The Manila Post Office, officially known as the Manila Central Post Office, is a distinguished example of neoclassical architecture, originally designed by Juan M. Arellano, Tomás Mapúa, and Ralph Doane. Completed in 1926, it is situated along the Pasig River in Lawton, Ermita, Manila, at the northern end of Liwasang Bonifacio. This strategic location was part of the Burnham Plan of Manila, designed to facilitate efficient water transportation of mail. Its central placement, with major avenues converging from Quiapo, Binondo, Malate, and Ermita, ensures easy accessibility from various parts of the city.
ABOVE: From Jones Bridge, the Manila Central Post Office stands out with its grand neoclassical façade, beautifully framed against the Pasig River.
ABOVE: From Jones Bridge, the Manila Central Post Office stands out with its grand neoclassical façade, beautifully framed against the Pasig River.
Manila’s postal history dates back to 1767, when the first post office was established. During the early years of American occupation, the Philippine Commission established the Bureau of Posts, which later evolved into the Philippine Postal Corporation on September 15, 1902. The current building, designed in neoclassical style by Arellano, Mapúa, and Doane, began construction in 1926 under the supervision of the architectural firm Pedro Siochi and Company.
The foundation for the Manila Post Office was laid from August 2, 1920, to January 9, 1922. Due to financial constraints, work was temporarily halted, although the building was reported to be 56% complete by the end of 1922. The plans for the building’s completion were made public on November 28, 1927, but the official awarding of the project took place in 1928. Construction resumed in February 1928, leading to the building’s eventual completion in 1926.
ABOVE: The Manila Central Post Office is designed in the Neoclassical style, characterized by its grand, symmetrical façade, ornate details, and classical columns, reflecting the architectural trends of the early 20th century.
ABOVE: The Manila Central Post Office is designed in the Neoclassical style, characterized by its grand, symmetrical façade, ornate details, and classical columns, reflecting the architectural trends of the early 20th century.
The Manila Post Office was strategically placed by Daniel Burnham at the foot of Jones Bridge for two main reasons: the Pasig River provided a convenient route for mail delivery, and the location allowed access from all major city areas including Quiapo, Binondo, Malate, and Ermita.
Considered one of Juan Arellano‘s most significant works, the building is a prime example of neoclassical architecture, characterized by its sense of order and balance. The construction cost amounted to one million pesos. The front facade features 16 Ionic columns arranged above the steps leading to the lobby. The building’s main body is topped by a recessed rectangular attic storey and flanked by two semi-circular wings. Inside, the main lobby is adorned with subsidiary halls at each end, covered by domes within the semi-circular spaces.
During World War II, the Manila Post Office was severely damaged in the Battle of Manila. The building endured intense artillery bombardment and fierce room-to-room fighting between American and Japanese forces. The Japanese, using the post office as a fortress, fortified it with sandbags and barbed wire, taking advantage of its earthquake-proof and heavily reinforced concrete structure, which made it resistant to direct artillery, tank, and anti-tank fire. Between February 19 and 21, 1945, American forces bombarded the building, setting its interior ablaze. By February 22, the Americans managed to enter through a window and eliminate the Japanese troops who had retreated to the basement. This crucial capture allowed the Americans to advance their plans to retake Intramuros from the Japanese.
ABOVE: At sunset, the Manila Central Post Office transforms into a breathtaking sight. Designed by Juan M. Arellano, Tomás Mapúa, and Ralph Doane, this neoclassical gem is bathed in the warm, golden light of the setting sun, which enhances its elegant façade and intricate architectural details.
ABOVE: At sunset, the Manila Central Post Office transforms into a breathtaking sight. Designed by Juan M. Arellano, Tomás Mapúa, and Ralph Doane, this neoclassical gem is bathed in the warm, golden light of the setting sun, which enhances its elegant façade and intricate architectural details.
After World War II, the post office was rebuilt in 1946, retaining much of its original design. On April 28-29, 1996, a fire gutted the fifth and top floor of the building, burning for seven hours and destroying crucial documents related to the Philippine Postal Corporation’s finances. This incident occurred during a Philippine Senate inquiry into alleged anomalies within the agency.
ABOVE: In January 2020, a man at the Manila Central Post Office cleaned one of its neoclassical columns. Designed by Juan M. Arellano, the building is a classic example of Manila’s historic architecture.
ABOVE: In January 2020, a man at the Manila Central Post Office cleaned one of its neoclassical columns. Designed by Juan M. Arellano, the building is a classic example of Manila’s historic architecture.
In the 2000s, there were discussions between the Philippine Government and the Sino Group, which owns the Fullerton Hotel in Singapore, about converting the post office into a five-star hotel. However, then-Tourism Secretary Richard Gordon reported that the plan fell through due to political instability in the Philippines. The Sino Group expressed renewed interest in 2012, but the project did not move forward. The area was later designated as a heritage zone, ensuring that no new structures could replace the post office.
ABOVE: The facade of the Manila Central Post Office proudly showcases a statue of Andres Bonifacio, the esteemed Filipino national hero. This statue highlights the building’s importance as a historical landmark and its ties to Philippine heritage.
ABOVE: The facade of the Manila Central Post Office proudly showcases a statue of Andres Bonifacio, the esteemed Filipino national hero. This statue highlights the building’s importance as a historical landmark and its ties to Philippine heritage.
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Following the integration of the Philippine Postal Corporation under the direct supervision of the Office of the President, the building was upgraded with modern facilities. It now features a mechanized automatic letter-sorting machine, a new Postal Code system, airmail services, and motorized letter carriers, enhancing its efficiency and functionality.
In 2018, the National Museum of the Philippines declared the Manila Post Office building an “important cultural property” (ICP). This designation recognizes its exceptional cultural, artistic, and historical significance to the Philippines, and qualifies it for government funding aimed at its protection, conservation, and restoration.
On May 21, 2023, a massive fire broke out at the Manila Post Office late at night, originating from the General Services Office located in the building’s basement. The fire spread throughout the building and was declared under control more than seven hours later. The intensity of the blaze was exacerbated by the presence of light materials such as letters and parcels. The internal wooden structure from the basement up to the third floor was severely damaged. The fire was fully extinguished more than 30 hours after it began.
Following the fire, the Manila city government assured the public that the building would be restored rather than replaced. The National Commission for Culture and the Arts committed to assisting with the restoration efforts. On May 31, 2023, the Philippine Senate established a special committee to oversee the rehabilitation of the building.
In December 2023, a memorandum was signed between the Philippine Postal Corporation, the Philippine Institute of Architects (PIA), and Pacific Paint Philippines, Inc. to provide essential expertise for the building’s restoration.
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