May 7, 2009

Hidden gem

Despite its neo-classical architecture, I always thought that the interior of the Manila Central Post Office building would just be a warren of offices, like any other government building here. Most visitors only reach the first floor, where the counters and windows for mailing letters and packages are. In the past couple of months, I've been to the third floor twice and for the most part it really is a warren of offices but with very high ceilings (which I love). During our second visit, we were led farther down the corridor than the first time. Imagine my surprise and delight when the corridor led to this wonderful open space in the middle of the building! (The white triangle up there is the sky—no blue skies for us for the next few months.)

third floor open deck of the Manila Central Post Office building


Attention all City Daily Photo bloggers! The June theme has been announced: Feet. I didn't realize just how many different definitions there are of "foot" until I looked it up in the Merriam-Webster Online Dictionary. The July theme day poll is up too. Don't forget to choose two before clicking on the "Submit vote" button!

18 comments:

  1. How nice for the employees who work in that building! It's beautiful. I think I would really enjoy walking around on one of those upper floors overlooking the area.

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  2. c'est un vrai labyrinthe, une autre façon de jouer
    it is a true maze, another manner of playing

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  3. Very nice. This courtyard would be perfect for having lunch during the workday. We have a small one at my work with picnic tables. But it's used as a smoking area... gross!

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  4. You made a point, with this lovely court. We must explore behind often dull façades for hidden gems. The problem is often to gain access wielding a camera...

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  5. That kind of open courtyard makes all the difference for people working there...

    Your photo captures the essence of it nicely!

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  6. This is a beautiful building Hilda!
    Great picture and adorable bows!
    Kind Regards
    Léia

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  7. This is lovely, great shot.

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  8. Great discovery. I rarely go into the buildings that I photograph. Maybe I should.

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  9. I'd love to work somewhere like this, it's just beautiful.

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  10. Hilda, I've just heard about the typhoon! I really wish it will not make great damage. You and your family do stay safe!

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  11. The architecture is classic. How did you get the tour? I've always dreamed of a home with a courtyard.

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  12. That's quite the hidden gem. How lucky you were able to find it.

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  13. havent been to the inner part of the manila central post office. glad that you had the chance to get there.

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  14. Isn't it great when you happen upon something like this? Lovely shot, Hilda. But now I'm really wondering about June's theme day!

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  15. i like high ceilings too. :) many of our buildings built during that period have high ceilings nga. like in UP. :)

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  16. The architecture of this post office is wonderful and what a splendid courtyard in the middle.
    Thanks for sharing and have a peaceful weekend, Hilda :D

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  17. Thanks for visiting my Astoria, Oregon, Daily Photo blog, and especially for making the Manila blog for me to visit! I'm interested in learning more about this historic place and seeing what life is like. My ex-husband was from Manila, and althought we're separated, I enjoy learning more about where he was born. (We met in the US.) It's interesting why different parts of the world attract our attention. I'm new to CDP, and I love how I can learn about locations this way. And, it's fun :)

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  18. PJ:
    Not a tour. I was there for a meeting. But when I saw this third floor courtyard, I just had to take a photo so I asked permission. With PhilPost employees with me, no security guard shoo'd me away!

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Thanks for visiting and letting me know!