Escolta’s Pioneers

What earmarked the transformation of Escolta from a small shopping center into the Old Manila’s Financial Center is the building of these two magnificent structures: The El Hogar Building and the First City National Bank Building.

Architects of both buildings remain in anonymity. After these two were built, new buildings are built in the same elegant architecture that made Escolta the Queen of Manila’s Streets. All buildings became headquarters of known Banking Institutions. The two structures fortunately survived the destruction of the Battle of Manila. CitiBank based itself in the First City National Bank Building.

Escolta fell into disuse after the Financial Institutions transferred to Makati after the 60’s and 70’s.

The two buildings are located in the Muelle del Banco Nacional in Manila.

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