Lobby facelift for grand old dame of Manila

Press, 16 August 1989, Page 28

Lobby facelift for grand old dame of Manila

Story and pictures

by

LES BLOXHAM,

travel editor

They say if you wait in the lobby of The Manila Hotel for long enough, you will not only see the world pass by, but the stars as well. “La grande dame” of Manila has been wooing them for years; not just the great statesmen and rulers of the world, but also the stars of screen and stage — the famous and not so famous. Little wonder then, that the splendidly restored lobby of the hotel has become such a popular attraction for tourists. Each day, scores of visitors pour through the main doors to escape Manila’s oppressive heat — to relax in the elegance of an era of yesteryear and gaze in awe at the Doric columns, graceful arches, and ornate (Chandeliers that are part of the biggest, grandest, and most elegant hotel lobby in the world.

After a facelift costing millions, The Manila is as regal and sparkling today as she was when her doors were first opened in 1912.

But she nearly didn’t survive. Badly damaged during the Japanese occupation of the Philippines in the World War 11, the hotel — which had been both headquarters and home for General Douglas MacArthur

— was on the brink of being demolished in 1946.

It was saved only by the personal intervention of MacArthur. Temporary repairs were made while plans for an adjoining high-rise accommodation block were drawn up, but it was not until former President Marcos declared the project a "matter of national priority” in 1974 that the work was actually started. After the new block was opened in 1976, efforts were focused on restoring the original wing, a task which was completed in stages over the last 10 years. Many months of painstaking work followed as tradesmen repaired the original panelling, pillars and arches and restored the three large brass and crystal chandeliers that grace the lobby’s high ceiling. With its lost romance now recaptured, the grand old lady is certainly worth a visit. Rest a while in the, comfort of the lobby, and enjoy a taste of the hotel’s superb service by ordering a long cool drink or pot of tea. Watch for the bell boys

in their crisply starched whites parading chalk boards with messages for guests. And keep an eye on the big glass doors for there’s no knowing who might pop in. Was that really Cory?