Don Luis Perez Samanillo, a businessman from Spain who was related to the owners
of the Hotel de Oriente in Binondo, was the owner of the structure.
• One of the few buildings in Manila that have survived World War II bombings.
• The Perez–Samanillo Building was put on sale around 1964.
• Architectural Style: Art Deco Style because of its prevailing geometric patterns
• With rectangular plan
• Several film production businesses as well as well-known artists like Dolphy and Nora
Aunor had offices in this building.
• The HUB: Make Lab, a collection of neighborhood stores selling arts and vintage items,
as well as a coworking space, is presently based there.

What makes it unique / special

features:
The structure's edge side is, in my
view, what makes it special. Its art
deco-inspired architecture is also
highlighted on this side of the
building.
Anievas, Maria Estrella E.
ARC1602: Section 4
Ar. Elmer Soliman

Quezon Hall – University of the Philippines Diliman

• It was created by Juan Nakpil, the first architect to be recognized as a National Artist
in 1973.
• Constructed in the 1950s
• Building sports an eclectic style, combining different styles into one structure
• Since it was founded in the United States at the height of the classic revival in the
early 1900s, it has a neoclassical design.
• Huge pillars that are inspired of neoclassical design support the hall.
• Along with other administrative functions and roles inside the institution or campus,
Quezon Hall also houses the UP Board of Regents.

What makes it unique / special

features:
The building's open portico, which
offers a view of the amphitheater on
the other side of the Oblation
complex, is another attraction that
makes it unique.
Anievas, Maria Estrella E.
ARC1602: Section 4
Ar. Elmer Soliman

Maria Ledesma Golez Ancestral House

• In 1992, the bank bought this house.

• It is now the local branch of RCBC.
• As a reminder of its previous beauty, it has preserved the majority of its original Art
Deco and Baroque elements.
• Board Resolution No. 3 from April 6, 1993, designated it as a historical landmark.

What makes it unique /

special features:
This building's ability to
combine the art deco and
baroque architectural styles
is, in my opinion, what
makes it special and
unique.
Anievas, Maria Estrella E.
ARC1602: Section 4
Ar. Elmer Soliman

References:

• Virtual tour - First United Building. (n.d.). Virtual Reality Travel.

https://virtual.reality.travel/tour/first-united-building/
• Wikipedia contributors. (2022). First United building. Wikipedia.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/First_United_Building#References
• Iskomunidad. (2016, August 20). Quezon Hall - Iskomunidad. Iskomunidad.
https://iskomunidad.upd.edu.ph/index.php/Quezon_Hall
• Miniano, M. (2023). 20 Must-Visit Historical Buildings & Heritage Houses in the
Philippines. Tripzilla Philippines. https://www.tripzilla.ph/historical-buildings-heritage-
houses-philippines/15520/
• Maria Ledesma Golez Ancestral House. (n.d.).
https://intrepidwanderer.com/2013/12/maria-ledesma-golez-ancestral-house/