April 30, 2009

Pink columns

The Manila Central Post Office is one of many American era (1898–1946) buildings that can be found in the City of Manila. It was designed by Filipino architect Juan Marcos de Guzman Arellano in the neo-classical style in 1926. It sustained heavy damage during WWII but was rebuilt in 1946, preserving most of the original design. Aside from being the main post office of the City of Manila, it is also the headquarters of the Philippine Postal Corporation. The sculpture of "The Postman" is a fairly recent addition. It was installed in 1975 and dedicated to the men and women of the postal service.

facade of the Manila Central Post Office building

Just a reminder to all CDP bloggers that tomorrow is the first of the month and that means Theme Day! The theme for May is Shadows. Don't forget to vote (twice!) for the June theme too. Head on over to the June 2009 Theme Day Poll right now because voting ends on Saturday!

30 comments:

Olivier said...

couleur originale et j'adore la statue du facteur.
original colour and I love the statue of the mailman.

Anonymous said...

It is a most beautiful post office building. And I like your photograph of it.

Buck said...

What a glorious colour! I really like that you took it at an angle;. Excellent commentary!

Mary Stebbins Taitt said...

Very strange--dunno if I'd call it glorious, but it certainly is interesting. THANKS for reminding me about the theme-day, I always forget those.

Lowell said...

I love the way you composed this shot and the historical background. The building looks very similar to some of our public buildings in the States.

The sculpture appears a bit out of place re: the majesty of the building.

Halcyon said...

I like the building - so stately. I agree with Jacob, the colorful postal worker does seem a bit out of place. A little bit kitschy next to such a massive place.

Lois said...

Oooh...I love columns and I have never seen pink ones before! They are lovely!

Reena said...

they painted it pink?! it looks better when it was white! :( plus i didn't notice that sculpture before. it looks out of place and not to scale. :) pero sige na nga. sounds like there is some historical value to that miniature postman.

VP said...

The building is wonderful, but probably it would be better if painted completely in pink or yellow.
The statue may be nice in a Theme Park, in front of this majestic palace it looks a bit out of contest.

George said...

I must admit that this is a very colorful building, but I'm ambivalent about it. At one glance I like the way it looks with the statue but then I decide that I don't like it. Great post.

James said...

Very cool angle of the photo and contrast of architectural style and colors.

Cezar and Léia said...

This building is huge!
Beautiful picture!
Léia

Clueless in Boston said...

Wonderful shot of those magnificent columns. Great angle and composition. Sometimes a straight on shot of a larg building like that requires a sort of sideways glance to capture the whole by concentrating on a part. Well done.

Brad said...

The colorful statue is very out of place with the white building.

crocrodyl said...

Great building and interesting angle!

Uma por Dia said...

I voted and complained! LOL
Love the shot, can see how big they are because of the kid.

Nancy said...

It sure does look like the US.
Oh gosh - shadows....I don't think I have a shot with shadows...

Lisa Wilson said...

Most post office buildings are extremely boring here. Very nice!

gogouci said...

The postman sculpture is a bit odd but love the columns, whatever color they are.

marley said...

Very pink post! I like the statue of dedication.

Bergson said...

columns with an amazing color

Ursel said...

I like the statue! At first I was wondering that it's a real person and what he or she is doing up there.

Ken Mac said...

looks like our post office at 34th street in Manhattan!

Hilda said...

Reena & Vogon Poet:
I really like the powder pink color, but not on these columns!

Jacob, Halcyon, Reena, Vogon Poet, George, Brad & Gogouci:
I don't like the statue either. I appreciate the gesture, but up close it looks like one of those chef things or mascots that restaurants put at their entrance. I think it's awful. It would have been better if PhilPost just had it cast in bronze or something.

escape said...

another great perspective for this particular photo. im really really impressed when you shoot structures. i believe it;s your strength.

abc said...

Those columns look like candy. Candy columns!

Anonymous said...

that building is one of my favorites in manila. such a classic and graceful building ;-)

Layrayski said...

I love the grandness of the Manila Central Post office.

this too will pass said...

nice shot; delicate colours

Nabeel said...

very interesting to see that you guys spell building with a "v"