Why is it that when we talk of Manila, we do so in the past tense? Because we have lost a lot of our built heritage. If you thin...

Why is it that when we talk of Manila, we do so in the past tense? Because we have lost a lot of our built heritage. If you think the Post Office fire was devastating look back on the lost Crystal Arcade and weep.
Inaugurated in 1932, the Crystal Arcade was the first air-conditioned mall in the Philippines. Designed by Andres Luna de San Pedro, son of Juan Luna, it was built on a lot in Escolta passed on by his maternal grandmother. The Crystal Arcade was a financial disaster having opened ...