An exclusive look at the Apostolic Nunciature

SIMPLE AND ELEGANT. This is how the Apostolic Nunciature looks like.

Written by Stephen John Pamorada

An exclusive look at the Apostolic Nunciature (designed by National Artist for Architecture Jose Ma. Zaragoza) in Taft Avenue, Manila, the ecclesiastical office of the Roman Catholic Church that serves as the Embassy of the Holy See in the Philippines. Official residence of Pope Francis during his four-day official visit to the country.

Burke Apartments In Danger

Airy courtyard inside the Burke House in Quiapo, Manila, as seen in this photo I took last Friday, Feast of the Black Nazarene. Residents celebrated the feast with a salu-salo and good company of friends and family.

Kasa Boix Open House

Everyone is invited to visit the KASA BOIX this coming Friday, Feast of the Black Nazarene! There will be a small exhibit on the Black Nazarene and Quiapo at the Kasa Boix.

Former PNB headquarters on fire

On January 7, 2015. Sometime at 2am, the Old PNB building at the historic street of Escolta, which is also served as the Old City College of Manila caught on fire. A guard working in the building, says that sometime in the morning, a sudden loss of electricity went and signs of smoke and fire arose.

The fire department was called in immediately to put out the flame. The fire quickly moved to the upper 10th floor and announced “Task Force Bravo” which means requesting for more help from other fire departments nearby. Firefighters managed to place the fire under control at about 9:19 am and announced fire out at 5pm. One firefighter was injured on the scene due to falling debris.

Save the Burke Apartments

One of the project of the Kapitbahayan sa Kalye Bautista atbp, “The Save the Burke Apartments” project is a mission to safeguard and protect the Burke Accessoria from impending demolition and to recognize it as heritage for the development and awareness of Quiapo. This is aligned with the group’s advocacy for heritage awareness through community efforts.

The rumors that a demolition of a heritage house in early 2014 prompted the KKB team to assess the situation; interviewing the local residents and tenants on its background history, a follow up structural assessment began with the help of local architects and city engineers.

It was discovered that the structure was indeed heritage as it belonged to the renowned Burke Family. The building was also labeled “condemned” by its owner but further evaluation showed that it was clearly stable and not worth condemnation.  Yet no signs of restraint from the owners, the team sent its document to the city hall to proclaim its identity as heritage and unadvisable for demolition.  The resolution was to be followed up.