March 13, 2010

Historical tour

The tram-bus used for tours in the historic walled city of Intramuros recalls the days when the city had a tranvia system. During the Spanish era, the street railway cars were horse drawn and operated by the Madrid-based Compañía de los Tranvías de Filipinas. Then in 1905, during the American era, it was turned into an electric street tramway system operated by the Manila Electric Railroad and Light Company. This tram-bus was parked inside the Puerta de Santa Lucia (gate of Saint Lucy), one of the original entrances to the walled city. Built in 1603, the gate was destroyed during the Battle of Manila in 1945 and restored only in 1982. Reflected in the rear window is one of many new buildings in Intramuros built using Spanish architectural designs popular in Manila during the 18th and 19th centuries.

tram-bus in Intramuros

See what's reflecting what at James' Weekend Reflections.
Weekend Reflections

33 comments:

Chattahoochee Valley Daily said...

Very intersting, Hilda. Nice shot. Have a nice weekend.

Leif Hagen said...

Hop aboard and let's have Hilda tell us about Manila (in between taking photos) and be our fun guide!
@Hilda - when you get to EAGAN someday, I promise to wine and dine you and your hubbie!

George said...

I think it would be neat to take a historic tour on one of these trams. I'm glad at least one of them was saved. I like the reflections you captured in the windows.

Gunn said...

I have learned so much about your city, and your blog is so informative and pretty.
I guess i did not know much about your city.
Imelda Marcos.... and her shoes was probably what I had heard about... :-)
Have a nice weekend!

James said...

It's a different color but this reminds me of the times I spent in San Francisco. The building in the reflection looks very European to me. This is a very nice reflection picture Hilda!

BDP said...

They are very similar with the trams in Sentosa Singapore. Great history.

Mike Rose said...

Hilda interesting facts and a great reflective photograph.

Lowell said...

Nice looking tram and most interesting commentary. I remember riding a lot of electric street cars in Los Angeles in my youth. Wonder if they still have them...

Anonymous said...

How very intersting to read and of course to see this amazing photography !
In much contrast to the Tram travelling here. Yours for sure is much more pretty.
Please have a nice weekend.

Louis la Vache said...

Nice tie-in of history with the Weekend Reflections meme, Hilda!

In a related vein, there is a Cable Car Museum at the powerhouse for the San Francisco Cable Cars.

arabesque said...

wow, i've never seen it yet, i'm sure it's still working?! ^0^
it looks so vintage ,an old cho0-choo train that somehow reminded me of what you see in old movies.

Matty said...

Gosh, I love the buildings reflected so vividly in the windows.

Lindz said...

now that's a ncie reflection of the building, is the trams still owrking?

Anonymous said...

That tram looks like riding on it would be fun. I assume it is on rubber tires and not railroad type wheels on a track.

VP said...

This looks like a really nice way to get around and a perfect reflection. A pity for the gate, a common fate for the heritage of our cities. I am glad that it has been restored.

Have a nice weekend!

JTG (Misalyn) said...

Col old choo-choo! Nice reflection shot Ms. Hilda. Thanks for sharing the historical info too.

Nice profile photo. Beautiful Ms. Hilda.

off topic:
e-mail sent.

brattcat said...

The bus is nice and shiny but it looks as if some muddy shoes have climbed up into it.

Carol said...

Great reflection shot and interesting info...

eileeninmd said...

Nice reflection on the tram. have a great weekend.

GreensboroDailyPhoto said...

I guess in the Philippines, one can date things by the language of their titles!!! Love these history lessons.

Jan
GDP

P.S. my word verification today is "patian." Surely that is a word in your country!

Ebie said...

Hi Ms Hilda, part of our history class that I have never visited. They have preserved well that part of the era.

the reflection of the building shows a touch of Spanish influence.

Kaori said...

Love the design on the train! Looks like it's hand painted :)

penny said...

That is a fantastic reflection in the windows. I can see the brick building perfectly, Hilda

ArneA said...

Thanks for visiting. Tomorrow will a reflection post come at my blog too

Debbie Courson Smith said...

Those designs are not what I expect on a tram/train.

Michael said...

I like the old tram. Trams in my town disappeared half a century ago now and the only time I've been on one was on the promenade at Blackpool. A nice reflection. I didn't see the lamps and flags right away.

Hilda said...

Abraham:
Your assumption is correct. :)
This is only a replica and is like a little bus with a motor engine and all. Along with most of the old city, Manila's electric tram system was destroyed during WWII and never rebuilt.

Nefertiti said...

superbe on le dirait sorti d une autre temps ;O)

Eden said...

Great reflections on the window. The building is a lovely architectural design. Thanks for sharing the history.I never knew about it..

escape said...

i actually wish that more of this trams will be produced to accomodate tours around intramuros along with the kalesas.

Kat said...

Beautiful reflection shot Hilda. That looks like a fun way to tour the area. Kathy

Nishant said...

Great reflection shot and interesting info...
work at home in india

hs said...

this is not a historical tranvia--most were destroyed in 1945 and the whole system junked in 1946. Nothing remained. there is a replica
type 2 car from 1907 in the Meralco Museum.