JUAN LUNA BUILDING

I haven’t the slightest idea what this building is, but I took a picture of it anyway, because it looks “heritage-y”, and in pretty good condition at that. Later I read about it and this is what I found in Wikipedia:

Built in 1920, it was also known as the Pacific Commercial Company Building, First National City Bank Building, and the Ayala Building. A whole lot of names and a whole lot of history for sure, if you have time to read up on it. There is always a pensive thought when I look at old and beautiful buildings like these, and that is what’s next for them? We don’t seem to have a proper program to preserve and maintain them. I read that there have been proposals for mixed-use and maybe a museum, but the lack of investors has put that idea on hold for now. I fear that what has stood beautifully for many years may simply be torn down by a new investor who couldn’t care less.

I have mentioned in a previous post that the structures around us also carry our cultural identity. And a building like this, along with many others in Binondo, holds a value that newer architecture may find difficult to replace. I appreciate those who are able to notice, step up and inspire interest, and brainstorm ideas that will provide a meaningful future for something the public is starting to neglect.