Spanish-style lamp posts, cobbled streets, adobe walls, clay pots and planters… Walk through the streets of the Historical Corridor in the Old District of Las Piñas and get a glimpse of the colonial past. Be transported back in time as you see historic and cultural landmarks that highlight the charming aspects of the Spanish heritage.
The Las Piñas Historical Corridor Project, which was initiated by then Representative Manny B. Villar Jr. last February 22, 1995, is a project that aims to preserve places of interest with historical and cultural value in order to help promote this area as a cultural site to local and foreign tourists and investors alike. It was signed into law under Republic Act No. 8003, which proclaimed the following areas as tourist spots—The Las Piñas Church and Bamboo Organ, the Old District Hospital, the Las Piñas Bridge, the Father Diego Cera Bridge, and the Asinan Area (salt beds where they maintained the old-fashioned way of salt harvesting). The directive of this particular law is to prioritize tourism development in the said areas. The restoration project covers the following districts: the Old District of Barangay Manuyo, Pulang Lupa, Daniel Fajardo E. Aldana, and Zapote.
Walk down memory lane
In the heart of the thriving city of Las Piñas, you will find a number of restored buildings and structures, one of which is the Boundary Arch that marks the border between the neighboring cities of Las Piñas and Parañaque. The design of the arch is similar to that of intertwined bamboo, but is actually made out of steel and concrete. The bamboo-inspired design is believed to symbolize the strength and resilience of Filipinos.
The project also includes the development of a Historical and Cultural Museum, which is a gift of Rep. Villar’s family to the residents of Las Piñas. This museum will act as the historical and cultural center of the city, which will uphold its vision in the years to come.
Spanish colonial architecture will also be reflected in other sites such as the New District Hospital, Manpower School, Police and Fire Station, Daniel Fajardo Hall, Public Library, Irasan Center(where the salt-making tradition will be showcased), Gabaldon Hall, and the Fr. Diego Cera Bridge.
Historic sites such as the Zapote Bridge is also part of the restoration project, as it will serve as a reminder of the courage and valor of Filipino revolutionaries, led by General Edilberto Evangelista, during the bloody battle for freedom. The Plaza Quezon is another historical landmark that has witnessed a myriad of political rallies and other significant events. It is now converted into a park where people can come together and spend a day of leisure in its pleasant surroundings.
Spanish-inspired design will also be apparent in the sidewalks, bollards, white lamp posts, and even the garbage cans. These can all be seen along the Fr. Diego Cera Avenue, a major thoroughfare in the city. One of the country’s premier architects, Francisco “Bobby” Mañosa, is involved in the project and has already created preliminary designs for it. The Las Piñas Historical Project truly reflects the glorious past of the Philippines, and is a definite source of pride for all Filipinos.