Sta. Cruz, Manila

Santa Cruz

A Vibrant District in Manila

PUBLISHED February 11, 2007

PHOTOS | WORDS BY MARIANO SAYNO

In the heart of Manila lies the dynamic Santa Cruz district, surrounded by Quiapo, Ermita, and Binondo, each contributing to its rich cultural tapestry. With landmarks like the Santa Cruz Church and Plaza Lacson, this area invites exploration into Manila’s historical and vibrant essence.

Explore the Philippines through my lens as we venture into Santa Cruz with Point of View (POV) photography. Using a body cam, I’ll guide you on an interactive tour, revealing the behind-the-scenes of capturing the shots shared here. Let’s dive into this visual journey together and uncover the wonders through my lens!

Let’s explore the PHILIPPINES through my lens as we journey on a photo slideshow to Santa Cruz. Join me in this visual adventure and discover the wonders captured through my lens! Check out the shared slideshow here.

Santa Cruz, located on the right bank of the Pasig River, is a lively and historically rich district in Manila. It acts as a gateway to neighboring areas such as Quiapo, Ermita, and Binondo. The area’s dynamic blend of cultural heritage and modern urban life offers a fascinating glimpse into Manila’s past and present. With bustling markets, vibrant street life, and a variety of local establishments, Santa Cruz is both a historical treasure and a modern hotspot.

The district’s unique character is shaped by its rich history and cultural diversity. Santa Cruz stands out for its blend of old-world charm and contemporary urban energy, making it a central point of interest for both locals and visitors.

Check out the video for more highlights. See what I’ve captured through my lens with Point of View (POV) photography. Using a body cam, I’ll take you on an interactive tour, showing you behind-the-scenes moments of capturing the shots shared here.

Check out the video below for additional features. Explore what I’ve captured through my lens in this cinematic slideshow.

ABOVE: Santa Cruz, a vibrant district on the right bank of the Pasig River, seamlessly blends history, culture, and modern urban life in Manila. It is home to the historic Bank of the Philippine Islands (BPI), the country’s first bank, which stands as a testament to the district’s rich commercial heritage. This photo was taken in the year 2020.

Historical Background

Before the Spanish arrived, Santa Cruz was a mix of marshlands, green spaces, orchards, and rice fields. In 1581, a Spanish expedition claimed the land and allocated it to the Jesuits. The Jesuits established the first church in the area, which is now the Santa Cruz Parish, on June 20, 1619. By 1643, they had enshrined the image of Our Lady of The Pillar to cater to the predominantly Chinese residents, attracting many devotees.

On June 24, 1784, King Carlos III of Spain granted about 2 square kilometers of land from the Hacienda de Mayhaligue to the San Lazaro Hospital, which cared for lepers in Manila. A small park was later developed at the Santa Cruz Parish, linking it to the Spanish cavalry headquarters, previously the Colegio de San Ildefonso run by the Jesuits. The district also had a slaughterhouse, a meat market, and a Chinese cemetery to the north.

ABOVE: Santa Cruz Church in Manila is a historic Baroque-style church that has stood as a symbol of faith and resilience since the Spanish colonial era; this photo was taken in the year 2007.

The Franciscans were later tasked with caring for the lepers, with Father Felix Huerta transforming the San Lazaro Hospital into a well-known refuge for the afflicted on the north side of the Pasig River.

World War II Impact

During World War II, as the combined American and Filipino forces advanced from the north, Japanese troops, taken by surprise by the rapid approach of liberation, abandoned the northern banks of the Pasig River, including Santa Cruz, in 1945. As a result, Santa Cruz and much of northern Manila were spared from extensive artillery bombardment. Consequently, several pre-World War II buildings and houses have survived in Santa Cruz, offering a tangible connection to the past amidst the district’s evolving landscape.

The relatively unscathed condition of these structures provides a glimpse into the district’s historical architecture and urban development before and after the war.

ABOVE: At night, the Carriedo Fountain in Santa Cruz, Manila, shines under soft lights, bringing out its timeless beauty and historic charm—this photo was taken in 2018.

Religious Buildings

Santa Cruz is home to several notable religious buildings that highlight the district’s diverse spiritual landscape. Apart from the Santa Cruz Church, the Archdiocesan Shrine of Espiritu Santo and the Bethel Knox United Methodist Church are prominent institutions in the area. Each of these buildings reflects the rich spiritual and cultural heritage of the district, contributing to its vibrant and varied religious life.

These churches and shrines not only serve as places of worship but also as landmarks that encapsulate the district’s historical and cultural evolution.

Santa Cruz Church

The Santa Cruz Church, originally established by the Jesuits in the early 1600s, has seen numerous repairs and reconstructions over the centuries. The most recent major renovation took place in the 1950s. Today, the church showcases a California Spanish Mission-style facade, which is complemented by Filipino Baroque ornamentation. This fusion of styles reflects the church’s Asian-Hispanic blend.

The church’s facade is topped with an effigy of Our Lady of the Pillar, the church’s patroness. The feast of Our Lady of the Pillar is celebrated on the third Sunday of October and on October 12 each year, marking an important event in the local religious calendar.

ABOVE: Santa Cruz Church in Manila is a historic Baroque-style church that has stood as a symbol of faith and resilience since the Spanish colonial era; this photo was taken in the year 2020.

Cemeteries

The northern section of Santa Cruz is known for housing some of Manila’s oldest and most significant cemeteries. These include La Loma Cemetery, which is shared with Caloocan, the Manila Chinese Cemetery, and the Manila North Cemetery, the city’s largest. These cemeteries are important historical sites, each with its own unique stories and contributions to the city’s rich cultural tapestry.

The presence of these cemeteries underscores Santa Cruz’s role as a historical and cultural hub, reflecting both the diversity and depth of its past.

BOTP Sta Cruz Manila 2007-02-11 2007-02-11 DSC02578 marianosayno

BOTP Sta Cruz Manila 2007-08-11 2007-08-11 IMG_2649 marianosayno

BOTP Sta Cruz Manila 2007-08-11 2007-08-11 IMG_2650 marianosayno

Landmarks and Architecture

Santa Cruz features several prominent landmarks that contribute to its distinctive character. Plaza Santa Cruz, marking the entrance to Manila’s historic Chinatown, and the Third Welcome Gate, or Arch of Goodwill, which leads toward Ongpin Street and Binondo, are notable examples. The district also includes a range of government offices, museums, and universities, enhancing its vibrant atmosphere.

Plaza Lacson is particularly noteworthy for its neoclassical architecture from the pre-World War II era, showcasing the district’s historical architectural style and offering a glimpse into its architectural heritage.